Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet EBQM (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Left to their own devices, typical physical systems will eventually reach thermal equilibrium with their environment. While a familiar feature of life in the classical world – think of ice melting in a drink, or coffee cooling to room temperature – this process of thermalisation can pose a serious problem for quantum technologies. When a physical system thermalises, any information once contained in it is scrambled, essentially lost to the environment - the coffee does not ‘remember’ it was once hot, nor does the drink ‘remember’ it once contained an ice cube. The same principle holds true for quantum systems: if they undergo thermalisation, they will effectively have lost all information about how they were initially prepared. For future quantum technologies which will rely on the storage and retrieval of information (such as quantum computers), this loss of memory could be disastrous. It turns out to be possible to prevent quantum systems from thermalising through a mechanism known as ergodicity breaking, which 'freezes' the system close to its initial state for a very long - possibly even infinite - amount of time. This is most commonly achieved through the addition of disorder. There are two key examples of so-called 'strong ergodicity breaking', namely many-body localisation (MBL) and quantum glasses. Both exhibit very different properties - MBL is a property of highly excited states of quantum systems that requires them to be isolated from their surroundings, whereas quantum glasses are low temperature states which exhibit a remarkable robustness towards coupling with their environment. While both effects are ostensibly of different origin, there is good reason to believe that they are deeply linked, and that by combining the strengths of both, we may be able to theoretically engineer robust mechanisms for inhibiting the thermalisation of quantum systems that will have a significant impact on future quantum technologies. That is the goal of this proposal.

Mots clés : disorder, many body localization, quantum glasses, non equilibrium dynamics

Participants :
- Freie Universität Berlin (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 174806.4 €
Projet LEPVORS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Leprosy is a multiform infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an uncultivable bacLeprosy is a slow and chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Recent advances in the next generation sequencing offer a new possibility to study the physiopathology of M. leprae, an uncultivable bacteria on anexic media. In 2018, the comparative analysis of 154 M. leprae genomes from 25 countries identified three hypermutated genes including two (ribD and fadD9) probably associated with drug-resistant and the most mutated one being ml0411 with a potential role in host adaptation. In a mycobacterial species, like M. leprae, with such a reduced number of coding genes, it is reasonable to assume that this high rate of mutations probably led to the modification of essential biological functions. In addition, the recent development of more efficient molecular tools can now help to obtain the whole genome sequencing of the strain from the low representative forms of the disease. This could help to identify more of these highly mutated genes and establish a link between the pathogen genetic and the clinical disease outcome. This project proposes to functionally characterize some of the mutations identified but also to identify new candidates which could be linked with differences in host phenotype. The study has three specific aims: Specific aim 1 will focus on potential new genes involved in M. leprae drug resistance. Using surrogate mycobacteria such as M. tuberculosis and M. haemophilum, we will test the drug susceptibility of mutated strains in fadD9 and ribD compared to wild-type strains. In specific aim 2, we will investigate the role of ml0411 and mutated version on the host innate immune response modulation In specific aim 3, we will focus on the whole genome sequencing of M. leprae strain from the less represented clinical form of leprosy, the tuberculoid pole to identify new genetic differences in the bacteria which could be associated with different host phenotypes.

Mots clés : leprosy, mycobacterium leprae, drug resistance, virulence, host  pathogen interraction, genomics, innate immune response

Participants :
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Suisse) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 153916.2 €
- Colorado State University System (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet FOFC (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Less than 10% of synapses in sensory areas of cerebral cortex are from feedforward input; the rest stem from lateral and feedback connections. Much experimental and theoretical research into sensory processing, however, focuses on the feedforward pathway despite the significant impact feedback connections have on activity. What role do feedback connections play, and how do they carry them out? This project combines computational modeling with in vivo imaging to explore the function and organization of feedback connections in the mouse visual system. Specifically, it proposes training neural network models with feedback connections on different challenging visual tasks, each inspired by a hypothesized role of feedback (such as prediction or localization). Once these models are trained, their response to images can be compared to experimental data collected from multiple visual areas. These models also provide an ideal experimental setting wherein the anatomy of the learned feedback connections can be fully characterized. These characterizations can inform hypotheses about what feedback features should be present in the biology. To explore if these features are present, in vivo imaging will be used to characterize the information carried by different feedback pathways in the mouse visual system. The impact of feedback on neurons in V1 will also be determined by comparing activity under normal circumstances to when these feedback pathways are silenced. In summary, this work will use modeling to relate properties of feedback connections to their function and test for these properties experimentally. It will also develop an approach that can be applied to many neural pathways.


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

Life-sustaining Earth’s surface is closely related with the evolution of Earth’s interior, that is essentially ruled by mantle behaviour. Diamonds containing mineral inclusions from “long ago” and “far away” are unparalleled tools to investigate the chemical history and evolution of the Earth’s otherwise inaccessible mantle. Among mineral inclusions in diamond, sulphides are the most abundant. These minerals are the best candidate to investigate mantle primary composition, mantle physical-chemical processes at conditions prevailing during diamond formation and genesis – still a highly contentious issue. Sulphide inclusions are the keel tool for dating diamond formation and yet, despite previous research, the nature of these inclusions is not well understood. This is a major drawback as knowledge of the genesis of these mineral phases in diamonds directly relates to the chronological information they contain, and consequently the chemical information they carry. In light of very recent exciting results from an ERC project discovering new sulphide minerals in diamonds, SINDIA aims at combining, for the first-time, a thorough non-destructive in situ characterization of sulphide inclusions in diamonds with homogenization experiments coupled with isotopic analyses to investigate their genesis and the evolution of the Earth’s interior through time. SINDIA’s goals are to shed new light into the composition, origin and age of mantle sulphides, the origin and age of diamonds and in particular to validate the mostly widely used dating system in diamond research. The results of this study will provide international visibility to the researcher and the University of Padova by producing fundamental scientific advances in this new field of research, making the Department of Geosciences a leading institution of international repute, increasing the competitiveness and scientific recognition of the European Research Area.

Mots clés : earth s interior, diamond, sulphide inclusions, diamond genesis, x ray diffraction, isotope geochemistry, diamond dating

Participants :
- University of Padua (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 168277.2 €
Projet NITRIDE-SRH (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are the future of lighting for general-purpose and industrial applications because of their potentially superior efficiencies. Group-III nitrides are the principal materials used to manufacture blue and green LEDs. However, they are still rather inefficient, despite a lot of research efforts. Increasing the efficiency and reducing the cost of LEDs is currently the question of paramount importance. Nonradiative recombination at lattice defects is one of the main causes of reduced efficiencies. Direct experiments to determine the cause of nonradiative recombination are nearly impossible. This clearly calls for accurate theoretical modelling of nonradiative recombination in group-III nitride devices. A first-principles model will not only yield new knowledge about energy losses in nitride LEDs, but will also provide new insights into ways to improve device efficiencies. This is the main goal of the current Marie Skłodowska-Curie project. The researcher, dr. Audrius Alkauskas, will be returning to Europe after 3.5 years in the USA. He will be employed in the Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), under the supervision of prof. Gintaras Valušis. During the project the researcher will become an independent group leader, and grow as a specialist in semiconductor physics via a close collaboration with his colleagues in Lithuania and abroad.

Mots clés : nitrides, first principles methods, nonradiative transitions, energy

Participants :
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lituanie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 114432.15 €
Projet PeLED (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on organometallic halide perovskites have attracted increasing interest due to their unique properties, such as high colour purity, easily tunable optoelectronic properties, and solution processable for low-cost and large-arear manufacturing, showing great potential in displays and lighting applications. Even though the photonic and electronic properties of perovskites are very attractive, the poor stability and relatively low photoluminescent efficiency are two major problems that limit their progress in LEDs. In this project, I aim to address these challenges and develop efficient and stable perovskite LEDs. I propose a) to design and synthesize Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite (RPP) emitters with stable crystal structures and excellent optoelectronic properties, with the help of first-principles calculations, b) to deposit high-quality RPP films using new synthetic routes, and c) to fabricate efficient and stable LEDs with performance beyond the state of the art, by coupling device engineering with device physics investigations. This project will increase the fundamental knowledge concerning RPP materials and devices. The expected outcomes are new type perovskite materials with good optoelectronic properties, as well as stable and efficient LEDs. In addition, I will be trained to develop new interdisciplinary knowledge and skills and to reach professional maturity by implementing the project. In addition to individual development, successful implementation of this project will also promote the international competitiveness of the host organization on research of perovskite optoelectronics. Potential commercialization of the new perovskite materials and LEDs products will also generate economic growth and new job opportunities for the Europe society.

Mots clés : light emitting diode, electronics, optoelectronics, perovskite, semiconductor

Participants :
- Linköping University (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 185857.2 €
Projet PACK-NIN (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant renewable resource with potential for biochemicals and green materials to replace petroleum-based materials. Lignin is the second most abundant aromatic biopolymer and an underutilized component produced as a by-product in the pulp and paper industry and burned for energy. Lignin can also be used to synthesize bio-based composites by incorporating it into different polymers. For example, PLA is a biodegradable polymer used in food packaging applications. Lignin has been used as a filler with PLA to enhance thermal stability, UV properties and tensile strength. However, poor compatibility and aggregation are the main shortcomings for lignin-PLA composites due to the hydroxyl groups present in lignin. Although modification of lignin’s hydroxyl groups has been investigated, current methods are still problematic. To address these issues, the PACK-NIN project will focus on incorporating lignin nanoparticle (LNP) from kraft, organosolv and soda processes into the PLA matrix to enhance compatibility and bonding interaction. Due to their higher dispersibility, lower agglomeration and higher surface areas, LNPs are key to improving polymeric composites. Prior to synthesis of LNPs, novel modifications (oxypropylation and esterification:4-hydroxybenzoic acid) will be employed to enhance lignin’s hydrophobicity. The modified LNP (MLNP) will be incorporated into a PLA matrix at different weight percentages to investigate mechanical and thermal properties. Copper nanoparticle will then be introduced into the MLNP/PLA material to evaluate antibacterial activity within the composite. The PACK-NIN project proposes to develop a sustainable bio-nanocomposite that provides breakthroughs for advancing lignin use in food packaging and other composite applications. The ER will gain professional maturity and independence through the MSCA program activities, particularly mentoring young researchers, organizing events and managing projects.

Mots clés : lignin, modifications, nanoparticles, polylactic acid, composites, copper, antimicrobial activity, food packaging, biodegradable materials

Participants :
- Innorenew coe center odlicnosti za raziskave in inovacije na podrocju obnovljivih materialov in zdravega bivanjskega okolja (Slovénie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 162040.32 €
Projet EDAO (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Linked Open Data (LOD) is a standard methodology especially adopted to implement Knowledge Graphs, i.e., networks of facts where entities are connected by predicates describing relationships among them (via RDF triples). LOD are adopted in many domains, and an enormous set of information is currently shared by the private and the public sector in this form (e.g., on the EU Open Data Portal). Therefore, the LOD cloud contains a very rich corpora of information that requires dedicated business analytics and information extractions technologies for the extraction of valuable insights. Yet, to access this data and perform such analysis, the typical gateway are specialized query languages (e.g., SPARQL) that are usually challenging to use to non-expert users. This constitutes a major impediment in their successful exploitation. To support advanced LOD analytics we propose a novel data exploration system which allows users to extract insights within complex and unfamiliar datasets. We plan to implement dedicated Business Intelligence (BI) operators enabled by the Exemplar Query paradigm for Exploratory Online Analytical Processing (OLAP). Example-based methods have proven to be extremely valuable since they avoid complex query languages by using examples to represent the required information. Yet, they have never been studied in the OLAP/BI context. Therefore, we propose to study a new Example-Driven Exploration system to bridge the gap between example-based queries and BI methods. The researcher has co-authored the first paper on Exemplar Queries for graphs. Moreover, the supervisor, prof. Torben Bach Pedersen at Aalborg University, is an expert on BI/OLAP methods for web and semi-structured data. The host of the secondment, prof. Ioana Manolescu, at INRIA Saclay, is expert in advanced RDF analytics operators. These high-profile collaborations will ensure both the successful outcome of the project as well as a platform for the development of the researcher’s career.

Mots clés : business intelligence, data analytics, exploratory data analysis, linked open data, example driven exploration, knowledge graphs, data cubes, olap, semantic web

Participants :
- Aalborg University (Danemark) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 207312.0 €
Projet EPILIPRO (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Liver cancer is the fifth most common malignancy in men and the eighth in women worldwide. Of note, liver cancer is tightly associated with tissue damage due to the high metabolic and drug detoxification activity of the liver. Increasing evidence demonstrates that toxic agents induce the activation of a resident ductal-progenitor population capable of regenerating the tissue. Therefore, understanding molecular mechanisms governing liver progenitor cells is essential for preventing tumour initiation and progression. The aim of this proposal is elucidating the role of Arid1A (the DNA-binding subunit of the nucleosome-remodelling complex SWI/SNF) in adult liver progenitors by using novel 3D-organoid cultures, which allows long-term expansion of adult ductal-progenitors derived from the healthy liver. Moreover, genome-wide analysis and in vivo approaches will be implemented for accomplishing the goals of the project. Supporting a crucial role for Arid1a in liver progenitors, Arid1a expression is high in organoid cultures and is up-regulated in the adult liver upon damage as compared to the healthy liver. Importantly, Arid1a and other SWI/SNF subunits are mutated in liver cancer, suggesting that Arid1a and SWI/SNF exert a tumour suppression function. In line with this, our preliminary results indicate that depletion of Arid1a and SWI/SNF components increases organoid formation efficiency. Overall, this research plan will shed light on the function of Arid1a and the SWI/SNF nucleosome-remodelling complex in adult liver progenitors and mouse liver regeneration, providing novel hints into their role in carcinogenesis.

Mots clés : epigenetics, nuclesome remodelling, adult stem cells, arid1a, regeneration, chromatin, transcription, 3d cultures, organoids, liver progenitors, adult liver

Participants :
- University of Cambridge (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet Liver Bioengineering (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Liver transplantation is currently the only proven therapy to extend life of patients with terminal liver disease. Organ bioengineering and regenerative medicine are promising new technologies that can help reduce the burden of liver shortage by increasing the number of organs available for transplantation. However, current bioengineered livers lack a functional vascular network that can readily allow their transplantation into a living host. Previous studies by the candidate have shown successful recellularization of acellular liver scaffolds using endothelial cells and hepatic cells in a perfusion bioreactor, creating a vascularized human liver organoid. However, its vascular network was unable to maintain vascular patency under constant blood flow for long periods of time. Hence, better understanding of how experimental cell seeding conditions of porcine liver scaffolds influence their re-vascularization efficiency is critical to achieve sustainable vascular patency after transplantation. In order to accomplish this, the impact of fluid flow pressure and the seeded cell number will be investigated in re-endothelialization efficiency of an acellular porcine liver scaffold. Furthermore, bioreactor pre-conditioning with fluid flow pressure ramping and sequential cycles of vascular growth and maturation will be used to induce re-vascularization, maturation, and enhanced function to potentially increase vascular patency. Finally, re-vascularized liver scaffolds will be transplanted into 5-10Kg pigs and short and long-term vascular patency will be investigated. Hence, the long-term objective of this project is to create a functional re-vascularized porcine liver scaffold, a critical first step towards the effective transplantation of bioengineered livers.

Mots clés : organ bioengineering, decellularized liver scaffold, scaffold re vascularization, perfusion bioreactor, endothelial cells, pericytes

Participants :
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 158121.6 €