Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet SKIN-CANCER-PROBE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Ambient mass spectrometry (AMS) has gained substantial attention in numerous research fields including clinical diagnosis as being a nondestructive, fast and simple approach. Despite of the advances in mass spectrometry (MS) one of its main disadvantages is the simultaneous introduction of the matrix and analyte to MS that results in low sensitivity associated with a high background and ion suppression, and frequent instrumental maintenance. Therefore, there is a need for a ground-breaking sampling tool that is combinable with MS and that does not compromise the above mentioned merits. Here we propose (i) to develop a novel handheld probe, which will have micro extraction mechanism for small molecules/biomarkers from the surface and can be combined with MS for real time targeted and untargeted analyses; (ii) to utilize the probe as a clinical diagnostic tool for noninvasive fast determination of skin cancer. The probe will be designed as a surface touch sampling device suitable for spot analysis and for continuous mode chemical imaging of surface. The device will be integrated with online desorption using a solvent junction and desorbed metabolites will be directed to MS. As proof-of-concept, skin cancer biomarkers and some other typical skin metabolites will be targeted during the probe development. Preliminary analyses with the probe will be conducted on the surface of agarose gel spiked with the selected metabolites mimicking artificial skin surface using MS in targeted mode. Upon development of the probe and prove of the detection of the biomarkers from the synthetic skin media the study will be extended to in vivo mice model with tumor. This novel probe will make a significant impact as rapid and reliable diagnostic tool. This project will open an opportunity for the researcher to develop her future career by implementing the novel probe in emerging research fields (e.g. clinical, forensic, etc.), where fast and reliable analytical tools are in high demand.

Mots clés : in vivo sampling, solid phase microextraction, on line small molecule imaging, skin cancer, probe, mass spectrometric imaging, skin analysis, targeted analyis, untargeted analysis, biocompatible

Participants :
- Middle East Technical University (Turquie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 145355.52 €
Projet HypoCyclo (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Among all breast cancers (BC) affecting female population worldwide, 20% is represented by Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype with very limited therapeutic options and poor survival. Seeking for innovative TNBC therapies, HypoCyclo aims at the optimal combination of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). We envisage novel, tailored cyclodextrin (CyD)-based polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) able to load “known” therapeutic agents and decorated with a photosensitizer as well as an Oxygen-Releasing Agent. HypoCyclo focuses on the very effective drug paclitaxel (PCX) presenting several treatment problems like water insolubility. Biocompatible, novel CyD polymers are expected to solubilize and encapsulate through non-covalent binding the drug of choice in order to implement PCX chemotherapy with PDT, through the decoration with a PS able to generate antitumor reactive oxygen species (ROS) in situ. Indeed, PDT has become a very challenging yet feasible option thanks to the technological advances in lasers and fiber-optics allowing interstitial and intra-operative light delivery for the treatment of solid tumours, including BC. Finally, as hypoxia in BC tissue compromises standard chemotherapy and PDT, we will tailor our NPs with an ORA able to release oxygen in cells, enabling an alternative ROS source. The PCX loaded NPs will be completely characterized and tested in 2D and 3D TNBC models. Our goal is to keep the synthetic protocols simple, low-cost and green to facilitate industrial upgrade of the loaded multimodal NPs endowed with improved in vitro efficacy. Two partners, the SME Cyclolab and UNIBO, both already collaborating with the supervisor, will give the necessary support in mixed-CyD polymer synthesis and in the biological assays, respectively, guaranteeing a successful outcome. The project foresees a demanding training program for ER that will help him to become an independent researcher with a complete profile.

Mots clés : cyclodextrin based polymers, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, hypoxia, triple negative breast cancer

Participants :
- National Research Council (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 257209.92 €
Projet EcoTrans (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Among the next-generation of energy technologies, fuel cells and air batteries show great potential to meet our growing energy demands. However, their overall efficiency is severely limited by the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode. So far, Pt-based materials are regarded as the ideal ORR electrocatalyst in practical applications because of the high catalytic activity and stability. However, the scarcity, high cost, and inferior long-term stability of Pt restrict its widespread application. The development of non-platinum group metals (non-PGM) earth-abundant alternatives with high activity and durability has been considered as a crucial task. A class of materials including transition metals and carbon-based compounds have been reported as the alternative catalysts to Pt for ORR, especially in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Among them, the low cost electrocatalysts based on M-N (M, transition metal, such as Co, Fe and Ni) with carbon support (M-N-C) are the most studied. However, the relative low catalytic activity limited by the active cites, low catalyst utilization in practical electrodes because of the thick catalyst layer resulting from the high catalyst loading, and poor stability due to the leaching of transitional metals in real operation conditions are still big challenges in both fuel cells and metal-air batteries. In EcoTrans, the main purpose is to establish new knowledge of the enhancement mechanisms on catalytic activities of novel M-N-C catalysts prepared from acidic treated precursors and surface encapsulation by polymerized ionic liquids (ILs), and then based on the understanding to define the structure and synergistic effects between different elements to guide the development of low cost, highly active M-N-C based catalyst electrodes. The ambitious aim will be achieved with the complementary skills of the ER (N-C and transitional metal electrocatalysts) and supervisors (fuel cell electrodes and ILs).

Mots clés : proton exchange membrane fuel cell, electrode, oxygen reduction reaction, electrocatalyst, ionic liquid

Participants :
- University of Birmingham (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 224933.76 €
Projet DOC (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

An ageing population as well as chronic and infectious diseases, pandemic threats and antimicrobial resistance are currently on the rise. As a consequence, increasing attention is paid to the development of novel drugs, treatments and personal care products. In this context, blue biotechnology offers an opportunity to explore the potential of the marine microbial world to produce biological active metabolites, which may support health and wellbeing. The general goal of this proposal is the extraction and identification of biologically active substances in one of the largest reservoirs of organic material on Earth: the recalcitrant marine dissolved organic matter (RDOM) pool. This pool is an unexplored potential source of bioactive substances. For this purpose, the RDOM will be extracted from (1) one of the oldest water masses of the global ocean located at intermediate depths of the North Pacific and (2) the reworked DOM of marine sediments porewater in the North Sea. A comparative screen will be performed with the more recent surface oceanic water of the North Pacific. The antioxidant, immunostimulant and antitumoral potential of these DOM samples will be explored to evaluate possible cosmetical and pharmaceutical suitability. The DOM molecular diversity and features identified by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance will be correlated with the different modes of bioactivity. This proposal will enable Dr. Catalá to broaden her expertise on molecular characterization of the DOM pool, to learn new methodologies of bioactive substances identification as well as to meet future challenges on marine natural product research, endorsed by the H2020 Societal Challenges of 'Health, Demographic Change and Wellbeing' and 'Marine Research and the Bioeconomy'. This combination of expertise is unique, and thus will be a milestone in Dr. Catalá career towards an independent scientist of high international visibility.

Mots clés : marine cosmeceuticals, recalcitrant dissolved organic matter, marine resources, ageing, human wellbeing, bioactive substances

Participants :
- Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 159460.8 €
Projet miR156evo (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

An ancient divergence in land plant evolution gave rise to the vascular plant (e.g. Arabidopsis) and bryophyte (e.g. moss) groups. Prolonged apical growth is a defining feature of vascular plants and the establishment of elaborate shoot systems with delayed reproductive development enabled their extraordinary evolutionary success. In contrast, mosses undergo transient apical growth prior to rapid reproductive development. In Arabidopsis, the microRNA miR156 represses members of the SPL family of transcription factors that inhibit apical growth and promote developmental transitions. However, the role of the miR156-SPL module in plant evolution remains to determined. SPL genes evolved before plants colonised land, whereas miR156 arose during early plant evolution. It is possible, therefore, that miR156 was a critical innovation in land plant evolution that facilitated the elaboration of vascular plant forms. My Proposal will test this hypothesis by taking a comparative developmental approach. Using gain and loss-of function genetic techniques I will characterise the role of miR156 and SPL genes in moss sporophyte development, specifically, their effects on apical growth and reproductive development. In Arabidopsis, I will test how SPL genes regulate apical growth using reporter genes assays, advanced imaging and genome-wide surveys of SPL-targets. Finally, I will test the importance of intercellular signaling to apical growth in moss and Arabidopsis by blocking connections between cells. This Fellowship will provide training from a world-leading expert in cutting-edge techniques that are critical to my long-term research objectives. It will allow me to extend my research portfolio by asking fundamental biological questions in a new experimental system (moss) within a highly stimulating scientific environment. The training and outstanding professional development opportunities provided by the University of Bristol will be vital to achieve my career ambitions.

Mots clés : plant development, moss, arabidopsis, shoot apical meristem, plant evolution, vegetative phase change, mir156, sporophyte, symplastic signaling

Participants :
- University of Bristol (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 212933.76 €
Projet CAlCULUS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

An efficient and just transport system is a key element of sustainable development and an indispensable component of coherent modern societies. Improving accessibility and reducing its disparities are the means that bridge the reduction of negative transportation outcomes with a positive response to the increased mobility needs of contemporary societies. This places accessibility at the core of the main challenges of EU’s urban areas. A proper identification of causes of low accessibility combined with a profound knowledge of the outcomes of a particular pattern facilitate the formulation of the most efficient policy response that leads towards social inclusion, an increase of well-being, and a fully-fledged citizenship of contemporary societies. The CAlCULUS project aims to deepen understanding of the causes and consequences of unfavourable accessibility patterns in order to develop a decision-support model which facilitates more efficient and just transport management. The growing potential of smart cities and the recent development of big data mining provide new opportunities for innovative analyses of accessibility and travel behaviour. The previous experience of the fellow in the field of accessibility and international comparative urban studies, together with the host’s expertise in the application of big data for transport research, create perfect conditions for the implementation of the proposed research project. The influential position of the UCM and the experience of its Scientific Culture and Dissemination Unit guarantee efficient communication of the project results to diverse target groups and facilitate public engagement. Mentoring from the supervisor, and the support of the host institution which includes dedicated training opportunities, teaching involvement, and the development of management skills, will be a milestone in a path towards research maturity and will lay the foundations for the future establishment of the fellow’s own research team.

Mots clés : accessibility, transport planning, travel behaviour, smart card data, big data, social structures, social equity

Participants :
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 170121.6 €
Projet HIFIG (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

An efficient nonlinear quantum gate between two single-photons is highly desirable, as it will enable processing quantum information stored in optical photons. This capability is essential for building next generation of quantum networks, and optical quantum computing. However, such a device is constrained by lack of interaction between optical photons in natural environments. Interestingly, cavity quantum electrodynamics provides several paths towards achieving nonlinear interaction between photons. This action aims at realizing a high fidelity and efficient nonlinear gate between two single-photons using a compact solid-state design. Our approach is based on using the spin-state of a hole in an InAs/GaAs quantum dot to mediate the interaction between the photons. It has recently been demonstrated that the quantum coherence of the hole state can be on the order of several hundreds of nanoseconds. Also, the hole-states have been shown to have very coherent optical transitions which makes them an ideal candidate to realize spin-photon interfaces. In order to boost the interaction between the photons and the quantum dot, a novel microcavity structure will be used. The microcavity structure has recently been developed in the host group and shows spectacular features such as a Q-factor of 1 million, and a cooperativity of 100, making the combination of the hole-state and the microcavity structure an ideal platform to realize photonic gates. The results of this action will be highly instrumental for building quantum repeaters, and may open new directions for quantum computers based on optical photons. For instance, such a nonlinear gate may be combined with a linear network of coupled waveguides to enhance the simulation capabilities of the linear network. Finally, this action is aligned very well with the goals of the Quantum Technologies flagship initiative, and will contribute to the collective effort by the European researchers towards a lead in quantum technologies.

Mots clés : quantum dots, spin physics, quantum gates, photon photon gates, spin photon interaction, cavity qed

Participants :
- University of Basel (Suisse) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 191149.44 €
Projet SpaDeRisks (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

An extreme still water level (ESWL) event caused by a single storm can affect multiple populations, critical services, and industrial sectors, thus magnifying the impacts of the event. The identification of coastal stretches prone to be impacted simultaneously by an ESWL event is crucial for accurate risk analyses, development of efficient emergency plans, robust insurance schemes, and public adaptation funds. However, little attention has been paid to the study of the spatial extension of storm surges and ESWLs and the related studies were conducted under the assumption of stationarity. Also, the spatial dependencies of the storm surges and ESWLs have been systematically neglected in broad-scale coastal risk assessments. Through a combination of ESWL, surge, and socio-economic datasets, and by using advanced statistical and vulnerability assessment models, SpaDeRisks addresses these knowledge gaps. In this project, it will be (i) investigated, at a global scale, the non-stationarity spatial dependencies of ESWLs and storm surges; (ii) performed a novel framework to include the spatial dependencies into broad-scale coastal flood risk assessment and; (iii) assessed flood coastal impacts under present and future conditions. The new framework will provide additional risk metrics that cannot be derived from traditional broad-scale coastal risk analyses. Results from this project will be relevant for the scientific community and stakeholders involved in coastal management and thus, special attention will be devoted to dissemination and communication. The fellowship will contribute to the development of the researcher career through broadening the competencies in assessing coastal flooding, acquiring new knowledge in oceanographic sciences and advanced statistical techniques, and learning the use of the state-of-the-art models for vulnerability and impact assessment.

Mots clés : coastal hazards  risk and vulnerability assessment  statistical model  coastal flooding

Participants :
- State University System of Florida (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 253052.16 €
Projet SoMuKT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

An important factor favoring cancer initiation is the lifelong accumulation of somatic mutations in the genome. In agreement, somatic mutations in a specific set of driver genes has been shown to drive the transition from a healthy cell to a tumorigenic clone in the kidney. The vast majority of kidney tumors originate from a specific segment of the kidney nephron, named proximal tubule (PT). However, the rate of somatic mutation accumulation before tumorigenic transformation in the kidney PT and the causes underlying this phenomenon are unexplored. Somatic mutation data can be used as a footprint to track the mutational processes that occurred in a specific cell during an individual´s lifetime. I established a protocol for reliable detection of somatic mutations in non-cancer human cells. I obtained whole genome data from clonally expanded single cells from skeletal muscle, kidney, fat and skin of healthy donors. My preliminary data point to an increased rate of somatic mutation accumulation during adult life in kidney PT compared to other kidney and non-kidney cells. PT cells showed a unique mutation pattern and distribution that enhances the chances of acquiring a driver mutation and tumorigenic traits. The very homogeneous pattern of somatic mutations in PT cells leads me to the hypothesis that the kidney PT is exposed to genotoxic compounds that are endogenously produced during physiological cellular activities. In particular, my data point to specific metabolic pathways, including 1) ammonia production, 2) aminoacid metabolism /reabsorption from the urine and 3) response to hypoxia. I will use cellular models to perturb the metabolic homeostasis of the kidney PT and test the effect on somatic mutagenesis and underlining mechanisms. My project will shed light on a mostly unexplored topic: how cellular metabolism can damage the genome over time and may have important implications for tumor prevention.

Mots clés : somatic mutations, kidney cancer, kidney proximal tubule, aging, endogenous mutagens

Participants :
- Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 183473.28 €