Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet SCSD (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Quantum mechanical, spin dynamic calculations for NMR purposes, rapidly becomes very complicated when the studied spin systems increase in size. In this project we aim to study methods in which semiclassical molecular dynamics are explored to tackle this problem. Methods for semiclassical approximations have since long times been established within the fields of radical chemistry and optical spectroscopy research but are little explored within the field of NMR. We intend to explore methods where in addition to a smaller completely quantum mechanically described spin systems are investigated, the complete (large) nuclear surrounding is included in a classical manner. More specifically we will add Hamiltonian terms of the Caldeira-Leggett type and eventually simulate the anharmonic environment with ab initio molecular dynamics or empirical force fields. The benefit of the proposed strategy is that matrix size increases linearly with the number of nuclei included instead of exponentially if the environment can be described classically. This will be done by a step by step project plan in which during the earlier work packages investigations of spin systems without the environment included is done. Then once, we have established suitable quantum dynamics methods, we will proceed to include the environment. If this succeeds and we manage to correctly calculate spin dynamics with the impact of the environment in terms of relaxation taken into account, we will continue to the later work packages and try to use this to aid NMR pulse design. If this is successful, this project will open doors to more efficient NMR simulations and provide quantum physical insights to NMR dynamics.

Mots clés : semiclassical molecular dynamics, quantum dynamics, solid state nmr

Participants :
- Université de Milan (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 172750.08 €
Projet MIPAC (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Mathematics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

This project aims to study p-adic cohomologies of varieties using tools from motivic homotopy theory. Voevodsky's theory of motives has played a crucial role in solving deep mathematical conjectures. However, motives intrinsically lack a theory of étale p-adic realizations. In this project, we will use logarithmic geometry tools to generalize the motives category and overpass this problem. More specific goals are related to: Develop a theory of integral log-étale motives and realizations. Prove a general comparison between the log-étale p-adic realizations and tame cohomologies Develop a theory of motives over log points with an integral Hyodo-Kato realization Solve structural problems in the theory of motives of logarithmic schemes  MIPAC is an innovative project in motivic homotopy theory built to impact several areas within motivic and arithmetic geometry. The project will be completed at the University of Milan, in a leading multi-disciplinary and collaborative environment. I will bring extensive experience in log motives and some unique expertise on non-A1-invariant cohomology theories. I will benefit of the experience and knowledge of the groups of Algebra and Geometry in p-adic cohomologies and motivic homotopy theory. This will facilitate the research in the group and the transfer of knowledge, and expand my experience and intuition, transferable skills, and professional networks. Carrying out MIPAC within a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship will enhance the development of my career as a complete and independent leading researcher, with a reinforced position within arithmetic and motivic geometry. The leading position of the groups and the department will ensure a great network of international researchers with an impact to the disseminations of the ideas of MIPAC.

Mots clés : motives, motivic homotopy theory, p adic cohomology, tame cohomology, p adic hodge theory

Participants :
- Université de Milan (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 172750.08 €
Projet STAPLE-De-STAPLE (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Cyclic (stapled) peptides often possess superior biological activity compared to their linear counterparts and are more attractive leads in drug development. This is for several reasons: conformational rigidity (enhanced binding to target molecules and receptor selectivity), resistance to degradation by peptidases (increased stability and potency), and greater cell permeability. Reliable strategies for peptide stapling are therefore in high demand, especially if cyclizations are reversible under certain controllable conditions. The reason is that a linear peptide can be biologically more active. If de-stapling can be triggered by an intracellular signal, then once the cyclic peptide has entered the cytosol, it can be converted to its more active acyclic form. We propose to develop a robust, practical, and broadly applicable catalytic method for stabling of peptides. Cyclizations, which will be promoted by inexpensive and easily available Cu(I) catalysts, are inspired by recent findings by the host group in Strasbourg. The Hoveyda group has shown that a highly functional group tolerant catalytic click reaction can be used to link a drug-bound allene to a ketone that is bound to unprotected penetratin, a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP). The process was completed in just 3-5 hours in aqueous media and at ambient temperature. Also inspired by the recent discoveries in the host group, de-stapling will be triggered by a reactive oxygen species (ROS) and specifically H2O2, higher concentration of which have been shown to signal the onset of diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The results of these studies are expected to have an immediate impact on catalytic chemical synthesis, aiding in the elucidation of biological mechanisms and accelerating drug development and discovery. Additionally, the proposed work will significantly contribute to environmentally responsible and green chemistry, aligning with the EU sustainable development strategy.

Mots clés : stapled peptides, cu catalyzed click chemistry for peptide stapling, reversible peptide stapling, oxidant triggered peptide de stapling

Participants :
- Université de Strasbourg (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 226420.56 €
Projet TragEmA (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

What role can emotions felt towards fictional characters, and specifically aroused from ancient drama, possibly play in the 21st century? In an era in which humans’ impact on the earth system leads us to rethink our social, economic, and cultural paradigms, scholars encourage new emotional practices as a contribution to new ways of interrelating with otherness, evoking a transition from the Anthropocene to the Compassionocene. Acknowledging pity as a specific emotional response to Greek tragedy according to Aristotle’s Poetics, TragEmA aims to investigate the relationship between Greek drama, emotional response to contemporary adaptations of ancient plays (i.e., pity and its cognate phenomena such as compassion, empathy, and sympathy) and their ethical impact on the Western world, by considering productions in the UK, France, Italy, and Germany. While scholars have mostly been focused on ancient spectators’ responses and the notion of narrative empathy, this project aims to go beyond the state of the art, applying to a neglected case study – Greek drama today – a new interdisciplinary approach: a comparative-historical approach will be combined with 4Ecognition tools and citizen humanities, opening a dialogue between classical reception, cognitive science, philosophy of emotions, and ethics. Investigating today’s response to Greek drama, TragEmA will explore the mechanisms of in- and exclusion in empathetic practices to define that kind of fellow-feeling that we urgently need to reshape as a contribution to the ethical debate on attention to alterity and diversity. Lastly, it aims to enhance the role of Classics within the European educational curricula as a privileged way to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Benefiting from the interdisciplinary environment of Lethica (Strasbourg) and the APGRD (Oxford), and from the expertise of my supervisor E. Zanin, this fellowship will impact my career and boost my knowledge of connecting Classical reception, ethics, and cognitive humanities.

Mots clés : ancient greek tragedy, classical reception, tragic emotions, contemporary drama, pity, narrative empathy, cognitive narratology, literary ethics, philosophy of emotions, citizen science

Participants :
- Université d'Oxford (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Université de Strasbourg (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 226420.56 €
Projet CL-ImmunoDimmer (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Barth Syndrome (BTHS) is a disease characterised by reduced production of unsaturated mitochondrial cardiolipin (CL) and increased production of abnormal CL with saturated chains. Chronic inflammation and increased vulnerability to infection are major contributors to mortality in BTHS patients. The connection between these immune dysfunctions and CL modifications is not understood. My research has shown that unsaturated CL inhibits caspase 4 (CASP4) and Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4). Moderate CASP4 and TLR4 activation by bacterial triggers is essential for antibacterial defence, while uncontrolled activation results in infection lethality and inflammatory disease. My preliminary data show that abnormal CL similar to the one found in BTHS patients does not inhibit CASP4, and saturated CL activates TLR4. These findings suggest that in health, unsaturated CL acts as a dimmer to fine-tune immune reactions, while in BTHS, this dimmer is compromised, resulting in immune dysfunction. To investigate this hypothesis, this proposal ideally combines my expertise in cardiolipin and mitochondria research with the host’s expertise in gene editing and live microscopy. Using well-established methodologies, we will deplete CL from monocytes and macrophages and study how this affects CASP4 and TLR4 activation. Moreover, I will characterise BTHS immune response through the analysis of inflammatory markers in patients’ plasma, and patients’ neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages CASP4 and TLR4 response. This will provide a deeper mechanistic understanding of inflammatory processes in both health and disease, potentially identifying CL, CASP4, and TLR4 as new targets for treating BTHS. While I will enhance the team’s multidisciplinary character and provide collaboration opportunities, I will be trained in cutting-edge techniques and get leadership and network opportunities crucial for my long-term goal of scientific independence.

Mots clés : caspase 4 casp4 toll like receptor 4 tlr4 cardiolipin cl barth syndrome bths non canonical inflammasome toll like receptors tlrs

Participants :
- Université de Cambridge (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 276187.92 €
Projet VSDT-HiDM (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Currently, highways, as one of the major financial community assets, predominantly rely on manual surveys by inspectors for their maintenance, followed by necessary repair actions taken by asset managers; a static process that causes significant delays and cost inefficiencies. As the world experiences its fourth industrial revolution, commonly known as Industry 4.0 (I4.0), practitioners are beginning to engage with I4.0 technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins (DT). Such technologies are automating and digitizing previously analogue processes, enabling modern and sustainable asset management. However, their adoption is often based on big data, and the availability of such data for vast highway assets is a problem; deploying sensors across extensive highway networks is costly. To solve this, we propose using sensor data from passenger vehicles to monitor highway assets, serving as a link between I4.0 and highway maintenance. On the other hand, I4.0 will have limited value if they focus solely on building information modelling (BIM) and data storage. This requires an information-knowledge-action framework to plan long-term maintenance strategies, thereby realizing the economic value of information and achieving sector renewal. This project will: a) develop an interface to integrate sensor data from passenger vehicles into DT to access real-time updates on highway assets (data from Mercedes-Benz); b) propose a holistic model to support decision-making based on the updates. The model and surrounding findings will be transformed using co-design methods into a suite of industry-targeted tools tailored to the National Highways (NH) asset operators. I will move to University of Cambridge to complete this fellowship. Didimi will participate as an associated partner, providing access to proprietary data from Mercedes-Benz (MB) passenger vehicles and key point of contacts (POCs) from the pilot highway operator NH team and the maintenance team Costain.

Mots clés : digital roads asset management vehicle based monitoring intelligent transport infrastructure decision making

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

Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology represents an important tool in the field of molecular biology, offering a platform that mimics the complex structure and function of human organs in a controlled laboratory setting. These systems have the potential to host biologically complex 3D cell co-cultures, allowing researchers to study cellular behavior in a more physiologically relevant environment compared to traditional 2D models. Due to their ability to closely mimic human physiology, these systems are rapidly gaining popularity, as they exhibit high predictive power for clinical outcomes and may one day replace the use of animal models. The central aim of the proposed project is to increase the biological complexity of bioelectronic intestine-on-a-chip models by incorporating the tissue structures, cell types, and microbes essential for healthy gut function. The first objective is to 3D print a conductive polymer scaffold that recapitulates the 3D structure of colonic crypts and the microporous architecture of the extracellular matrix. This scaffold will be integrated into the E-transmembrane, a device developed by the Owens group at the University of Cambridge, and validated using a cell line model of the intestinal epithelium. The second objective involves replacing the cell lines with dissociated primary intestinal organoids on the 3D scaffold to achieve the epithelial cellular diversity of the gut and form a stem cell niche at the base of the crypts. Finally, human whipworm will be introduced into the model to further understand parasitic infections in the gut. Through the combination of molecular assays, imaging techniques, and electrical measurements, insights will be gained into the complex interactions between cells, parasites, and biomaterials within the OOC system. Overall, this project aims to advance the capabilities of OOC technology for studying gut physiology, disease mechanisms, and drug responses in a more physiologically relevant context.


Participants :
- Université de Cambridge (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 260347.92 €
Projet TraDE-DML (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

We plan to answer two pivotal questions of modern astrophysics: the nature of dark matter and its interaction with baryonic processes. Utilizing galaxy observations and cosmological hydrodynamical galaxy simulations across a redshift range of z = 0.3-2.5, we will examine 3-10 Gyr of cosmic history. We propose to "Trace the Dynamical Evolution of Dark Matter via Machine Learning"- TraDE-DML, that pioneers an advanced methodology for assessing the dynamical masses of galaxies, aiming for unprecedented precision in the quantification of both baryonic and dark matter components. Unlike conventional velocity profile studies, TraDE-DML eliminates assumptions of symmetry and dynamical equilibrium, substantially reducing uncertainties in dark matter estimates. Our project aims to exploit existing and future survey data, preparing for expansive telescopic projects like ELT and SKA. Simple in concept but revolutionary in application, the machine learning techniques used in TraDE-DML are poised for transformative advances in dark matter studies, particularly in determining its central density slope. By synergistically integrating knowledge from observational astronomy, theoretical physics, machine learning, and statistics, TraDE-DML aims to make significant strides in unraveling the elusive nature of dark matter. As an expert in observational data analysis with privileged access to leading galaxy surveys like MAGPI and MIGHTEE, I possess the skills to efficiently extract and analyse pertinent data. The host, Dr. Benoit Famaey, excels in galaxy dynamics and alternative dark matter theories. Supported by a team versed in cosmological simulations and machine learning experts at the Inter-disciplinary Institute IRMIA++, we form a unique research synergy. Utilizing advanced machine learning frameworks and leveraging expansive survey data, TraDE-DML is well-positioned for immediate execution.

Mots clés : dark matter extra galactic astrophysics

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 211754.88 €
- Université de Strasbourg (France) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet SMART-RT (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

RNA is vital for cellular processes that include transcription, translation, and gene expression, making it an attractive drug target. However, deciphering the selective interaction between small molecules and RNA remains challenging due to RNA's dynamic structure and limited chemical functionality. Although FDA-approved drugs like Evrysdi have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of RNA binding small molecules, precise and reliable methods for targeting the interactions remain underdeveloped. This project aims to develop a Small Molecule-Assisted RNA Targeting and Reverse Transcription (SMART-RT) method to address this important challenge. The primary objective of SMART-RT is to create an in-situ interaction map of small molecules that interact with RNA or RNA-associated proteins (RBPs) in live cells. This innovative method will use RNA/RBP-binding small molecules to induce proximal reverse transcription (RT), enabling precise and sensitive mapping of RNA sequences and their interactions in their native cellular environment through downstream sequencing. By overcoming the limitations of current methods, SMART-RT will offer a detailed map of RNA/RBP interactions with small molecules, providing new insights and opportunities for the targeting of RNA biology and facilitating the discovery of novel therapeutics. This multidisciplinary project combines chemical biology, molecular biology, and medicinal chemistry to map RNA/RBP-small molecule interactions, using cutting-edge biotechnology for scientific exploration. It leverages my expertise in biochemistry and medicinal chemistry, providing extensive RNA technology training and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Aligned with MSCA’s goals of promoting innovation and knowledge transfer, the project will advance scientific discovery and technological development. Awarded MSCA Fellow will boost my research independence and equip me as group leader in biotechnology, enabling significant contributions to the field.

Mots clés : rna drug interaction, rna profiling, proximal reverse transcription, in situ mapping, nucleic acids

Participants :
- Université de Cambridge (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 276187.92 €
Projet NOCTEM (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Urban air pollution has a great impact on both climate and human health. As policies increasingly focus on the reduction of pollutant emissions (e.g. nitrogen oxides, NOx), the evolving role of nocturnal atmospheric oxidation processes in urban air quality remains poorly understood. Even though the nitrate radical (NO3), formed from oxidation of NOx by ozone, is a powerful oxidizing agent at night, its impact on contemporary and future urban atmospheres is not yet well characterized. Model calculations as well as field measurements in China and the US imply that NO3 production rates significantly increase during the evolution NOx abatement acts. Nevertheless, there have been no recent assessments of NO3 mixing ratios in European cities during the night, especially considering the EU's latest mitigation efforts.  The NOcturnal Chemistry in a Today's European Metropolis (NOCTEM) project aims to illuminate this neglected dark side of air pollution by combining field measurements of NO3 with means of cutting-edge absorption spectrocopy techniques atop a central tower in Paris, France, with chamber studies under controlled present and future NOx emission scenarios. The results from these studies are going to be implemented in the CHIMERE model used to predict the air quality in Île-de-France. The applicant offers expertise in nocturnal atmospheric chemistry, spectroscopy, and field work. This research project will not only broaden the applicant's experience and research skills but also strengthen the professional network, thereby advancing the long-term goal of securing a permanent researcher position.go

Mots clés : nitrogen oxides, atmospheric oxidation of volatile organic compounds, nocturnal processes, urban environments

Participants :
- Université Paris-Est Créteil (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 226420.56 €