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

Inhalation of microscale particles can cause severe health issues in respiratory and cardiovascular systems of humans. Trapping airborne particles by water droplets is one of the most widely used methods to reduce the particle concentration in polluted air. However, generating intensive micro-droplets via spraying or ultrasonic atomization normally requires specialized equipment and a large amount of energy. In this project, I propose a novel and cost-effective approach to capture particles by utilizing abundant self-jumping droplets generated during condensation on a superhydrophobic surface. Since the condensation process is ubiquitous and can be found in various heat transfer devices such as air conditioners, the proposed strategy will significantly reduce the expenses and energy costs for particle removal. In particular, to enhance the particle trapping rate, I intend to explore the rational superhydrophobic surface topography that allows continuous jumping-droplet condensation. I will first analyze the condensing droplet wetting dynamics using the cutting-edge confocal microscopy developed by the host lab. The results obtained will help to optimize the surface structures to achieve the durable condensate repellency. Next, I will investigate the effects of jumping droplet characteristics on the particle-droplet interaction from a single-droplet perspective. Finally, I will use my expertise in thermal physics to quantitatively correlate global condensation heat transfer and particle trapping performance. By integrating these interdisciplinary studies, the project will make a conceptual breakthrough in mitigating air pollution without additional energy consumption, and pave the way for the next-generation climate control devices with built-in air purification capabilities.

Mots clés : superhydrophobic, wetting, condensation, aerosol, air quality control

Participants :
- Max Planck Society (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 174806.4 €
Projet BRCANCER (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Inheriting one mutant copy of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene is associated with a significant increased risk for developing aggressive and difficult to treat breast cancer, the most common cancer type in women worldwide. Despite previous efforts to recapitulate tumorigenesis with the use of mouse models and cancer cell lines, the exact mechanisms that underlie BRCA1 or BRCA2-dependent tumor development remain unclear. Recent advances in stem cell culturing have enabled long-term expansion of in vitro human breast organoids or ‘mini-breasts’. In a novel approach, this state-of-the-art culture technology will be used together with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene-editing and human-in-mouse xenografts to prospectively recapitulate early breast cancer development. Results of the study will generate novel fundamental insight into the development of breast cancer, support the development of personalized medicine using laboratory models, and aspires to identify novel breast cancer biomarkers and treatment strategies. The expertise of the laboratory of H. Clevers, who pioneered the organoid methodology and works at the top of the field of stem cell biology, will be combined with the expertise of the research group of J. Visvader and G. Lindeman, world leaders in the field of breast cancer research and experts in the methodology of mammary xenotransplantation. This unique setting forms an excellent envorinment for my postdoctoral research training, allows extensive knowledge exchange and provides opportunities for novel research lines and collaborations.

Mots clés : breast cancer, organoids, brca1, brca2, xenotransplantation

Participants :
- Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 207584.4 €
- The walter and eliza hall institute of medical research public companylimited by guarantee (Australie) — Partner, organization partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet MapInDegraders (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Inhibitor-induced target destabilisation has been reported sporadically in recent years. Importantly, despite never actually having been put in place on purpose – or by design – these effects often play a significant role towards their therapeutic effect. To date, no systematic approach to map or quantify these serendipitous destabilising events has, however, been performed, representing a huge underexplored space with large translational potential. I here propose to study ligand-induced destabilisation by utilising the plethora of available protein kinase inhibitors to systematically map their kinase degrading abilities. First, an innovative in vivo assay will be developed to monitor kinase stability at scale. Next a protein kinase inhibitor library will be screened and inhibitor-destabilised kinase pairs will be identified using automated high-throughput microscopy, coupled to fluorescent activated cell sorting and next generation sequencing. Pharmacokinetic mode-of-action binning and machine-learning based computational data mining will chart the map of ligand-induced destabilisation and delineate crucial protein, chemical and/or biophysical properties. Finally, based on the principal mode-of-action identification, measured effect size and translational potential, in-depth mechanism of action studies will be conducted for one selected inhibitor-kinase pair. To that end, a multi-omics approach consisting of genome-wide CRISPR screens and orthogonal genomics and proteomics strategies will be conducted. The project will delineate the underlying concepts of ligand-induced destabilisation using protein kinase inhibitors as a chemically well explored compound space and thus open new avenues to tap into the translationally intriguing area of designing targeted protein degraders for future medical applications.

Mots clés : chemical biology, targeted protein degradation, protein kinase inhibitors, cheminformatics

Participants :
- Austrian Academy of Sciences (Autriche) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 174167.04 €
Projet MACOLAB (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Mathematics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Initially a model to describe superconductivity, Landau-Ginzburg (LG) models were promoted in the late 80s to supersymmetric quantum field theories (QFTs) completely characterized by a polynomial W called potential. They gained importance in string theory and algebraic geometry as they play an interesting role in homological mirror symmetry. On the other hand, conformal field theories (CFTs) have been another kind of QFTs which display conformal symmetry. They have focused many efforts to understand the mathematical structures which encode them, e.g. inspiring the definition of vertex operator algebras (Borcherds, Fields medalist ’88) or pushing forward our knowledge of modular tensor categories. Despite seeming two very different topics, LG models and CFTs are intimately related via a result of theoretical physics — the LG/CFT correspondence— stating that the infrared fixed point of a LG model with potential W is a CFT of central charge c(W). Mathematically this implies equivalences of categories of matrix factorizations (which describe defects of LG models) and categories of representations of vertex operator algebras (which describe defects of CFT). Up to date, we lack a complete understanding of the LG/CFT correspondence and we only have a few examples. The main goal of this Marie Curie is to find a mathematical statement for it, via completing a list of examples, exploring their properties (e.g. tensoriality or even modularity of the categories) and then attacking the main goal. Utrecht University (host institution) is one of the few places in Europe hosting experts in representation, category and Galois theory and mathematical physics, providing exactly the necessary and complementary expertise required to achieve this goal. These results will build a surprising bridge between very different areas of mathematics, opening new research gates completely inspired by physics.

Mots clés : landau ginzburg models, conformal field theory, matrix factorizations, vertex operator algebras

Participants :
- Utrecht University (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 165598.8 €
Projet defence_SC (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Innate defensive behaviours are emergency responses that animals use to avoid predators and environmental threats, such as escape to a safe shelter or freezing to avoid detection. Engaging in defensive behaviour at the right time and choosing the correct response is essential for survival, but little is known about how the brain achieves this. In this project we aim to understand the neural circuits that process sensory information to compute the presence of a threat and the most appropriate defensive action. We will focus on the mouse superior colliculus (SC), an evolutionarily conserved brain region thought to be crucial for defensive behaviours. In the first stage of the research we will study the behavioural response triggered by both visual and auditory stimuli. We will then identify the SC neurons that facilitate the defensive response using two strategies. First, we will measure the neuronal activity to different defence responses using single-unit recordings in freely moving animals. Second, we will employ a novel method of activity-dependent recombination, to label active neurons during a defined behavioural period and characterize their functionality using optogenetics. Next, we will determine the synaptic input onto SC neuron populations using in-vivo whole-cell recordings in head-fixed mice navigating a virtual environment. Finally, we will combine in-vitro whole-cell recordings with optogenetics and molecular perturbations of ion channels to study the biophysical mechanisms of multisensory synaptic integration in SC neurons. Success in this project will establish the biological mechanisms that SC neurons use to trigger defensive behaviours in the mouse.


Participants :
- University of London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €
- UK Research and Innovation (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet LWIMT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Inorganic polymers are of widespread interest as a result of their useful combination of physical and chemical properties, which offer exciting opportunities for their use as advanced materials for many different applications. In the proposed research state-of-the-art strategies worked out in organic catalysis will be applied for the first time to main group substrates to form main group element-element (specifically Si–O and PV–O) bonds, targeting efficient new routes to inorganic polymers that involve mild reaction conditions and permit microstructure control. Once formed, the new polymeric materials will be characterized in detail and potential applications explored. To achieve these objectives Dr. Lipeng Wu, an exceptionally talented young scientist from China who performed his Ph.D. and postdoc in top organic catalysis groups in Germany (Matthias Beller, Rostock) and the USA (F. Dean Toste, UC Berkeley), will work in the internationally leading research group of Prof. Ian Manners (Bristol, UK) with expertise in catalysis with main group substrates, inorganic polymers, and polymer materials science. Armed with the new knowledge and experience gained, following the fellowship Dr. Wu aims to obtain an academic position in China where catalysis with main group compounds and inorganic polymers play a key role.

Mots clés : main group chemistry, inorganic polymers, catalysis

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

Insect-mediated transmission of viruses is an increasing threat to public health and agricultural productivity in Europe and abroad. New strategies to disrupt transmission of viruses by insects are essential and will be facilitated by knowledge of infection processes and antiviral mechanisms. Most transmission cycles involve oral acquisition of viruses by insects, but knowledge of oral virus infections is limited. Here I propose the DmGAR project (Drosophila melanogaster gut antiviral responses) to provide the first detailed picture of oral virus infection processes in the insect gut. I aim to harness the experimental tractability of D. melanogaster to characterize the dynamics of and genetic responses to oral virus infection and to investigate the interface of viral infection with intestinal physiology. I hypothesize that stem cell-driven gut epithelium renewal is coordinated with immune mechanisms and is crucial for clearance of oral virus infections. To investigate this hypothesis and accomplish the objectives of DmGAR, I will bring my expertise in host-virus interactions to the Saleh laboratory to study oral infections with naturally infecting viruses of D. melanogaster. I will spatially and temporally define the kinetics and outcomes of infection, determine whether the viruses spread beyond the gut, and if escape from the gut influences infection outcome. Informed by these data, I will evaluate if virus infection impacts rates of epithelial cell death and/or proliferation in the gut and if blockage of epithelial cell turnover influences virus titer, infection outcome, or infection kinetics. I will complement these studies by profiling cell-type-specific gene expression and assaying activation of cell signaling pathways to develop a mechanistic model of the response to oral virus infection in the insect gut. Through these approaches, DmGAR will provide robust and biologically relevant data that will enhance understanding of natural virus infection processes

Mots clés : entomology

Participants :
- Institut Pasteur (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 196707.84 €
Projet IntegraSea (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

IntegraSea is in line with the EU Blue Growth Agenda, in seeking to develop and evaluate new opportunities for sustainable aquaculture development. The increasing interest in the incorporation of seaweed-based extracts into ‘natural’ products has created a new market for seaweed. While strong competition for terrestrial space is a constraint, offshore cultivation is growing fast, and Portugal shows potential for expansion. Furthermore, the need to comply with environmental standards is directing fish producers to consider Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems where seaweeds are integrated as a valuable crop and as waste bioprocessing means. Another potential advantage of large scale cultivation of seaweed is its integration with bivalve production. Several seaweed species have demonstrated allelopathy potential, inhibiting the growth of Harmful Microalgae which often lead to prolonged closures of bivalve production in Portugal, and across the EU. This project will focus on an innovative holistic approach to offshore cultivation of high value native seaweed species, together with their bioremediation and HABs’ mitigation potential in order to maximise economic and environmental benefits. The work will be carried out between IMPA and CCMAR facilities, two organisations leaders in aquaculture research in Portugal, and where all the conditions for the projects’ successful completion are gathered. Results will be reported in relevant scientific meetings, published in open access peer reviewed international journals, and made accessible to the stakeholders in the aquaculture industry, policy makers and the general public. This fellowship will contribute to the researcher’s career development, by expanding her research and complementary skills, improving the ability of the experienced researcher to attract EU and national research funding in the future.

Mots clés : seaweed cultivation, offshore aquaculture, imta, nitrogen removal, biotoxins, shellfish, bivalves, allelopathy, bioremediation

Participants :
- Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute (Portugal) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 148635.6 €
Projet PV-TE-MCHP (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Integrating a thermoelectric (TE) module into a PV module can convert the accumulated heat of the PV into electricity, thus increasing electricity yield of the unit. A traditional spectrum integration PV-TE unit, by coupling the equal sized TE and PV modules, can harvest 30% more electricity than the PV unit alone. However, the pair-arrangement between the PV and TE modules appears to be economically unfeasible, owing to the significantly higher cost and lower power output of the TE module. By introducing a low cost and high efficiency micro-channel heat pipe (MCHP) and placing the PV onto the evaporator of the MCHP and TE underneath its condenser, the system’s cost will be significantly reduced while its power output remains almost same as to the pair-arranged PV-TE system. The proposed MSCA programme aims to characterise and optimise the novel PV-TE-MCHP, by integrating the excellence of the host applicant in PV and MCHP and the expertise of the researcher applicant in TE, solar energy and heat transfer technology, and by sharing the knowledge of both the host and researcher applicants in PV/T and computer simulation. The tasks involved include (a) conceptual design; (b) computer modelling/optimisation; (c) prototype construction & testing; and (d) economic and environmental performance analyses. As a result, the programme will deliver a novel PV-TE-MCHP prototype that, compared to the existing PV-TE systems, has a significantly lower cost while the electrical output remains the same. From the MSCA point of view, the project will attract an experienced researcher with particular knowledge in PV/T, TE and computer simulation into Europe. This will (a) achieve transfer of knowledge from outside into Europe, thus helping growing EU’s knowledge-based economy and society; (b) develop a long term contact network among the researcher, host organisation, partner organisation and other associated institutions; and (c) enable advanced training to the researcher.

Mots clés : thermoelectric, micro channel heat pipe, heat transfer, solar conversion ratio, electrical, efficiency, thermal efficiency, thermal to electrical conversion ratio

Participants :
- University of Hull (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €
Projet INTEGRIN REGULATION (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Integrins are key signalling molecules that mediate the complex relationship between cancer cells and their associated ECM; as such they have been implicated in every step of cancer progression. Their cytoplasmic domains are essential hubs for protein-protein interactions, where phosphorylation of key sites modulates integrin activity and oncogenic signalling. However, the regulators of integrin phosphorylation remain elusive. The proposed work will address the role of integrin beta1 in breast cancer epithelial and stromal cells, where increased expression and/or activity are correlated with poorer survival. To this end, the fellow has developed a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor for integrin beta1 phosphorylation, which will be applied in a kinome-/phosphatome-wide screen for regulatory kinases and/or phosphatases. This screening will be completmented with global mass spectrometry to identify phosphorylation-sensitive interactions with the integrin beta1 cytoplasmic domain. Out of these screens, the fellow will validate the identified kinases and/or phosphatases using three-dimensional functional assays, as well as standard biochemical approaches, in conjunction with live super-resolution imaging to pinpoint the subcellular localization of the interacting complex. The clinical relevance of the identified kinases and/or phosphatases will then be evaluated with immunohistochemistry staining of large breast cancer cohorts, along with functional validation using patient material from clinical collaborators. These aspects will provide an essential link from the mechanistic insights to improving patient outcomes from this work.

Mots clés : fret, biosensors, integrins, metastasis, cancer

Participants :
- University of Turku (Finlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 190680.96 €
Projet CALOSEMA (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Intending the Early Middle Ages as one of the most astonishing political and social laboratories in Europe’s history, the main goal of “CALOSEMA” project is the study of social complexity between the 8th and 10th centuries, comparing societies and political landscapes from two European macro-regions: Northern Iberia and Central Italy, in order to (a) to investigate social, economic and political complexities on a continental scale, with the main intention of interpreting “landscapes of social and political inequality” going beyond the contraposition between History and Archaeology; (b) to create a social theory which would allow the insertion of medieval examples in the existing historiographical debates and, finally, (c) to deepen the concepts social and political inequality in the historical evolution of societies and powers which must be always considered as processes in progress, (d) to deconstruct historiographical rhetorics about the birth of different nations and states in Europe (and the origin of Europe itself) in the Early Middle Ages. Therefore, there is a specific rational choice behind the selection of these specific examples. In the past few decades, led by new critical approaches to analyse existing written sources and by the discovery of new material data from a number of newly excavated sites, renewed interest has been devoted to the study of Castile, Álava (from Iberia) and Tuscany (from Italy) which has shed new light on the social and political complexities of those territories. The results of those case studies, which would involve a critical dialogue between the historical and archaeological findings, will be discussed with reference to previous work carried out by the candidate, Dr Igor Santos Salazar, PhD in Medieval History and specialist in social history, in Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, with the aim of enhancing the project to a European dimension.

Mots clés : social inequality, political identities, rural communities, lordship

Participants :
- University of the Basque Country (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 170121.6 €