Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet CASACAMAhyps (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Carbon Materials (CMs: graphene etc.) are known for their light-weight and, excellent mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. However, one of the main challenges for state-of-the-art CM-based composites is the mass manufacture and low-cost production of uniformly distributed composite materials under aqueous conditions to harness these properties for various applications. Moreover, the surface functionalisation of CMs is still a great challenge, attributed to their inert surface and lack of solubility in many solvents including water. Supramolecular host-guest complexation could be a useful technique to produce uniformly distributed CMs-based supramolecular architectures (SAs). Cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) is a macrocyclic host molecule with 8 glycoluril units yielding a barrel-like shape macrocycle. It can accommodate 2 guest molecules simultaneously, typically 1 electron-poor (1st guest) and 1 electron-rich (2nd guest), forming a heteroternary complex. CB[8] creates an aqueous dynamic supramolecular system that can help improve the water solubility of guest molecules. Thus, the overall aim of this proposal is to develop SAs based upon host-guest heteroternary complexation between CB[8], CMs and matrices. Two entirely different matrix polymers (organic) and metal NPs (mNPs: inorganic) will be considered. Three CMs will be investigated. i) 2D Graphene(GR), ii) 1D Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and iii) 0D Carbon dots (C-Dots). Following goals of the project will be achieved in the respective work packages: 1) Surface functionalisation of guest molecules onto CMs (fCMs). 2) To obtain Dynamic Hybrid Supramolecular Hydrogels after the host-guest complexation between fCMs, CB[8] and polymers. 3) Supramolecular heteroternary complexes between fCMs, CB[8] and mNPs to form fCMs-mNPs Supraparticles, and their 4) Applications in photocatalysis and Sensing. Overall, the fundamental investigation of how fCMs will bind to CB[8] and later to polymers or mNPs will be investigated.

Mots clés : cucurbit 8 urils, host guest complexations, supramolecular architectures, carbon materials, graphene, carbon dots, hydrogels, metal nanoparticles, supraparticles, photocatalysis, sers, sensing

Participants :
- University of Cambridge (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €
Projet TACAIRE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Cardiac arrhythmias, a group of conditions in which the heartbeat is abnormal, are among the most recurrent cardiovascular diseases with an important impact in the quality of life of patients (atrial fibrillation is predicted to affect 17.9 million patients in Europe by 2060). When drug therapy fails in the correct management of these diseases, ablation, the selective damage of small regions of the cardiac tissue, is used instead. Current ablation techniques use thermal energy to destroy the target areas with success rates up to 70 %. However, there are complications, such as severe oesophageal or phrenic nerve injury or vascular stenosis, that current thermal treatments cannot overcome. The TACAIRE proposal is focused on the development of new technological tools and methods for the non-thermal ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. In particular, the explored technique will be Irreversible Electroporation (IRE), which consists in the application of short and high intensity electric field pulses to kill the cells of the target tissue region. The present action will develop the necessary technologies (electronics, application catheters and numerical models) to study in silico, in vitro and in vivo the potential clinical use of novel electric field waveforms and applicators for cardiac IRE. The present proposal is extremely timely because IRE is an emerging technique in the field of cardiac ablation with very promising expectations of becoming the leading technique in the near future. The goal of TACAIRE is to overcome some identified limitations of IRE that could prevent this technique from being definitively established in the routine clinical practice for cardiac ablation. The project involves a host team of biomedical/electronic engineers and a secondment partner of cardiologists. This structure is aligned with the multidisciplinary nature of the proposal and ensures all the necessary resources to correctly develop the action and the career prospects of the fellow.

Mots clés : biomedical engineering, irreversible electroporation, biophysics, bioelectromagnetism, bioelectricity, cardiac ablation, arrhythmia

Participants :
- Pompeu Fabra University (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 160932.48 €
Projet BETAPEV (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

According to a report, titled “Violence against Women: an EU-wide survey” and published by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights in March 2014, « one in three women (33 %) has experienced physical and/or sexual violence since she was 15 years old, and, slightly more than half of all women in the EU (53 %) avoid certain situations or places, at least sometimes, for fear of being physically or sexually assaulted”. The report stresses that the “feeling of vulnerability” is prevalent among these women. Vulnerability is commonly defined as the “ability to be harmed”, and often associated with weakness or passivity. But the prevalence of the feeling of vulnerability among women in the European Union puts into question this framework and calls for a conceptual revaluation of this notion in order to address its ethical and social significance. This proposal aims to reconsider the moral and philosophical definition of vulnerability based on weakness and harm in order to elaborate a phenomenological ethics of vulnerability that goes beyond traditional accounts of empathy. To do so, the ontological framework of philosophical and psychological theories of empathy will be assessed. Political theories and development policies will be analyzed in order to offer solutions to prevent vulnerability from turning into violence and victimization. This proposal will rely on the phenomenological tradition to introduce the notion of “vulnerable bodily self” as a new paradigm to describe the individual. This research mixes theoretical analysis (phenomenology) and interdisciplinary empirical work (psychology, cognitive sciences, feminist theories). It bears significant consequences for contemporary philosophical discussions on the nature of the self. Its timeliness echoes a need for new theoretical paradigms to address political and social issues related to self-identity and people’s vulnerability in European societies.

Mots clés : empathy   vulnerability   phenomenology   cognitive sciences   field work   intersubjectivity   self   embodiment   passivity   violence, well being   care   social link   gender

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 173076.0 €
Projet MAFMA (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

According to the Europe police (EV5V-CT94-0375) Magnesium alloys are potential metals to be progressively introduced in structural components in many areas, especially in transport to reduce weight and achieve required CO2 reductions. As the deformation and failure mechanisms of Mg alloys are very complicated owing to basal slip, prism slip, primed slip and twinning, there lack reliable continuum level constitutive models for engineering application. This project will solve one of the most challenging open questions of Mg alloys, i.e. the influence of twin formation and persistent slip bands on the fatigue crack nucleation and growth by using rigorously scale-bridged models and in-situ experiments. Molecular dynamics, dislocation dynamics, phase field, nonlocal crystal plasticity finite element as well as cohesive zone method will be used to study twin nucleation, twin growth, persistent slip band as well as fatigue crack, respectively. The outcome of this interdisciplinary research proposal will be published in high impact peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences. The approach and the code developed in this proposal will improve the predictive power of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering concerning Mg alloy industry. The applicant will transfer his expertise and his international connection in the field of multiscale modelling to the host institute. He will work with researchers of the host institution to prompt new areas of research that can attract new funding. At the same time, he will receive regular training on transferable skills. All these activities will enlarge the portfolio of skills of the applicant and will ensure further development of his career.

Mots clés : mg alloys, hcp crystal structure, slip, twinning, persistent slip band, fatigue crack, molecular dynamics, dislocation dynamics, crystal plasticity, cohesive zone, phase field

Participants :
- Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 170121.6 €
Projet FEEC discretizations (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Mathematics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Accurate and reliable simulations of weather, ocean and climate require computational models that result from structure-preserving – e.g. mass or energy conserving – discretizations of the equations of geophysical fluid dynamics (GFD). This research project aims to derive, implement and evaluate various structure-preserving discretizations (of different order of accuracy) of the nonlinear shallow-water equations, which are suitable for weather/ocean/climate applications. The derivations will rely on a novel form of covariant equations of GFD that I have formulated using Differential Geometry, in which the equations are split into metric-free (topological) and metric-dependent parts. Based on the systematic discretization I have introduced for the split linear shallow-water equations, this project intends to extend this approach also to the split nonlinear case and to derive structure-preserving discretizations that preserve in the discrete case, too, the splitting into topological and metric terms. As the topological terms require less mathematical structure, we expect an advantage in terms of easiness of discretization and efficiency of implementation. To derive corresponding discrete equations, we apply finite element exterior calculus (FEEC) as recently Cotter and Thuburn, whose resulting discretizations of conventional covariant nonlinear shallow-water equations fulfil many desirable properties for geophysical applications. Moreover, compared to the split form I proposed, their discrete equations show a similar, however not identical, structure. We study the differences and use their derivations as guideline for ours. To implement and test the various models, we use the software libraries Firedrake and FEniCS. Besides a general “discretization recipe” to derive structure-preserving models, this project will provide open-source software which will be of practical use for the geophysical model community.

Mots clés : geophysical fluid dynamics, finite element exterior calculus, differential geometry, structure preserving discretization, rotating nonlinear shallow water equations

Participants :
- Imperial College London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet AmpiDots (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical in the treatment of all diseases. Researchers are constantly discovering new links between specific biomolecules and diseases, often uncovering ‘panels’ of markers with high sensitivity and specificity for disease diagnostics. However, our current diagnostic tools are unable to take advantage of these panels as they lack sensitivity, or are too costly and slow for practical application. Accordingly, new technologies that can help transform these fundamental discoveries into revolutionary clinical tools are in high demand. These must be rapid, efficient, robust and cost-effective. To this end, I will develop a new rapid diagnostic assay that combines the unique functional properties of fluorescent nanomaterials and enzymes. The core technology is an advanced nanoparticle-biomolecule construct consisting of highly fluorescent ‘quantum dot’ inorganic nanoparticles coated with DNA. These nanobioconjugates (termed ‘AmpiDots’) act simultaneously as both templates for isothermal amplification of target miRNAs and as highly sensitive fluorescent sensors. The result will be a rapid, highly sensitive, versatile and efficient assay that can detect multiple targets simultaneously and give a robust signal for assay readout. A critical aspect of the work will be the use of advanced microfluidic-based analytical systems to optimise the assay and to study the unique phenomena that arise when enzymes interact with nanoparticles.

Mots clés : nanoparticles, quantum dots, isothermal amplification, expar, enzymes

Participants :
- Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology (Suisse) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 187419.6 €
Projet CONFINES (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Achieving the control of cellular processes is one of the most intriguing challenges in cell biology and medicine. Forefront approaches based on bioengineered nanoparticles might have the potential to target specific cell pathways, thus controlling downstream cell activities in a space and time selective fashion. The present project aims to develop and to validate a smart nanovectorable to activate a specific cell signalling and, on demand, to induce heat mediated cell death of nanovector targeted cells. As proof of concept, CONFINES is conceived to target the Wnt canonical pathway, one of the most studied and fascinating cell signalling, which orchestrates central mechanisms that govern cell proliferation, polarity and stem cell fate. To achieve the proposed objectives, a controlled synthetic approach will tailor Wnt ligands on magnetic nanoparticles, combining targeting and magnetic properties in a uniquenanovector. Owing to its chemico-physical features, NanoWnt will enable complete control of the cell signalling, and it will operate in vitro (human cell cultures) and in vivo (the aquatic invertebrateHydra vulgaris), in a dual mode: i) as an activator of the canonical Wnt pathway in those contexts where it is inactive ii) or upon exposure to a magnetic field, as a nanoheater, enabling specific cell ablation by hyperthermia. From a technological point of view, the project will advance basic knowledge on thermal ablation (via magnetic hyperthermia) and holds promises for translational medicine, providing a breakthrough tool to shape cell fate of nanovector receiving cells. Furthermore, combining diverse expertise, CONFINES will offer the applicant advanced and multidisciplinarytraining in the field of nanomaterial synthesis, characterization and functionalisation as well as in hyperthermia technology, which will complement his current skills based on nanobiotechnology and cellular/molecular biology.

Mots clés : nanovector, bioengineered nanoparticles, targeted hyperthermia, cell signalling, hydra vulgaris

Participants :
- Universidad de Zaragoza (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 170121.6 €
Projet HomTasBeh (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Acquiring the right food in the right amounts at the right time is a fundamental condition for animal survival and health. Animals detect tastants in a food resource via gustatory sensory neurons, and process this information in brain where higher order and modulatory neurons interact. Subsequently, decisions are transmitted to motor neurons that execute food-related behaviour. In the gustatory system however, most of these circuit components, and how they function, are yet to be identified. To address these questions my project uses Drosophila as the model system to characterize a novel gustatory circuit, especially about its neuronal populations and the wiring diagram. Additionally, I will characterize the relationship between circuit activity and feeding behaviour. Finally, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of these relationships will be investigated. Taken together, these studies will shed light on the formation and regulation of the gustatory system.

Mots clés : gustatory circuits, feeding behaviours, homeostasis, food intake, sweet and bitter perception

Participants :
- Institut du cerveau (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 185076.0 €
Projet StarlightWinds (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Across our Universe, the dynamics and chemical evolution of spiral galaxies like the Milky Way are primarily controlled by the lives and deaths of stars with masses many times that of the Sun. But the evolution of these massive stars is, in turn, highly regulated by the huge amounts of mass lost from their surfaces, by means of powerful starlight-driven winds. These stellar winds critically determine how such massive stars evolve through their lives, and how they finally die in giant supernova explosions. However, due to the very large quantitative uncertainties associated with this mass loss, present-day predictions for such massive-star evolution are seriously flawed. The overarching goal of this ambitious project is to fundamentally improve this situation by using novel methods to develop new models of radiation-driven winds from hot, massive stars. Combining state-of-the art numerical NLTE radiative transfer and hydrodynamics with innovative analytic techniques and theory development, the applying researcher proposes to 1) develop new, drastically improved wind models from main-sequence massive stars, and 2) simulate the winds of the most massive stars known in the Universe as well as design the very first general predictive theoretical framework for the wind driving and mass loss from evolved Wolf-Rayet stars. By furthermore examining the effects of the new mass-loss rates on models of stellar evolution, and carefully comparing the new simulation results with observations, this project will fundamentally improve our knowledge of the basic wind-physics of massive stars, as well as significantly contribute to our understanding of the evolution and ultimate fates of these stars. Indeed, the results expected during the fellowship will undoubtedly form the building blocks of many future scientific projects, allowing then for further progress also in the large number of research fields relying on a firm understanding of the lives and deaths of massive stars.

Mots clés : astrophysics, massive stars, mass loss, stellar winds and outflows, stellar evolution, stellar atmospheres, radiative transfer, hydrodynamics

Participants :
- Spanish National Research Council (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 170121.6 €
Projet SIGMA (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Active ice-covered volcanoes present considerable danger to society due to their explosive, ash-rich nature and the potential to generate destructive glacial outburst floods. However, the ability to monitor their activity is complicated by the difficulty in discriminating volcanic and glacial earthquakes as they can appear identical in the seismic record. My recent work in Chile and Alaska has demonstrated how newly developed waveform correlation approaches could help distinguish between glacial and volcanic seismicity. The multi-disciplinary SIGMA project will apply these methods to an exceptional seismic dataset in Iceland while developing a new automatic classification software. The work plan includes creating a new micro-seismic catalogue in which events will be characterised as glacial or volcanic using statistical analysis tools. Furthermore, glacial events will be used to calculate subglacial hydraulic properties, an important requirement for modelling future glacier behaviour. The 3 targets areas across the Vatnajökull ice cap include some of the most active volcanic and glacial regions in Iceland. Under the supervision of Dr Magnússon and Prof. Aðalgeirsdóttir at the University of Iceland, and Dr Jónsdottír during a secondment at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, I will receive exceptional training in research and transferable skills that will allow me to fulfill my future career goal of becoming a leader in geophysical monitoring of volcanoes and other natural hazards. Being based at the University of Iceland will mean joining a world-leading research institute in geosciences with opportunities to develop internal and international multidisciplinary collaborations. Ultimately, the project will help future activity assessments at the most active volcanoes in Iceland and in turn, reduce their risk to local populations and infrastructure, while contributing towards the long-term EU target of ensuring a more resilient society against natural hazards.

Mots clés : volcano seismology, cryoseismology, volcano monitoring

Participants :
- University of Iceland (Islande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 184239.36 €