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

AMPLIFI aims to develop an innovative auxetic, antimicrobial meta-material based on a supramolecular coordination polymer for the design of biomedical devices. Auxetics are unique due to their negative Poisson’s ratio, which imparts superior mechanical qualities when compared to conventional materials. They offer huge potential if used to design biomedical devices such as catheters. There is as yet no synthetic material that demonstrates auxeticity at the nano-level, even if potential auxeticity was demonstrated through simulations. Through AMPLIFI I will design a polymeric structure with superior mechanical strength that offers better patient comfort by virtue of its auxetic properties while also dealing with the challenge of bacterial infections. The project exploits the versatility of supramolecular chemistry of calixarenes or related macrocycles and self-assembly. Appropriate building blocks for a self-assembled auxetic polymer will be identified by MM simulations, and the effect of adding antimicrobial agents studied. The identified coordination polymer will be synthesized, fully characterised and subsequently tested for antimicrobial properties. I have a strong background in supramolecular chemistry which makes AMPLIFI an ideal project for me, and I will be joined by a strong supervisory team at the University of Malta consisting of an expert in auxetics, a renowned microbiologist and a structural chemist. AMPLIFI also boasts of the co-supervision of a leader in calixarene and related macrocyclic chemistry from the University of Parma. AMPLIFI builds on my expertise and enables me to work within a multidisciplinary team at the interface of theoretical chemistry, experimental organic synthesis and microbiology. In short, AMPLIFI provides me with a holistic research and training package to kick-start an independent research path and affords an unprecedented opportunity to contribute to the urgent plead for more comfortable and safer biomedical devices.

Mots clés : auxetics, negative poisson s ratio, self assembly

Participants :
- University of Malta (Malte) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 222073.92 €
Projet ASSTRA (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Doctoral Networks - Industrial Doctorates
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

ASSTRA is an interdisciplinary training and research project that targets the development of advanced solid state transformer technology which enables a sustainable and flexible (‘Smart’), DC-equipped energy supply system with a large share of renewable energy sources. This futuristic electrification network has in its core a flexible power conversion unit, distributing electrical energy from sources to loads in a similar fashion as today’s internet hubs distribute information from senders to receivers. Specifically, this power conversion unit integrates state-of-the-art technology, such as Silicon-Carbide, in order to implement power electronics building blocks and magnetic components featuring breaking through performances, which will ultimately enable its industrial deployment. ASSTRA involves a two-partner network comprising the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Netherlands and ABB Corporate Research Center in Switzerland as beneficiaries. These partners complement each other in order to cover the knowledge and expertise fields required for the proposed program. A board of 6 experienced supervisors will intensively work together across a multitude of disciplines, including power electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, software engineering, material sciences and magnetics design, to train and mentor 2 Early Stage Researchers who will have access to excellent research facilities and close coaching approaches at both locations

Mots clés : advanced solid state transformer, smart dc equipped energy supply system, renewable, energy, flexible power conversion, grid protection, wide band gap semiconductors

Participants :
- ABB (Switzerland) (Suisse) — Partner, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 0.0 €
- Eindhoven University of Technology (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 510748.56 €
Projet ATLANTIC_ANGOLA (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

ATLANTIC_ANGOLA seeks to address the issue of race by analyzing its intersections with religion/church and colonial government in Angola in the second half of the 18th-century/beginning of the 19th century. Being the main provider of slaves to Brazil, Angola had a significant role for the economic success of the Portuguese South American colony, but also in the broader context of the Portuguese empire, due its privileged geographic position in the way between Asia and Brazil. That explains the increasing attention it started to receive from the Portuguese Crown after c. 1750.The aim of ATLANTIC_ANGOLA is to understand the role of the Catholic Church in disciplining and controlling the population, and instilling ideas of racial difference. The project hypothesis is that at least part of the population resisted the disciplining aims of the rulers. That resistance took different forms, but the result was the constitution of a creolized society, mainly in the city of Luanda and its hinterland. The project will contribute to the discussion of the relations between races and perceptions of the “other” in the context of the Portuguese empire. Doing so, ATLANTIC_ANGOLA proposes a path-breaking approach to problems still understudied concerning the history of European colonization of Africa before the 19th century. It will help to develop a better understanding of the historical dynamics of the relations between Europe and Africa over the longue durée. It will also contribute to the historical explanation of the long-term effects of the colonization and the formation of the post-colonial societies, but also to the perception both of the Europeans towards Africa and Africans, and those towards Europe. As to the more tangible outcomes of this project, they include 2 books, 3 articles in major peer-reviewed journals, 1 international conference, a talk series, and the setting-up of an online project.

Mots clés : race relations, angola, portugal, 18th century, colonial powers, catholic church, creolization, atlantic world, enlightenment, cultural exchanges

Participants :
- University of London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet MechanoATR (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

ATR kinase is involved in maintaining genome integrity by ensuring replication fork stability and coordinating cell cycle progression with the DNA repair. ATR is a developmentally essential gene and in humans and hypomorphic mutations in ATR gene have been linked to Seckel syndrome characterized by mental and growth retardation and microcephaly. While the role of ATR in mediating DNA damage response has been extensively studied, the findings that it senses mechanical forces and translocates to the nuclear envelope (NE), coupled with preliminary data, suggest that this translocation is involved in nuclear mechanoadaptation. However, the mechanism of ATR recruitment and activation at the NE, proteins that are recruited or phosphorylated by ATR and the physiological relevance of ATR in a living organism, remain unknown. We will thus use multidisciplinary approach, advanced molecular biology techniques, cutting edge imaging modalities and the vertebrate model Xenopus Laevis in order to address these questions. Moreover, this proposal aims to identify the downstream consequences of this mechanical force-driven NE-ATR translocation, focusing on nuclear actin dynamics and epigenetic modification of histones.

Mots clés : nuclear envelope, mechanotranduction, nuclear actin, rassf1a

Participants :
- University of Cyprus (Chypre) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 145941.12 €
Projet ICG68-PROG (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Aberrant hepatocyte growth factor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR or c-Met) signalling is involved in the development of several tumor types. Monitoring of c-Met expression in real time will assist in the diagnosis and in the monitoring of response to therapy. The overall objective of the ICG68-PROG is to create a library of novel molecular agents able to effectively target c-Met and to efficiently bind gallium-68, and therefore to be exploited as c-Met PET imaging tracers. The expected results of the ICG68-PROG are to select the most promising and effective tracers among the library of synthesized compounds for further preclinical development. The objective of the ICG68-PROG will be achieved thanks to a rational design and synthesis of the novel peptide-chelator bioconjugates. Firstly, the gallium binding units will be developed, then c-Met binding peptides will be synthesized. The two chemical moieties will then be conjugated and the gallium chelating capabilities, as well as the c-Met binding capabilities, will be evaluated. It is logical to believe that, in future clinical practice, non-invasive PET imaging with the developed tracers will support not only the diagnosis of c-Met overexpressed cancers but also the selection of patients for c-Met–targeting drugs (Met inhibitors and anti-Met antibodies), as well as identifying responding and nonresponding patients for such therapeutic agents. According to the European Cancer Information System, the most common estimated and lethal causes of cancer are breast, prostate, lung and bronchus, and colon & rectum. In these tumors, the c-Met receptor is often overexpressed. In this context the products derived from the development of the ICG68-PROG will create powerful tools for the detection and monitoring of the most common and lethal cancers among Europe and worldwide, making the ICG68-PROG at the forefront for the fighting of a major public health problem and of primary interest for the European citizens.

Mots clés : organic chemistry, hepatocyte growth factor receptor  cmet, 68ga, hydroxypyridinone, positron emission tomography  pet, cancer

Participants :
- University of London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 212933.76 €
Projet SWEET JAZ (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Abiotic and biotic challenges pose serious risks to plant growth and crop production world-wide. The plant hormone Jasmonate (JA) is essential to protect plants against insect herbivory, mechanical wounding and necrotrophic pathogens. Upon these challenges, JA hormone levels increase and induce defense responses while stunting growth. Hence, understanding how plants balance growth-defense trade-offs during environmental stresses represents a tremendous opportunity to improve plant yield and meet the global need for increased food production. Through an extensive genetic approach in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the host lab has identified PLEIOTROPIC REGULATORY LOCUS 1 (PRL1) as new putative regulator of the JA pathway. PRL1 is also known for its role in sugar signalling and metabolism, representing a probable integration node for balancing growth during stress responses. This project thus aims to characterize the role of PRL1 in activating the JA pathway and uncover how are sugar and defense signalling integrated during insect and fungal attacks. Specifically, I will use state-of-the-art cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology approaches available at the host institute to answer the following questions: 1. How does PRL1 regulate JA responses? 2. How does PRL1 impact cell-type specific JA-mediated defense strategies? 3. How are PRL1- and JA-signalling pathways integrated? 4. What is the role of PRL1 in plant defense responses against insect herbivory and fungal pathogens? In addition to increasing our fundamental understanding of plant-pathogen interactions and activation of hormonal pathways, this ambitious project will inevitably provide novel targets and strategies to improve crop adaptability and secure means for stabilizing future food security.

Mots clés : plant pathogen interaction, phytohormones, plant defense responses, plant physiology

Participants :
- Leibniz Association (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 174806.4 €
Projet SMArT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Doctoral Networks - Industrial Doctorates
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Access to internet, and thus to information, is a basic human right that empowers individuals and communities to achieve their maximum capacity in promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life. A European Commission study reveals a large gap between broadband internet speed between urban and rural areas due to the low economic profitability of investments for the telecom operator, which is increasingly becoming a knowledge divide. A promising solution to close the gap is to devise high data rate extensions to the 5G LTE technology to provide fixed wireless broadband access in rural areas. The key challenge in accomplishing the required ten-fold (10X) improvement in data rates while maintaining a low power consumption of the home outdoor modem is the design of high-performance transceiver circuits. As conventional design methodologies proves insufficient, we propose a ground-breaking paradigm shift in the implementation of analog/mixed-mode signal processing circuits to fully exploit the benefits offered by highly miniaturized nanometer-scale semiconductor technologies. The SMArT project has the following aims aligned with the aforementioned goal: (i) develop ground-breaking transceiver technologies for 5G and beyond, with immediate emphasis on energy-efficient 10Gb/s home outdoor modem to provide high-speed fixed wireless internet access to rural areas, and (ii) create a platform to train a new generation of innovative researchers through technology development to address the industrial demand for highly skilled researchers required to shape future communication systems. The active collaboration of academia and industry in training activities as well as in technology development will empower the early stage researchers with a unique mix of highly valued transferable research skills and application-focused industry perspective.

Mots clés : integrated circuits, cmos, wireless transceiver, transmitters, mixed mode signal processing, electronics, mobile communication, digital pre distortion

Participants :
- Aalto University (Finlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 561611.52 €
- Nokia (Belgium) (Belgique) — Partner, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 256320.0 €
Projet DarkMatterAndHiggs (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

According to modern cosmological models only 16% of all matter in our universe corresponds to the known, visible matter. The other 84% is called dark matter (DM) and could so far only be observed indirectly, which is why its particle nature is poorly understood. Yet, DM played a crucial role during the evolution of our universe and thus the formation of life itself. Therefore, the understanding of DM is an important aim of contemporary physics and is pursued in this fellowship. With this research proposal, I will endeavour to uncover the particle nature of DM by analysing the proton collisions of the Large Hadron Collider recorded with the ATLAS detector at a centre of mass energy of 13 TeV. I will study whether DM is produced in the collisions by analysing events containing a Higgs boson decaying to two tau leptons and missing transverse energy, the iconic signature of weakly interacting particles. This search channel has not been exploited before and complements the current searches for DM performed by the ATLAS collaboration. I will develop a strategy to identify these Higgs decays by using novel physics quantities and machine learning methods. The results will be interpreted in different models that describe DM. Furthermore, I will combine the results of different Higgs plus DM searches of the ATLAS Collaboration to maximise their discovery reach. Their sensitivity will be increased through the exploitation of the uncertainty correlation between the different measurements and results from other DM searches will be incorporated. This way, my proposal connects the fields of high energy physics, astroparticle physics, cosmology and computer science with the aim to uncover the true nature of DM in our universe.

Mots clés : atlas, dark matter, higgs

Participants :
- University of Bergen (Norvège) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 208400.4 €
Projet InSPiRED (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Almost 500 million people live in river deltas, which host among the most important areas for economic activities and global food production on the planet. Relative sea-level rise (RSLR) in delta systems is predominantly caused by land subsidence and accelerating subsidence rates threaten the future existence of these low-lying landforms, including their inhabitants, environment and economy. Reliable projections of future RSLR are urgently needed to prospect the fate of sinking delta systems but their creation is presently hampered by our inability to accurately resolve delayed subsidence. This causes uncertainties in subsidence rate projections potentially much larger than climate-change driven rates of sea-level rise. The InSPiRED (Improving Subsidence PREdictions in Delta systems) project aims to improve our ability to quantify delayed subsidence by upgrading a novel, physics-based numerical simulator and to develop a generic integrated approach at create accurate RSLR projections for sinking coastal-deltaic areas. These will facilitate the design of effective management strategies for local delta policymakers. The approach will be designed for different temporal and spatial scales, ranging from decennial to millennial and from a single marsh to an entire delta, respectively, in three major delta systems, the Po, Mississippi, and Mekong deltas. Both the applicant and the research group have strong track records of cutting-edge subsidence research with different disciplinary backgrounds. The applicant will bring geomorphological and geological knowledge to the research group, leading in geomechanical engineering and numerical modelling. This will enable the inter- and multidisciplinary research required for this project and facilitate transfer of ideas. The project will strengthen the applicant numerical and geomechanical skills and reinforce his research competencies and professional networks, enhancing his career development as an independent researcher.

Mots clés : land subsidence, relative sea level rise, deltas and coastal plains, geology, geomorphology, delta evolution, hydrogeology, numerical modeling, mitigation and adaptation strategies

Participants :
- University of Padua (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 137604.96 €
Projet EngiNano-HF (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disorder resulting from damage of the hair follicle by cytotoxic T cells and characterized by non-scarring hair loss. This project intended for preventive treatment AA brings together a highly motivated, experienced, and talented Researcher (Dr. Matías Picchio), with a Polymer Chemistry background in biomaterials, hydrogels, and nanoparticle synthesis and properties improvement methodologies for biomedical applications, and POLYMAT, an innovative technological institute in the field of development of biomedical solutions based on nanohydrogels for the controlled release of therapeutic substances. EngiNano-HF will focus on advancing the Experienced Researcher’s career through the development of the technology and manufacture stages of a new supramolecular polymer nanoformulation for the successful management of Janus kinase-inhibitors to prevent AA and associated complications. Under the supervision of Prof. M. Calderón, a globally recognized researcher, EngiNano-HF will proceed in a stepwise fashion using cutting-edge methodologies to prepare and physicochemically characterize the polymer nanocarriers. The effect of the nanocarrier size, surface chemistry, surface charge, and mechanical properties on the hair follicle penetration and follicular delivery will be evaluated in porcine ear skin ex-vivo models. The most promising formulations will then be validated on a pre-industrial scale. Three highly experienced teams RPT, CRC, and i+Med company will complement each other to meet the multidisciplinary expertise needed for EngiNano-HF. This proposal is designed to allow the applicant to expand his research field significantly by receiving high-quality training-through-research and developing a new set of transferable skills. Moreover, with the aim of achieving the highest possible social, industrial, and academic impact, this proposal covers multiple aspects related to exploitation, dissemination, and outreach activities.

Mots clés : hair follicle, skin diseases, alopecia areata, janus kinase inhibitors, pre industrial product development

Participants :
- University of the Basque Country (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 160932.48 €