Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet NETCONTROLOGY (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

A dynamic system is controllable if, given suitable inputs, it can be driven from any initial state to any desired final state in finite time. Despite the advances in network science, computational approaches that can be used to characterize the dynamics of complex, biological systems are still lacking. This project aims at determining how biological networks can be controlled with focus on two cutting-edge case studies from medicine. Existing controllability approaches work essentially on graphs and do not consider other constraints typically arising in biological systems (e.g. steady-state). This strengthens the need for development of such methods. In this project, nonlinear, quantitative and dynamic network models will be developed for biological networks with multiple regulatory mechanisms. In these networks, it is vital to identify the subset of key components and regulatory interactions whose perturbation leads to the desirable functional changes. However, it is typically neither feasible, nor necessary to control the whole network. Instead, for many practical applications, it would suffice to control a preselected subsystem of target nodes. Besides full controllability, target controllability of the networks will also be addressed. Different measures will be developed to compare networks based on their controllability. The established network control principles will be exploited to (a) reprogram cancer networks through their druggable vulnerabilities to improve anticancer therapeutics (case study 1), and (b) target the enzymatic sources of relevant oxidative stress to support neuroprotection in stroke (case study 2).

Mots clés : full and target controllability, biological networks, computational models, cancer, multi target drugs, stroke, reactive oxygen species

Participants :
- Northeastern University (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Maastricht University (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 253052.16 €
Projet GANDALF (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

A full 90% of all the data in the world has been produced over the last two years and the challenge of our society is to turn a world full of data into a data-driven world. Whereas the impressive progress in predictive analytics let us have insight on everything, our motivational resources are limited to learn and understand our reality. Today, gamification is regarded as a promising technique to improve motivational affordance in domains where people have difficulty of engagement such as data analytics and forecasting education. In this regard, the GANDALF project proposes the design of gamification and datafication solutions, which aims at improvement of learning outcomes in the context of forecasting course and demonstrate a world view based on facts. GANDALF aims to experimentally investigate gamification effects on educational process of a forecasting techniques’ course by addressing three novel objectives: (1) Design, implement and use a web-based, modular, educational platform in order to teach exploratory data analytics (module 1) and forecasting time series methods (module 2); (2) Investigate behavioural and psychological effects of individual affordances on learning exploratory analysis and promote fact-based world-view; (3) Examine behavioural and psychological outcomes in the context of a forecasting time series methods course. GANDALF employs controlled experimental research methods, with pre-, post-test design and forecasting problems to gain knowledge on the gamification effect on learning, user-experience and users’ forecasting accuracy based on their characteristics as well. GANDALF, along with its innovative points, contributes not only to civic understanding of data, but also to investigate how to effectively motivate users to explore data insights. In parallel, GANDALF advances my professional career and personal development in interdisciplinary field of teaching and learning methodologies for forecasting courses with gamification strategies.


Participants :
- Tampere University (Finlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 190680.96 €
Projet FiBRa (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

A full training program on radioactive ion beam experiments with the gaseous active target will be pursued. In particular, it aims to investigate with the ACTAR-TPC detector the transfer induced fission of neutron-rich nuclei, to put new constraints on the nucleosynthesis rapid capture process (r-process). This will be possible thanks to high energy and intensity radioactive ion beams produced at the HIE-ISOLDE facility, in particular accessing the poorly-known region between Tl and Ra isotopes. The goal of this action is to investigate n-induced fission probability as a function of the excitation energy of the nucleus, with respect to the n-capture probability. This action starts with the already approved experimental campaign neutron-deficient isotopes between Tl and Ra: such a campaign will be used as a training field on both active target technology, transfer induced reactions, and fission of heavy nuclei. The full training will be reached developing an independent physics case on neutron-rich isotopes, more suitable for r-process investigation. The chosen bench-test is the 230Ra(d,p)231Ra reaction. I will be in charge of the proposal preparation, the experimental campaign, the data analysis, and publication. Such an experiment aims to discriminate between fission barrier models, in order to provide new constraints that can affect the astrophysical location of the r-process. Only the most recent developments at RIB facilities will allow performing the experiments here proposed. This will be done along with a two years action at KU Leuven, under the guidance of Prof. Riccardo Raabe, an expert in the active target technology and transfer induced studies. This action will allow me to obtain a high level of specialization that will be suitable for permanent positions at radioactive ion beam facilities, or at research institutes involved in these topics.

Mots clés : radioactive ion beams, active target, fission barrier, nucleosynthesys, r process

Participants :
- KU Leuven (Belgique) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 166320.0 €
Projet NpQFT-NEq (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

A full understanding of the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of many-body quantum systems is one of the ultimate goals of statistical physics. It is often extremely difficult to compute how physical quantities evolve with time in these settings, and to know when and how these systems eventually can reach some form of equilibrium. This difficulty is specially marked in systems described by quantum field theory, where non equilibrium dynamics are still less well understood than in discrete lattice models and quantum spin chains. Recent years have seen many developments of powerful non perturbative methods for understanding equilibrium quantum field theory, from different areas of physics. There seems, however, to be a disconnection between the plethora of new techniques developed in areas like high energy physics, nuclear physics, and cosmology, and the few applications these have seen in some of the younger active disciplines in non equilibrium quantum field theory, such as understanding the time evolution of observables and equilibration dynamics in low dimensional and strongly correlated systems. The main aim of this proposal is to implement an interdisciplinary approach to understand out-of-equilibrium physics, and quantum field theory in particular, borrowing and developing techniques from areas of high energy physics, such as non Abelian gauge theories, supersymmetric field theories and resurgent transseries, and from condensed matter physics, such as Bethe ansatz solutions and new quasilocal conserved quantities for integrable lattice models. This will provide several new analytical methods to approach non equilibrium field theory that go beyond perturbation theory and methods based on integrability. The success of this action will be ensured by the interdisciplinary backgrounds and expertise of both, the applicant and the host, as well as the diversity and opportunity for collaborations found at the host institution.

Mots clés : quantum quenches, integrable systems, exact solutions, thermalization, statistical field theory, transport, non abelian gauge theories

Participants :
- Utrecht University (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 177598.8 €
Projet EpiNoise (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

A fundamental question in biology is how different cell fates are generated. While it is clear that extensive remodelling of chromatin accessibility and DNA methylation is an essential step in early mammalian development, their roles in cell fate specification remain unclear. Furthermore, it is not known to what extent cell-to-cell differences in gene expression regulation affect cell fate decisions. The aim of this proposal is to uncover the roles of chromatin accessibility and DNAme in gene regulation and in cell fate specification during mouse development. I will use a novel sequencing approach for combined profiling of chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation and transcription in single cells as well as other state-of-the-art technologies to provide unique insights in the connection between chromatin accessibility, DNAme and transcription at the single cell level. Moreover, this proposal has the potential to drastically change our view of germ layer specification by highlighting the role of cellular heterogeneity in this process. Together, this will improve our understanding of both pluripotency and differentiation, advancing the fields of stem cell research and development. The proposed research combines my experience in the areas of cellular heterogeneity and multidisciplinary science with the host’s experience in single cell genomics, epigenetics and mouse development. The knowledge and skills gained from this project combined with my scientific and personal development will prepare me for my goal of establishing my own academic research group.

Mots clés : dna methylation, chromatin accessibility, gene regulation, single cell genomics, mammalian development, cellular heterogeneity

Participants :
- UK Research and Innovation (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet EARtH (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

All forms of Life on Earth exist in their own unique niches defined by their appearance, behaviour, and preferred environment. These niches allow species to coexist and for biodiversity to accumulate at local, regional, and continental scales. By quantifying these niches in many dimensions we can build a hypervolume that describes diversity through variation in niche axes. While high dimensional trait data of this kind exist for birds and mammals, reptiles—which account for 30% of terrestrial vertebrate species—are poorly represented in these data and empirical studies of niche evolution. In EARtH I aim to fill this knowledge gap by building a high dimensional niche database for all Australian lizard and snake species (15 morphological measurements, 10 environmental variables, >1,000 species, ~10% of global reptile richness). Both biotic (character displacement through competition) and abiotic (habitat filtering) influences are expected to have predictable effects on niche evolution. By investigating hypervolume properties through time and across Australian reptile radiations I will test for the influence of biotic interactions on niche evolution. This novel approach will provide insight into the community assembly process which has made Australia the world’s richest reptile hotspot. By comparing trends across the Australian landscape I will also test for associations between hypervolume occupancy, phylogenetic turnover, and climate. Undertaking this fellowship will help me to develop comparative methods, museum curatorial, and reproducibility skills that complement my background in phylogenetics and macroevolution, making me a stronger and more independent researcher. In return, I look forward to sharing my skills and findings with the staff and visitors of the Natural History Museum in London and beyond.

Mots clés : niche evolution, macroevolution

Participants :
- Natural History Museum (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Organismes publics (hors enseignement & recherche), subvention : 224933.76 €
Projet SENSOR (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

All living cells must control the biophysical properties of their lipid membranes. Accordingly, dysregulation of the mechanisms underlying this process is associated with a wide range of human diseases, including amongst others metabolic disorders and cancer. In recent years, the role of fatty acid (FA) saturation in controlling membrane fluidity has gained great attention given the realization that the balance between unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in the membrane is dynamic, and can be regulated to meet cellular needs. Herein, the SREBP-1 and -2 transcription factors play a pivotal role owing to their ability to control the level of cholesterol and fatty acid saturation. Our ability to understand the regulation of membrane fluidity and the intimate interaction between this property and SREBP regulation is hampered by the lack of experimental methods to faithfully follow FA saturation in a tempo-spatial resolution in live cells. To address this gap and to advance the field beyond the current state-of-the-art I therefore propose to combine my expertise in advanced functional genetic approaches with that of Prof. Zelcer in the molecular regulation of lipid metabolism, and specifically aim to: 1) Establish a universal and widely-applicable cellular system that reports on ER membrane saturation in mammalian cells through the use of an innovative fluorescent-based reporter. 2) Determine the genetic traits that govern ER membrane saturation in an unbiased manner with state-of-the-art genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9-based assays. The proposed experiments will greatly enhance our understanding of the regulation of FA metabolism and will result in the generation of innovative and widely applicable experimental tools for in vitro and in vivo monitoring of membrane saturation. These studies may also inform on novel therapeutic strategies to treat lipid-associated disorders.

Mots clés : membrane biology, fatty acids, membrane fluidity

Participants :
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 175572.48 €
Projet Experimental Microbiome (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

All metazoans harbour considerable numbers of commensal microorganisms in the gut, named microbiota, that contribute to many aspects of normal host physiology. Scientific research has provided invaluable contributions to our understanding of the relationship between host and its microbiota; however, the molecular mechanisms through which the microbiota exerts its beneficial influence are still largely undefined. The meta’omics revolution is promoting an explosion of interest in how the gut bacterial community impacts physiology and propensity to disease. In addition, gnotobiotic model organisms provide unique opportunities to study host-microbiota interplay with a level of experimental control that is not achievable in human studies. The coupling of those two approaches should allow to pinpoint key mechanisms underlying this mutually beneficial relationship. This research proposal aims to use those approaches to understand the bacterial genetic pathways mediating host benefits. To this end, we will apply in vivo experimental evolution to mutualistic bacteria, using gnotobiotic animal models. The work will investigate the association between the host model Drosophila melanogaster and one of its most abundant commensal bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum, which was demonstrated to be beneficial to its host physiology by promoting juvenile growth and maturation.

Mots clés : host, bacteria interactions, experimental microbial evolution, microbiota, lactobacillus plantarum

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 173076.0 €
Projet MAGIC (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Allergen-sensitized individuals may develop chronic airway inflammation, typically found in asthmatic patients. This process is thought to be mediated by the generation of antigen-specific memory Th2 cells, which respond stronger during subsequent encounters with the same allergen. The characterization of memory T cells has led to the development of vaccination therapies to produce desensitization towards specific antigens. However, these treatments are not always effective as some asthmatic patients respond to a wide range of allergens in a non-specific manner. The causes for this non-specific allergic response are currently unknown. This action postulates that Group 2 innate lymphoid cells, critical players in lung allergic inflammation, fill this gap of knowledge. The researcher showed that allergen-experienced mouse lung ILC2s acquire memory functions: remember previous allergen exposures and react stronger upon subsequent exposure to an unrelated allergen. The goal of this proposal is to demonstrate that human memory ILC2s are involved in asthma exacerbation and that IL-25 might be a target to ameliorate memory ILC2-mediated lung inflammation in these patients. The supervisor is an expert in human ILCs. Humanized mice will be used to define the phenotype and function of human memory ILC2 and the results will be further validated on peripheral blood and sputum samples from asthmatic patients. Asthma is considered by the World Health Organization the most common chronic lung disease worldwide with a substantial social and economic burden due to its high rate of under-diagnosis and under-treatment. Specific focus will be to raise awareness of clinicians and pharmaceutical companies about the potential of memory ILC2 as a target to improve diagnosis and treatment. This project will translate the researcher’s knowledge in to a human setting and provide a wealth of data to obtain further funding and become a research group leader in Europe.

Mots clés : innate lymphoid cells, allergy, asthma, type 2 inflammation, immunological memory

Participants :
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 177598.8 €
Projet ResonanceCircuits (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Almost 200 years ago, Jan Purkinje examined the visual illusions induced by flickering light. Since then, scientists, clinicians, and artists have been fascinated by the effects of flicker on brain rhythms. When entrained with rhythmic light of ~10, ~20, ~40 Hz, visual cortex responds more strongly, or resonates. In the visual and cognitive neurosciences, resonance flicker is used to study perception and attention; in clinical domain, aberrant resonance responses to flicker are used as a diagnostic tool and potential treatment. However, the neural mechanisms by which flicker engages resonant properties of local cortical circuits and entrains brain rhythms at the level they are generated remain unknown. Over the past decade, this level became accessible to neuroscientists due to the rapid development of new neurobiological tools such as cell-type-specific optical stimulation (optogenetics). In this project, using recordings that span multiple spatial scales (from neurons and local field potentials across cortical layers to EEG), I will characterize the neural mechanisms by which flicker stimuli engage resonant properties of brain rhythms. I will use optogenetic tools to identify and manipulate genetically targeted cell types, and will combine it with simultaneous EEG and high-density laminar recordings in primary visual cortex of awake mice. I will determine the laminar profile of neural activity underlying flicker resonance observed at the EEG level (Study 1). By recording from distinct GABAergic interneuron classes and optogenetically silencing them, I will test the novel hypothesis that distinct classes of interneurons mediate flicker resonance to low (theta, alpha) and high (beta, gamma) frequencies (Study 2). This research will allow me to uncover the neurophysiological basis of resonance responses to flicker in unprecedented detail, and provide means to exploit the untapped potential of flicker as a tool to study and modulate brain rhythms in a targeted way.

Mots clés : flicker, resonance, steady state visual evoked potentials, optogenetics, multiscale

Participants :
- Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 175572.48 €