Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet OMoRail (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Railway systems are expanding rapidly worldwide as a 'green' means of transportation. Such rapid expansion poses a challenge to guaranteeing safety and ensuring the quality of railway systems. Continuous monitoring of tracks and rail bridges can help diagnose and prognose damage timely, increasing railway transportation reliability. In this project, we focus on rail bridges, whose condition assessment traditionally relies on a static network of sensors. Although well-established, this technique lacks portability, entails considerable cost and effort, and, crucially, inhibits continuous monitoring, as the lifespan of sensors is generally smaller than that of the bridge. To tackle these limitations, indirect monitoring practices have recently gained attraction. Such methods extract the dynamic properties of bridges via measurements from traversing vehicles by exploiting the Vehicle-Bridge Interaction (VBI) principle. This way they offer mobility and lower installation and maintenance costs. However, the majority of studies on indirect monitoring of bridges focus on highways. Despite the similarities of VBI modelling between highways and railways, distinct differences (e.g., vehicle and contact models, moving speed, loading patterns) do not allow the direct application of current indirect monitoring methods to railway bridges. Another challenge is the blurring effect of surface roughness, which, simplistically, is typically considered as known or is eliminated. To this end, this project proposes a consistent methodology to continuously monitor railway bridges via On-Board Monitoring of in-service trains, with a simultaneous characterization of the involved roughness profiles. Accordingly, it proposes a hybrid modelling procedure that considers a VBI model (which represents actual train-bridge systems and considers the roughness of the involved track system) fused with vibration measurements collected from traversing trains.

Mots clés : structural health monitoring shm railway bridges rail irregularities vehicle bridge interaction vbi on board monitoring obm

Participants :
- École polytechnique de Milan (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 297164.16 €
- École polytechnique fédérale de Zurich (Suisse) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet eSeaPrint (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

In March 2023, the EU Parliament adopted a new carbon sink target that raises climate ambition by increasing the EU's carbon sink capacity by 15% by 2030. Seaweed farming has huge potential to sequester carbon dioxide, but the current state of the art raises questions about the cost and environmental effectiveness of such a structure. A new alternative solution of vertical marine printed algae farms, made of an alternative material and with limited impact on the marine ecosystem, can solve these problems. The research plan, based on interdisciplinary aspects combining two approaches, consists of a three-scale study related to computational rheology, and of a two-scale investigation related to Life Cycle Assessment. The development of printing technology and a newly developed in-line powder-fluid mixer brings the possibility of less impactful material processing with an industrial mindset. To generalise such a complex processing issue raised by alternative binders and enable topology optimised design, novel numerical simulation approaches need to be developed to link experimental models with computational fluid dynamics simulations. Underwater 3D printing of such complex materials also raises very novel issues, closely related to the opening of cracks that compromises the aesthetics and durability of 3D printed materials. The goal of reducing the carbon footprint and the use of raw materials can be achieved through two strategies: the first is to reduce the amount of material for a given application thanks to the 3D printing of optimised structures, while the second is related to the Life Cycle Assessment of alternative materials and to give an overview of the benefits along the entire value chain of the seaweed farming structure during its service life, from ingredient production to waste management. This case study raises topical issues that still need to be addressed in terms of process simulation, structural design of complex structures and life cycle assessment.


Participants :
- Université technique du Danemark (Danemark) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 230774.4 €
- École polytechnique fédérale de Zurich (Suisse) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet NANO-ADJUVANT (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a rare, aggressive malignancy primarily affecting children under the age of 5. Despite significant advancements in treating NB, the disease remains a formidable challenge. A promising approach for NB treatment is the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines with innovative nanomaterial-based adjuvants. When used as adjuvants, nanomaterials offer several advantages, including efficient migration to lymph nodes, improved antigen presentation by dendritic cells, and cross-presentation to cytotoxic T cells. Numerous ongoing clinical trials for NB vaccines are investigating the combination of multiple adjuvants to enhance immune responses against target antigens. NANO-ADJUVANT focuses on developing innovative nanomaterial-based adjuvants, incorporating immune-stimulating elements to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. Using my expertise in nanomaterial formulations, I will develop novel selenium-based nanoparticles incorporating manganese and zinc. These nano-adjuvants will be designed to elicit balanced antibody and cell-mediated immune responses when combined with tumour-associated peptides. Mentor, Dr Piskareva’s experience in NB will be utilised for in vitro and in vivo studies to assess vaccine efficacy. During a secondment to Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain, I will perform the preclinical evaluation of vaccine efficacy in a NB mouse model under the guidance of Dr Segura. To characterise anti-tumour immune response at the molecular and cellular level, I will use the expertise of Centre for Systems Medicine (CSM) in my host institution (RCSI) by performing scRNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis. NANO-ADJUVANT aligns with Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, which prioritises improving outcomes for children with cancer. By developing innovative adjuvant formulations, NANO-ADJUVANT contributes to enhancing NB treatment and improving patient's quality of life.

Mots clés : inorganic nano material compositions, adjuvants, therapeutic cancer vaccines, neuroblastoma

Participants :
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Irlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 268568.64 €
- CERCA Institution (Espagne) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet Nano4PAnMBR (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

In response to climate change, the EU has pledged to reduce net GHG emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. A primary strategy to achieve these ambitious climate and energy goals is the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Biogas production through anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic waste, such as livestock waste, plays a crucial role in Europe's move towards sustainability. Owing to the high energy input required for mesophilic or thermophilic AD in cold regions, psychrophilic AD has emerged as a promising biotechnology for treating specific livestock wastes (e.g., pig manure, or PM) and recovering bioenergy in these climates.  However, psychrophilic AD still confronts significant challenges in treating PM, including: i) inefficiencies in methane production due to diminished microbial activity at low temperatures, ii) slow growth and susceptibility of methanogenic consortia to washout, and iii) the adverse effects of antibiotics present in PM on microbial activity. The EU-funded Nano4PAnMBR project seeks to develop a cutting-edge and viable psychrophilic AD technology by integrating nanomaterials and membrane bioreactor technologies to boost renewable bioenergy production. This goal will be accomplished through the following research objectives: 1) Synthesizing and screening nanomaterials to enhance psychrophilic AD of PM; 2) Evaluating the performance of the psychrophilic AnMBR in treating PM using the selected nanomaterials; 3) Investigating methods to mitigate membrane fouling.  This project is profoundly interdisciplinary, incorporating tools, approaches, and expertise from the engineering, microbiology, nanotechnology, and membrane technology fields. The participating researcher will receive comprehensive training in both scientific and broader skills. Activities for dissemination, communication, and exploitation have been planned to engage a wide range of audiences.

Mots clés : anaerobic membrane bioreactor bioenergy recovery membrane fouling nanomaterial pig manure treatment psychrophilic anaerobic digestion

Participants :
- Université autonome de Barcelone (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 165312.96 €
- Université Tsinghua (Chine) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet CORNO GRANDE (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

While cosmic rays (CRs) were discovered more than a century ago, their sources have not been firmly identified yet. It is commonly believed that CRs below PeV energy have a Galactic origin. However, we struggle to find Galactic sources able to accelerate CR up to PeV energy. The standard candidates, supernova remnants (SNRs), do not seem to reach such high energies, suggesting the need for an alternative source class. A key factor in addressing this question is the observation of other messengers, such as gamma rays and neutrinos. These particles, produced by CR interactions with the interstellar medium, carry valuable information about the locations of sources, and the propagation of CRs around sources and through the Galaxy. The LHAASO detector recently reported the observation of ultra-high-energy (UHE) gamma rays from various sources, including the Cygnus cocoon, providing a first experimental proof that star clusters (SCs) might be PeVatrons. Additionally, observations suggest that the regions around some of these sources exhibit a reduced diffusion coefficient, likely due to high levels of magnetic turbulence. With LHAASO unveiling the UHE gamma-ray sky, it is timely and crucial to use these observations to identify the sources of CRs. In the first work package (WP) of CORNO GRANDE, we will investigate how different scenarios for CR transport around sources affect the capability of LHAASO to resolve PeV sources. In the second WP, we will explore SCs as potential PeVatrons. In particular, we will use a semi-analytical model to describe CR propagation from SCs and SNRs. By computing the CR flux at Earth and comparing it with local measurements, we will constrain the magnetic turbulence around sources. In the last WP, we will constrain the number of PeV SCs in our population using the LHAASO catalog. Finally, we will calculate the gamma-ray and neutrino diffuse emission produced by our population and compare it with recent measurements by LHAASO and IceCube.

Mots clés : galactic cosmic rays, gamma rays and neutrinos, cr transport around sources and in the galaxy

Participants :
- National Institute for Astrophysics (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 186383.4 €
- Université Jiao-tong de Shanghai (Chine) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet RT-MAP (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

RT-MAP will develop novel hollow iron oxide particles and assess their reactivity, stability and mobility under flow through porous media. Such hollow magnetic particles (h-MPs) have aroused great interest for their potential to encapsulate and control reagent release for environmental remediation and/or heterogeneous catalysis. Most available reactivity assessment studies rely on the interpretation of breakthrough curves measurement at the outlet batch tests or column experiments and do not allow a direct visualization of pore scale transport and reaction phenomena. RT-MAP will develop novel microfluidic cells, providing a new window on coupled flow and reaction processes at the microscale, a key to modeling and predicting macroscale reaction rates. The combination of complementary expertise of the fellow (material synthesis and characterization), and the supervisor and co-supervisors (molecular geochemistry, reactive transport in porous media, microfluidics) will offer a unique opportunity to address these emerging scientific questions. We will thus fabricate microfluidic cells providing spatially resolved concentration fields under flow through reactive porous media. Cutting-edge spectroscopic techniques will be used to investigate molecular interactions between reactive particles and two types of fluorescent compounds. The first is a fluorescent probe (fluorescein) used to functionalize particles and make them traceable by imaging in microfluidics. The second is an environmentally relevant antibiotic (ofloxacine) to study the reactive properties of h-MPs with emerging contaminants. Advanced microfluidic devices and fluorescence imaging will provide the first spatial resolved images of h-MP concentration at microscale under different flow rates and solution chemistry. RT-MAP will thus lead to key innovations at the interface of environmental chemistry, geosciences and microfluidics, placing the fellow on a strong footing to find an independent research position.

Mots clés : magnetic particles, solute transport, reactive transport modelling, microfluidics, redox processes, spectroscopy, environmental fate and transport, organic coating

Participants :
- École nationale supérieure de chimie de Rennes (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 211754.88 €
Projet MagnOxy (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The digitalization of the world and the rise of the Big-Data era continuously push towards improved computing capabilities able to sustain new and complex functionalities. Traditional computer architectures based on the Von Neumann model present limitations when dealing with rapidly growing technologies such artificial intelligence, since to low access speed between the separated memory and CPU inevitably leads to low processing capabilities and high energy consumptions. A possible solution to overcome these limitations is the development of non-volatile memories (NVMs) as element with both storage and logic capabilities, enabling the computation of tasks directly on the memory unit (in-memory computing). MagnOxy aims at developing a novel solid state battery-like NVM based on the control of magnetic properties of functional oxide thin films through a fast (de)intercalation of oxygen ions. The control of magnetism through the reversible (de)intercalation of ions into a target material, mediated by the application of an electrical bias through an ionic electrolyte (i.e. magneto-ionics, MI) is the most recent approach for controlling magnetism by voltage. MI-based magneto-electric random-access memories (MeRAM) have the potential to deliver robust, fast and energy efficient NVMs for in-memory computing. However, MI control is still at an early stage of the R&D process and many aspects still needs to be improved to deliver a competitive device. In essence, MagnOxy will provide: i) A solid state thin film device based on the electrochemical insertion of oxygen ions at RT ii) A large and analogically tuneable magnetic response of the cell ii) A fast (~100 ms) magnetic switching capabilities through the implementation of nanoionics concept for boosting ionic motion iii) An improved understanding of the oxygen-ion intercalation mechanisms in oxide perovskite thin films iv) Device scalability and miniaturization.

Mots clés : solid state ionics, magneto ionics, ionic conductors, oxygen intercalation, magneto electric random access memories

Participants :
- Nano4energy slne (Espagne) — Partner, associated partner, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 0.0 €
- Université autonome de Barcelone (Espagne) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- CERCA Institution (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 181152.96 €
Projet MetGel (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The use of hydrogen as an energy vector is an interesting alternative to face the European energy demand, as it can be obtained by splitting water in an electrolyser and then be transformed into electricity in a fuel cell. The combination of these two devices to implement a unique and revolutionary technology known as a Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell (URFC) may transform global energy production, which is of paramount importance, and a priority in the EU program 2021-2027. Nowadays, electrolyzers and fuel cells use noble metals, which are costly and scarce, and may assume up to 50% of the total cost of a cell. Thus, replacing them is crucial to implement a real hydrogen economy. The scientific aim of Bifunctional Metal Aerogels for Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells (MetGel) project is to develop new, innovative and low-cost bifunctional electrocatalysts for the sustainable production of energy. The societal aim of MetGel is to reduce the technologies that use fossil fuels and decrease their adverse environmental effects. Dr Rey-Raap proposes the microwave-assisted synthesis of bifunctional transition metal aerogels able to catalyse the four electrochemical reactions that take place in a URFC, being the first time that these materials are synthesised by microwave heating and used as bifunctional electrocatalysts in a URFC. If microwave-assisted metal aerogels combine the unique properties of metals and aerogels properly, then they will become extraordinary sustainable electrocatalysts. The research will be carried out in the Microwaves and Carbons Applied to Technology (MCAT) research group (Institute of Carbon Science and Technology (INCAR) from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)) under the supervision of Prof Arenillas. MCAT was the pioneer in implementing microwave technology to synthesise 3D-nanostructured materials and has excellent resources and facilities to carry on this research, which are the best conditions for the development of MetGel project.

Mots clés : microwave assisted synthesis aerogels molecular simulation, unitized regenerative fuel cell

Participants :
- Conseil supérieur de la recherche scientifique (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 165312.96 €
Projet BLOCYP (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The project "Between London, Cyprus, and Palestine: Waste History in the British Eastern Mediterranean" (BLOCYP) aims to uncover the origins of waste treatment policies in the region. It is the first comprehensive waste history study in the modern Eastern Mediterranean, focusing on Cyprus and Palestine as case studies. It examines sanitary challenges faced by Mediterranean cities under British rule during their rapid urbanization between the 1920s and 1940s. The project investigates five major cities: Nicosia and Famagusta (Colonial Cyprus), Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Jaffa (British Mandate of Palestine), allowing for various comparisons between countries, capital cities, and port cities. BLOCYP tackles three key issues: British sanitary policy regarding urban waste treatment, adaptation of sanitary solutions to local conditions and needs, and the role of British networks in spreading sanitary ideology and knowledge. The research will facilitate a deeper understanding of British colonial sanitary perceptions and their local applications. Thus, it is a valuable case study for territories worldwide that underwent British rule. Additionally, it illuminates how global events such as wars and economic crises have influenced local waste treatment practices. The project will utilize archival materials from Nicosia, Jerusalem, and London. BLOCYP will contribute to three historical branches: environmental history, political history, and history of expert networks. It will shed light on the roots of modern waste pollution, examine if the type of territory – permanent colony or temporary mandate – influenced British sanitation policy, and explore the migration of sanitary knowledge between Europe and the Mediterranean. Just as our approach toward waste reflects our way of living and values, it was the same a century ago. Therefore, a key objective of this project is to raise public awareness of the need for improving environmental citizenship by learning from the past.

Mots clés : environmental history, waste history, cyprus history, israel palestine history, sanitation history

Participants :
- Cyens centre of excellence (Chypre) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
- Université de Stavanger (Norvège) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 226751.04 €