Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet SEISMO-REACT (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

SEISMO REACT aims to investigate Quaternary active faults, surface deformation, and the reactivation of large potential seismic sources in an intraplate setting, by combining data from geology, geomorphology, geophysics, and geochronology, in particular by applying a new method using trapped charges (Luminescence and Electron Spin Resonance) to investigate fault gouge geochronology and timings of fault activity. The seismogenic reactivation of older structures in an intraplate setting is a known tectonic condition worldwide, impacting Europe, Australia, Africa, and North America. Furthermore, it is known that fault stress changes can be induced by climate change processes and seismic triggering, interfering with the tectonic strain and impacting seismic cycle patterns, deformation rates, and even the structure’s kinematics. Altogether, these questions prompt an understanding of the occurrence of reactivation episodes and their timings. Hence, investigating the timings and possible regional mechanisms and the propensity of reactivation of seismic sources at intraplate settings is a pertinent research project. The targeted study area is Southwest Portugal, an area with quaternary deformation and younger and older structures reactivated, which is an ideal natural laboratory. The methodology developed if successful can be transferable to intraplate settings in Europe and elsewhere, investigating Quaternary activity in reactivated inherited faults with long recurrence periods. Results can be integrated into seismic hazard analysis and natural hazards management, boosting society’s resilience in a world gradually exposed to stronger and more frequent climate events, a possible mechanism for impacting regional changes in the fault stresses. SEISMO REACT will be based at the Institute Dom Luiz, University of Lisbon supervised by Prof Custódio, and a secondment in the Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics, supervised by Prof Tsukamoto regarding the ESR geochronology.

Mots clés : paleoseismicity, fault reactivation, seismic sources, geochronology, active tectonics

Participants :
- Fciencias.id - associacao para a investigacao e desenvolvimento de ciencias (Portugal) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 207183.12 €
- LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics (Allemagne) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet Ninj1 cell lysis (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) causes tuberculosis a leading infectious killer worldwide. Mtb primarily infects macrophages, leading to the death of some of these cells via distinct regulated cell death (RCD) mechanisms. While apoptosis facilitates Mtb elimination, necrotic cell deaths, like pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis may enhance bacterial replication and spread. Mtb effectors, including the type VII secretion system ESX-1 and the cell wall lipid PDIM, induce host membrane damage, inducing necrotic cell death. Notably, the host lab has shown that inhibiting all RCD pathways does not prevent Mtb-induced cell lysis. However, depleting Ninjurin-1 (Ninj1), a membrane protein vital for plasma membrane (PM) rupture during various RCD pathways, mitigates Mtb-induced necrosis. Ninj1 oligomerization appears to occur after initial PM integrity disruption, yet the precise mechanisms governing Ninj1 activation and its role in Mtb-induced cell lysis remain unclear. I hypothesize that Ninj1 plays a crucial role in Mtb-induced lysis and that Mtb exploits this process through effector-mediated PM permeabilization. To investigate how Ninj1 oligomerization influences cell fate and the inflammatory response, I will leverage my expertise in super-resolution microscopy of pore-forming proteins alongside the host lab’s skills in Mtb infection biology. First, I will identify PM chemical and physical changes during RCD that correlate with Ninj1 oligomerization to elucidate the activation mechanism. Next, I will analyze Ninj1 dynamics and the functional impact of its macromolecular structures using DNA-PAINT super-resolution microscopy and long-term single-molecule tracking. Finally, I will determine whether Mtb activates Ninj1 via effector-induced PM damage and quantify the impact of this activation on the inflammatory response. This project aims to provide groundbreaking insights into cellular responses to Mtb and molecular inflammation research.

Mots clés : mycobacterium tuberculosis, regulated cell death, ninjurin1, plasma membrane, super resolution microscopy

Participants :
- Université norvégienne de sciences et de technologie (Norvège) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 267418.56 €
Projet QMOLESR (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The emergence of ESR-STM has recently opened new perspectives on the coherent manipulation of individual spin qubits. However, to date ESR-STM experiments are essentially focused on individual magnetic atoms deposited on MgO/Ag(100). The insulating layer of MgO seems to be an essential ingredient to obtain addressable and functional single atom qubits, e.g. to fix the spin along certain directions and enable ways for its manipulation. The aim of this project is to go beyond the current restriction of ESR-STM on individual atomic qubits on MgO layers and expand its usage towards robust qubits in other environments. This will be done by using metallo-organic complexes whose organic structure is designed in such a way to play the role of the MgO layer. ESR will be performed on individual magnetic molecules and their potential as molecular spin qubits in contact with metals will be probed. The overall methodology of the project is divided into three main objectives: (1) demonstrate ESR-STM on magnetic molecules; (2) demonstrate ESR-STM on magnetic molecules in direct contact with a metallic substrate and use molecules as magnetic sensors; (3) protection of spin coherence by superconductivity. The impact of the project goes beyond the purely scientific interest and it extends to the industrial sectors of technology and telecommunications. This is because it actually opens the possibility of implementing spintronic devices aimed at storage and manipulation of quantum information in which the individual qubits can be concretely addressed thanks to some type of electrode. Moreover, the coherent control of quantum states is currently under large demand in Europe. In this regard, the highly specialized expertise acquired by the researcher thanks to this project will clearly be an added value in the preparation of his future career. In conjunction with its scientific aim, QMOLESR is designed to train an excellent, independent researcher who will develop his research career.

Mots clés : esr stm, molecules, molecular magnetism, spin, qubit, quantum technology

Participants :
- Nanoscience Cooperative Research Center (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 165312.96 €
Projet OPTION (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The rise of electronic devices challenges sustainability, as nanometer-sized transistors are nearing their physical limits in addition to severe energy costs. New technologies are essential to meet the growing demands of consumer electronics. Spintronics is considered to be a leading solution to improve scalability and power efficiency, and shows potential not only in memory technologies but also in logic operations, supported by recent advances in spin-based computation. Among them, one promising prototype is the magnetoelectric spin-orbit device by integrating non-volatile magnetic switching via magnetoelectric coupling with spin injection and spin-to-charge conversion. The main goal of OPTION is to realize such a functional device by exploring novel Dirac semimetals with large spin-to-charge conversion efficiency and high resistivity to improve the output voltage signal. To achieve this result, we will sputter and optimize high-quality Dirac semimetals to maximize spin-orbit coupling strength as well as resistivity; insert a tunnel barrier between high resistive Dirac semimetals and metallic ferromagnetic layers to ensure a large spin injection efficiency; verify the repeatable and stable voltage-driven magnetic switching of the multiferroic materials, and finally integrate different modules into a full structure. Within OPTION, we will employ kinds of film deposition facilities, structural and physical properties characterizations and advanced nanofabrication techniques for which the host institution is expert, such as high-vacuum sputtering and e-beam lithography. The ultimate scientific ambition of OPTION is to achieve power-efficient functional logic devices, thereby benchmarking novel sustainable computing paradigms and bridging the fundamental science and technological applications. Moreover, OPTION will provide high-quality, interdisciplinary research and transversal skills to an aspiring young researcher for the development of her career.

Mots clés : spin to charge conversion, dirac semimetals, magnetoelectric spin orbit logic device, beyond cmos technology

Participants :
- Nanoscience Cooperative Research Center (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 194074.56 €
Projet TRACETHEM (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Mexico faces one of the most urgent human rights and humanitarian crises in the world, with over 110,000 persons having disappeared, 98% of them between 2006 and 2024, indicating a severe escalation in recent years. Most of these contemporary disappearances are rooted in gender, racial, sexual diversity, class, and migratory status disparities. However, a fundamental problem is the lack of reliable intersectional analyses that could shed light on the specific intertwining of structural attributes that heighten the risk of being disappeared. Without this knowledge, effective strategies and public policies for searching and preventing cannot be developed. In this dire context, the TRACETHEM project will establish a systematic framework to understand and address the massive disappearance of women/girls, Indigenous and Afro-descendant people, migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those who are living in poverty. Firstly, revealing contemporary disappearance patterns. Secondly, fostering long-term collaboration among key actors in developing novel search models: families in their relentless pursuit to find their loved ones, State institutions, and NGOs. This groundbreaking initiative will unite these stakeholders in a sustained critical process, evaluating and comprehending who seeks whom and how to craft tailored search models that may effectively combat and prevent contemporary disappearances. Through cross-sectoral collaboration, where affected families will function as experts rather than just victims, TRACETHEM will design more effective search models, laying a foundation for cooperative and enduring measures and fostering a safer and more inclusive Mexico. The impact of TRACETHEM overflows Mexican borders, as the violence in this country is quickly spreading to Central and South America. The potential to effectively address and reduce disappearances in Mexico is crucial for building adaptable tools that can apply to similar challenges in other regions of the world.

Mots clés : human rights enforced and contemporary disappearances big data for social sciences crisis of violence in mexico and the region intersectional analysis participatory research methods

Participants :
- Conseil supérieur de la recherche scientifique (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 209914.56 €
Projet LDH-PFAS-SORP (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFASs) are a growing global concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and high environmental risk, particularly when they contaminate soil and drinking water sources. Effective remediation techniques are urgently needed. Previous research demonstrated that nano-sized layered double hydroxides (LDHs) show great potential for PFAS sorption and can be used as in-situ, injectable liquids to form permeable active barriers. However, to fully utilize LDHs for remediation, their PFAS sorption capabilities and reaction mechanisms must be better understood. This project aims to explore these mechanisms using advanced analytical chemistry, specifically high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) techniques developed by Dr. Gago-Ferrero’s team at IDAEA-CSIC.  The fellowship will provide expertise and training in: 1) chemical analysis, focusing on advanced HRMS-based non-target strategies; 2) the synthesis of advanced physiochemical models; and 3) professional development for academic growth. By combining IDAEA-CSIC’s state-of-the-art analytical chemistry capabilities with the applicant’s expertise in soil remediation, PFAS-SORP aims to develop advanced soil remediation techniques for PFAS. Additionally, real-time material property deterioration will be investigated using EXAFS and XANES analysis at MAXLAB IV. This novel approach to using HRMS to understand molecular mechanisms in environmental engineering will set a new benchmark for future environmental remediation techniques.

Mots clés : pfas soil remediation by elucidating and optimizing reaction mechanisms using novel high resolution mass spectometry and big data

Participants :
- Conseil supérieur de la recherche scientifique (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 209914.56 €
Projet DiscoverableTumor (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) stands out as one of the most aggressive tumors, ranking as the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Glycosylation has emerged as a critical regulatory mechanism contributing to tumor progression and immunosuppression, a hallmark of PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent studies have shown that tumor immune evasion programs can be facilitated by the activation of immunosuppressive glyco-immune checkpoints (GICs), governed by interactions between cell-surface glycans and glycan-binding proteins (GBPs). While oncogene mutations are known to have immunosuppressive effects and impact protein glycosylation, their effect on GIC modulation remains unexplored. This project aims to investigate how oncogene mutations affect GBP-glycan interactions acting as GICs in PDAC, potentially identifying new therapeutic targets. To identify relevant GICs, I will examine how the most frequent KRAS oncogene mutations in PDAC affect glycosylation and GBP activity, leading to the creation of immunosuppressive functions. Using co-culture experiments with primary pancreatic duct epithelial cells and key TME cellular components, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, as well as lymphoid and myeloid immune cells, I intend to uncover alterations in the cell surface glycome and changes in GBP binding activity that contribute to immunosuppressive pathways. I will employ unbiased glycan-targeted proximity labeling techniques to uncover novel oncogene-driven GBP-glycan axes and simultaneously analyze the activities of GBPs previously associated with cancer and immune evasion, such as galectins (galectins 1/3/9) and siglecs (particularly Siglecs 7/9/15). The findings will be validated using cellular and organoid models of PDAC to assess candidate GICs as therapeutic targets for this challenging disease.

Mots clés : pdac, glycosylation, glycan binding proteins, kras, glyco immune checkpoint, immune evasion, immunotherapy, biomarker

Participants :
- Conseil supérieur de la recherche scientifique (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 209914.56 €
Projet BIOMENTS (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Contemporary energy storage technologies, such as batteries and fuel cells, grapple with issues of power density, longevity, and safety. Supercapacitors present a viable alternative with their high-power density, extended cyclic life, wide operational temperature range, and superior safety. The main hurdle for supercapacitors is their moderate energy density, which is vital for storing renewable energy efficiently. Research is honing in on novel materials to boost energy density and synthesis techniques to augment electrochemical performance. With environmental and material availability concerns in mind, the focus has shifted to accessible and eco-friendly materials like biomass and cement. The proposed research aims to develop supercapacitor electrode materials from cement—a construction industry mainstay—and activated carbon from plentiful organic biomass. Cement's inherent poor conductivity and low surface area might limit its electrochemical efficacy, but pairing it with conductive materials could leverage its potential for both building and energy storage. The research will delve into the Cement/AC composite for supercapacitor electrodes and will craft and evaluate a supercapacitor with an apt gel electrolyte for real-world use. The study will experiment with different cement-to-activated carbon ratios and preparation methods to refine the qualities needed for a potent supercapacitor electrode. This research could lead the way in energy storage innovation, enabling rooftop structures to harness and store energy from renewable sources such as solar power.

Mots clés : structural supercapacitor, cement, activated carbon, composite electrode

Participants :
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research (Pologne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 179006.16 €
Projet SuSCoFilter (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

While 84% of the European population is exposed to dust concentrations above the WHO guideline limits, several epidemiological studies have established a strong link between exposure to indoor air pollution and adverse health effects. Commercial high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are inefficient in capturing particulate matter (PM) and toxic gases simultaneously. Their structural materials are also non-degradable and end up in landfills. As society demands a better future, and with an economic incentive, developing innovatively sustainable and efficient air filters is gaining ground in research and policy. The proposed SuSCoFilter project aims to develop brand-new sustainable air filters from spent coffee grounds (SCG) that possess unique multifunctional features such as simultaneous PM and SO2 removal capability, high efficiency, and low pressure drop. Effective removal of pollutants from the air can be achieved by introducing an advanced class of active hybrid porous materials (e.g. metal-organic frameworks - MOFs) to electrospun polymeric fibers. However, to develop a non-interfering “two-component MOF” system, two different surfaces should exist for each MOF component attachment. Proposed in SuSCoFilter microparticles of chemically modified SCG will provide the extra surface and the air filters will be produced by concurrent electrospinning and electrospraying methods. Set targets for capture efficiency of SuSCoFilter are PM10> 99%, PM2.5> 95%, and SO2>90%; and pressure drop<100 Pa. This interdisciplinary project has the capacity to advance basic science and technology in the field of green air filters and prompt the design of innovative SCG-based membranes for applications in water treatment, catalysts, gas separation/storage, and energy conversion. SuSCoFilter intends to convert a burdensome biowaste into a valuable resource material and strengthen the European circular economy and its sustainability.

Mots clés : electrospinning, electrospraying, fibrous air filters, multifunctional materials

Participants :
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research (Pologne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 139953.6 €
Projet MESTUM (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Fossil-free and renewable energy sources are a must for a sustainable society. Pushing the limitation of supercapacitors (SC) beyond their limits by producing metal carbides using as carbon source spent surgical masks, an immense side-product burden of COVID-19 pandemic, MESTUM project aims to tackle the worldwide increasing energy demand with highly efficient, stable, environmentally friendly and low-cost electrode materials (EM). The development of EM by transition metal carbides has attracted significant research attention thanks to its high-temperature stability, conductivity, easy operation in aqueous/organic electrolytes and insignificant electrolyte leaching. Easily accessible and abundant, manganese metal carbides, with multiple electron transfer ability, represent an excellent source possessing the key performance markers for SC: Ground-breaking pseudocapacitance and cyclic stability. By exploring the challenge of also generating a porous structure, MESTUM aims to expand an electrochemically active specific surface area and porosity of transition metal carbide and thus deliver a significant growth of specific capacity performance. During synthesis, the ground-breaking approach of turning the porous carbon from the surgical mask into the transition metal structure will orchestrate a brilliant coupling of increasing the surface area and reducing surgical mask waste. For machine learning prediction of specific capacity and cyclic stability, the two most critical performance-related features of SC, the materials properties (morphology, composition, surface area, etc.) and operational conditions (electrolytes, current density, potential window, etc.), are crucial. To tackle this issue, the project will set the optimized parameters to easily evaluate the prospects of developed materials in SC application. By a pioneering effort toward the significant advancement of SC technologies, the MESTUM project will address a fundamental need for clean energy sources.

Mots clés : transition metal carbide, machine learning, surgical mask, supercapacitor

Participants :
- Université de Groningue (Pays-Bas) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Université Palacký (Rép. Tchèque) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 166278.72 €