Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet PaleoMicroBot (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The present project aims to use the microbotanical remains content in the sedimentary record to study site occupation intensity as a proxy for demographic changes during the Middle to Upper Paleolithic (MP-UP) transition. PalaeoMicroBot will develop new methods to obtain high-resolution data by incorporating the last developments in geoarchaeology, palaeobotany and archaeology. The objective is to study the phytolith, micro-charcoal, starch grain, and mineral composition in well-studied archaeological sites where the late MP and early UP layers are found in stratigraphic succession: La Ferrassie and Les Cottés. In addition, complementary sites with similar characteristics will be tested to provide a larger-scale perspective to the MP-UP transition. The sedimentation rate, sediment diagenesis, paleo-climatic changes, and the taphonomy and distribution of the microbotanical remains will be analyzed in order to evaluate the extent of the anthropogenic impact in the exposed profiles. The microbotanical results will be integrated with the macro-archaeological record and on-going analyses at the sites using state-of-the-art GIS methods. The results obtained will be tested against the additional sites in order to define chronological and geographical variations. Finally, several models to explain the MP-UP transition will be developed using the data obtained in this project and in the literature. These models will be tested using advanced multivariate statistics in order to detect first, the existence of effective changes in the site occupation intensities, and second the importance of the demographic variable in the MP-UP transition. The PaleoMicroBot project aims to contribute to the debate of the demise of the Neanderthals and the arrival of the first Anatomically Modern Humans by using a groundbreaking methodological approach, and doing so, to add a new line of evidence to the study of demographic changes in European Prehistory.

Mots clés : phytoliths, starch grains, microcharcoal, ocupation intensity, middle to upper paleolithic transition, neanderthal, anatomically modern humans

Participants :
- Max Planck Society (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 171460.8 €
Projet LIONCAT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The present proposal aims at the development of new methods for the reduction of alkenes and alkynes combining bioinspired Fe catalysts, photocatalysts and visible light as a source of energy. Organic synthesis is central for a wide range of scientific areas and technologies which rely on accessing molecules of interest in a practical manner, in terms of resources and time frame. Organic synthesis has experienced an enormous development in the last half century, however, the efficient use of resources remains a very significant challenge. Two of the factors influencing this are (i) the extensive use of scarce precious metal catalysts and (ii) the need for high energy reactants to ensure favourable thermodynamics in synthetic processes. In recent years, extensive efforts have been dedicated to the development of technologies for the splitting of water into its components, hydrogen and oxygen. This reaction is thermodynamically disfavoured, requiring an external energy input which can be achieved by the use of a photocatalyst (a compound capable of harvesting energy from light and use it to promote a chemical reaction). These technologies are useful for the production of hydrogen, which is a valuable energy vector and a powerful reductant. On the down side, hydrogen is a very flammable gas with wide explosion limits, which poses serious safety challenges to its storage and use. We propose to investigate the combination of water-splitting technologies with iron-catalysed reduction of organic compounds. In this way, the energy from light is directly used for the reduction of organic compounds and intermediate production of hydrogen is avoided (challenge ii). Moreover, iron is the most abundant element in Earth, so its use is beneficial in terms of sustainability (challenge i). Thus, the proposed research will result in the development of more sustainable methodologies for organic synthesis, streamlining the process and reducing the use of non-renewable feedstocks.

Mots clés : iron catalysis, base metal catalysis

Participants :
- University of London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet BioMaGic (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The present proposal takes a novel approach to design biomaterials with enzymatic logic gates. By mimicking enzymatic biocatalytic cascades present in natural tissues, these biomaterials will be able to receive and process multiple biochemical signals, and logically elicit therapeutic outputs in response to specific combinations of input signals. This goal will be realized using enzymatically active hydrogel particles (Specific Objective (SO) 1) as building blocks that will be assembled into biomaterial coatings (SO 2) or three-dimensional constructs (SO 3), which can be applied to surfaces of currently available biomaterials or serve as autonomous implantable biomaterials, respectively. To illustrate the wide applicability of this biomaterial design strategy, two major clinical challenges are selected as target applications, i.e., tissue regeneration and bacterial infection. The fellowship will harness the existing experience of the researcher in (bio)materials science, and will add a new dimension to this expertise in terms of biochemical signaling and enzymatic reactions. To achieve this goal, the researcher will carry out the outgoing phase of this fellowship at Harvard University, and then return to Eindhoven University of Technology for the incoming phase. The envisioned activities described in the proposal will prepare the researcher to emerge from this fellowship with additional scientific competences and transferable skills, and to establish an expanded international network. The success in this project will introduce a new class of biomaterials with dynamic signaling capabilities to elicit logic-based therapeutic effects, which can impact virtually all fields in which biomaterials are used, contributing to the enhancement of EU healthcare and economic interests. Through BioMaGic, the researcher will initiate an independent line of research as the basis for establishing an academic faculty career at a European research university.

Mots clés : biomaterial, hydrogel, particle, enzyme, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, antibacterial, infection, bottom up, coating, scaffold, alginate, microfluidic, 3d printing, assembly

Participants :
- Eindhoven University of Technology (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 253052.16 €
- Harvard University (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet ELNANO (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The primary aim of the ELNANO project is to advance fundamental understanding of the physics of ionic fluid flow under confinement, with a focus on charge transport phenomena in nanochannels and nanopores. The second objective is to apply the insights gained to the rational design of nanochannels that perform specific functions. In particular, we will design nanochannels that efficiently harvest the energy contained in salinity gradients between river and sea water. Harvesting this so-called osmotic power or “blue energy” has recently seen a surge of interest that led to the construction of several pilot plants around the world. However, at present its applicability and further development is hampered by poor understanding of nanoscale transport. Our research will combine analytical and numerical methods to address pertinent questions of transport on the nanoscale beyond the current state of the art. Merging the recently refined boundary-integral description of electrostatics with explicit hydrodynamic simulations will enable, for the first time, an accurate and computationally efficient description of ionic flow on the nanoscale. In the process, the researcher will broaden his expertise by acquiring top-level training in electrodynamics and hydrodynamics of charge transport, which will complement his skill set and prepare him for an independent research career. Moreover, the project will strongly contribute to the European excellence in nanoscale physics and also directly promote sustainable development by aiming to increase the efficiency of osmotic power and desalination applications.

Mots clés : ionic solutions

Participants :
- Northeastern University (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- University of Barcelona (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 263732.16 €
Projet IsoTroph (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The principal objective of the IsoTroph project is to improve the geochemical method used in paleontology of terrestrial mammals, through the application of stable isotopes of single amino acids in paleoecology. In particular, the project focuses on a single amino acid (glutamate and phenylalanine) δ15N trophic discrimination factor (TDF). It is a quantitative parameter used in reconstructions of past animal or human trophic positions (a primary consumer – a herbivore; a secondary consumer – a carnivore feeding on herbivores; etc.), crucial for understanding the evolution of environments. The TDF has never been established before for terrestrial mammals, although it is a key parameter in modelling the past ecology. The main research method of IsoTroph is the analysis of δ15N in bone collagen of a population of a predator and that of its prey, and then calculating the TDF between these populations. To achieve this, the project will involve a study of modern populations (collections of recent bones of wolf, lynx, red fox, and their prey, from Białowieża Forest and fox den), as well as a collection of fossils from a Pleistocene carnivore den (cave hyena and its prey). These collections will provide insight into four species of mammalian carnivores, representing variable ecology (both hypercarnivores and omnivores), and different chronology (recent and Pleistocene). The project offers a great chance for professional training in a new method with a vast potential to be used in paleoecology – the stable isotope composition of single amino acids. This training is to be performed through research, which will bring the high quality results of the greatest interest for a wide audience of scientists currently involved in paleoecological studies of animals and humans. The project will deliver answers on the direct collagen-to-collagen TDF, which was never determined before, and which will be broadly applied in future isotopic studies in ecology and paleoecology.

Mots clés : stable isotopes, palaeontology, palaeoecology, biogeology, carnivores, amino acids, pleistocene

Participants :
- University of Tübingen (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 174806.4 €
Projet QIIQI (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The principles of quantum mechanics are being used to achieve a new paradigm in metrology, the science of measurement. This *quantum metrology* increases precision which in turn (i) reveals foundational insight in quantum information theory and (ii) promises the next evolution in sensors. Single parameter estimation (e.g. interferometry) is widely investigated and the optimal resources and classes of measurements are identified. This maturity now allows application of the rigour of quantum metrology to other fields, such as quantum imaging — including imaging without detection techniques — and quantum process tomography. The challenge is to extend the quantum metrology framework to multiple parameter estimation, requiring theoretical and experimental effort to explore and identify the optimal resources and classes of measurements. I propose a novel scheme for full quantum process tomography, using multi-parameter quantum metrology combined with the imaging without detection technique. This unites previously disparate fields to achieve a new paradigm of quantum measurement physics and precision sensing technology. I will adapt and modify ghost-imaging schemes for simultaneous object estimation, investigate the role of nonclassical correlations to deepen understanding of quantum measurements and its information extracting capabilities. This project accelerates standard quantum metrology that until now has focused on single parameters and single objects. I will use free-space quantum optics for proof-of principle experiments and integrated silicon quantum photonics to reach higher levels of complexity and capability. The project unites my expertise in quantum foundations, quantum resources and ultra-high efficiency photon sources, with the experimental expertise of Dr Jonathan Matthews and colleagues of the Centre for Quantum Photonics, Bristol University — world leaders in integrated quantum photonics and photonic quantum technology.

Mots clés : quantum, imaging, quantum information

Participants :
- Heriot-Watt University (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 212933.76 €
- University of Bristol (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet IKID (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Staff Exchanges
Panel : Economic Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The prioritisation and deployment of knowledge within an economy remains a key success factor for long-term economic development, increased productivity and socio-economic sustainability. The achievement of knowledge-driven growth is particularly challenging for emerging market economies that are still seeking to catch up to the frontier knowledge economies. The project seeks to understand the causes and consequences of the differences in the evolution of knowledge intensity of economies, with particular focus on transition countries in South-East Asia. We aim to identify some key micro and macro level institutional incentives for development towards a knowledge economy, and stimuli for capital allocation into knowledge-based investments. Moreover, we seek to study and outline some key channels for efficient regulation that might contribute to knowledge intensification in a transition economy. The project makes use of frontier empirical research methods, including advanced stochastic frontier analysis and dynamic panel data estimation techniques. The conceptual underpinnings of the project are at the intersection of industrial organisation theories, new institutional economics, development economics, and modern concepts in regulatory efficiency and justice. The project will develop lasting excellence oriented cooperation with South-East Asian universities, and contribute to R&D capacity building based on European academic values. Promoting of the project results through intersectoral knowledge transfer will be an important task. We aim to contribute to social innovation through policy suggestions, and to a paradigm shift regarding the role of institutions in transition processes. The project is a joint effort of Swiss and Estonian universities’ economics and law researchers with transition studies experience from Eastern Europe, and their fellow researchers from Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia with thorough insight into the institutional context in their societies.

Mots clés : knowledge intensity, knowledge transfer, research, development, institutions, regulation, transition economies, south east asia, emerging markets, incentives, randd investments

Participants :
- Tallinn University of Technology (Estonie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 958500.0 €
- Royal University of Law and Economics (Cambodge) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- National University of Laos (Laos) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- University of Lausanne (Suisse) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 360000.0 €
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (Viêt Nam) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet INDEBT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The process The process of biotic homogenization corresponds to the increase in similarity between ecological communities through time. It is one of the most significant aspects of the current biodiversity crisis, and limiting its detrimental effects is gaining momentum in conservation biology. Lagged biodiversity responses to past environmental changes might result in disequilibrium states between community composition and present-day environmental conditions in many biomes and taxa across the planet. My hypothesis is that if delayed biodiversity responses affect the community compositions, they should also affect the similarity between communities. If so, lagged biodiversity responses to global changes might build a homogenization debt, here defined as a future increase of similarity between communities resulting from past environmental perturbation. This project will test the existence, quantify, and map the prevalence of the homogenization debt at a global scale, across biomes and taxa (terrestrial plants, birds, fish, and marine invertebrates). Using graphical, analytical and statistical methods, I will quantify disequilibrium states and dynamics of species turnover between communities, and formally test their link with a set of anthropogenic threats to biodiversity. The project will provide a novel assessment of the biotic homogenization at global scale, and a comprehensive assessment of its drivers. The first quantitative estimation and map of the homogenization debt will reveal areas where biodiversity is doomed to homogenize in the near future if no actions are undertaken. Thus, the project outcome will help to prioritize context-dependent conservation actions to mitigate future homogenization. Through this MSCA fellowship, I will acquire a new set of scientific (statistical development, big-data, new concept in ecology) and transversal (project and financial management) skills that will foster my capacity to reach a academic researcher position in France.

Mots clés : biotic homogenization, global change, anthropogenic threat, extinction debt

Participants :
- Université Grenoble Alpes (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 184707.84 €
Projet AfterTheIce (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The process of species formation is responsible for the global distribution of biodiversity, from the generation of species in habitats as extreme as the arctic or deep-sea thermal vents, to the generations of crop varieties that are locally adapted to different water regimes. Yet, we still understand very little about which genes drive the formation of new species, and what the nature is of selection acting on these genes. Evolutionary genetic studies have traditionally used either experimental hybrids from species that rarely meet in nature, or hybrid zones in uncontrolled conditions, often leading to conflicting conclusions. Here, we integrate both approaches in a single biological system: two grasshopper subspecies that maintain ecomorphologic differentiation despite ongoing hybridization since the end of the last glaciation. First, we will use experimental hybrids to test which genes are associated with reproductive dysfunction. We then use a hybrid zone as a natural laboratory to test if those phenotypes and genes contribute for stable boundaries between the two species in nature. Finally, we use samples distributed over a time series, to test whether those genetic boundaries are stable over evolutionary time. Rooted sound in my background of field- and lab-based methods, this project brings together state of the art genomic methods championed by the Center for GeoGenetics (Denmark), and the multidisciplinary knowledge on this species accumulated by the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain). By moving from lab to nature and through time, this integrative framework will not only provide unique insights on the field of speciation, but will provide a transferable framework that is applicable to emergent challenges of the modern society, such as identifying genes associated with human diseases and genes underlying adaptation of crop to stringent environments.

Mots clés : speciation, hybridization, gene flow, introgression, hybrid zone, cline analysis, population genetics, transcriptomics, experimental hybridization, genomics

Participants :
- University of Copenhagen (Danemark) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 200194.8 €
Projet CIRICC (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The project "Complicity: Individual Responsibility in Collective Contexts" (CIRICC) sets out to explain how and in what ways individuals can be held responsible for systemic harms caused by collective action. The three objectives are to 1) elucidate the concept of collective responsibility, to 2) offer the first in-depth theory of how being a constituent of an unstructured collective can affect our moral agency, and to 3) create a new methodology for looking at how ignorance and knowledge affect our responsibility in collective settings. These objectives give rise to three research themes, each represented by an overarching research question: (RT1) What is collective responsibility? (RT2) How can an individual be responsible for systemic harms and wrongs? (RT3) How do ignorance and knowledge affect our social norms and our responsibility in collective settings? For added practical relevance, these questions will be discussed through three cases studies that draw from complex real-life cases. These are which agents have a responsibility to take action on climate change mitigation, consumer complicity for the use of sweatshop labour in the global supply chains, and the impact of media corporations on certain harmful social norms. CIRICC will advance research in these areas through four peer-reviewed articles and a book proposal, as well as a two-day international workshop on individual responsibility and collective harms.

Mots clés : complicity, collective responsibility

Participants :
- University of California System (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- University of Helsinki (Finlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 189973.44 €