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

The degradation of permafrost has accelerated in subarctic and arctic regions. The southern boundary of permafrost distribution has receded northwards over the last decades, and the degradation has also increased in the arctic zone of continuous permafrost. This process is expected to persist in the future due to climate warming, which is amplified in circumpolar regions. Almost half of the world’s soil organic C is stored in permafrost, largely in permanently frozen peat. The degradation of permafrost in peatlands is particularly threatening because it may turn peatlands from C sinks to C sources and accelerate climate change. However, the coupling between C and nutrient cycles is still poorly understood, and needs to be addressed to properly understand the impacts of permafrost thawing on the functioning of peatland ecosystems and their feedback on global climate. FROSTLAND addresses some of these uncertainties. The overall aims are to elucidate the fine-scale biogeochemical changes occurring in the active layer and in deep permafrost across gradients of permafrost thaw in subarctic and arctic peatlands and to improve fine- and broader-scale estimates of nutrient availability and of C and nutrient stocks in different global warming scenarios. FROSTLAND is based on a detailed research plan that has been accurately designed to address these knowledge gaps. The achievement of these objectives will require the acquisition of new knowledge and skills by the researcher, who will be trained at PLECO (UAntwerp) under the supervision of Prof. Janssens, an expert in soil biogeochemistry. A secondment to the Dept. Physical Geography (Stockholm Univ.) will be supervised by Prof. Hugelius, an expert in modelling and upscaling of C and nutrients in permafrost and peatlands. The work will be based on available datasets collected in permafrost peatlands in previous projects and also on new data acquisition. FROSTLAND is an essential step for the researcher's career success.

Mots clés : permafrost, peatlands, arctic, subarctic, nutrients, global warming

Participants :
- University of Antwerp (Belgique) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 178320.0 €
Projet IPACBIS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The dementia epidemic is a growing socio-economical problem in developed countries, including Europe, mainly due to aged population. Alzheimer´s disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, has currently no prevention or cure. Identifying AD at early stages will likely improve the chances of developing an effective therapy. AD-related changes can be detected in brains of healthy individuals many years before the onset of cognitive decline using biomarkers. Testing all elderly healthy individuals would not be cost-effective, but interestingly many of them experience subjective memory complaints (SMC) but show preserved cognition when tested. Although conditions such as drugs, depression, anxiety or lack of sleep may be the underlying cause of SMC, a small percentage of individuals with SMC are experiencing the very initial symptoms of AD. The aim of this proposal is to identify which subgroup of individuals with SMC is at risk of developing AD dementia in the future. 200 individuals with SMC will be followed-up for 2y and tested with positron emission tomography with Florbetaben, plasma, lumbar puncture, optical coherence tomography and very sensitive neuropsychological tests at the Fundació ACE in Barcelona. Those finally classified as preclinical AD due to positive biomarkers at baseline and cognitive impairment at follow-up will be offered to join clinical trials for disease-modifying therapies against AD. The MSCA fellowship will allow the researcher to establish an independent career back in Europe after a stay in the United States, start academic tenure-track, improve her publication record, and receive specialized training in novel biomarker techniques and the preclinical phase of AD. The host organization will benefit from the researcher´s knowledge in tau imaging and neuropathology and her international connections to establish new collaborative projects. Plans for communication, exploitation and dissemination of the results will be established.

Mots clés : biomarkers, subjective memory complaints, preclinical alzheimer s phase

Participants :
- Fundació ACE (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 158121.6 €
Projet DUSTCO (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The deposition of atmospheric dust is thought to provide nutrients that are essential for phytoplankton growth in large areas of the ocean, with implications for primary production and remaining oceanic food chain, as well as for the ocean's biological carbon pump. Amongst the main primary producers in open-ocean oligotrophic waters are the coccolithophores. By also including more opportunistic taxa that quickly respond to short-term changes linked to nutrient input, and by being both photosynthetic and calcifying, coccolithophores provide interesting perspectives as indicators of ocean fertilization by dust, and its contribution to the organic and inorganic oceanic carbon pumps. Given the huge amounts of Saharan-dust blown into and over the equatorial North Atlantic, a region where nitrogen fixation is co-limited by Fe and P, it is only likely to expect that dust will act as nutrient supplier for marine phytoplankton. Here, I propose to investigate the effects of Saharan dust deposition on the cell production, species composition, carbonate production and coccolith-Sr/Ca ratios on coccolithophore populations across the equatorial North Atlantic. The study will be based on seawater samples covering the entire photic layer and sediment trap samples collected between NW Africa and the Caribbean, complemented by a coccolithophore culturing exploring the response of key coccolithophore species to dust input. As the transatlantic array was lying directly underneath the largest dust plume originating from the African continent (12º N), and two events of dust deposition were clearly recorded during the sampling cruise, DUSTCO provides a unique in situ opportunity to investigate the potential of Saharan dust as a fertilizer. Ongoing multidisciplinary research in the region, offers an excellent context for this study. The obtained findings will be used to develop a dust-related coccolithophore-based correlation/calibration function.

Mots clés : coccolithophores, coccolith caco3, coccolith sr, batch culture, phytoplankton pigments, saharan dust, amazon river, tropical north atlantic

Participants :
- Fciencias.id - associacao para a investigacao e desenvolvimento de ciencias (Portugal) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 148635.6 €
Projet DEDMEE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Mathematics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The derivation of macroscopic (effective) equations from microscopic considerations is a long-standing challenge of the mathematical analysis of many-body problems. In this research proposal, we focus on the derivation of (linear or non-linear) kinetic and Hartree-type equations from microscopic quantum models. The innovative and creative potential of the project relies on the combination of rigorous methods of Quantum Field Theory (QFT) and Quantum Statistical Mechanics (QSM). Particular attention will indeed be paid to the macroscopic properties of interacting quantum systems governed by a microscopic dynamics. The latter is a notoriously difficult mathematical problem for which only few rigorous results exist. The proposed research will yield significant outcomes in this field, while developing important knowledge transfers, locally between the researchers Sébastien Breteaux, Jean-Bernard Bru and Miguel Escobedo, and globally between BCAM and TU Braunschweig, the University of Paris Nord, ETH Zürich and the University of São Paulo

Mots clés : quantum field theory, quantum statistical mechanics

Participants :
- Basque Center for Applied Mathematics (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 158121.6 €
Projet BEAT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The detection of autoantibodies typically appear a few years prior to clinical autoimmune disease and their reactivity can drift at or after disease onset. The laboratory of M.C. Carroll (outgoing institute) has developed a murine model (ARTEMIS; Autoreactive B-cell driven T-dependent Epitope Migration towards Immunity to Self) where the presence of a single autoreactive B cell clone drives activation, expansion and differentiation of other autoreactive B-cells in spontaneous germinal centers (GC) followed by autoantibody deposition in the kidney. These autoreactive B-cells target multiple other self-antigens (also known as epitope spreading) and are independent of the initial trigger once tolerance is broken. Follicular T helper (Tfh) cells play a prominent role in the selection of B-cells in the GC and have been linked to excessive GC formation, high-level production of pathogenic autoantibodies and end-organ damage in murine and human autoimmune disease. With this project I will address the role of Tfh cells in the maturation process of the self-reactive B-cell response and epitope spreading as observed in human autoimmune disease. Preliminary results show dependence of T cells, the extent and nature of T-cell involvement is however not yet addressed. I will utilize the mixed bone-marrow chimera model (ARTEMIS) in combination with selected strains altered in important factors for Tfh function and differentiation. As the GC reaction is a highly dynamic process we will visualize this utilizing multi-photon intravital microscopy and analyze important interactions of Tfh cells in the developing autoreactive GC. The development of autoreactivity from WT B-cells in the ARTEMIS model better reflects natural autoreactive GC behavior and human autoimmune disease and could therefore favor the transition of potential therapeutic targets from murine to human disease.

Mots clés : multi photon intravital microscopy, germinal center dynamics, follicular helper t cells

Participants :
- University Medical Center Utrecht (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 260929.8 €
- Boston Children's Hospital (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet BSSTD (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The detection of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) has become a serious medical concern around the globe, as the number of reported cases increases every year, particularly in the United Kingdom. Infection with STDs, such as Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can result in long term health issues, such as infertility, reproductive tract cancer, and poor perinatal outcome. The successful treatment of these diseases depends on a quick and reliable method of diagnosis, which will be the topic of this proposal. The overall goal of the proposed research is to develop a detection method for bacteria, associated with STDs, based on bioelectrochemical techniques. Specific objectives of the proposed research consist of the identification of a redox couple functioning as electron donor for bacterial oxidases, the specific binding of bacteria to a macroelectrode, the electrochemical recognition of immobilized bacteria at the macroelectrode, testing for false-positive and false-negative results, the varying of target cultures to extend the scope of the proposed research, and finally, the assembly of a biosensing device using disposable screen printed electrodes. The proposed technique will make use of a biochemical test for aerobic bacteria, the oxidase test, by adapting it for electrochemical detection. In doing so, high selectivity will be achieved by targeted binding of living bacteria to immobilized antibodies on an electrode, whereas sensitivity will be strongly increased through the localized electrochemical detection of the oxidase test product. To demonstrate the usefulness and applicability to medical diagnostics, an approach is proposed to transfer the presented proof of concept to portable screen printed electrodes, which will permit the routine use of this concept in a bioelectrochemical handheld device. The proposed research answers the European Commission’s call for the development of new technologies in the health sector and an urgent need in public health monitoring.

Mots clés : biosensors, bioelectrochemistry, disease detection, stds

Participants :
- University of Oxford (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €
Projet Social Jet Lag (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Organisms and their cells exhibit alternating phases of activity and inactivity that are regulated by internal ~24h (circadian) clocks. These clocks synchronize to natural fluctuations in day-light, but also likely respond to other factors including the activity of the social group. Here, we propose to investigate how individuals cope with misalignment between their circadian clock and social time (“social jet lag”) – a phenomenon studied in only few species (mainly humans and other mammals) and rarely tested in groups of more than two individuals. Specifically, we will investigate how groups achieve collective synchrony when their members have circadian clocks with different periods or entrained to different environmental cues. Multidisciplinary investigations (physiological, behavioural, and ecological) will be conducted on groups of Red Knots (Calidris canutus islandica) - the hosts’ well established avian model. The project will combine the applicant’s expertise in collecting and analysing extensive circadian datasets, the hosts’ experimental set up in the world’s only tidal aviaries, and the partner’s expertise on an array of circadian clock measurement tools, including a novel molecular method never experimentally applied in birds before. This unique investigation of social jet lag in a non-human social animal will have three main implications. First, it will test the applicability of a new method to quantify circadian clocks for avian research in general. Second, it will reveal how individuals cope with social jet lag and synchronize to the timing of their group – an important topic in the field of ‘time research’ which, according to the recent “foresight” study, is one of six fields of key importance for scientific and technological development. Third, it will help us understand whether and how individuals, in a particular social setting, cope with fast environmental changes of the kind increasingly generated by human modification of habitat.

Mots clés : circadian clock, circadian oscillator, circatidal oscillator, shorebirds, social jet lag, social synchronization

Participants :
- Dutch Research Council (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 177598.8 €
Projet IA-NANO (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition of the joints and is predicted to become the fourth largest cause of disability in the world by 2020. Its complete mechanism is yet to be deciphered. Though it is not curable, several medications are prescribed to manage the symptomatic OA, of which the oral and topical medications have shortcomings and the better option is the intra-articular (IA) delivery of free corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid. However, IA delivery is challenging due to the rapid clearance of the free injected molecules from the joint space and outcomes are suboptimal in terms of efficacy and a need for repeated injections. Our objective therefore is to load a candidate drug in a long-acting delivery system and inject it directly into the inflamed knee of a rat model of OA, following in vitro bioassay screening in primary human synoviocytes. Thus, in this project, we propose to develop non-toxic, biocompatible and biodegradable albumin particles loaded with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, celecoxib. This method is expected to reduce the side-effects associated with oral administration of celecoxib. In addition, it will also increase the drug local concentration in the joint and the controlled release of the drug will lead to reduction of inflammatory biomarkers in joints. The project is in line with the EU’s Horizon 2020 Programme focus area - Health, Demographic Change and Wellbeing and UN Sustainable Development goal - Good Health and Well-Being. It will be carried out by the researcher and supervisors who are experts in DDSs development, OA therapy and translational pharmaceutics. Both the researcher and the host are expected to benefit in this collaboration and the researcher will gain experience that will increase her future employability. The project will have great societal impact and commercial potential and will also help increase Europe’s position as the leading source of cutting-edge research.

Mots clés : drug delivery, nanomedicine, osteoarthritis management, intra articular delivery, protein, celecoxib, formulation, nanoparticle, local delivery, albumin, anti inflammatory drug, joint inflammation

Participants :
- National University of Ireland (Irlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 196590.72 €
Projet OSTASKILLS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Cofund Doctoral programme
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the single most common cause of disability in older adults and is expected to continue to grow in the decades to come. Despite the major socio-economic impact, OA patients are facing a staggering lack of disease-modifying therapies, leaving invasive total joint replacement as the only currently available option to treat end-stage OA. OSTASKILLS is based on a research programme aimed at the clinical development and market introduction of medical devices, pharmaceutical products and advanced therapy medicinal products for joint repair. OSTASKILLS aims at attracting ten talented doctoral candidates worldwide. It will issue two calls, inviting early stage researchers to apply for a doctoral training. The selection process OSTASKILLS has adopted is based on openness, transparency, merit, impartiality and equality for the applicants. The doctoral candidates will receive training through research and training by education. The main training objectives are: a variety of scientific methods within the field of regenerative medicine, as well as other transferable skills to improve the career perspectives of the doctoral candidates. OSTASKILLS aims to train the next generation of entrepreneurial scientists who are capable of combining and translating major innovations in life sciences towards meaningful clinical applications and the health care market. The field of joint preservation will act as a unique blueprint for the training of entrepreneurial scientists that can find their way towards other clinical application areas following their training in this programme. Every doctoral candidate will work in both an academic, as well as an non-academic partner organisation, to expose the young researchers to diverse research environments and equip them with the skills needed to bring innovations to actual implementation in practice.

Mots clés : osteoarthritis, rheumatic diseases, translational research, cell therapy, regenerative therapy

Participants :
- Reumafonds (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Autres, subvention : 1084800.0 €
Projet CAREQiPSC (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint pathology that constitutes the first cause of disability in older adults and accounts for >80% of chronic lameness in horses. Effective treatments are not available while developing them is of utmost importance for the EU objective of translating knowledge into society’s benefit. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can provide unlimited cells for therapy with no ethical concerns. However, pre-clinical knowledge is limited to small animals with low translational potential. Larger species such as the horse better resembles human joint’s features and can also benefit from these therapies (One Medicine). To develop this approach, the first mandatory step is obtaining suitable cartilage from eqiPSCs. Thus, the goals of CAREQiPSC are: 1) establishing eqiPSCs from new sources with potential chondrogenic commitment, 2) derive mesenchymal-like cells with chondrogenic potential, 3) compare their chondrogenic ability under different conditions, 4) explore their therapeutic potential in an ex vivo cartilage explant system. To achieve these goals, eqiPSCs will be established from articular chondrocytes, umbilical cord mononuclear cells, and dermal fibroblasts, and their pluripotency will be studied. Mesenchymal cells derived from these lines will be characterised and induced to differentiate in the customary pellet system and in a 3D scaffold. The tissue obtained will be studied by histology, protein and gene expression, and its therapeutic potential will be investigated in cartilage explants, also including imaging and biomechanical assessment. The researcher’s previous experience in the equine model and the host’s expertise in iPSCs and infrastructure will ensure the achievement of these goals. The main outcome will be critical in vitro and ex vivo knowledge to facilitate in vivo application in the horse, which will generate preclinical information transferable to human therapy and will advance the veterinary medicine field.

Mots clés : cartilage, chondrogenesis, comparative medicine, induced pluripotent stem cells, horse, one health, one medicine, osteoarthritis

Participants :
- National University of Ireland (Irlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 184590.72 €