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

The field of multi-agent systems (MAS) is concerned with the theory, design, and implementation of systems of semi-autonomous software agents that operate in an environment, and typically have conflicting goals. A key issue in such domains is that of coordination: how to design agents to minimise any potential negative aspects of their interactions, and to maximise any potential positive aspects. A key approach to coordination is that of normative systems. A normative system defines constraints on the behaviour of agents to coordinate their interactions. This research programme is at the intersection of normative systems design and evolutionary game theory (EGT). EGT studies how evolutionary forces can lead populations to game theoretic solutions, and has been useful in understanding, for example the distributions of populations of species in habitats. The hypotheses of this project are that (1) EGT can provide a useful mathematical framework to model and understand normative systems in MAS; and (2) EGT techniques can provide a powerful framework to engineer normative systems for MAS. Thus, norm synthesis will consist of an evolutionary process in which most successful norms will prosper, while unsuccessful norms will be naturally discarded. The tools used to understand such norms will be solution concepts from EGT - notably the concept of an evolutionarily stable strategy. In this project we will develop both frameworks for understanding EGT for normative systems design and to synthesise normative systems for MAS, and we will empirically investigate our techniques in the context of two application domains. To carry out this project the fellow will be trained in classical game theory and EGT. To this aim he will benefit from supervision of Prof Michael Wooldridge, and collaboration with his research group in Oxford. This project will develop science and will contribute to the development of the fellow's career plan to become an independent researcher.

Mots clés : normative multi agent systems, norm synthesis, norms, evolutionary game theory, coordination

Participants :
- University of Oxford (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet 5G-DRIVE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The fifth generation (5G) cellular networks set ambitious goals that require technological advances in both wireless and transport network infrastructures, especially regarding cost and carbon footprint. In this context, a promising architecture for 5G aggregation networks is the recently proposed Claud-Radio Access Network (C-RAN). However, it will face the serious challenges related to (1) efficient use of network resources, (2) low-latency requirements, and (3) scalability. Seems that optical aggregation networks based on wavelength division multiplexing are the outstanding candidates to meet high-capacity and low-latency requirements. However, to reduce cost and power consumption, there has been a recent push towards the consolidation of the network by merging the access and metro transport where flexible-grid transmission is also considered. This becomes questionable in the context of the traditional C-RAN. Therefore, alternatives are being analysed including different function splits between cell-site and baseband equipment, and millimetre-wave carriers instead of optical carriers for interconnecting cell-site equipment and access central office. Hence, 5G-DRIVE project aims to explore the impact of transport cost and wireless channel (de-) aggregation technique on resource efficiency (cost, spectrum, power consumption) and service availability in aggregation network that uses optical or millimetre-wave carriers for interconnecting cell-site and baseband equipment.

Mots clés : 5g cellular networks, fibre optic transmission, x haul, resource efficiency, optimization

Participants :
- Riga Technical University (Lettonie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 133904.4 €
Projet CD4CRISPR (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The fine and complex regulation of CD4 immune response is important in cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders and viral infection. If signals orchestrating productive CD4 T-cell responses are well documented, the contraction of antigen (Ag)-specific CD4 T-cell populations following the resolution of primary immune response is however not molecularly understood. It has been demonstrated that a negative feedback loop can regulate CD4 T cell proliferation through direct T-T interactions, leading to the preferential exclusion of Ag-experienced T cells. This T cell intrinsic mechanism limits the expansion of effector CD4 T cells and may then interfere with therapeutic vaccine efficacy. Using Cas9-(constitutive/inducible)-expressing Dby-reactive T cells (from a TCR Transgenic RAG-/- mouse strain named Marilyn) coupled to a sgRNA library and an in vivo selection strategy, we will extensively identify the negative regulators of CD4 T cells migration and priming in an ongoing primary immune response. As a proof of concept, we will first inactivate candidate genes (already known to be involved in CD4 T cells negative regulation: TGF-b receptor,IFN-γ receptor, PD-1 and PD-L1) in Ag-experienced memory CD4 T cells, which will be enriched for their proliferative capacity in vivo and used as a second cohort in immunized mice. Then, we will develop a genome-wide screen approach to generate a library of knockout Ag-experienced T cells as a second cohort. We expect that further insight into CD4 suppressive mechanisms, which dampen efficient antitumor immune responses, will allow optimization of cancer immunotherapy.

Mots clés : cd4 t cells proliferation, inhibition, crispr, genome wide screen

Participants :
- Institut Curie (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 185076.0 €
Projet OVOC (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The first aim of the project is to prove a general mechanism for plant protection from abiotic stresses (such as temperature and ozone stress) exerted by volatile isoprenoids (VIPs). Recent studies advanced the hypothesis that VIPs may function as effective antioxidants in plants by directly reacting with reactive oxygen species (ROS) that accumulate upon abiotic stress, producing oxidized VIPs. However, this mechanism is yet to be confirmed. During the outgoing phase (Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA) the objective described above will be addressed via a comprehensive experimental approach that will be carried out on the model plant Arabidopsis (wild-type and isoprene-emitting transgenic Arabidopsis), on a plant species (Quercus rubra) that emits very large quantities of VIPs and on grapevine, a crop of outmost importance in the European economy. During the return phase (FEM, Trento, Italy) the multidisciplinary expertise gained in the outgoing period will be fully employed to study the grapevine germplasm owned by the return institution and new grapevine varieties selected or genetically modified for the emission of specific VIPs, which have recently been developed by a partner research group, in collaboration with the applicant. The final objectives of the project are 1) to prove that VIPs act as effective antioxidant on grapevine leading to an improved ozone stress resistance and 2) to integrate screening for VIP emission in the host institution grapevine breeding program in order to improve stress resistance of new grapevine varieties.

Mots clés : volatile isoprenoids, antioxidant, plants, grapevine

Participants :
- Fondazione Edmund Mach (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 244269.0 €
- Harvard University (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet DualSpindleAssembly (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The first embryonic division after fertilization is essential for development of the organism and has to promote the union of the parental genomes. My host lab recently showed that in mammalian zygotes two bipolar spindles form, which first independently congress the maternal and paternal chromosomes and then must be aligned in parallel for a faithful division. The novel dual spindle assembly provided a likely rationale for erroneous divisions into more than two blastomeric nuclei observed in human fertility treatment. Indeed, preventing the alignment of the two spindles gives rise to multi-nucleated two-cell embryos also in mice. Due to its recent discovery and the difficulty of imaging in the light sensitive zygote, dual spindle assembly and function remains elusive. It is for example unclear what the contribution of cytoplasmic versus chromosomal microtubule (MT) nucleation is for forming two spindles and why spindle alignment is error-prone and variable between different mammals. Recent advances in microscopy in my host lab now enable me to address these questions. In my project, I will dissect the mechanism of dual spindle assembly and function by combining light sheet microscopy, computational image analysis, and molecular perturbation. To achieve this, I will perform 4D imaging of live mouse zygotes at high resolution that allows me to track individual nucleation sites as well as MT tips. This will allow me to generate the first spatial map of MT nucleation and assess what the contribution of the two MT populations for dual spindle assembly is. Moreover, I will test which MT nucleation pathway is essential for dual spindle assembly by molecular perturbations. Finally, I will check if errors in spindle alignment are the cause of parental genome loss, by identifying the key alignment factors and validate them in model organisms with different alignment fidelities. Thus, my studies will improve our understanding of cell division in mammals and human infertility.

Mots clés : preimplantation embryo, microtubule, mitotic spindle formation, mitosis, chromosome segregation, light sheet microscopy

Participants :
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 174806.4 €
Projet PHOSPH-UBIQ-IMMUN (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The first layer of plant immunity is mediated by the recognition of conserved microbial features known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by plasma membrane-localized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). An immediate downstream substrate of activated PRR complexes is the cytoplasmic kinase BIK1, which is a positive regulator of PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI). The objective of this proposal is to uncover how BIK1 regulates plant immune signalling via the characterization of its substrates in PTI. The host laboratory has recently identified a potential BIK1 phosphorylation motif, which is present in 22 Arabidopsis proteins that are rapidly phosphorylated upon PAMP treatment. Eight of these proteins have been confirmed as true BIK1 phosphorylation substrates and include several proteins involved in protein ubiquitination/deubiquitination, including an E3 ubiquitin ligase and two ubiquitin specific proteases (USPs), which will be the focus of this study. Preliminary data indicate that the E3 ubiquitin ligase is a positive regulator of PTI. Here, I will further characterize the role of this E3 ubiquitin ligase in PTI by characterising the role of its phosphorylation by BIK1, and identifying its substrates and their role in PTI using genetic and biochemical approaches. A similar approach will be used to decipher the role of the two USPs in PTI. The project will directly benefit from my previous experience in working with deubiquitinating enzymes during plant development, which will provide all the necessary technical and theoretical knowledge to ensure the project’s success. This exciting project will allow me resuming my career in science, thus corresponding to the objectives of the People Work Programme. At the end of the project, we will have a better understanding on how activated PRR complexes regulate downstream immune signalling, which is a very important question in innate immunity, in both plants and mammals.

Mots clés : innate immunity, pamp triggered immunity, cytoplasmic kinase, signal transduction, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, deubiquitination, sustainable crops

Participants :
- Sainsbury Laboratory (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 195454.8 €
Projet FleXelL (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The flexible cell project (FleXelL) aims at developing a proof of concept for a highly efficient energy converter based on ceramic reactors that can be reversed into an electrolyser whenever needed. We will be developing a device capable of converting liquid and gaseous fuels such as ethanol, methane or natural gas into energy, but also, steam and electricity into hydrogen for strategic reserve purposes or simply for renewable energy surplus storage. For this purpose, we here propose a knowledge transfer scheme between Dr Sarruf and the Centre for Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Research (CFCHR) at the University of Birmingham (UoB), herein represented by Prof Robert Steinberger-Wilckens. We build on UoB’s ceramic processing techniques, materials characterisation capacity, project management capabilities, teaching expertise, communications and leadership skills, and Dr Sarruf’s knowledge in materials development for fuel flexibility conversion within solid oxide cells (SOCs). Dr Sarruf, under Prof. Steinberger-Wilckens’ supervision, will develop and optimise an anode-supported reversible solid oxide cell (RSOC) capable of operating directly with primary fuels, as aforementioned, and electrolysing water to produce hydrogen. The reproducibility of the cells’ manufacturing process as well as the performance will be developed aiming at rousing industrial interest via the development of a product’s business plan.

Mots clés : fuel cells, sofc, rsoc, ethanol, methane, natural gas, hydrogen, alternative fuels

Participants :
- University of Birmingham (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 224933.76 €
Projet SCOUT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The focus of my proposal is on statistical mediation analysis in medical studies with patient survival as outcome. Mediation analysis can help to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and ultimately to alter and further improve components of an intervention or shift the target of an intervention. Specifically, in aim 1 we utilize penalized likelihood techniques in an innovative way to improve mediation analysis with sparse data, e.g. rare side effects of drugs. Aim 2 will focus on the Aalen additive hazards model, an alternative to the Cox proportional hazards model, in particular when causal inference and mediation is of primary interest. We will consider a series of case studies comparing Aalen additive hazards model with the Cox proportional hazards model regarding interpretability of effect estimates, ease of application, applicability of assumptions, ease of description in an interdisciplinary context and public perception. By means of analytical reasoning and empirical studies we fill important gaps in knowledge, while the interdisciplinary working environment and intersectoral seminars will ensure that the achieved advances reach the relevant stakeholders. During the secondment at the Novartis Statistical Methodology Group in Basel, I will get in touch with mediation analysis for interventions in clinical trials and its connections to the estimands framework, which is currently being considered a promising alternative to the intention-to-treat paradigm as first principle in evaluating effects of interventions. The suggested action will combine my supervisor's and my scientific expertise and international experience at its best and thus guarantees mutual growth. Interaction with a highly active research group, participation in the institutional programme for soft skill development and involvement in project administration will further contribute to my development towards independence and are important prerequisites for various career paths.

Mots clés : causal inference, direct and indirect effects, sparse data, survival analysis

Participants :
- Medical University of Vienna (Autriche) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 166156.8 €
Projet POEECCP (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The full complexity of educational evaluation at various levels (i.e., system, school, classroom, and student) in different countries has hardly been recognized. It constitutes a tremendous barrier to consolidate theories on evaluation, and for countries to draw on successful experience and implement targeted educational policies for better quality and effectiveness. Important barriers include the insufficient methodology to soundly compare multiple countries and a cultural insensitive approach to unfolding evaluation processes and outcomes. This project aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the dynamics of evaluation with a solid cross-cultural research methodology. Using self-report data in 70 countries/economies in the 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), this project delineates the pathways in processes and outcomes of educational evaluation in 70 educational systems by integrating policies at system level, practices in schools and classrooms, and student assessment outcomes with demonstrated comparability of data. Study 1 has a methodological focus to analyze scalable measures and their cross-cultural comparability. It tests whether self-report multiple-item measures from school principals, teachers, and students across countries reach approximate measurement invariance to ensure proper comparisons. Study 2 tests the effects of accountability policy, country affluence at country-level, and various evaluation practices including the feedback mechanisms at school and teacher levels, and the cross-level interactions on a broad range of student outcomes such as achievement, motivation, wellbeing, and test anxiety. This project contributes to theory building on educational evaluation from a cross-cultural perspective and identify effective measures for more targeted educational interventions.

Mots clés : education evaluation, data comparability, large scale survey

Participants :
- Leibniz Association (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 171460.8 €
Projet TET-Lanthanide (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The generation, control and transfer of triplet excitons in molecular and hybrid systems is of great interest for optoelectronic applications such as light emission, singlet fission and upconversion, as well as for sensitization and triggering photochemical reactions. Recently, the host group has discovered that it is possible to couple molecular triplet excitons to the f→f transitions of lanthanide nanocrystals, efficiently transferring energy between them. This allows for the direct generation of triplet excitons with near-IR excitation and luminescent harvesting of the dark triplet excitons via transfer to lanthanide nanocrystals. This discovery also opens up a promising new avenue for photochemistry/photocatalysis applications, as LnNPs are both non-toxic and highly photostable even within aqueous environments. The project will build on this discovery to develop the fundamental science of this new platform for optoelectronics and photochemistry. Specifically, we will develop a series of highly controlled solution phase systems, where organic molecules will be directly covalently attached to the lanthanide nanocrystals. The lanthanide doping concentration of the nanoparticles, as well as the distance between organic and lanthanide will be carefully controlled to produce model systems. These systems will then be studied with steady state and time resolved spectroscopy with the aim of elucidating the underlying mechanism controlling the triplet exciton transfer and coupling between triplets and lanthanide ions. We will also perform a proof of concept experiment to demonstrate the use of these systems for photo-catalysis. These fundamental investigations will open up new possibilities for optoelectronics, molecular sensing, upconversion, photocatalysis and bio-imaging.

Mots clés : triplet, energy transfer, lanthanide, organic semiconductor, nanoparticles

Participants :
- University of Cambridge (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet DNAcheck (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The genetic information encoded by DNA is under constant attack from both endogenous and exogenous sources of damage. To ensure genome stability and prevent disease, cells use global signaling networks to sense and repair DNA damage. One particularly serious problem is when the replication machinery encounters lesions remaining in the template DNA. In this scenario, cells employ damage bypass mechanisms to complete genome replication and prevent fork breakage. Importantly, these pathways are not restricted to the site of stalling but can also function behind the fork at single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) gaps originated by the re-priming of DNA synthesis downstream of lesions. While it is very well known that ssDNA is the molecular signal that triggers the checkpoint response, it is less clear how and where ssDNA actually arises. Generally, it is assumed to accumulate at stalled replication forks, either by an uncoupling between replicative helicase and polymerase movement or between leading and lagging strand synthesis. However, in a recent study in budding yeast, I found that ssDNA gaps left behind replication forks, and extended by processing factors such as the exonuclease EXO1, constitute the predominant signal that leads to checkpoint activation in response to damaged DNA templates during S phase. Whether this mechanism of checkpoint activation is conserved from yeast to humans remains unexplored. Hence, using a unique set of multidisciplinary approaches, this project aims to address the fundamental question of how DNA damage is sensed during replication in human cells. Interestingly, not only ssDNA gap processing seems important for checkpoint signaling but also for the template switching mechanism of damage bypass. Therefore, this project will also study the function of EXO1 and its association with PCNA at postreplicative ssDNA gaps in order to shed light on the poorly understood mechanism of template switching.

Mots clés : dna replication, dna repair, checkpoint activation, dna damage signaling, dna damage bypass

Participants :
- Universidad de Sevilla (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 170121.6 €