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

Space-like singularities, where space-time curvature becomes infinite, pose a profound challenge in modern physics, highlighting the limitations of general relativity and necessitating a quantum gravity framework. Several potential candidates for quantum gravity have been proposed and developed, with String Theory standing out as the most prominent one. At the level of low-energy effective actions, these theories refine the Einstein–Hilbert Lagrangian by introducing specific higher-order terms in spacetime curvature. This proposal seeks to understand space-like singularities in this context. Particularly, I will reformulate the Belinski-Khalatnikov-Lifshitz (BKL) conjecture within generalised quasi-topological gravities. This approach aims to deepen our understanding of the chaotic dynamics near space-like singularities, particularly in black holes and the early universe.  The motivation for this research stems from the need to understand space-like singularities, particularly the spacetime dynamics close to it, in an effective theory of quantum gravity. The project involves developing computationally efficient numerical methods to solve the complex equations of motion in generalised quasi-topological gravity coupled with massive tensor fields, focusing on spherically symmetric spacetimes to maintain tractability. We will explore the holographic implications of singularities through the AdS/CFT correspondence, analyzing boundary conformal field theory observables to gain insights into black hole interiors. This dual approach will enhance our understanding of how singularities encode themselves in these observables and provide fresh perspectives on the holographic nature of black hole interiors.  The project will be conducted under the supervision of Professor Simon Ross at Durham University. The expected outcomes include significant advancements in theoretical physics, resulting in high-impact publications and the development of new computational techniques.

Mots clés : ads cft correspondence, black holes, big bang, higher curvature gravities, cosmological models

Participants :
- Université de Durham (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 276187.92 €
Projet STREAM (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Na-based all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are promising alternatives to solve the intrinsic safety and raw materials availability issues related to current Li-ion technology. Moreover, they theoretically overcome the state-of-the-art performance of available cells, by enabling the use of metallic negative electrode. However, the metal penetration over cycling plagues the performance of ASSBs, leading to dangerous short circuits, which can be mitigated by opportune synthesis conditions of the solid electrolytes, as well as by opportune cell stack pressure. To get insights into Na-based systems, at present under explored, this project, STREAM (Sodium Through Rigid Electrolyte: Advanced Measurements), aims to study the relations between mechanical properties and electrochemical behaviour of a selected class of Na-based solid electrolytes, SEs (hydroborates and derivatives), prepared by cost-effective, solvent-free and upscalable mechanochemical syntheses. The metal propagation through the electrolyte will be studied by operando optical measurements on symmetrical Na|SE|Na cells, with an in-plane geometry, a cutting-edge investigation technique never applied to such class of materials, flanked by post mortem SEM and AFM characterizations. The opportune conditions of preparation and cell manufacturing (stack pressure, electrolyte thickness) preventing or limiting the dendrite formation will be therefore transferred to a complete cell prototype, equipped with high-voltage-operating positive electrodes. By correlating electrochemical signature with mechanism of cell failure driven by metal propagation inside the battery, this study will provide a reliable series of data that can open the gate for implementing AI-driven quality control and safety tests on commercial/prototypes ASSBs.


Participants :
- Université de Sassari (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 172750.08 €
- Blackstone technology gmbh (Allemagne) — Partner, associated partner, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 0.0 €
Projet TESSIE (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

This project aims to resolve longstanding uncertainties in the early solar system’s history by analyzing chondrules—millimeter-sized particles found in meteorites. Chondrules, formed in the protoplanetary disk that surrounded the young Sun, hold key insights into early solar system evolution and planetary formation. However, discrepancies in the dating of these objects using different chronometric systems have led to debates about their formation timeline. This research will employ high-precision isotope analysis of magnesium, silicon, and chromium in chondrules from both inner and outer solar system meteorites. By examining mass-independent isotopic heterogeneity, the project seeks to refine our understanding of the conditions and processes that shaped the early solar system, ultimately enhancing astrophysical models of mass distribution and migration within the protoplanetary disk.

Mots clés : cosmochemistry, isotopes, solar system evolution, meteorites, mass transport, chondrule formation

Participants :
- Université de Bristol (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 276187.92 €
Projet ULTRA-2DPK (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

ULTRA-2DPK aims to elucidate the fundamental limitations in the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites (PKs), guide the optimization of 2DPK and 2DPK/3DPK solar cell devices, and further promote their development for industrial applications. The increasing demand for clean energy technologies in Europe dictates the search for optoelectronic devices with reduced fabrication costs and high PCEs. 2DPKs provide promising pathways for developing stable next-generation optoelectronics, including solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and lasing devices. In principle, understanding the physical mechanisms underpinning the transient electron flows and atomic motion in 2DPK-based devices can lead to unprecedented improvements in their PCEs. To this aim, experiments based on ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy are making excellent progress. However, computational strategies to interpret the complex nonequilibrium phenomena manifested in this type of measurements are still lacking. In this fellowship, a novel first-principles methodology, that takes entirely into account electron-phonon and anharmonic dynamics will be developed. The recent advances in electronic structure and many-body theory approaches will be combined to study thermal equilibrium and nonequilibrium optoelectronic properties of 2DPKs with increasing layer thickness. ULTRA-2DPK also focuses on the transfer of knowledge of the experienced researcher in finite-temperature many-body approaches to the host institute, as well as the enhancement of his soft and research skills that will enable him to become a leading figure in his field. The objectives of the present project match perfectly with the European Union targets of a sustainable solar energy ecosystem, as well as the development of modern and low-cost optoelectronic technologies.

Mots clés : perovskites, hybrid 2d halide perovskites, nonequilibrium dynamics, electron phonon coupling, ultrafast pump probe spectroscopy, density functional theory, diffuse scattering, phonons

Participants :
- Institut national des sciences appliquées de Rennes (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 211754.88 €
Projet PACHACUTI (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Coastal El Niño (CEN) events have affected the northern half of Peru's coast for millennia bringing very warm climate conditions that lead to heavy rainfall and floods. In the central Peruvian desert of Casma, the presence of numerous fortified settlements dating from around 320-200 BCE suggests that their construction occurred during a period of warfare and regional instability. However, the reasons behind this instability remain unclear. The larger of these fortresses, Chankillo, may hold the key to understand when and why these structures were built. Well-preserved wooden lintels in Chankillo’s structures provide an opportunity to study the environmental past. A preliminary tree-ring width study revealed an anomalous wide ring in timbers from the lintels just before Chankillo’s construction, which could be the result of a CEN-induced catastrophic episode of heavy rainfall. This extreme CEN may have sparked instability and warfare, shaping central Peruvian history around 2,300 years ago. PACHACUTI aims to determine whether a catastrophic CEN event took place around 320-200 BCE, before Chankillo’s construction, by combining dendroarchaeology, annually-resolved stable oxygen isotope (18O) analysis and radiocarbon wiggle-matching. This ground-breaking interdisciplinary approach will use samples from Chankillo’s architectural timbers to develop an 18O chronology capturing hydroclimate variability over the 120 years before Chankillo’s construction. This novel record will encapsulate the frequency, magnitude and impacts of past CEN events during this period, offering insights into the climatic context surrounding Chankillo’s origins. Furthermore, it will also serve to date other archaeological sites in the region. If proven, this discovery will reveal the oldest known CEN event with a significant societal impact, highlighting the need to improve mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of future extreme hydroclimatic events for modern societies.

Mots clés : dendrochronology

Participants :
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 232916.16 €
- Université de Piura (Pérou) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Société Max-Planck pour le développement des sciences (Allemagne) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet Bi-echem (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The proposed work involves merging low-valent bismuth catalysis with electrochemistry to unlock eminently sustainable methods for C-C bond formation. The research outlined herein would constitute the first systematic foray into electrocatalytic organobismuth manifolds for the synthesis of organic molecules.  Well-defined monomeric Bi(I) pincer complexes have recently been used to activate redox-active esters and alkyl halides via 1-electron and 2-electron pathways, respectively. In the first section, we propose a systematic electrochemical characterization of several N,C,N-Bi(III) pincer complexes, with particular emphasis on identifying the reversibility and potential of distinct redox states accessible by each complex. The cathodic reduction of Bi(III) species to their Bi(I) counterparts will also be performed in the presence of alkyl electrophiles to afford Bi(III)-alkyl species. The insights obtained from these foundational studies will be applied in the context of developing electrocatalytic manifolds for the C(sp3) carboxylation and C(sp3)-C(sp3) coupling reactions, two transformations that remain challenging even in the context of transition metal catalysis.

Mots clés : bismuth, organic electrochemistry, small molecule activation

Participants :
- Société Max-Planck pour le développement des sciences (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 189687.36 €
Projet SolarCar (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Global CO2 emission dominated by burning fossil fuels is resulting in serious societal and environmental issues. To reduce CO2 emission, it is ultimately needed to move away from the reliance on fossil fuels and develop new processes and technologies for CO2 capture and transformation to value-added chemical and products. This project aims to develop and validate an innovative concept for solar energy-driven diphenyl carbonate— essential monomer for polycarbonate—synthesis by coupling CO2 reduction and phenol oxidation half reactions over palladium single atom supported bismuth-based porous halide perovskite photocatalyst. The proposal consists of key scientific and technological targets and objectives; i) modulation of band structure and creation of defects sites on morphology-controlled halide perovskites for anchoring of palladium single atom sites, which will result in a new class of hybrid materials, ii) demonstration of the proof of concept of CO2 reduction and phenol oxidation half-reactions, and the combination of their intermediates to form diphenyl carbonate over hybrid photocatalyst, which is an untouched research territory and has great scientific and technological potentials, iii) exploration and gaining insights about reaction mechanism by using state-of-the-art spectroscopic methods and theoretical predictions. This high-risk/high-gain project is expected to have far-reaching scientific, economic, technological, and societal impacts.

Mots clés : solar driven photocatalyst single metal atom halide perovskite, diphenyl carbonate production coupling of photo redox radical intermediates

Participants :
- Société Max-Planck pour le développement des sciences (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 173847.36 €
Projet cDcIVA (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

cDcIVA aims to reveal a gut-bone marrow axis mediated by retinoic acid (RA) as a fate-instructive factor for the development of conventional dendritic cell (cDC) precursors in the bone marrow. Communication between the intestine and other organs, such as the bone marrow is mediated by several nutrients, including Vitamin A. This proposal focuses on examining how the Vitamin A derivative, RA, reaches the bone marrow and boosts the output of a specific RA-responsive cDC subset with implications on predisposing certain effector functions of the adaptive immune system. By integrating in vitro differentiation assays, spatial transcriptomics, and in vivo RA manipulations (genetically and pharmacologically), this proposal aims to: 1) establish the role of Vitamin A, as a mediator of the gut-bone marrow axis, in regulating cDC development, 2) demonstrate that retinoic acid is the sole Vitamin A metabolite that can have cell intrinsic effects on cDC progenitors and 3) reveal the cells that metabolise and supply RA to cDC progenitors and form part of an instructive bone marrow niche. cDcIVA will advance our understanding of how the interplay between nutrition and immunity can regulate the development of the cells that govern the effector functions of the adaptive immune system, offering valuable insights for future research in vaccination and cancer immunotherapy.

Mots clés : conventional dendritic cells, bone marrow niche, myeolopoiesis

Participants :
- Champalimaud Foundation (Portugal) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 191343.12 €
Projet RegenerationFly (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The regenerative potential of the adult brain lies within the neural stem cells (NSCs), a group of dormant cells capable of generating specialized neurons and glial cells. NSCs are embedded in dedicated niches that are composed of heterogeneous cells, which provide a unique combination of signaling molecules and physical properties to support NSCs functions. However, how niche cells remodel to promote complex NSC activation for repair and act as cohesive unit still remains elusive. This project aims to delineate and genetically manipulate the niche cells in vivo and characterize their coordinated functioning in the transition of NSCs from quiescence to an active proliferative state during brain regeneration. We will take advantage of recently identified quiescent NSC-like cells in the adult brain of genetically versatile fruit flies, which activate upon injury for regeneration and integrate similar features to their mammalian counterpart. While the niche provides local cues to articulate the proliferation in the NSCs, peripherical tissues are also affected upon brain damage. Notably, metabolic relevant tissues as the adipose tissue and the gut are necessary to provide energy for the generation of new cells in the niches. However, which are the signaling molecules spanning upon damage and their source in the brain remains unknown. Thus, we propose to study the inter-organ crosstalk between the brain and other tissues during brain regeneration. Overall, this work will provide detailed knowledge about cell interactions within the niches and inter-organ communication upon NSC activation in response to tissue damage. By elucidating molecular and cellular mechanisms, this study aims to provide a comprehensive framework for harnessing the latent regenerative capacity of the brain, ultimately fostering advancements in regenerative medicine.

Mots clés : neurogenesis, regeneration, inter organ crosstalk, drosophila

Participants :
- Champalimaud Foundation (Portugal) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 156778.56 €
Projet SquidVibrio (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Animals often use associations with microbes to preserve their health. These mutualisms are maintained by host-microbe communication and though interactions between bacterial symbionts. The squid-vibrio symbiosis has been used for over 30 years to study beneficial host-microbe associations. However, nearly all studies of the symbiosis have used Euprymna scolopes and its only symbiont, Vibrio fischeri, which precludes examination of how multiple microbial species affect symbiosis. Using the squid Sepiola affinis, and its two symbionts, V. fischeri and Vibrio logei, the SquidVibrio project proposes to examine the effects of multiple microbial species within a mutualism. The project is organized into three objectives. 1) Implement a husbandry facility for S. affinis. 2) Quantify the symbiont populations within the S. affinis light organ over seasons and over maturation. 3) Identify how the symbiont populations alter metabolites within the light organ. First, a husbandry facility will be established at the Banyuls-sur-Mer Oceanographic Observatory that will allow for the maintenance of wild S. affinis and for rearing of the squid. Second, metagenomics will be used to estimate the proportions of V. fischeri and V. logei within the light organ. Subsequently, light organs of field-caught and reared squid will be imaged using confocal microscopy to identify if the Vibrio spp. inhabit mixed or distinct niches. The third objective will use LC-MS and mass spectrometry imaging to identify metabolites that are altered by each Vibrio spp. and how localization patterns of these molecules are affected. These methods will allow for the two-way transfer of knowledge, with the researcher providing squid husbandry techniques and the host institution providing genomics and metabolomics. The SquidVibrio project will establish S. affinis as a model organism in Europe that can provide insights into how symbionts interact both with each other and their host to underly a mutualism.

Mots clés : mutualism, symbiosis, host microbe

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
- Sorbonne Université (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 211754.88 €
Projet EVasion (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Melanoma is the deadliest of the skin cancers. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), which are blocking antibodies that help to restore antitumor immunity, are currently used for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. However, only approximately 20% of the patients respond to ICI. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the resistance to these therapies is essential to predict patients' response and increase treatment success. Extracellular vesicles(EVs), nanosized structures released by virtually all cells, are key mediators of cell-cell communication and horizontal transfer of biomolecules locally and systemically. EVs are known to play an important role in cancer biology by regulating cell apoptosis, angiogenesis, antigen presentation and immune modulation. In recent years, EVs have been shown to also act as protein-decoys, through binding and sequestering soluble proteins, thus preventing protein-target interactions. Previous work from the host group shows that EVs excreted by melanoma cell lines express interferon-γ receptor (IFNGR). Thus, we hypothesize that melanoma-derived EVs modulate the bioavailability and activity of this cytokine. Preliminary results show that EVs isolated from mouse metastatic melanoma B16-F10 cells express IFNGR, bind to IFNγ, and protect tumor cells from the cytotoxic effect of IFNγ. Because resistance to antitumor immunity and to ICI has been linked to defects in IFNγ signaling, this project aims to investigate whether IFNGR+ EVs downregulate IFNγ signaling and ICI response. This research has the potential to unveil a novel yet overlooked cancer immune evasion mechanism mediated by IFNGR+ EVs, which may provide crucial insights to optimize current cancer therapies and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Mots clés : extracellular vesicles, antitumor immunity, evasion, decoy effect, immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, biomarker, interferon gamma, interferon gamma receptor, melanoma

Participants :
- Champalimaud Foundation (Portugal) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 172618.56 €