Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet miRSodium (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare epileptic encephalopathy affecting ~1:20000 children, who suffer from infantile seizures and lifelong deficits in cognitive, motor, behavioural, and social skills. DS can cause premature mortality with up to 21% of patients not reaching adulthood. Despite the known genetic origin – 80% of patients carry a mutation in the SCN1A gene encoding the alpha1 subunit of the sodium voltage gated channel – there is no cure for this disease. The symptoms of DS start at ~ six months of age, shortly after the transition from the developmental Nav1.3 (SCN3A gene) to the postnatal Nav1.1 (SCN1A) channel isoform carrying the mutation. The mechanism of this transition remains unexplained, which hinders the Nav1.3 isoform-based DS therapy. I will build upon the recently discovered miRNAs’ (short, non-coding RNA) regulatory effect on SCN1A and 3A genes to elucidate regulation of the isoform transition. My ULTIMATE AIM is to harness the protective effect of the Nav1.3 isoform via miRNA regulation as a DS treatment. I will untangle the miRNA profile of DS from birth to the symptom onset in a well-established mouse model. Through miRNA expression manipulation, I will resolve miRNA function in SCN1A and 3A regulation, its impact on the brain, and ultimately on DS symptoms. My skills in developmental epilepsy models will combine with Prof Henshall’s expertise in miRNA function and use in treatment (shown by miRNA-based treatments for epilepsy in pre-clinical development) to deliver novel treatment options for devastating DS and advance the field of miRNA regulation in the brain. This training & collaboration with top neurobiologists at three excellent institutions – RCSI (host), UA & UMCU (secondment partners) – will advance my skills & employability and propel my career in developmental neurobiology. It will also contribute to the quality of Europe's research and innovation, increasing its competitiveness and attractiveness as a leading research destination.

Mots clés : mirna, sodium channel, epilepsy, dravet syndrome, animal models, mirna therapy

Participants :
- Université d'Aarhus (Danemark) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- University Medical Center Utrecht (Pays-Bas) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Irlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 215534.4 €
Projet EpiPrevent (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is one of the most common, devastating complications following traumatic brain injury (TBI), and is particularly prone to drug-refractoriness. Critically, current anti-seizure medication remains ineffective in over 30% of patients, with no impact on disease progression and frequent adverse side effects. Increasing evidence suggests inflammation as one of the main contributors to the development of PTE. ATP, released during pathological processes in the brain, functions as an important extracellular signalling molecule driving inflammatory processes via the activation of the ATP-gated ionotropic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R). Increasing evidence suggests that targeting of the P2X7R provides potent anticonvulsive effects and, possibly, disease-modification during epilepsy. Whether P2X7R antagonism prevents the development of PTE has not been investigated to date. My planned research will 1) investigate the disease-modifying potential of targeting the ATP-gated P2X7R on TBI-induced epilepsy and associated comorbidities, thereby sparing patients from life-long drug dependency, and 2) evaluate the potential of P2X7R-based PET imaging as novel patient stratification tools to identify patients at risk of developing PTE for an earlier and more effective treatment start. EpiPrevent brings together a team of experts in purinergic signalling, industrial partners developing novel P2X7R antagonists and clinicians specialised in epilepsy. This highly interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach will add a significant contribution to the understanding of purinergic signalling during TBI, providing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The skills acquired during the research project, the excellent training record of the supervisor and host institution and the outstanding resources for learning and development available at RCSI will give me the tools necessary to establish myself as independent scientist.

Mots clés : traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, atp, p2x7 receptor, positron emission tomography

Participants :
- Centre for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (Espagne) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Irlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 215534.4 €
Projet NeqMolRot (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

At the interface between chemistry and physics, in this project we aim to develop a non-equilibrium field-theoretical approach to investigate molecular rotations in the presence of a many-body environment and driving laser fields. Unlike electrons or atoms, molecules are extended objects, with a rich internal structure and the possibility to perform rotations, in compliance with the non-trivial algebra of quantized angular momentum. A long-standing goal of chemical physics is the control of bimolecular reactions: molecular reactivity strongly depends on the relative orientation of molecules which, in turn, is affected by the surrounding environment. External laser pulses are applied to prepare the reactants in certain rotational states and/or drive them to a specific alignments. Thus, the interplay between external driving and dissipation due to the solvent is crucial for the quantum control of molecular rotations. In this inherently out-of-equilibrium context we aim to develop a field-theoretical approach to describe molecules in bosonic and fermionic baths. Starting from diatomic molecules, we aim to extend our theory to more complex structures and different shape and duration of the aligning laser pulses. The project aims to pave the way for a highly innovative strategy to model dynamics of molecular systems and composite impurities, based on quantum field theory in its non-equilibrium functional formulation.

Mots clés : atomic and molecular processes in external fields, coherent control, quantum control, quantum impurities, molecules, non equilibrium, quantum field theory

Participants :
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (Autriche) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 199440.96 €
Projet EcoCemXplore (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Europe is committed to achieve the ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse emissions and to transition towards an energy-neutral built environment by 2050. The construction sector, which contributes >70% of CO2 emissions in many countries, urgently needs to adopt greener practices. In response to this challenge, this research combines materials science, environmental science and civil engineering to develop new novel cements with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions from Portland cement by up to 40%. The main aim of this project is to develop an innovative and comprehensive approach to optimizing the design of new ultra-low clinker hybrid alkaline cements (HAC), using treated low-purity clays as cement replacements, in combination with sodium sulfate. This will be achieved by: - Determining the effectiveness of calcination or mechano-chemical (MCA) activation in enhancing the pozzolanicity of low-purity clays, focusing on revealing nano-structural alterations induced by such treatments in the clay structure/ mineralogy. - Elucidating the factors controlling the fresh state properties of HAC produced from calcined or MCA clays, focusing on rheology, reaction kinetics and in-situ characterisation of the reaction products forming <48h of reaction. - Revealining how mix design formulations of HAC control their phase assemblages evolution, this is interrogated by using conventional characterization techniques, along with advanced synchrotron techniques including advanced computerised X-ray tomography techniques. - Creating an experimentally validated thermodynamic modelling to predict of the phase evolution of HAC, as a function low-purity clays chemistry and mix design parameters. This project will allow the identification of key strategies that will help transform the use of low-content clays in the development of eco-efficient cements, and it will give the Fellow the opportunity to establish himself as an expert in such eco-efficient cements, gaining unique expertise.

Mots clés : eco efficient materials, hybrid alkaline cements, green construction, low purity clays, mechanochemical activation, synchrotron, portland cement

Participants :
- Université de Bath (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 260347.92 €
Projet PIM-TSUNAMI (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Project PIM-TSUNAMI aims to develop a model that incorporates the effects of site-specific factors on tsunami heights, using Physics-Informed Machine Learning simulations and offering a user-friendly interface. Megathrust earthquakes in subduction zones, along with their cascading tsunamis, have led to some of the most devastating hazards on Earth, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which claimed more than 220,000 lives, and the 2011 Tohoku tsunami in Japan, resulting in over 20,000 fatalities. Recent understanding has revealed that the tsunami potential of megathrust earthquakes depends on site-specific factors such as slab curvature, bathymetry steepness, and sediment thickness. Despite significant advancements in tsunami hazard analysis over the past 30 years, the critical issue of site-specific factors, which can amplify tsunami hazards two- to threefold, remains a major gap in research and practice. By addressing this critical gap, PIM-TSUNAMI offers significant improvements to global tsunami hazard assessments and contributes to the safety of millions of people worldwide who live at risk of tsunamis. The objectives of this project are: i) Understand the impacts of site-specific factors on tsunami-genesis, ii) Develop a user-friendly model for tsunami amplification for global subduction zones, and iii) Disseminate the model to relevant stakeholders. The user-friendly interface of the PIM-TSUNAMI model combined with our diverse dissemination strategy and the host supervisor’s active involvement in the tsunami community and his role as Secretary General of the IUGG Joint Tsunami Commission will guarantee its reach to relevant stakeholders and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) authorities worldwide and implementation. The automated workflow of PIM-TSUNAMI makes it easily accessible and applicable to researchers and coastal DRR authorities worldwide.

Mots clés : tsunami, earthquake, machine learning, numerical modelling, coastal resilience, splay fault

Participants :
- Université de Bath (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 260347.92 €
Projet SAFE (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Title: Sustainable Algal Fucoxanthin Extraction, Encapsulation and Valorisation Using Hydrodynamic Cavitation (SAFE).  Marine algae act as carbon sinks, utilizing carbon dioxide for their growth and metabolism. Channelising these marine biomasses will result in the production of sustainable and valuable metabolites with wide range of applications in food, nutrition, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics sectors. This can also contribute to achieving Europe's Net Zero goals by 2050. The SAFE project introduces an innovative and sustainable process for extracting Fucoxanthin, an orange coloured pigment present in marine brown algae, which offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic colorant Sunset Yellow FCF. Synthetic colours are reported to cause hormonal imbalance and cancer in humans. Fucoxanthin is not only a safer option but also offers potential health benefits. In the global market, fucoxanthin demand is valued at 2.1 billion USD in 2023 and is projected to increase to 3.15 billion USD at a CAGR of 5.2% by 2032. Extracting fucoxanthin from brown algae is however challenging due to the cell wall rigidity, which makes the process energy-intensive. SAFE aims to achieve a step change in fucoxanthin extraction using a novel vortex based hydrodynamic cavitation process by overcoming this limitation. Additionally, fucoxanthin is sensitive to light, temperature and pH, necessitating enhanced stability measures. To improve stability of fucoxanthin, heat-resistant nanoliposome encapsulation is also proposed. Furthermore, in line with the principles of circular economy, the residual biomass from the process will be utilised for the production of biomethane to demonstrate the overall valorisation potential of the marine algae. This strategic research initiative in algal biotechnology will position the EU as a world leader in the sustainable production of fucoxanthin, with potential applications across various sectors to accelerate sustainable manufacturing practices worldwide.

Mots clés : brown algae, hydrodynamic cavitation, carbon dioxide, fucoxanthin, biomethane, valorisation

Participants :
- Université de Bath (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 260347.92 €
Projet RNAeBio (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Enhancers are short distal cis-regulatory DNA regions that drive expression of a gene. However, enhancers do not function exclusively as DNA entities. Activated enhancers are transcribed by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), which produces enhancer-derived RNAs (eRNAs). Production of eRNA creates additional trans-regulatory mechanisms facilitated by DNA-RNA, RNA-RNA, or protein-RNA interactions. Due to eRNAs’ fast degradation rates, and lack of robust and standardized sequencing methods, reports about the molecular nature of eRNA molecules and their processing are conflicting, making mechanisms of gene regulation by eRNA controversial. Even less is known about co- and post-transcriptional processing of eRNA. This project aims to overcome the controversy and fill the knowledge gap by studying a well-defined experimental system, cultured rat cortical neurons, and activation of immediate-early gene (IEG) response, perturbing the core eRNA endonuclease and combining this with eRNA-tailored sequencing, computational and biochemical methods. The developed integrative approach will reveal molecular features of eRNA molecules and their precursors genome-wide, opening the opportunity to study eRNA biogenesis to further understand molecular mechanisms behind the eRNA-mediated gene regulation.

Mots clés : rna polymerase ii, enhancer derived rna, eukaryotic transcription, enhancer

Participants :
- Université de technologie de Tallinn (Estonie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 151901.76 €
Projet INGEST (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Glaciers are vital for ecosystem stability, water availability, and food security for downstream communities, but are rapidly shrinking due to global warming. Accurate meteorological data are crucial for understanding glacier response to climate change, but remain sparse due to limited in-situ observations. This project aims to develop a unified method to determine long-term glacier meteorology and assess its impact on glacier change. Using the Tethys-Chloris physical model combined with remote sensing data (glacier albedo and surface temperature), I will develop a model inversion approach to determine air temperature, precipitation and incoming shortwave radiation, and test its feasibility on 16 benchmark glaciers covering the main global climatic settings. The project will explore meteorological changes over the past 30 years and project glacier evolution in the 21st century, providing a global perspective on glacier responses to climate warming. My background in remote sensing and large-scale spatiotemporal analysis, combined with this project, will enhance my skills in glacier modeling and deepen my knowledge in glacier processes. Dr. Francesca Pellicciotti, a world-leading expert in glacier processes and their hydrological significance through numerical modeling, will provide invaluable support throughout this project. This project will offer unique insights into both historical and future glacier responses to climate warming and pave a way for regional or global glacier meteorology research. It will also serve as an excellent opportunity for me to become an independent interdisciplinary researcher in glaciology, remote sensing, and atmospheric science.

Mots clés : glacier meteorology, era5 land, mento carlo simulation, glacier modeling

Participants :
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (Autriche) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 214344.72 €
Projet MUDecomp (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The motor unit (MU) represents the final common pathway consisting of the motor neuron and all the muscle fibres it innervates. Force is controlled by recruiting MUs or modulating their discharge rate. Traditional MU behaviour investigations use intramuscular electrodes and signal processing which identifies only a few MUs close to the electrode. Recently, High-Density surface electrodes(HDsEMG) allowed for MU identification non-invasively, but it has limitations. Decomposition algorithms (DA) can with validity and reliability identify MUs, but this is primarily in healthy young males. Greater adipose tissue thickness increases signal filtering, leading to a lower amplitude MU action potential which is more difficult to detect with the current DAs. This challenge has left a 'knowledge gap' in the study of MU behaviour in underrepresented populations (URP) (clinical, female, obese). This fellowship aims to optimize the state-of-the-art technology of HDsEMG and DA for a more diverse population. I aim to (1) identify limitations of HD-sEMG and DA in URPs; (2) adapt electrode configurations for URPs, and (3) optimize DA for individuals across URPs. This project is pertinent, as a large sector of the population is not studied, hindering MU behaviour research progression. I will focus on URPs where MU identification is challenging. I will fill this knowledge gap to allow the study of MU behaviour and assessment of all populations. Adapting this non-invasive technology is an important innovation which may be used as a model for diagnosis in clinical populations. The quality and success of this project are ensured by collaborations between myself and experts in signal processing (my supervisor Dr. Negro) and a company leading in multichannel electrode design. Their knowledge and expertise along with the facilities will guarantee the success of this project. The training will provide me with substantial hard and soft skills to become an independent translational scientist.

Mots clés : motor unit decomposition, high density semg, neuromechanics, muscle function, clinical neurophysiology, mune, als, dpn

Participants :
- Université de Brescia (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 188590.08 €
- Ot bioelettronica s.r.l. (Italie) — Partner, associated partner, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 0.0 €
Projet ISOON (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

This proposal delves into the science of nuclear isomers, complex quantum states with distinct energy levels and long lifetimes. Isomers hold untapped potential in nuclear physics and astrophysics, capable of revolutionizing energy production, impacting stellar evolution, enhancing timekeeping, and transforming medical imaging. Modelling isomers remains an ongoing challenge. With the global interest in isomer research growing, new models for the description of isomerism must be pursued. With this idea in mind, the proposal aims to develop an innovative theoretical framework unifying existing nuclear models, specifically, the algebraic interacting boson fermion-fermion model with constraints coming from shell model interactions, to bridge the theory gaps for resolving the mysteries of odd-odd isomers. This is in line with the mutual interests of the applicant and supervisor.  Odd-odd nuclei are very rich in the number of isomers, but their quantitative understanding is still amiss. Their isomer data will be analyzed to search for the global similarities and differences in spectroscopic properties across the nuclear landscape. The main goal is to quantify the decay properties, lifetimes, and structure of odd-odd isomers, particularly in shape-transitional regions, where the isomeric structure gets very complex and is not yet properly understood. The new theoretical tool will be generic in nature and can be used to study other nuclear physics phenomena, having a longer-term influence on nuclear physics research even after the fellowship. Interdisciplinary and broad-range nuclear physics applications, including Bose-Einstein Condensate, superheavy nuclei, and isomer experiments will be established, benefiting from the expertise of senior experimental collaborators at GANIL, Surrey, and London. The plan envisions cross-fertilisations between theoretical insights and experimental data, boosting the applicant's career, and inspiring the scientific awareness of the public.

Mots clés : nuclear isomers, nuclear theory, interacting boson fermion fermion model, odd odd nuclei, decay rates, lifetimes

Participants :
- Grand accélérateur national d'ions lourds (France) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
- Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 211754.88 €