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

The aim of this project is to examine the effects of pressure on molecule-based magnets ranging from Single-Ion Magnets (SIMs) and Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs), to Single-Chain Magnets (SCMs) and Magnetic Metal-Organic Frameworks (MMOFs). The use of high-pressure offers the potential to provide detailed information concerning correlations between structure and magnetic properties within the same molecule. We aim to look for such magneto-structural correlations by combining structural (X-ray) and magnetic characterization techniques (Magnetometry, EPR, INS) in tandem with other spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV-Vis, Raman), all under pressure.

Mots clés : molecular magnetism, magneto structural correlations, single molecule magnets, high pressure techniques

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

The aim of this project is to investigate enumerative invariants of the Hilbert schemes parametrizing zero-dimensional subschemes of some basic classes of surface singularities as well as of its higher rank analogues, and find connections between these enumerative invariants and the Chern-Simons theories on the links of the singularities. This question will open brand new relations between algebraic and topological invariants of these singularities. The main tool to approach the problem will be to develop representations of vertex algebras on the cohomologies or derived categories of these moduli spaces conjecturally giving rise to analogues of the Nekrasov parition function on the singularities. Then we will use recent new developements about a specific motivic measure with values in the Grothendieck ring of geometric dg categories to prove some simplification of the aimed correspondence. In the end we will raise these simplified results to the general level. This project will allow the researcher to broaden his area of expertise as well as to develop new directions in his research lines. He will complement his knowledge in low-dimensional topology at one of the most prestigious research institutes and under the guidance of one of the worldwide leaders in this field.

Mots clés : hilbert scheme of points, normal surface singularities, vertex algebras, nekrasov partition function, chern simons theory

Participants :
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences (Hongrie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 151850.88 €
Projet HAEMOGLOBIN (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The aim of this proposal is to make universal and low-cost catalysts from industrial waste and apply them to biomass upgrading. To that end, we will make single atomic FeNx sites supported on carbon (FeNx@C) that have seen tremendous development in organic chemistry in the past 5 years. Indeed, they are active for both oxidations and reductions, and constitute promising substitutes for toxic, scarce and costly platinum-group metals (PGM). Yet major challenges remain in the field: first we need to find new routes to drastically lower the footprint of their synthesis. Here we will adopt a bio-inspired approach and use inexpensive hemoproteins as precursors: they naturally contain four pre-built FeNx sites (hemes) per unit. Hemoproteins can be extracted from blood in slaughterhouse waste. We will use the resulting catalysts for the upgrading of key biomass-derived platform molecules: 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), levulinic acid (LA), and other biomass-derived alcohols. The reductive and oxidative potency of FeNx@C will be first explored separately, then sequentially for alcohol direct conversion to amines. Due to their heterogeneous nature, FeNx@C catalysts can be readily transposed to continuous flow synthesis. With such promising technology, we will fully exploit biomass to both make new catalysts and perform large scale conversion of bio-based platform chemicals.

Mots clés : single site catalysis, biomass conversion, flow chemistry

Participants :
- Imperial College London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 212933.76 €
Projet LIGHTMATT-EXPLORER (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The aim of this proposal is to study the transition between the scalar an vectorial regimes of light-matter interactions and show that its knowledge can be used to create a chirality-discriminating device. For that, the scalar-vectorial transition will be studied for three conceptually different nanostructures. The study will be carried out with a technique developed by the ER: vortex beam-induced circular dichroism. The findings of the study will be given by means of three look-up-tables, one for each kind of nanostructure. These look-up-tables will allow any light-scientist working with similar nanostructures to identify the regime (scalar/vectorial) in which their light-matter interactions are taking place. The results of this project will improve our fundamental understanding of light-matter interactions. This knowledge will add a new dimension into the characterization of complex 2D and 3D nanostructures. To show the potential of this characterization, at the end of the project we will use the look-up-table of a 3D plasmonic vortex to design a device that efficiently discriminates the chirality of molecules. The project has all the ideal elements to fulfill its goals. On one hand, the ER is already a scientific expert in light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. On the other hand, the Plasmon Nanotechnologies group at IIT, with its world-class laboratories and clean rooms provides an extraordinary scientific environment for the ER to develop his career path. In particular, it is expected that the ER learns many different nanofabrication techniques. Thus, thanks to this action, the ER will become a preeminent scientist with a unique set of skills combining nanofabrication, optical manipulation/measurements and simulations/theoretical work. This will place him in an advantageous position to become a world leader in nano-optics. The supervision and expertise of Dr. De Angelis will ensure that these goals are reached.

Mots clés : vortex beams, circular dichroism, chirality, non paraxial, nanofabrication

Participants :
- Italian Institute of Technology (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 180277.2 €
Projet Active implants (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The aim of this study is to develop piezoelectric ceramics for the use as bone replacement materials utilizing their piezoelectric behaviour to stimulate bone and vascular cell growth. The work is based on the finding that mechanical and electrical stimuli exert a strong influence on the osseogenesis on the cellular level. As piezoelectric ceramics develop electric surface charges under mechanical load it is expected that they accelerate the healing process and support the development of a strong bond between bone and implant. The quality of bone and vascular ingrowth is determined by various factors such as biocompatibility of the replacement material, surface morphology and electric surface states. Especially the porosity of the ceramic is of crucial importance as the pores have to be large enough and of open structure to allow ingrowth of both bone and vascular cells. However, increasing porosity is likely to alter the local piezoelectric behaviour and by this the local surface charges responsible for cell growth stimulation. To pave the way for the development of piezoelectric implants it is crucial to understand the influence of microstructural features such as porosity and grain size on the piezoelectric properties. I will approach this task by developing biocompatible ceramics with a wide range of microstructural characteristics. I will investigate the influence of porosity and grain size on a macroscopic scale using piezoelectric testing techniques, on a mesoscopic scale employing Piezo Force Microscopy and on the structural scale via diffraction studies. The biocompatibility as well as the influence of the piezoelectric behaviour on the osseogenesis will be clarified by in-vitro cell experiments on unpoled and electrically poled ceramics. The knowledge gained will form the basis for the development of a new class of implant materials exploiting the piezoelectric characteristics to improve the healing process and to create long lasting interfacial bonds.

Mots clés : ceramics, microstructure, piezoelectricity bicompatibility

Participants :
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norvège) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 208400.4 €
Projet PREKARN (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The aim of this study is to identify the mechanics of cultural transmission among Pleistocene human groups and to provide new ideas for the investigation of occupational dynamics through lithic technological approach. Social learning informs us of the cognitive abilities to acquire knowledge transmitted between generations as adaptive strategies. In the archaeological record, the transmission of knowledge and the skills are identified through repetitive patterns, but most of them only remain in the best preserved archaeological material: the lithic tools that hominins made to survive. This project aims to ascertain how hominins learnt through the study of the size of the lithic tools (since novices knappers tend to prouce more small flakes that experienced knappers), and the management and know-how or “savoir-faire” of the knappers preserved into the archaeological collections. This will provide more information about the cognitive evolution of our ancestors. My goal is to study these mechanisms on the basis of two sections: The first part will consist in developing an experimental project to define morphotechnological characters that are crucial to learn the "appropriate" size of the tools to made . The second part will be dedicated to track these morphotechnological characters in the archaeological record through an inter-disciplinary study, including technology, spatial and refitting analyses. The data obtained from these analyses will be processed jointly using a multivariate statistical analysis in order to identify technological patterns. These patterns differ between levels and sites, suggesting the possible existence of cultural identities or behavioural predispositions according to each human group. The integrated analysis of these different and complementary aspects guarantees the interdisciplinary and the innovative nature of the project, since this kind of research has never been conducted before at this level.

Mots clés : paleolithic, lithic technology, cognition, stone knapping, human evolution

Participants :
- University of London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €
Projet ECOHYDRY (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The already fragile delivery of dryland ecosystem services to over two billion people is increasingly threatened by global environmental change. Understanding of factors and mechanisms that govern dryland dynamics and their response to changing conditions and pressure is therefore of utmost importance. The scientific aim of this Action, ECOHYDRY, is to address the ecohydrological processes that determine the stability, resilience and restoration potential of dryland ecosystems. The societal aim is to improve dryland management to navigate the risks and opportunities associated with global change impacts on drylands worldwide. ECOHYDRY will extend the theory of ecosystem structure-function relationships by focusing on the so far less-explored hydrological functions. ECOHYDRY will also contribute to the research field of catastrophic ecosystem shifts by investigating critical factors and processes such as functional diversity, ecohydrological feedbacks, and interacting pressures of different nature that have yet to be addressed. Part of the innovation in the project lies in a methodological approach that formatively couples mathematical models and manipulative experiments of dryland ecosystem dynamics. ECOHYDRY also seeks to systematically translate and share the research achievements through a novel participatory approach that effectively engages stakeholders in the knowledge management process. The multidisciplinary perspective adopted, combining dryland ecology, hydrology, and social sciences, ultimately aims to provide useful and scientifically-sound information to adapt and increase the resilience of dryland ecosystems to global change impacts, including reliable early warning indicators. In this way, this proposal directly addresses the two cross-cutting priorities of sustainable development and climate action established by the H2020 Work Programme and will reinforce the already large European competitiveness in dryland research and management.

Mots clés : ecosystem resilience, ecohydrological feedbacks, desertification, plant functional diversity

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 173076.0 €
Projet AmnioticID (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The amniotic fluid surrounds and protects the foetus during development, providing trophic and mechanical support to its growth. This liquid contains a variety of cells shedding from embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues that have long been utilised for prenatal diagnosis. In a seminal 2007 article, Professor De Coppi identified in the amniotic fluid, a small population of cells with broad multi-lineage differentiation ability defined as Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells (AFSCs). AFSCs can be isolated, expanded and differentiated during gestation, making them ideal for the development of pre-/perinatal autologous regenerative medicine strategies. In the last decade, a series of studies focused on investigating the therapeutic relevance of the AFSCs for various tissue compartments, such as skeletal and cardiac muscle, lung and liver. However, very little is known about the AFSCs origin, lineage identity and role during human development. This knowledge gaps have relevant impact on these cells' clinical translation and a list of important questions remains to be addressed: Which tissue releases the AFSCs? Are these cells constantly generated, or part of a self-renewing niche? What is the function of the AFSCs during human development? This proposal aims at addressing these questions, by using a combination of next generation sequencing analyses, cell biology assays and in vivo linage tracing approaches. Ultimately defining the origin and identity of the AFSCs will not only increase our knowledge of their physiological role, but will also allow to better direct future studies on their therapeutic implications. Thanks to this project, I will gain a comprehensive, multi-faceted understanding of the biology and regenerative potential of AFSCs. This will open up new research agendas, foster international collaborations and provide me valuable transferrable skills of crucial relevance to develop my independent career, in line with the mission of the Marie Curie action.

Mots clés : amniotic fluid, lineage tracing, cell identity, next generation sequencing, in vivo imaging  mammalian, development

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

The appearance of microbial life on Earth is manifested by stromatolites in ~3.5 billion year (Ga) old marine sediments in Pilbara, Australia. The processes involved in the mineralisation and preservation of these earliest signatures of life remain incompletely understood. It has been observed that the stromatolites are mineralised by several generations of carbonate and silica phases, but when and how the different cement phases formed is under debate. Knowing the time and conditions of mineralisation of the stromatolites is necessary to evaluate whether the cements represent primary phases truly indicative of past environmental conditions or a post-depositional overprint. As some of the mineral phases have been suggested to represent reliable archives of ancient Pilbara seawater, they can be used to reconstruct the habitats of the earliest life on Earth. The goal of project ELEMIN is to reconstruct the syn- and post-depositional history of the Pilbara stromatolites and differentiate between primary and later-stage carbonate/silica mineral phases. High-resolution petrographic methods, such as electron backscatter diffraction mapping, in combination with radiometric isotope dating will be applied to date individual mineral phases and to identify pristine mineral phases that were directly precipitated from seawater ~3.5 Ga ago. Trace elements and neodymium isotope compositions of these pristine mineral phases yield detailed insights into the local physico-chemical conditions prevailing at the site of stromatolite growth, such as redox conditions and the source(s) of elements dissolved in Pilbara seawater. Both proxies trace the origin of elements to either continental weathering or to submarine hydrothermal systems. This distinction is essential as it allows us to evaluate contrasting models for early life, suggesting either a peculiar ocean chemistry or submarine hydrothermal systems as the cradle of life.

Mots clés : early life, stromatolite, marine environment, geobiology, microbe mineral interactions, geochronology, seawater chemistry, archean, pilbara craton

Participants :
- University of Vienna (Autriche) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 166156.8 €
Projet HOLES (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The application of photonics in both everyday life and advanced science would be widespread, as they have a range of advantages as compared to electronics in many applications. However, the development of high-throughput photonic technologies has proven problematic, due to the absence of easily-scalable methods to process materials of the desired optical characteristics. My project addresses that problem by adopting a highly successful approach hat has been employed in (opto)electronics, which has led to the explosion of a new prolific scientific field, new technologies, and new products: the development of solution-based processing methods. Specifically, I propose to produce a step change in the photonics field through the employment of the Dynamic Templating Process (DTP), an elegant, fully solution-processing method, which exploits the self-assembly of water microdroplets, to create micro-honeycombs, i.e. 2D photonic crystals. As solution-processable material, I propose to use an organic:inorganic hybrid, which shows refractive indexes above 2. Then, I aim to create novel 2D hierarchical and 3D photonic structures based on thy hybrid honeycombs for optical field management. In the last stage I will transform the DTP into an industrially scalable process for photonic crystal and device manufacturing. Thereby, I propose an ambitious, multidisciplinary and self-consistent project, which encompasses the synthesis of novel materials, the development of microprocessing methods, the production and characterisation of a new class of photonic elements, and the development of industrial production processes. Hence, the project is designed to generate new knowledge as well as new disruptive technology, as it may lay the foundations for next generation photonic devices

Mots clés : organic, inorganic hybrid materials, polymers, photonic crystals, breath figures, soft matter, processing

Participants :
- Imperial College London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet RESOLVE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The arctic is predicted to warm faster and to a greater extent than anywhere on earth. Environmental drivers such as increased temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration, are resulting in unprecedented changes to the structure, function and/or species composition of Arctic-Boreal biome (ABB) vegetation. However, the ecosystem response to a changing climate varies spatially within the ABB, even in areas exposed to the same changes in climate. Changes in vegetation dynamics have been documented from a range of sources, including atmospheric CO2 data, forest inventories and other field measurements. However, accounting for the spatial-dependence of climate-vegetation-ecosystem feedbacks to model plant carbon uptake is challenging over biome scales. Accurately quantifying the photosynthetic carbon uptake by vegetation is important to carbon budgets, due to its magnitude and inter-annual variability. A particularly time-sensitive question is whether potential increases in vegetation productivity will offset CO2 emissions from melting permafrost, and what the net impacts will be on the terrestrial carbon sink. NDVI satellite-derived data has been well-used by ecologists to reveal ‘greening’ or ‘browning’ trends across the biome and a longer growing season. However, NDVI saturates at moderate leaf chlorophyll (Chl) and LAI values, leading to unreliable relationships with vegetation productivity. Recent developments in remote sensing methods and satellite technologies and has opened up exciting new opportunities to use fluorescence and Chl as indicators of plant physiological status, to address biome-scale questions on climate-induced changes in vegetation productivity. This research will contribute to: improving our understanding of the spatially-dependent dominant environmental drivers affecting ABB vegetation change at local and regional scales, determining the terrestrial carbon budget for the ABB, and the consequent implications on atmospheric CO2 concentration

Mots clés : arctic, boreal, climate change, vegetation productivity, chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf chlorophyll content, ndvi, ecosystem modelling, vcmax

Participants :
- University of Sheffield (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €