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

Phonons are the quantized vibration of the crystal lattice that carry heat in insulators and semiconductors and thus the ability of manipulating them is central in many applications, ranging from thermal management, thermoelectricity and ,perhaps the most visionary of them, phonon-based logic and computing. Topological nontrivial phonons have been studied in artificial periodic structures, i.e. phononic crystals, and as intrinsic quantized collective excitations of atomic vibrations at terahertz frequency. The latter are of particular importance and can promote fundamental investigations and promising applications related to phonons, such as dissipationless phonon transport, quantized Hall effect, etc. The goal of this project is to investigate the intrinsic topological phononic states inside realistic crystalline solids and provide recipes for their experimental realization and engineering. The TOPological pHONonics In Crystalline materiALS (TOPHONICALS) project will deliver a framework aimed at designing and realizing nontrivial topological phonon states in realistic crystalline materials, exploring their use in applications related to renewable energy and information technology. Specifically, TOPHONICALS will focus on topological phononic states like quantum anomalous/spin/valley hall-like (Q(A/S/V)H-like) states and Weyl phonons with the purpose to achieve these states in the realistic materials, so that thermal devices such as dissipationless phonon waveguides, phonon diodes, negative refraction materials can be further designed and engineered. The challenge and novelty of TOPHONICALS is delivering a set of recipes to realize these devices not simply using theoretical models but realistic materials. This approach would allow us to imagine a low power phononic circuits, highly efficient phonon valley filters and an ideal phonon diode, as the topological phononic states are promising one-way boundary states immune to scattering.

Mots clés : topological materials, phonons, thermal conductivity, thermal diodes

Participants :
- Spanish National Research Council (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 160932.48 €
Projet Class II PI3K (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are lipid kinases that generate intracellular second messengers in signal transduction and membrane trafficking pathways and are important drug targets. This proposal seeks to delineate the roles and mechanism of action of a group of PI3Ks which have remained enigmatic ever since their discovery over a decade ago. The PI3K family comprises eight members in three subclasses. Class I PI3Ks signal downstream of growth factor and G protein-coupled receptors, are amongst the most commonly mutated genes in cancer and are being exploited as drug targets. The class II and III PI3Ks have in part emerged as regulators of membrane trafficking pathways but their physiological roles remain poorly understood. We aim to identify the physiological roles of the class II PI3K-C2α and β and to characterize the impact of their kinase activity on signalling pathways. To analyse the roles of class II PI3K activity in vivo, the Host Laboratory has created constitutive global and conditional knock-in kinase-inactive mice (unpublished). In contrast to PI3K gene knockout models, these mouse lines allow us to specifically address kinase-dependent functions and hence are an ideal model to evaluate the potential of class II PI3Ks as drug targets. The class II PI3K-C2α (C2α) is involved in endo- and exocytosis as well as endocytic recycling, whereas PI3K-C2β (C2β) has been implicated in cell migration. However, their influence on cellular signalling is unknown. As an initial approach, the Host Laboratory performed a screen for proteins interacting with C2α or C2β (unpublished). We will explore hits from this screen using the kinase-inactive knock-in mice and cells derived thereof as discovery tools. The combination of my expertise in membrane traffic and phosphoinositide regulation with the mouse and signalling studies of the Host Laboratory form an excellent and timely basis to uncover the roles of the class II PI3Ks in mammalian biology.

Mots clés : classii pi3ks, gene targeted mice, signal transduction, cell biology and membrane trafficking

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

Phosphorus (P) is a scarce resource that is critical for crop production, but it is not being used sustainably. Excessive past fertiliser applications mean large amounts of P have accumulated in soil, losses of which are of major environmental concern. Nonetheless, the majority of soil-P exists in pools of very low bioavailability to plants, due to the high reactivity of P in soil. Increasing the ability of plants to take up P from applied sources (fertilisers) and from accumulated soil reserves would allow for reductions of fertiliser use and decreased potential P losses to the environment. Through evolution, plant roots have adopted several strategies to improve P capture, including: 1) architectural traits that affect the spatial exploration of the soil profile; 2) adaptive (plastic) responses to zones of high P supply (e.g. around fertiliser granules); and 3) physiochemical alteration of the environment in their rhizosphere. A challenge for the research community is to evaluate these properties and their potential benefits to cropping systems. As soil is inherently opaque, these traits are hard to study. Our current knowledge is fragmented because studies have generally used destructive sampling techniques, artificial media, and experimental setups making observations in 1D or 2D. Further advances of our understanding require in-situ visualization and quantification in real soil. This project will deliver such in-situ information, relevant to breeders and agronomists developing crop systems that make better use of applied and accumulated soil P. I will carry out this research under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Sander Bruun of the Dept. of Plant and Environmental sciences at Copenhagen University and I will make use of the National X-Ray Imaging Facility (DANFIX) and the Center for Quantification of Imaging Data (QIM). I will undertake a secondment with Dr Jakob Santner at the Institute of Agronomy of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna

Mots clés : plant soil interactions, in situ, plant roots, phosphorus availability, phosphorus chemistry, fertiliser placement, soil heterogeneity, root architecture and development, root exudation

Participants :
- University of Copenhagen (Danemark) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 219312.0 €
Projet PHOSPHOTRAC (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Phosphorus is a critical nutrient affecting primary productivity in large areas in oceanic ecosystems. The principal source of externally supplied nutrients in many marine ecosystems is the atmospheric deposition. As the ocean is an important sink of atmospheric CO2, phosphorus through productivity limitation can indirectly affect global warming by removing more CO2 from the atmosphere. The importance of organic P as a potential pool of bioavailable P in the atmosphere is not widely recognized. It is important to note that the only available data in the literature are the atmospheric measurements of phosphate and total phosphorus, while there are almost no data about the organic P, especially over Mediterranean Sea (MS). The main goal of PHOSPHOTRAC is to shed light on the atmospheric organic P chemical identification and to test the hypothesis that the increased acidification of the atmosphere may significantly impact the bioavailability of organic P. PHOSPHOTRAC proposes new methodologies and modern instrumentation for the identification of organic P compounds in the atmosphere. Most of them are implemented for the first time in atmospheric samples, and they will provide new insights into a nutrient cycle of P in MS. Organic P-rich compounds of interest are DNA, RNA, ATP, phytic acid, phospholipids, degradation products of chemical weapons, organophosphate ester flame retardants and organophosphorous pesticides. Further identification of atmospheric organic P sources in the region will be performed by using the chemical analysis data of specific tracers (ergosterol, anhydrosugars, trace metals), with statistical analysis, and implementation of atmospheric transport model TM4-ECPL coupled with the thermodynamic model ISORROPIA-II. The proposed project is highly interdisciplinary as it combines analytical chemistry, biology, and atmospheric modeling in order to address a question of extreme ecological importance related to climate change in the MS.

Mots clés : organic phosphorous compounds, atmosphere, chemical speciation, mediterranean sea, bioavailability, atmospheric acidity

Participants :
- Aix-Marseille Université (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 185076.0 €
Projet MYCROPHOS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Phosphorus is an essential element for all organisms and almost all phosphorus in food chains comes from plants. The majority of land plants acquire it through a highly conserved root symbiosis with Arbuscular Mycorrizal (AM) fungi but a few plant species, among which Arabidopsis, lost this capacity, probably evolving specific tools.Moreover, being phosphate a key regulator of AM symbiosis, gene determinants regulating root traits over low phosphate could also orchestrate the symbiosis establishment. MYCROPHOS aims at understanding the different root adaptive strategies of AM and non-AM plants to low phosphate conditions throughout a Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) on different root traits with a high-throughput automatic image analysis. Our preliminary data already showed the feasibility of this approach in Lotus japonicus and allowed the identification of several candidate genes that will be characterized, guaranteeing a straightforward implementation of the project. The main objectives of the project will then be: 1) The identification of candidate genes and gene networks governing early root traits in low phosphate conditions through GWAS on 226 Medicago truncatula accessions. 2) The comparison of the genetic determinants and natural allelic diversity regulating root responses to phosphate in three plant species (Lotus, Medicago and Arabidopsis). While facilitating the identification of adaptive strategies of non-AM and AM plants, such multispecies approach will also allow an easier transfer of knowledge of the acquired knowledge. 3) The functional characterization of candidate genes and selected alleles in the three plant species, testing both their role in regulating root traits and mycorrhizas. Overall, this project aims to achieve a pioneering understanding of molecular determinants of plant root responses to phosphate at the interface between Plant Nutrition, Development and Plant-microbe interaction, providing bases for a more sustainable agriculture

Mots clés : plant biology, root growth, phosphate nutrition, arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, evolution, lotus japonicus, medicago truncatula, high throughput phenotyping

Participants :
- Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology (Autriche) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 166156.8 €
Projet DARWIN (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Photoacoustic imaging, an emerging multi-wave imaging modality that couples light excitation to acoustic detection via the photoacoustic effect (sound generation via light absorption), relies on detecting ultrasound waves that are very weakly scattered in biological tissue. It provides acoustic-resolution images of optical absorption non-invasively at large depth (up to several cm). However, ultrasound attenuation increases with frequency, limiting the depth-to-resolution ratio to about 100. An alternative to overcome the dispersion of light in tissue due to scattering is using thin, micron-sized diameter optical fibers to both deliver and collect light from the sample. A novel idea and preliminary proof-of-concept experiment has just been demonstrated by Prof. Bossy’s team where a dual waveguide allows also to remotely detect high frequency ultrasound with the same device as that used for guiding light. This device can act both as a multi-mode optical waveguide for the illumination and fluorescence collection using the outer cladding, and as a waveguide to guide the ultrasound out of the tissue using the core, avoiding the absorption by the tissue and increasing the penetration depth. The overall objective of DARWIN is to study and develop a new type of dual-modality endoscope for optical-resolution photoacoustic and fluorescence microscopy based on a capillary waveguide. To do so, a high speed phase modulator will measure the transmission matrix and calibrate the endoscope providing a way to display any optical patterns at the distal tip. The fellow will explore different configurations where a thin hydrophone, based on a single mode fiber or a needle, is inserted inside the core improving the acoustic signal detection. Furthermore, bending compensation will be investigated. DARWIN will result in a prototype thin endoscope for dual microscopy imaging, an important tool for in-vivo experiments, such as the neuron imaging.

Mots clés : capillary waveguide, photoacoustics, wavefront shaping, multimode fiber, endoscopy

Participants :
- Université Grenoble Alpes (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 173076.0 €
Projet DATENE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Photonic integrated circuits (PIC) are becoming a key contender for the next generation of communication. Two main barriers exist for the seamless integration of electronics and photonics, the integration of active photonic components on the silicon chip, and their downsizing towards electronic dimensions. III-Vs with their tunable direct bandgaps are the materials of choice for integrated lasers on Si. IBM has achieved room-temperature III-V optically pumped microdisk lasers monolithically on Si. Defects in the III-V material when grown on Si is a main factor in reducing the efficiency of optical devices, and can also lead to catastrophic failure of devices. Hence the ability to analyze and preferably control their impact is essential for integrated photonics. Another equally grand challenge for advanced technologies today is thermal management of photonic devices on Si, at all levels of system integration from the package down to individual devices. Whereas this is true for electronics, thermal effects are even more severe for photonic devices. Although downscaling of photonic components is ultimately limited by diffraction, thermal effects (wavelength shift and self-heating), in practice play a great role. The present proposal addresses these two great challenges in integrated photonics: a) Defect analysis of III/V nanoscale photonic devices – morphological and device characterization to understand the impact of material defects on device, reliability studies. b) Nanoscale thermal management of active III-V lasers on Si – by a combination of in-situ nanoscale thermal characterization and thermal stress simulation. To address this, I will apply my extensive experience and skills in thermal characterization and defect analysis which complement the existing competences at IBM, on III-V materials, device fabrication and scanning thermal microscopy.

Mots clés : semiconductor lasers, defect analysis, thermal transport, failure analysis

Participants :
- IBM Research - Zurich (Suisse) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 203149.44 €
Projet MARCUS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Photoredox catalysis is transforming synthetic chemistry methodologies but mechanistic studies remain scarce. The proposed research will reveal kinetic and mechanistic details of photoredox catalyzed polymerization reactions using ultrafast transient electronic and vibrational absorption spectroscopies. The focus will be on organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization mechanisms, using organic photocatalysts based on diphenyl dihydrophenazine and other conjugated ring structures. The vision is to observe the full catalytic cycle from ultrafast (sub-picosecond) photoexcitation of the catalyst to radical termination and catalyst regeneration on nano and micro second timescales in single continuous measurements. The objectives will be to understand the effect of catalyst structure and solvent properties on the rates of key steps in the photocatalytic cycle such as photoinduced and back electron transfers. Mechanistic connections will be sought between the reaction kinetics and the efficiency of the photocatalyst. The photocatalyst structure will be varied, for example by introducing electron withdrawing or electron donating groups, and these modifications together with changes to the solvent polarity will alter the oxidation/reduction potentials of the photocatalyst. Understanding of the electron transfer steps will be sought through application of Marcus theory. These unprecedented studies will identify the reactive intermediates involved in the electron transfer driven radical chemistry and will reveal the molecular properties most important for controlling the photocatalytic efficiency. Further organic photocatalytic reactions, such as those involving dicyanobenzene or anthraquinone photocatalysts will be investigated. The outcomes will inform future design of sustainable organic photocatalysts for numerous synthetic and materials applications.

Mots clés : transient vibrational and electronic absorption spectroscopies, photoredox catalysis, atom transfer radical polymerization reactions

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

Photosynthesis is the largest flux in the global carbon cycle and therefore of utmost importance for climate change and agricultural research. Radiometric sensors mounted on satellites and airplanes are the only technology providing spatially explicit information about vegetation activity and health at regional to global scale. In particular, the recent availability of remotely sensed sun-induced fluorescence (F), which is directly coupled to the photosynthetic process, opens new perspectives in estimating plant photosynthesis at larger scales. Considering the recently selected satellite Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX) mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) that will launch in 2022, new methods have to be developed to optimally use the F signal for an improved global estimation of photosynthesis. “ReSPEc” aims to develop new algorithms to improve the estimation of plant photosynthesis at ecosystem to regional scale (gross primary production; GPP) by assessing the photosynthetic energy balance of the light reactions from remote sensing platforms. To achieve this goal an open-field manipulation experiment will be setup to develop and test a semi-mechanistic model that links novel and established optical signals with gas-exchange measurements to assess the photosynthetic energy balance on leaf and plant scale. The semi-mechanistic model will then be applied to a pre-existing datasets of airborne measured F and vegetation reflectance to estimate GPP on ecosystem scale. Results will be compared and validated with eddy-covariance-based estimates of GPP. The outcome of this project will contribute to a better understanding of the photosynthetic energy balance on leaf-, plant- and ecosystem scale, which in turn allows an improved estimation of GPP. By ensuring that all necessary parameters will be measurable by the FLEX satellite mission, this project will take a first step towards a new global estimation of the photosynthetic energy balance.


Participants :
- University of Antwerp (Belgique) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 160800.0 €
Projet TiFuN (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Photothermal Imaging (PhI) is an absorption detection technique used for the detection of single gold nanoparticles (NPs), which can be a valuable tool to tackle complex cellular activities. In order to study the dynamics of individual proteins in confined regions such as in neural synapses or in cell adhesion sites, small nanoprobes are needed. Gold NPs (~ 5 nm) can be used, however their surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is centered at 530 nm, a spectral domain where absorption of cellular organelles results in a background signal, which limits the sensitivity of PhI. A brilliant way to find the needle in the haystack is the development of a novel nanoprobe having NIR-absorption, smaller size and high specificity. In “TiFuN”, we will achieve this goal by developing tiny (length/diameter <10 nm/5 nm) gold nanorods (T-rods), an elongated gold NP with tunable SPR in the NIR-window. Different aspect ratio T-rods harvested using Density Gradient Ultrahigh (DGU) centrifugation protocol will be highly promising probes for multicolor labeling and detection of proteins. A dedicated PhI setup based on NIR-laser sources will also be built. Subsequently, the bioconjuagted T-rods and NIR-PhI will be used to study the dynamics of neurotransmitter receptors in synapse and integrin proteins in cell adhesion sites owing to their small core volume, NIR-absorption, exceptional photostability, and non-toxicity. Bioconjugated T-rods will also display the unique property of being easily detected with light and electron microscopy at the single- molecule level, and therefore will be a valuable tool for light/electron correlative microscopy. This highly interdisciplinary project (optics, chemistry and biology) will utilize the fellow’s expertise in nanochemistry in combination with world-leading expertise of Prof. Lounis group in single-molecule detection and Dr. Choquet institute in neuroscience and cell biology.

Mots clés : photothermal microscopy, tiny au nanorods, nanobodies, snap tag, single protein tracking, receptors in synapses and in adhesion sites, correlative light and electron miscrocopy

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 185076.0 €