Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet RUPTURE (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Elevated rates of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been detected in almost all cancers, where they promote many aspects of tumour development and progression. The radical generated, the location, as well as the local concentration, are essential for the cellular functions of ROS in cancer. Among redox modulating compounds, selenium derivatives have gained substantial attention due to their promising chemotherapeutic potential, which result from selenium’s ability to act as a pro-oxidant at high dosage. This proposal is intended to develop novel therapeutic agents based on selenium-containing dendrimers, which act as precision carriers with unparalleled structural perfection. These agents, with a plethora of internally queued selenium-selenium bridges will be activated upon the rupturing of the dendritic carriers by external stimuli. It is herein envisioned that RUPTURE can rise to the challenge, acting as cutting-edge prodrugs that will fine-tune intracellular ROS signalling to effectively deprive cells of ROS-induced tumour-promoting events, thereby tipping the balance to ROS-induced apoptotic signalling.

Mots clés : nanotechnology, dendrimer, rupture, selenium, ros, cancer

Participants :
- Institut Karolinska (Suède) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- KTH Institut royal de technologie (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 206887.68 €
Projet SynERMCSs (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) can rapidly reorganize its functional domains and inter-organelle communication sites in response to cellular demands. ER-mitochondria communication is essential for normal cell physiology, as it conveys lipid exchange, mitochondrial calcium uptake, among other vital processes for mitochondrial function. In neurons, activity-mediated dynamics of ER and mitochondria are required for synaptic responsiveness to induction of synaptic plasticity and stimulating neuronal activity increases the number of ER-mitochondria contact sites (ERMCSs). Whilst system modelling predicts that ERMCSs control the postsynaptic energy landscape, the actual contribution of synaptic and perisynaptic inter-organelle dynamics to synaptic plasticity is still quite unknown. The small and compact structure of dendrites constrains the visualization of local ER-mitochondria contact site dynamics, being the application of nanoscopy techniques fundamental to follow these processes upon induction of synaptic plasticity. The use of cutting-edge super-resolution microscopy in this project will provide unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution to the study of activity-mediated ER and mitochondria dynamics and inter-organelle contacts heterogeneity in live neurons. Likewise, it will clarify the contribution of ERMCSs to sustain normal dendritic physiology as well as the intricate system triggering and upholding synaptic plasticity. Dysfunction of the ERMCSs has been reported in various neurodegenerative disorders due to mutation in proteins promoting and supporting ER-mitochondria communication. Neurodegenerative disorders are responsible for a great burden in disease, as dementias alone affect over 7 million people in Europe and this figure is expected to increase dramatically with aging of the population.

Mots clés : endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, inter organelle communication, synaptic plasticity, super resolution microscopy

Participants :
- KTH Institut royal de technologie (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 206887.68 €
Projet DRIVEN (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

DRIVEN analyzes the process of avatar embodiment and its role in the expression and practice of religion in immersive virtual environments. Considering religion as an embodied experience, this project aims to provide a fresh understanding of digital embodiment, its potentialities for the construction of religious identity, and how avatar-driven rituals enable religion's material dimension to be ethically manifested online. This will be done by combining phenomenological and posthuman philosophies, media and religious studies, cultural anthropology, and gender perspectives with a) thematic interviews and b) participant observation with unstructured interviews. Recent studies have proposed avatars as extended virtual representations allowing creative manifestations of identity or as devices of digital embodiment capable of affecting the user’s physical offline condition; however, none of them have contemplated religion as a research context. Also, scholars on digital religion have provided valuable insights on the material potentialities of digital media for the development of ‘lived’ religion (mainly after COVID-19), but none of these studies have included virtual avatars in immersive environments. DRIVEN will explore and analyze users’ avatars in selected digital games and social VR platforms where avatar presence and agency are most marked. The project will focus on Christianity and Neopaganism, two religious identities that make it possible to observe how users respond to the digital space in different ways according to their religious backgrounds. By exploring the avatar, the avatar-user relationships, and religious performances driven by avatars, DRIVEN will shed new light on the nature of digital religious practices and how the study of virtual avatars can bring alternative developments on aspects like experiential authenticity, religious freedom, disability, and gender representation, as well as the creation of ethical VR spaces for religious pursuits.

Mots clés : digital religion game studies digital embodiment media studies phenomenology posthumanism cultural anthropology human computer interaction

Participants :
- Fundacion blanquerna (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 194074.56 €
- Tampere University of Applied Sciences (Finlande) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet SnowMagnet (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The effective hydraulic conductivity of snow is highly impacted by its microstructure, introducing a variability of at least three orders of magnitude, impacting seasonal flooding and glacier hydrology. Yet, the mechanisms of unsaturated flow and the impact of local phase transitions have never been investigated at the pore scale. This inhibits improving on the constitutive laws for larger scale models of snow hydrology using upscaling methods. Micro computer tomography is a very effective method for dry snow metamorphism but fails for wet snow because the transient flow and the accelerated change in microstructure cannot be resolved. We propose nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods in combination with Lattice-Boltzmann simulations and Pore-Network models to characterize water flow in snow. Applying these methods on unsaturated flow in snow, we can resolve local saturation, liquid water displacement probabilities and diffusion measures, quantitatively measuring mechanisms of water transport. These are essential for gauging modelling approaches of transport phenomena. Whilst NMR methods have been used extensively on saturated flow, it has found limited application in unsaturated media and is poised for significant advances. To target melt and percolation phenomena in snow, we start with 3D printed porous media (single pores and fully resolved snow geometries) to refine the experimental setup and provide novel data for unsaturated flow in porous media. Assisted by Lattice-Boltzmann simulations we can link pore-scale mechanisms to the NMR data. The action will produce unique data sets on unsaturated flow as a function of capillary number in model porous media and snow. This data will be used to calibrate dynamic pore network models aiming at quantifying the transient flow in snow. This leads to a parameterization of effective hydraulic conductivity for a wide range of snow microstructures providing a new standard for models resolving water transport in snow.

Mots clés : snow melt, pore scale dynamics, transport in porous media, phase transitions, percolation, hydraulic conductivity, nuclear magnetic resonance, lattice boltzmann simulations, pore network models

Participants :
- Université d'État du Montana (Etats-Unis) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Université norvégienne de sciences et de technologie (Norvège) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 307939.68 €
Projet FERRIMEM (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Neuromorphic computing (NC) represents a groundbreaking approach to computation, drawing inspiration from the human brain to enhance power and efficiency compared to traditional computing methods. However, to achieve even greater efficiency, NC requires hardware that also mimics the behavior of neurons and synapses. Memristive synapses are pivotal components in emulating the synaptic plasticity observed in biological neural networks. Nevertheless, the implementation of spintronic memristors compatible with state-of-the-art computing is challenging due to the large current density needed, the long switching times present in ferromagnets and the need of small applied magnetic fields. The objective of this project is then to design, fabricate, and characterize field-free memristive synapses using Gd-based ferrimagnets. We will use two approaches: all-optical magnetic switching and the use of multiferroics to switch the magnetization by the application of electric fields. By taking advantage of the unique properties of ferrimagnets, ultrafast and energy efficient magnetic switching, we aim to develop highly efficient synapses that exhibit memristive behavior without the need for an external magnetic field.

Mots clés : ferrimagnetic spintronics, memristor, field free memristor, all optical switching, multiferroics

Participants :
- Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 181152.96 €
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (Allemagne) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet HyPerGreen (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a promising alternative to silicon SCs, currently dominating the photovoltaic market. The skyrocket efficiency of lead-based PSCs is achieved due to their ease of production and unique electro-optical properties. However, lead toxicity limits the sustainability and broad application of perovskite technology. Environmentally-friendly tin-PSCs are the most efficient alternative to lead-based PSCs. Low conversion efficiency and stability are two challenges of tin-PSCs caused by defects in thin-films and selective interfaces. Advanced characterisation is needed to understand and prevent sources of charge losses in tin-PSCs.  In the project HyPerGreen, Artem Musiienko (AM) will control parameters of thin-film and heterojunctions in tin-PSCs and use advanced experimental methods to characterise them. To improve thin-films, AM will incorporate different cations in tin-perovskite. To understand the influence of additives on tin-perovskite properties, AM will use photo Hall effect measurement (PHM) based on charge transport in the magnetic field under light illumination. PHM will give deep insight into the effect of composition variation on material properties.  To effectively collect free carriers, AM will use interface optimization with different selective layers. To understand charge separation and optimise charge transport material, AM will apply surface photovoltage (SPV), which gives valuable information on the charge separation quality at the interface. Using these innovative approaches, AM will develop pathways leading to stable tin-PSCs with an efficiency of over 20%.  The host Prof. Abate group at HZB is a global leader in the development of tin-PSCs, with outstanding expertise in tin-PSC technology. AM will contribute his knowledge in semiconductor characterisation by PHM and SPV. This project aims to provide industrially relevant strategies for tin-PSC improvement essential for the widespread use of sustainable tin-perovskites.

Mots clés : tin perovskite solar cells halide perovskite solar cells lead free perovskites self assembled monolayers charge transport surface photovoltage semiconductors photo hall measurements solar energy

Participants :
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 189687.36 €
Projet LEOTHREAT (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The lion population of East Africa is declining due to several reasons, and pollution listed as one of the current threats by IUCN. However, no data on exposure routes of pollution from mining on lions in East Africa are available and metal pollution in terrestrial ecosystems in East Africa is understudied. The current proposal aims to fill this gap by looking at both metal exposure in lions and their main prey close to mining areas and in reference areas away from suspected pollution. In addition, non-invasive sampling of fur will be assessed as biomonitoring tool for metal exposure. Finally, we will provide recommendations to local authorities and communicate our findings to local communities. This project will give me the opportunity to apply my previous knowledge on metal pollution in wildlife and to gain new expertise working in African ecosystems and with African communities, as well as gain new practical skills, such as sampling large carnivores. Furthermore, my supervisors at the Norwegian University of Science in Technology (NTNU) provide interdisciplinary expertise within ecotoxicology (Prof. Jaspers) and conservation ecology (Prof. Røskaft).  LEOTHREAT’s main research question is: What are the main exposure routes for metals in East African lion populations? I hypothesize that lions inhabiting mining sites may be exposed to metals due to the ingestion of contaminated prey and water. The exposure to toxic metals may cause adverse effects on their health, thus contributing to population declines. Me and local collaborators will study metal exposure by sampling blood and fur from lions inhabiting areas close to mines as well as from lions ranging areas unsuspected to be contaminated.

Mots clés : lions, metals, ecotoxicology

Participants :
- Université norvégienne de sciences et de technologie (Norvège) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 210911.04 €
Projet EagleEye (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The processing of photosensitive materials upon the exposure of focused femtosecond laser radiation is referred to as two-photon polymerization, a powerful light-based Additive Manufacturing technique to fabricate 3D microstructures with ultra-high resolution. Nonlinear phenomena convert photoresists or resins into the solid phase, whereby the process area is confined to the laser focus in which a solid building block is created with a possible size down to sub-100 nm. In this way, two-photon polymerization enables the direct writing of arbitrary 3D structures by guiding the laser focus through the material. However, the writing scheme of two-photon polymerization is highly time-consuming. Thus, the technique has been unsuitable for large-area manufacturing of real-world products so far. This research aims to engineer a novel, fully automated 3D printer that combines one-photon printing by digital light projection and two-photon polymerization. In this way, the novel 3D printer will allow using the 3D structuring capabilities of two-photon polymerization on a large area. Thus, this project will enable the lab-to-fab transfer of light-based Additive Manufacturing with an ultra-high resolution that will open new pathways to produce novel real-world devices, especially for healthcare. In this context, biodegradable and biocompatible resins will be employed. The efficiency of two-photon polymerization will be further enhanced by digital mask projection using a digital mirror device, the same technique that is used for digital light processing. In addition, the printing process will be optimized using machine learning/artificial intelligence. A software will be developed to set the necessary printing settings. The produced structures will be analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the novel 3D printer will be used to manufacture novel real-world devices for tissue engineering and Lab-on-Chip applications that will be characterized and tested afterwards.

Mots clés : 3d printing, additive manufacturing, digital light processing, two photon polymerization, tissue engineering, lab on chips

Participants :
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (Grèce) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 153486.72 €
- Conseil national de la recherche (Italie) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet FORESIGHT (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Earthquakes are natural disasters that often result in widespread devastation, endangering lives and property. After a major seismic event, the structural conditions need to be managed quickly because disaster victims need shelter. This requires rapid detection of safe structures. However, there are still no methods quick enough.  Traditional damage assessment methods rely on visual inspections, which are time-consuming, and dependent on human expertise. Visual inspections may vary depending on the experience of the inspectors, leading to inconsistent evaluations and delays in identifying unsafe structures. Further, the traditional sensors used for structural health monitoring (SHM) are often costly and require high installation time. These limitations underscore the critical need for innovative and efficient solutions. There is an urgent need for more efficient, reliable, low-cost, and technologically advanced approaches to assess post-earthquake structural conditions quickly.  In response to these challenges, as a groundbreaking idea, this proposal will employ the existing infrastructure of fiber optic (FO) cables within buildings for the purpose of SHM. This approach enables remote data collection and emerges as a cost-effective and efficient means of gathering data from buildings. This innovative strategy has the potential to redefine post-earthquake damage assessment. By eliminating the need for extensive sensor installations and human-dependent visual assessments, it offers a rapid and cost-efficient solution.  The approach will enable a framework for rapid (90% faster than current methods) and low-cost (50% cheaper) post-earthquake risk assessment of buildings. It will reduce aftershock fatalities by 90%. The use of FO for both internet connection and SHM provides more efficient use of resources and technology by revealing the versatility of the existing infrastructure, and the IT infrastructure will improve with the widespread use of FO cables.

Mots clés : structural health monitoring, fiber optics, modal identification, finite element analysis, bayesian statistics

Participants :
- École polytechnique de Milan (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 188590.08 €
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (Italie) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet QC4QT (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

While thermodynamics is one of the most well-established physical theories, there is much that remains to be worked out in its extension to the quantum realm. With the miniaturization of electronics down to the nanoscale, along with the emergence of quantum technologies, it is becoming essential to gain a better understanding of thermodynamics at the quantum level. The emergence of quantum computers (QCs) in the last decade provides a game-changing new tool for research into quantum thermodynamics (QT). Furthermore, still in nascent stages, QCs stand to gain vast improvements in performance from new insights derived from QT. An elegant synergy therefore exists whereby (i) QCs can be used to improve the fundamental understanding of QT and (ii) principles from QT may be used to improve the reliability of QCs. Inspired by this synergy, this proposal includes two thrusts to advance progress along these two fronts. For the first thrust, I aim to develop new algorithms packaged into well-documented, open-source software for simulating thermal properties and behaviors of quantum systems on QCs. This work will culminate in attempting the first-ever experimental validation fluctuation relations (theoretical pillars of QT) for open quantum systems on a QC. For the second thrust I aim to use the principles of QT to implement an algorithmic cooling scheme that can improve the overall performance of qubits for any desired application on a QC. This work will culminate in attempting the first-ever experimental demonstration of algorithmic cooling on a QC. The proposed research requires an interdisciplinary approach encompassing quantum information and computation; thermodynamics and statistical mechanics; and computational science (CS). The complementary expertise and experience of the experienced researcher (in QC and CS) and the supervising host (in QT) will foster a productive two-way transfer of knowledge and facilitate the success of the research goals.

Mots clés : quantum computation, quantum algorithms, quantum thermodynamics, statistical mechanics

Participants :
- Conseil national de la recherche (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 188590.08 €