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

Over the past few decades, communities worldwide have initiated transitions toward sustainability in response to socio-environmental crises. While the role of community-led initiatives (CLIs) in governing sustainable transitions has primarily been studied in the energy sector, significant gaps remain in research on this topic within the natural resources sector (e.g., water, forests, and land). This gap is critical, as many Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., no poverty, climate action) are closely linked to natural resource management. To address this gap, CITCA proposes to combine socio-technical transition and community-based natural resource management approaches to explore and enhance the role of CLIs in governing sustainable natural resource transitions. The proposed research will be conducted in the rural Andes of Colombia, where several CLIs focused on water, land, and forest management have recently emerged to tackle sustainability challenges such as climate change and biodiversity degradation.  Objectives and methods of the project include:  1) a qualitative comparative case study of three CLIs to identify their emergence and development processes toward a transition to sustainable governance of natural resources; 2) a quantitative study to identify the sociocultural, biophysical, and institutional factors critical to the success of these CLIs for sustainable transitions; 3) a scenario planning approach to co-create socio-ecological innovation pathways to meet the challenges of natural resource sustainability.  CITCA will be carried out within two leading multidisciplinary research groups: Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals at the Universitat Autònoma Barcelona and the Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt (Colombia, secondment). The proposed work will enable me to broaden my experience, enhance my research skills, and expand my professional networks, furthering my career as an independent researcher.

Mots clés : community led initiatives, transition, natural resources, colombian andes, sustainability

Participants :
- Université autonome de Barcelone (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 194074.56 €
- Institut de recherche sur les ressources biologiques Alexander von Humboldt (Colombie) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet CARDIOPHAGY (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Western-style diets are hypercaloric and characterized by high fat and high sugar content. They are responsible for an epidemic of cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis (AS), and metabolic disorders, including Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). The European population is becoming increasingly exposed to these disorders, for which the only available therapeutic option is lifestyle modification. This typically involves dietary changes and physical activity, but patient compliance with these measures tends to be suboptimal. Pharmacological treatment options could therefore have significant potential to improve patient perspectives.  With this respect, pharmacological induction of autophagy is intensively studied. Autophagy is the main detoxification and recycling mechanism of cells, and it has been shown to become dysfunctional in AS and NAFLD. Small molecules that can stimulate the process have been demonstrated to treat the diseases in animal models. However, all known autophagy-inducing molecules lack specificity, and this is suspected to cause systemic toxicity during chronic application in humans. In this proposal, we deliver molecules that avoid systemic exposure by targeting them specifically to disease-relevant tissues. First, potent autophagy inducers will be chemically linked to selected ‘homing peptides’ that we hypothesize to deliver the molecules to dysfunctional vascular endothelial cells in atherosclerosis. Similarly, we hypothesize that triantennary N-acetyl galactosamine (GN3) can guide autophagy inducers to liver cells in the context of NAFLD. All molecules that are prepared in this project will be first studied in cells: both autophagy induction potential and tissue targeting will be evaluated thoroughly. For the best molecule prepared (either endothelial- or liver-targeted), in vivo proof-of-concept will be delivered. In this way, the proposal's potential to deliver new, relevant drugs will be maximally valorized.

Mots clés : autophagy, cardiovascular diseases, nafld, tissue targeted, gn3, hepatocytes, endothelium cells, peptide synthesis, 

Participants :
- Université d'Anvers (Belgique) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 191760.0 €
Projet I-MUSCLE (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

When we move, our muscles contract, and by doing so change shape. While such shape changes are obvious and are required for a muscle to increase its force, we know little about its functional role in force production. Muscle force is one of the most important parameters in the science of movement, yet it remains impossible to measure in humans. Understanding the precise link between muscle shape changes and muscle forces and advancing methodologies for measuring such muscle shape changes can thus have an important fundamental and ultimately also clinical scientific impact. In I-MUSCLE, I propose to first advance innovative techniques for measuring whole muscle shape changes during muscle contractions, and secondly, to use these advancements to answer key questions about 3D muscle shape changes and its role in force production. I will take an in situ approach to study the calf muscle of guinea fowl (Numida meleagrisis L.). I will stimulate the muscle to induce steady-state contractions at different muscle-tendon unit lengths, at different activation levels, and during concentric and eccentric dynamic contractions. I will measure the muscle shape changes by using state-of-the-art imaging modalities, i.e. ultrafast computed tomography (< 2s) and high-speed stereo (3D) X-ray videography (up to 750 Hz), while also recording muscle forces. The shape changes will be assessed (i) when the muscle is activated globally and (ii) when the muscle is activated locally in specific parts of the muscle. The latter is relevant given that we often activate only parts of our muscles, for example during walking or when using electrical muscle stimulation for rehabilitation purposes. Gaining a better understanding of how muscles change shape under realistic conditions and how it is linked to muscle force is critical for treatment of neurological disorders affecting muscle contraction, patient rehabilitation following injury or surgery, and development of bio-inspired robotics.

Mots clés : muscle contraction comparative neuromechanics muscle biomechanics neuromechanics cineradiography statistical shape modelling muscle imaging muscle dynamics

Participants :
- Université d'Anvers (Belgique) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 175920.0 €
Projet REPAINT (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

This project focuses on understanding of pigment degradation in 19th to 20th-century paintings caused by environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and pollutants. By integrating advanced computational techniques, density functional theory (DFT), ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations, and artificial intelligence (AI), the research aims to provide a detailed understanding of how these factors affect the chemical stability and degradation pathways of historical pigments at a molecular level. Static DFT calculations will be used to explore the electronic and optical properties of pigments, while AIMD simulations will examine how environmental conditions affect their degradation by revealing the structural changes. Using these computational results, AI models will be developed to predict how pigments degrade based on their composition and environmental conditions by capturing changes over time that static methods can't fully show. This approach will include a comparative study of pigments from different artworks to enhance the robustness of predictive models. The project aims to advance materials science and conservation by creating a comprehensive database that will offer data-driven guidelines to help extend the life of valuable historical artworks. This interdisciplinary approach aims to benefit both the scientific community and conservation professionals by representing an important step forward in the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.

Mots clés : dft, dft ai, historical paintings, degradation processes

Participants :
- Université Bilkent (Turquie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 165205.2 €
- Université d'Anvers (Belgique) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet SING-ATOM (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Non-Hermitian many-body topological phases are drawing substantial attention due to their potential for novel quantum technology. In particular, these phases hold promise for large-scale quantum computations, a technology with substantial scientific and economic impact. However, due to computational difficulties, it remains a remarkable challenge to investigate these phases. Quantum simulation offers a path to overcome this challenge. Yet, efficient simulation of non-Hermitian many-body topological phases is absent. In this project, I will address this gap by theoretically designing novel protocols to simulate non-Hermitian many-body topological phases with giant atoms, a newly prominent quantum optics platform. Notably, giant atoms offer greater control over interactions compared to their smaller counterparts, thus making them versatile for quantum simulation. To achieve the project's goal, I will first design a novel protocol for quantum simulation within the simplest regime of 2 giant atoms, and subsequently generalize it to an advanced protocol for simulating a non-Hermitian topological spin chain. I will perform the theoretical analyses combining many-body methods and quantum simulation methods. This multidisciplinary approach will maximize the outcomes: i) a novel protocol for quantum simulation with giant atoms and ii) an efficient simulation of non-Hermitian many-body topological phases. Consequently, this research project will open up an interdisciplinary research field between non-Hermitian many-body physics and giant atoms, and pave the way toward the long-term goal of realizing large-scale quantum computations. My expertise in non-Hermitian many-body topology and my host's expertise in giant atoms are complementary for carrying out this project. I will establish a detailed dissemination plan to maximize the impact of this project, and a detailed training and transfer plan to benefit the host group and to promote my career to the next level.

Mots clés : non hermitian physics, many body physics, giant atoms, quantum simulation

Participants :
- École polytechnique Chalmers (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 222727.68 €
Projet SAILS-6G (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The rise of applications like smart cities and augmented reality has emphasized the critical importance of precise, low-latency localization and sensing (L&S) in the context of 6G communications. Meeting L&S demands involves inundating transceivers with extensive data from sources like pilot signals and sensors, creating redundancy that overwhelms communication networks. Addressing this redundancy is a key aspect of semantic communications, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and support 6G technology. Semantic communications prioritize transmitting useful information over mere data transmission. SAILS-6G's goal is to improve the energy efficiency of L&S without compromising utility by leveraging the principles of semantic communications. Historically, L&S optimization has focused on primary KPIs, such as accuracy, neglecting energy efficiency. SAILS-6G bridges this gap by integrating energy efficiency into L&S optimization through three WPs: WP1 addresses energy-constrained optimization issues using optimization theory tools. WP2 tackles complex nonlinear optimization challenges from WP1, employing learning structures. WP3 extends energy-efficient L&S algorithms from WP1 and WP2, considering distributed processing and privacy constraints. The applicant's expertise in information theory, optimization theory, and privacy-preserving learning, along with the supervisor's localization knowledge, supports these WPs. The outcome is optimized transceivers, reducing energy consumption while meeting L&S requirements. Their performance is evaluated against traditional methods and theoretical bounds. The ultimate aim is to introduce a groundbreaking framework for semantic L&S widely accepted in the scientific community, marking a significant field advancement. Building this framework boosts the applicant's scientific impact and strengthens his managerial, educational, and research skills, facilitated by the supervisor's network, advancing his journey towards a professorship.

Mots clés : 6g localization and sensing semantic communications energy efficiency statistical learning theory non linear optimization estimation theory privacy distributed processing

Participants :
- École polytechnique Chalmers (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 222727.68 €
Projet ENCORE (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Thousands of Conserved Non-coding Elements (CNEs) are shared by jawed vertebrates, some of which were shown to be important developmental enhancers. However, how these intriguing elements evolve at the functional level and why they are so conserved in sequence remain some of the biggest mysteries in the field of regulatory genomics. In this project, I build a novel view of CNE function and evolution based on my preliminary data and recent breakthroughs on enhancer pleiotropy. This working hypothesis posits that CNEs are ancient transcription factor binding hubs that act as dynamic multi-genic regulators to which new gene targets can be added/removed during evolution. Taking advantage of the exceptional conservation of CNEs, I propose the experimental framework to test this hypothesis on orthologous elements across major vertebrate clades using cutting-edge methodology combining Capture-HiC, RNA-seq and ATAC-seq in shark, chicken and mouse. This approach will provide comparative CNE-target contact maps that will reveal conserved as well as gained and lost interactions in each species, whose functional impact will be tested using CRISPR knockout and interference in mouse neuronal differentiation. In summary, this project will address long-standing questions on the evolution of the regulatory genome and offer insights into the flexibility of enhancers to acquire and lose targets in evolution, expanding our understanding on the pervasiveness and evolution of regulatory pleiotropy.

Mots clés : evolution, gene regulation

Participants :
- Centro de Regulación Genómica (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 165312.96 €
Projet RISE-MM (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The 5G mobile communication era has just started, and we are already experiencing the dominance of various new applications with enhanced broadband connectivity requirements. These requirements will become even more critical with the integration of cellular networks in different sectors of society. Conventional sub-6 GHz-based cellular networks represent a short-term solution, where available spectral opportunities are limited and will unquestionably dry up soon. To this end, RISE-MM aims to set the ground for the THz spectrum-based cellular networks. Combining the researcher's experience on reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS)-enabled networks and the expertise on mmWave communication and its practical implementation of IMDEA Networks, in RISE-MM, we will develop channel models for RISE-MM communication in indoor and outdoor deployment settings. Moreover, the project aims to develop an algorithm for joint communication and sensing (JCAS) through RISE-MM using machine learning techniques. RISE-MM aims to validate the proposed channel models and the algorithm using system-level simulations (SLS) and software-defined radios (SDR)-based mmWave experimentation platforms. It will also implement the proposed channel models using a large testbed with tens of 60 GHz off-the-shelf devices, which will provide a more realistic performance analysis for large-scale deployments to complement the SLS and SDR-based results. The practical deployment of RISE-MM will also help formulate the optimal RIS placement policy, which is a critical factor for RIS-enabled network planning.  RISE-MM is a unique scientific advance because it capitalises on communication theory, machine learning, and practical experimentation to propose new networking models to design and characterise RISE-MM communication for beyond 5G/6G cellular networks. In addition, the specifically developed JCAS algorithm can be the basis of novel developments for passive object detection and identification.

Mots clés : millimetre wave communication, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, beyond 5g cellular networks, channel modelling, pathloss estimation, software defined radios, testbed implementation

Participants :
- Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 177412.96 €
- École polytechnique Chalmers (Suède) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet ULICBat (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The realisation of the EU industrial and political ambition of promoting transportation electrification to reduce carbon emissions depends heavily on the continued advancement of battery technologies. However, rapid battery pack degradation caused by improper charging behaviours is one of the most crucial factors restricting the wide usage of electric vehicles. This project aims to make step changes in research and innovation of battery management by developing 1) a user charging preference learning and demand prediction model methodology, 2) a user demand-informed optimisation methodology of charging trajectory, and 3) a distributed trajectory tracking-based battery pack charging control, and realise an advanced career development for the experienced researcher. As an MSCA-PF fellow, the experienced researcher, Dr. Quan Ouyang, will receive crucial career development at the Chalmers University of Technology and engage in detailed battery charging control works which span the areas of automatic control and artificial intelligence using a clearly defined training-through-research approach. The project results will include a generic smart charging system to prolong battery life and improve the vehicle’s resource efficiency and convenience. The incorporated battery pack charging strategies will benefit from revolutionarily considering the user preferences and demand, where the designed charging currents can be intelligently adjusted according to different user demands that can effectively restrict battery degradation. The hosting group at the Chalmers University of Technology has a tradition of projects in close cooperation with the vehicle industry (e.g., Volvo Cars, Scania, and CEVT), making it highly likely that the results of this project will be taken up by the industry. Ultimately, this project will contribute to the EU's carbon neutrality goal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals in "affordable and clean energy" and "sustainable cities".

Mots clés : battery management systems, battery packs, fast charging, user behaviour, optimal control, machine learning

Participants :
- École polytechnique Chalmers (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 222727.68 €
Projet INVERT2ADAPT (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Large chromosomal inversions have been increasingly linked to local adaptation in natural populations. Despite their importance, there is current debate about what evolutionary forces maintain inversion polymorphisms in natural populations, particularly regarding the interplay between balancing and divergent selection. Furthermore, limitations of sequencing technologies often result in poor characterization of inversion breakpoints obscuring our understanding of their functional impact. INVERT2ADAPT will focus on Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) as a model system to study the contribution of chromosomal inversions to local adaptation using multiple genomics tools. First, I will characterize the chromosomal inversions and date their origin relatively to the evolutionary history of Atlantic herring using comparative genomics and phylogenomics. Second, I will study the selection regimes that maintain the inversions across a gradient of sea water temperate using population genomics. Lastly, I will pinpoint the genes and regulatory elements within the inversions that are involved in adaptation to sea water temperature using gene expression and functional genomics. The project will allow to better understand how Atlantic herring is able to survive across a wide range of sea water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean. A clear establishment of the link between linking genotype, phenotype and environment is important to understand how Atlantic herring might adapt to changes in sea water temperature induced by global warming. INVERT2ADAPT will also contribute to a better understanding of how structural variation, including large chromosomal inversions, contribute to adaptation in natural populations. The project will be implemented in Uppsala University under the supervision of Professor Leif Andersson.

Mots clés : chromosomal inversions, adaptation, sea water temperature, atlantic herring

Participants :
- Université d'Uppsala (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 222661.68 €