Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet HESSP (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Understanding the human brain is one of the biggest scientific challenges of the 21st century, and this endeavor has led the European Union to launch the Human Brain Project (HBP) as a FET flagship project. However, even a flagship project such as the HBP cannot study all aspects of the human brain. One aspect that is not covered by the HBP is the extracellular space (ES). The ES of the brain is important in the field of neuropharmacology because it is key to the successful delivery of drugs to the neurons. Also, the importance of the metabolite clearance activity of the ES has led to proposing that a dysfunction of this process plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases. However, to the best of the eligible researcher’s knowledge, no initiative exists to create an ES simulation software that improves the research. To address this lack of simulation software, this proposal presents the Hippocampus Extracellular Space Simulator Project (HESSP). The HESSP’s goal is to develop a simulation software for how substances released by neurons and chemical substances that pass the blood-brain barrier diffuse through the ES. Specifically, the HESSP will create a software that simulates the diffusion process in the ES of the mouse’s hippocampus. The HESSP is an interdisciplinary project that involves computer science, neuroscience and pharmacology, and it addresses the challenge of developing a software architecture to simulate a diffusion process highly complex due to its number of elements formed. The hippocampus was chosen because it is a well-known structure, the results can be tested, and it is the earliest brain structure affected in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The HESSP will open a frontier line of research at the host university in collaboration with leading scientists in ES and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the eligible researcher will acquire frontier knowledge in the simulation of complex biophysical processes and in neuroscience.


Participants :
- Universidad de Salamanca (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 245732.16 €
- Research Foundation for the State University of New York (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Autres, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet MeeLiH (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Understanding the mechanisms of species adaptation within ecosystems in perpetual change is one of the greatest contemporary scientific challenges. Pollinating insects such as honeybees are particularly sensitive to the changes brought by the intensive mono-agricultural practices and insecticide exposure. Anticipating the widespread decline of bees requires a better understanding of the molecular pathways that affect their cognition such as memory, within their natural habitats. The unique field based behavioural experiments used in this proposal will provide memory and adaptation indexes from honeybees of various ecological and geographical places in Greece. It will help monitoring bee heath, improve beekeeper practices and consequently, participate in a better pollinator European management strategy. The recent discovery of epigenetic mechanisms that can explain phenotypic plasticity of honeybee holds great promise in understanding epigenetic-mediated adaptation. This proposal will also use state-of-the-art ‘-omic’ and super-resolution microscopy techniques to determine the brain cells type associated with the epigenetic dynamic occurring during memory formation in bees. These results will greatly participate to the understanding mechanisms of brain plasticity. The multidisciplinary approach of this proposal is feasible thanks to the unique combination of the researcher expertise on epigenetic study in social insects together with the extensive competence for the characterisation of the molecular pathways involved in memory formation of the host lab. Moreover the two partner organizations and their network will bring additional expertise and infrastructure for honeybee management used in this proposal. Together, the results of this proposal will generate new health indexes for bees, molecular biomarkers to the environmental quality and will participate to a better management of pesticide for sustainable agriculture.

Mots clés : honeybee, behavioural adapation, reprogramming

Participants :
- Alexander Fleming Biomedical Sciences Research Center (Grèce) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 152653.2 €
Projet COMPLIMB (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Understanding the roles of motion and mechanotransduction in joint formation holds promise for the study and treatment of joint deformities in humans. Joint development has been widely studied in axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum), as these animals regrow whole limbs throughout their life. Axolotl limbs are morphologically similar to human limbs and utilize the same biological rubrics as ontogenic growth. To draw from the therapeutic potential of these similarities, we propose to build a multi-scale multi-physics computational model for the prediction of vertebrate limb development. Our model will be based on in vivo data obtained using novel imaging techniques via NSF-funded experiments on axolotl limb growth, and will be utilised to determine the physical mechanisms of normal and pathological joint morphogenesis. To this end, in AIM 1 we will build a finite element model of growth at the tissue level to study how specific changes in limb motion regulate joint morphology. Next, in AIM 2 we will build a model of growth at the molecular level to determine how biochemical and biomechanical signalling pathways interact during normal and pathological joint development. Finally, in AIM 3 we will integrate both experimental and computational data from the different length scales into a single multi-scale mechano-biochemical model of vertebrate limb growth. A computational model that links the biomechanics and biochemistry of normal and pathological limb development at the subcellular, cellular and tissue scales is a powerful predictive tool. We envisage this tool will be utilised to optimise treatment therapies for joint deformities and better inform the preventive screening of congenital defects in humans.

Mots clés : finite element analysis, multiscale modelling, constitutive modelling, computational biomechanics, mechanobiology, joint morphogenesis, growth, mechanosignalling, axolotl

Participants :
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 245732.16 €
- Northeastern University (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet NET4IQ (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Understanding the universal features of the non-equilibrium dynamics of strongly interacting one-dimensional quantum many-body systems is one of the most challenging and intriguing aspect of the recent researches in the broad domain of the quantum many-particle physics. In this project one merges analytical with numerical methods in order to explore the exotic behavior of interacting quantum models when brought out-of-equilibrium. Indeed, although the equilibrium properties of quantum systems could be understood in terms of standard approaches, away from the equilibrium a complete understanding is still missing. In particular, the project aims to fill the lack of knowledge still present in this exciting domain, pursuing two main ideas: (i) The development of new numerical methods based on tensor-network techniques, so as to explore the post-quench dynamics in closed quantum systems; with a special attention to the very recent continuous version of such algorithms. (ii) A better theoretical understanding (strongly supported by the numerical approach in (i)) of the effects of symmetry breaking, interactions and integrability, in the non-equilibrium dynamics; especially with respect to the non-equilibrium transport of energy and particle throughout the systems as well as a universal description of the stationary states (both equilibrium and non-equilibrium) that emerge at late times. Beside its conceptual importance, a complete universal characterization of the non-equilibrium dynamics of 1D quantum systems will have various application in quantum engineering, being a crucial step forward to construct a quantum computer.

Mots clés : quantum quenches, quantum dynamics, statistical ensembles, tensor network algorithms, density matrix, time evolving block decimation, nonequilibrium transport

Participants :
- University of Oxford (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet THERMALIMAGING STATE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Understanding variation in ability to survive and pass on genes (fitness) is central to evolutionary biology and conservation ecology. Fitness differences are largely explained by physiological state, as physiological processes are dynamically adjusted to maximise fitness in response to environmental variation. However, assessing physiological state in wild animals is usually invasive, requiring trapping and handling. As well as raising ethical concerns, such techniques interrupt natural behaviour, can cause bias toward trappable individuals, and may alter subsequent performance. Welfare limits on repeated invasive sampling also restrict tracking of responses over time. Previously, I provided proof of concept for an innovative alternative approach to overcome these issues – non-invasive thermal imaging of body surface temperature. I showed body surface temperature reflects two physiological processes highly relevant to fitness – acute stress and maintenance of energy reserves. But, the mechanisms underlying these relationships remain unclear, calling for rigorous experimental exploration to build the foundations needed for this method to be applied in research and conservation. Hence, the aim of this proposal is to develop thermal imaging as a powerful new tool to advance understanding of the links between individual state and fitness in natural environments. An initial visit to the world leading wild-vertebrate stress lab (Tufts University, US) will be used to perform detailed physiological validations in captivity. Methods established in the US will then be field-trialled in the EU, guided by the expertise of internationally recognised ecophysiologists at the University of Groningen and Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, ensuring in-depth synthesis of results. Combined, this work will place me at the forefront of the exciting, transformative use of thermal imaging as a novel tool for studying how wild animals cope with changing environments.

Mots clés : fight or flight  response, acute stress, energy reserves, body surface temperature, stress induced hyperthermia, infrared thermal imaging

Participants :
- University of Groningen (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 253052.16 €
- Tufts University (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet RadiPhyte (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Understanding why some lineages rapidly generate exceptionally high species diversity (undergo rapid radiation) lies at the heart of our understanding of biodiversity and is a key question in biology. Adaptation to different ecological niches together with rise of phenotypic diversity is considered to trigger rapid radiations. However, existing studies fail to test the alternative (or null) hypothesis, namely that a rapid radiation is driven by non-adaptive processes mediated by geographic isolation of lineages with similar ecological niches. In order to uncover the contributions of adaptive and non-adaptive processes to a rapid radiation, I will focus on the radiation of Dianthus in Eurasia, the most rapid plant radiation known. RadiPhyte aims at developing a novel, integrative perspective on evolutionary radiations, beyond the narrow focus on adaptive radiations, to unravel the driving forces in this plant radiation. RadiPhyte will focus on three key aspects: phylogenomics, ecological niche modelling, and phenotypic trait evolution, and will encompass species from the biodiversity hotspots across the Mediterranean mountains and from the semi-arid/arid mountains of Irano-Anatolia, Caucasus and Central Asia which are not only highly biodiverse but severely understudied and threatened by climate change. RadiPhyte combines the strengths of the host in ecological genomics of adaptive processes in Dianthus, with those of the applicant in phylogenetics, ecological niche modelling, and geometric morphometrics. RadiPhyte will thus promote a two-way transfer of knowledge between the host and the applicant and create important synergies. RadiPhyte comprises a comprehensive dissemination strategy, and is in line with the “climate change action in developing countries with fragile mountainous ecosystems from a sub-regional perspective” of the EU with the aim to integrate the knowledge gained in the continental arid regions with those available within Europe.

Mots clés : adaptation, biogeography, conservation, evolutionary radiation, geometric morphometrics, macroevolution, mountain biodiversity, niche evolution, niche conservatism, phylogenomics

Participants :
- Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology (Suisse) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 203149.44 €
Projet SMJCY (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Unimolecular electronics is a cutting-edge field of materials research. It employs the ability of an organic molecule to conduct as a key component of miniature electronic devices and as a powerful tool for studying the intricate details of molecular structure. While state-of-the-art experimental techniques have been developed to manufacture and characterise the single molecule junctions (SMJs), empirical trial-and-error approach, predominant in this field so far, struggles to address some of the common shortcomings and deduce the design principles for future devices. In this proposal fundamental physical-organic chemistry concepts and high-level computational chemistry methods are employed to test the ability of several architectures to improve the performance and broaden the functionality of the SMJs. Specifically, cyclophanes and cage (polycyclic) alkanes are chosen due to their peculiar structures and intriguing charge transfer properties. Cyclophanes offer, in addition to conventional conduction pathways through the π-conjugated system, through-space transport via lateral π-coupling, while cage alkanes, e.g. adamantane, possess compact σ-electron density within a multitude of interfering conduction pathways. Moreover, inherent strain in such species can be utilised for direct coupling to the electrodes, while their hollow skeleton may be used as a molecular switch (via trapping). Potential of such systems in unimolecular electronics has already been illustrated in the recent literature, however a systematic ceteris paribus assessment is necessary to bridge their chemical-physical properties to SMJs efficiency. In this proposal both common and in-house computational chemistry tools will be used to identify molecular-level performance descriptors and deduce the relevant structure-function relationships. The outcomes of the project would offer guidance for the mix-and-match design of future experiments and yield new and improved SMJ architectures.

Mots clés : molecular electronics, single molecule junctions, cyclophanes, cage alkanes

Participants :
- Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology (Suisse) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 175419.6 €
Projet INSPIRE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Cofund Doctoral programme
Statut du projet : CLOSED

United in a Community of Universities and Institutions, called “Université Sorbonne Paris Cité” (USPC), eight research universities and five research organisations located in Paris and its surroundings have decided to join their forces to build a world-class new type of university. Together they form a research-intensive university, with over 12000 professors and researchers including more than 6000 doctoral candidates. Each year, 1100 of these candidates defend their PhD thesis, corresponding to about 10% of the yearly new doctors cohort in France. These graduates are enrolled in one of the 31 doctoral schools affiliated to USPC and covering all fields of knowledge. INSPIRE will give more favourable working conditions to the selected candidates compared to French standards while giving a better visibility. It thus expects to 1. Attract better candidates from a wider range of countries, raising globally the level of selection 2. Provide improved collaboration opportunities at international scale and with the non academic sector 3. Improve follow-up and mentoring conditions, notably through the presence of dedicated personnel. Within the five-year programme, INSPIRE aims to launch two calls to recruit 30 doctoral candidates for each call. They will be welcomed into the doctoral schools of its partner organisations thanks to the EU contribution and the USPC financial support. An independent, international committee will conduct the final selection. The participants will be provided with a three-year work contract for full-time research positions with additional access to dedicated funding for mobility and additional research expenses. All selected candidates will be offered dedicated housing through CROUS , another partner organisation of INSPIRE. Equal opportunity issues will be addressed in all aspects of the programme thanks to the expertise gained by the participation of two USPC members in FP7 projects (TRIGGER at Paris Diderot and EGERA at Sciences Po).

Mots clés : doctoral training, inter disciplinarity, inter national, inter sectoral, good practices, equal opportunities

Participants :
- Université Paris Cité (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 4708800.0 €
Projet iPER (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

University students continue to develop their physics identity by engaging in practices that are central to the physics community. However, many students also participate in other relevant practices, such as teaching and outreach. For some, teaching and outreach may be integral to their experience doing physics and building identity, although that may be counter to messaging from advisors or academia about their value. In this work, we investigate university students negotiation of physics identity after they have volunteered in informal physics programs for primary school children. We hypothesize that university students’ physics identity is foster or reshaped by the interactions and experiences they have in the program. We analyze university students interviews and responses to pre and post surveys using a blended framework of Self-Determination Theory and Community of Practice frameworks. From this analysis, we extract the experiences that affect their physics identity as they negotiate their memberships in the informal and formal physics communities of practice.

Mots clés : physics, identity, informal learning, stem, steam

Participants :
- National University of Ireland (Irlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 187866.0 €
Projet SRCV (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Unravelling the origin of life and achieving the de-novo synthesis of life are among the grand challenges in contemporary science. Self-replicating molecules play a central role in addressing these challenges. Progress in the field of self-replication is hampered by limitations in monitoring the replication process in real-time, particularly when using low concentrations and small sample volumes (i.e. in protocell environments). Here we propose to employ, for the first time, a new optical pattern-generating combinatorial fluorescent molecular device (expertise of the Experienced Researcher) for the real-time monitoring of the dynamic evolution of self-replicating molecules (expertise of the Host Lab). The binding of the sensor to the self-replicators affects the intensity and/or position of the bands of each of the chromophores contained in the sensor at different emission channels, thus generating a unique optical fingerprint (fluorescent pattern) for each self-replicator. The method allows optical identification and tracking of self-replicators in real-time and requires only small sample volumes. The latter characteristic allows self-replication to be monitored inside cell-like compartments (coascervate droplet or bilayer vesicles), enabling, for the first time, to study replication inside such compartments. Merging replication with compartmentalization constitute an important towards developing a minimal form of life. Furthermore, compartmentalization in small volumes allows large numbers of experiments to be conducted in parallel, which would, for the first time, enable studying stochastic effects important for evolution of synthetic self-replicators.

Mots clés : origin of life, de novo synthesis of life, systems chemistry, self replication, dynamic combinatorial chemistry, combinatorial fluorescent molecular device, compartmentalization, stochastic effects

Participants :
- University of Groningen (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 187572.48 €