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

Migraine is a major disease burden on society but remains poorly understood. The onset of migraine with aura has been linked to cortical spreading depolarisation (CSD) and Professor Turgay Dalkara (the supervisor) found that inducing CSD in animal models led neurons to release inflammatory proteins in extracellular vesicles (EVs). Because brain-derived (BD)EVs cross the blood-brain barrier and their composition reflects their cellular and temporal origin, they represent biomarkers that, if isolated from the peripheral blood of migraine patients, could give an unparalleled insight into cell-specific neuroinflammation in migraine. However, current methods to isolate cell type-specific BDEVs from the blood insufficiently distinguish them from EVs of other tissues, obscuring crucial insights into cell-specific processes. Here, I (Adam Bennett, the researcher) will develop a workflow to isolate cell type-specific BDEVs from the blood of migraine patients then temporally characterise them to gain a cell-type specific molecular signature during migraine with aura. This will firstly involve the optimisation and validation of isolating neuron, astrocyte and microglia EVs (using a panel of specific markers) from the brains and peripheral blood of rats. Secondly, cell type-specific EVs isolated at different time points post-CSD evocation in rats will be characterised using proteomics to generate temporal cell type-specific data on the pathological processes post-CSD. Thirdly, with optimised time points, cell type-specific EVs will be isolated from the blood of patients after migraine with aura onset and characterised. In doing so, I will (1) identify previously unknown biomarkers to deepen our understanding of migraine with aura, with possible treatment derivations; (2) create a tool for researchers to investigate other neurological conditions through analysing cell type-specific BDEVs; (3) develop my skillset, publication record, visibility and networks to advance my career.

Mots clés : extracellular vesicle, migraine, neuroinflammation, biomarker

Participants :
- Université Hacettepe (Turquie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 148478.4 €
Projet DESIRE (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The current biosensing marker for healthcare and environmental applications is dominated by laboratory instrumentation that is bulky, time consuming, and expensive and requires well-equipped laboratories and skilled personnel. Many essential applications, such as disease diagnostics (e.g. hepatitis B, tuberculosis, HIV) and water quality monitoring (e.g. pathogens, heavy metals, toxins), are often neglected due to economic reasons, causing millions of deaths globally. The most significant challenges facing biosensors are their fabrication and instrumentation costs, insensitivity, and low-throughput detection. One technique capable of tackling these challenges is localised surface plasmon resonance which has demonstrated the potential to deliver cost-effective hand-held point-of-care devices with rapid, multi-analyte detection. To date, this potential has been limited by the available techniques for fabricating feasible nanoscale sensors. I have chosen a world-recognized research centre, the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology in Germany, as my host institution to develop my MSCA under the supervision of an excellent mentor in nanobiophotonics, where I will be trained in advanced techniques in nanophotonics. The acquired skills in combination with my own knowledge will perfectly match for developing a novel nanofabrication technique to deliver affordable and versatile sensors based on a 2D array of well-ordered and dense gold nanoparticles - a unique blend of interdisciplinary methods with the potential to rival lithography techniques but at a fraction of their costs. Precise control over nanostructured dimensions will allow me to tune the sensor for biosensing applications. Microarray biofunctionalisation of the sensor will demonstrate multiplexed detection of pathogens (DNA), disease biomarkers (proteins), and heavy metals and will pave the way for improved healthcare and environmental screening, where test availability, speed, and cost play a decisive role.

Mots clés : biosensor, lspr, multiplexing, gold nanoparticles, self assembly arrays

Participants :
- Leibniz-Gemeinschaft (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 173847.36 €
Projet SUPREME (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

With the proposed research project, I aim to revolutionize optical metasurface design leveraging surrogate modelling techniques (OBJ1) towards the development of 3D-printed, achromatic, high numerical aperture (NA) metalens-enhanced fibres, called metafibres (OBJ2). The proposed methodology consists of three interconnected phases: firstly (WP1), constructing a supercell meta-atom library consisting of three-dimensional metaatoms through iterative optimization. The simulated designs will be 3D-printed and the simulation model updated based on the results of the experimental characterization, ensuring precise and realistic control of meta-atom responses. Secondly (WP2), a Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) will be implemented as a versatile surrogate model using the established supercell library. This machine learning technique enables the efficient prediction of complex optical meta supercell responses, facilitating rapid prototyping and customization with reduced computational overhead. Notably, GPR models allow to consider fabrication tolerances straight-forward in combination with data augmentation techniques. Lastly (WP3), I will exploit the GPR model for the design of high-performing achromatic metafibres, utilizing 3D-printing technology to directly print the metalenses on the tip of optical fibres. I have chosen a top research centre, Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology/ Jena, Germany, to develop my MSCA project under supervision of a world-leading expert in optical fiber photonics. Using my knowledge in engineering, photonics and numerical simulation tools, this MSCA project will pave the way for metafibres promising versatile and broadband optical solutions with the potential to transform fields like microscopy, telecommunications and medical imaging. This research aligns with sustainability goals by minimizing material waste and energy consumption in the fabrication process, marking a significant advancement in metasurface and optical system design.

Mots clés : metasurfaces, metalens, optical fiber technology, optical imaging, optical 3d printing, two photon polymerization, nanophotonics

Participants :
- Leibniz-Gemeinschaft (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 189687.36 €
Projet ECO-EVO ALAN (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a ubiquitous feature of urbanization, and increases globally. Recent work, mainly conducted on terrestrial systems, reveals negative biological impacts of ALAN. If experienced in aquatic systems, ALAN may disrupt the delicate food web dynamics in urban ponds, with potentially detrimental consequences such as the occurrence of (toxic) algal blooms, which can cause serious harm to animals, including humans. Zooplankton, key components of freshwater systems, exert strong control over algal growth, but this crucially depends on their diel vertical migration (DVM) patterns (i.e. migrating to the bottom during day, and to the surface during night) – a dynamic known to be disrupted by ALAN. To date, very little is known about potential evolutionary adaptations in response to ALAN, whereas is has never been studied whether such adaptations can shape the ecology of ponds, e.g. top-down control of algae (so-called ‘eco-evolutionary feedbacks’). With the proposed project, I aim to study whether i) ALAN influences trait distributions and DVM of water flea zooplankton communities in urban ponds, ii) water fleas originating from these ponds have evolved genetic adaptations to ALAN in key ecologically relevant traits, and iii) ALAN-driven genetic trait changes influence the ecology of urban ponds (i.e. top-down control of algae). To achieve these aims, I will conduct a comprehensive field study, followed by laboratory common-garden experiments with ALAN-manipulation, and finally a field transplant DVM experiment. By integrating these results within an eco-evolutionary modelling framework, I will test for ecological consequences of evolutionary adaptations in one or multiple water flea species to ALAN. Given the rapid rate of urbanization, findings of the proposed research will be highly relevant in predicting the often-complex effects of (evolution towards) global change on ecosystems, with direct socioecological and socioeconomic consequences.

Mots clés : urbanization, eco evolutionary dynamics, urban evolution, light pollution, ecosystem services, common garden, zooplankton community, top down control, food webs, daphnia, urban ponds, urban ecology

Participants :
- Forschungsverbund Berlin (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 173847.36 €
Projet TSRA (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Rechargeable aqueous aluminum battery (AAB) system is potential candidate for sustainable energy storage systems at a grid-scale, owing to their high safety, sustainability and low cost. However, the existing cathode chemistry (intercalation/deintercalation mechanism) exhibits poor kinetics caused by extremely high charge density of Al3+ ion due to the small ionic radius of Al3+ ion (0.39 Å versus 0.59 Å of Li+) and trivalent nature, leading to a restricted energy density and fast capacity fade. Those drawbacks hinder their extensive applications. In this project, we will aim to develop high-performance and innovative aqueous Al-Te and Al-Se batteries by creative redox-amphoteric conversion electrochemistry which means Te or Se will undergo positive and negative valance state during charging and discharging. To realize this goal, we will firstly screen the aqueous based electrolyte and create the appropriate electrolyte which can realize the redox-amphoteric conversion electrochemistry of Te and Se. And further we will explore the underlying specific mechanism of the whole electrochemistry by combining in-situ characterization technologies and molecular dynamics simulation. Moreover, the performance will be optimized by adjusting host materials, separator and anode. Finally, the device on pouch cell level will be demonstrated to clear as practical application. This project will enable the researcher to broaden her knowledge and have more comprehensive knowledge frame which is vital for her future career. Upon successful implementation of this project, due to the dual-ion charge storage mechanism and multi-electron transfer, the well-designed AAB could exhibit state-of-the-art performance among AABs and even approach the energy density of commercial lithium batteries. Meanwhile, this novel redox-amphoteric conversion electrochemistry will be an important extension of battery knowledge, and the proposed mechanism will be milestone in this direction.


Participants :
- Institut de technologie chimique de Prague (Rép. Tchèque) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 166278.72 €
Projet 2DTMCH2 (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The rapid progress in intermittent solar, wind technologies has created an urgent need to develop parallel technologies of storing energy in forms that are suitable for on-site applications as well as long distance transmission. The present method of storing the surplus energy in batteries is not a viable solution in the long run, owing to the limited reserves and toxicity of battery materials. In such a scenario, storing the obtained energy in the form of H2 fuel is a fairly attractive strategy. Alkaline water electrolyzer (AWE) have been a key technology for large-scale hydrogen production and are capable of generating energy in MW range. Alkaline water electrolyzer (AWE) still requires technological make-over to reach the desired efficiency of about 90 % from the current 70 %. On the other hand, counterpart technology of proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzer is highly efficient, but its investment cost and low lifetime limits commercialization. The investment cost of AWE today is around 1000-1200 $/kW, and PEM is 1700-2500 $/kW. In addition, the lifetime of AWE is higher and the annual maintenance costs are lower compared to PEM. Although AWE has an economic advantage over PEM, integrating AWE with an intermittent energy source of solar and wind power requires a major advancement in the design to be used in dynamic operating conditions. The key objective of this research is to develop a multipurpose low-cost water electrolyzer for H2 production by electrolysis of alkaline-water with special focus on seawater (alkaline) water to store intermittent energy sources (solar and wind) in form of clean fuel. Unfortunately, there are no commercial electrolyzer that run on seawater, owing to the associated research and technical challenges of high activity, OER selectivity, stability, and low cost. The present project aims to develop AWE stacks for H2 production employing efficient, cost-effective two-dimensional transition metal compounds (2D-TMC).

Mots clés : electrolysis, hybrid 2d systems, transition metal, layered compounds

Participants :
- Institut de technologie chimique de Prague (Rép. Tchèque) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 166278.72 €
Projet OTHOx (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

This research aims to develop novel supramolecular hydrogels and study their application as singlet oxygen (1O2) carriers. In medicine, 1O2 generated in-vivo through photochemistry has been used to treat a variety of ailments including bacterial infections, acne, and several types of cancer. Though promising, this approach suffers from drawbacks such as diminished effectiveness in hypoxic conditions, both native and induced and lack of control over the total concentration and dosage of active 1O2. Recently, endoperoxides (EPO) have been identified as a potential solution for those, as they are self-contained sources of 1O2 produced ex-situ. However, they still do not allow for precise spatiotemporal control of 1O2 release, which is desirable to maximize for effectiveness of the treatment. Grafting EPOs on solid supports has been explored as a solution, but the state-of-the-art materials rely on complicated supports with low EPO loadings and thermal release mechanisms. Herein, we propose a new strategy for spatiotemporal control of 1O2 through the unprecedented use of hydrogels as EPO carriers. Hydrogels offer an easy to control and stable, but not persistent matrix in which the main component is water. The OTHO (oxotriphenylhexanoate) hydrogels enjoy unparalleled modularity, due to their highly robust and selective multicomponent one-pot synthesis. Thus, we will synthesize a range of OTHOs containing EPO units and perform detailed studies by rheology, solid-state NMR, small-angle x-ray and neutron scattering and electron microscopy to understand the properties and behavior of the resulting hydrogels. The biocompatibility and cytotoxic profile of the materials will be investigated against yeast cells expressing human disease markers. This will pave the way for a new breed of supramolecular pharmacology materials for 1O2 therapy against cancer.

Mots clés : endoperoxides, singlet oxygen carriers, supramolecular gels, singlet oxygen therapy

Participants :
- Université de Göteborg (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 206887.68 €
Projet GlycoDiet (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

In the healthy intestines, mucus acts as a barrier that separates the host epithelium from the microbiota and intestinal contents, as well as a habitat for commensal microbes. The major component of intestinal mucus, MUC2, is heavily O-glycosylated. Mucin O-glycans are critical for mucus barrier function and host-microbe interactions. Alterations to mucin glycosylation have been associated with diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and cancer, and represent a novel target for therapeutic intervention. However, studies of the specific glycan structures altered during disease, as well as the consequences of these alterations on mucus barrier function and the microbiota, have been limited by a lack of tools to detect individual glycan epitopes. Mucus barrier dysfunction and microbiota dysbiosis, specifically a shift towards expansion of mucin-degrading bacteria, have been observed in response to a high fat/sugar, low fiber western-style diet (WSD). My preliminary data indicates that a WSD can also alter specific mucin glycosylation patterns. The identification of specific glycan alterations associated with a WSD creates the opportunity to study the role of individual glycan structures in mucus barrier dysfunction and microbiota composition. This study aims to 1) develop novel probes to detect specific glycan epitopes and 2) use these probes to investigate the relationships linking mucus barrier dysfunction, glycan alterations, and dysbiosis in response to a WSD. I will combine my previous experience characterizing glycan alterations in in vivo models of intestinal disease with host lab training in mucus physiology and bacterial enzyme characterization. Findings will advance our understanding of how glycosylation patterns are altered during disease, and how these alterations contribute to disease pathogenesis. This grant will allow me to enhance my skills as a researcher and give me the tools and experience necessary to establish my independent research group.

Mots clés : mucus, o glycans, binding proteins, microbiota, dysbiosis, diet, glycosylation

Participants :
- Université de Göteborg (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 206887.68 €
Projet FlowCODE (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Floral induction (FI), the decision enabling a meristem to become floral, is important to reproductive success and yield production, yet its transcriptional regulation is virtually unknown in apple and other fruit tree species. The central FI mechanism appears conserved in all species in which it has been studied, although it is the regulation that enables environmental adaptation. FI is activated via multiple environmental and internal cues, mediated through various flowering pathways and converging at the highly homologous genes, FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1), which act as an FI promoter and inhibitor, respectively. In Arabidopsis, flowering pathways have been extensively studied; however, the perennial lifecycle, dormancy requirements and flowering behaviour of apple, in addition to the ancestral duplication of the genome, mean FI control is likely very different in this species. The transcription factors (TF) and cis binding motifs identified in Arabidopsis provide a starting point from which to unravel apple FI regulation and it appears the GA pathway may also play an important role. FlowCODE will decipher the molecular control of FI in apple by identifying TFs that control transcription of FT- and TFL1-like genes and how they affect this expression. Equally, regulatory elements within the apple FT and TFL1 genes will also be ascertained. The significant genetic variation in FI-related traits, such as the proportion of floral buds per tree, across apple varieties will be used as a tool to link molecular regulation with its phenotypic effects. Additionally, studying this regulation in the context of the GA pathway will provide insight into its role in influencing this variation in FI behaviour. In deciphering FI regulation, possible approaches to protect fruit production from climate challenges will be revealed and enable development of more resilient varieties of apple and other fruit tree species through new breeding technologies.

Mots clés : floral induction, flowering, apple, flowering locus t, terminal flower 1, transcription factors, cis and trans regulatory elements, gibberellin

Participants :
- Conseil supérieur de la recherche scientifique (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 76227.64 €
Projet BaseShift (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Centuries-old data have challenged assumptions on the distribution and conservation status of biodiversity and yet, most of the decision-making in conservation relies on space-for-time substitutions or relatively recent, or modelled, data. With BaseShift, my goal is to quantify the impact of using different baselines to assess the trends and status of biodiversity and ecosystem services as well as its implication on the resulting conservation priorities and actions. To do so, I will compare the outputs of commonly used approaches and tools in conservation biology when using different reference points in time, using data from Spain in the 16th, 19th, and 21st centuries. Specifically, I will focus on four key components of conservation practice, that is (1) species conservation status, (2) prioritization for area-based conservation, (3) detection of change, and (4) species environmental niches. When appropriate, the valuation of historical species-derived ecosystem services will be integrated in the analysis. Beyond new fundamental knowledge in historical ecology and conservation biology, the outputs of BaseShift will contribute to improve biodiversity assessments, target setting and progress monitoring and ultimately better policy and decision-making in biodiversity conservation.

Mots clés : species distributions, historical ecology, ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation practice

Participants :
- Conseil supérieur de la recherche scientifique (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 181152.96 €