Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet MODHET (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Although TMDs have been studied for decades, studies have been mostly limited to bulk materials. The properties of TMDs in atomically thin 2D forms can be significantly different from those in the bulk, such as the size of the band gap, the nature of the band gap (direct versus indirect), the existence of tightly-bound charged excitons. The physics of heterostructures formed by stacking different kinds of TMD layers are even more versatile and unexpected. While recent studies have experimentally demonstrated the possibility of synthesizing such novel 2D materials, the present project aims to study these new types of materials from a theoretical standpoint. We will perform state-of-the-art first-principles simulations using the most advanced exchange-correlation functionals developed in the host group for the accurate description of dynamical and charge transfer process within the time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) as well as many-body perturbation approaches using the GW self-energy and including excitonic effects at the level of the Bethe Salpeter equation. We will also develop and implement new multi-scale algorithms in the codes needed to handle some of the tasks detailed in the project. This European Fellowship project will be hosted by a leading expert in the field, Prof. Angel Rubio of the University of the Basque Country (Spain). The project will also involve collaboration with top international experiment groups. The theoretical results acquired in this project will be used to guide and compare to experimental results with the goal of developing novel devices for future advances in nanoelectronics, photoelectronics and plasmonics. The progress of this project in exploring and understanding new physics of 2D TMDs and developing novel devices will have profound impacts on condensed matter physics, material science, as well as nano- and bio-science in the next decade.

Mots clés : transition metal dichalcogenides, heterostructure, first principle calculations, time dependent density functional theory, many body perturbation theory, nanoplasmonics, photoelectronics

Participants :
- Max Planck Society (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 171460.8 €
Projet High level CDFT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Although it is much newer than orbital-based approaches, conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) has established itself as an important tool for understanding the properties and chemical reactivity of molecules and materials. Until now, CDFT has been mainly applied using single Slater determinant (single-reference) quantum chemistry methods, chiefly Kohn-Sham density functional theory. In contrast to orbital-based interpretive tools, however, this is not an intrinsic limitation of CDFT: the response functions that are used to clarify chemical phenomena in CDFT are equally applicable to accurate multireference methods like traditional complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) approaches and new, more efficient, approaches based on the density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) or geminal-product wavefunctions. This research proposal combines recent progress in these two fields: new methods will be developed for computing CDFT’s response functions using accurate multireference wavefunction methods. This development will allow the well-known and widely-used reactivity descriptors like the Fukui function and the linear response to be applied to systems—like (bi)-radicals, transition metal-, lanthanide-, and actinide-complexes—where traditional orbital-based methods and previous computational approaches to CDFT based on a single Slater determinant are inapplicable. This will provide chemical insights into the reactivity of new classes of molecules. In addition, by using the linear response function to evaluate alchemical changes in molecular decomposition, the inverse design problem (designing molecules with specified properties) will be addressed. This establishes a new research niche at the nexus between modern interpretative tools, the latest developments in quantum chemistry, and emerging areas of chemical application.

Mots clés : computational chemistry, density functional theory, chemical concepts, fukui function, linear response, multireference quantum chemistry, transition metal chemistry, carbene chemistry

Participants :
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgique) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 226022.4 €
- McMaster University (Canada) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet NESIAC (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Although many thousands of transient protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are known, there is a disturbing paucity of high-resolution structures of the resulting complexes and the difficulties involved in experimentally determining these atomic structures remain essentially unaddressed. The Steyaert lab has shown that cross-linking transiently interacting proteins, followed by immunization of llama’s with this cross-linked antigen, causes the maturation of single domain antibodies called Nanobodies (Nbs). The Nbs bind composite conformational epitopes unique to the transient complex. Highly efficient selection methods can discriminate Nbs that exclusively bind the transient (non-cross-linked) complex from binders that bind to the dissociated monomers. Such Nbs will be instrumental to purify and solve the structures of PPIs that have been resistant to investigation by X-ray, NMR, SAXS or EM and for the functional analysis of these complexes within a living cell. This ground-breaking technology will be validated with well-chosen case studies covering key PPIs of the GPCR transmembrane signaling pathway including parts of the arrestin interactome. During this project the fellow will establish a unique research niche by systematically applying her arsenal of learnt techniques to develop the next generation antibody‐enabled methods for the structural investigation of the GPCR-arrestin targets. The ultimate goal of NESIAC is to determine the atomic structures of the most relevant transient associations of these signaling proteins. This will open up a new platform for realising the structural basis of the elusive GPCR regulation by arrestins.


Participants :
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (Belgique) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 160800.0 €
Projet 4F4REJUVENGLIA (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Although the concept of adult neurogenesis has important implications for regenerative medicine, the formation of new functional neurons from progenitors during adult life is rare and occurs only in confined areas of the mammalian brain . Because adult neurogenesis is limited, the regenerative capacity of the brain is restrained and the possibilities of recovery from damage are almost absent. The WHO* reported that up to 1 billion people, nearly one in six of the world’s population, suffer from neurological disorders. Many of these disorders have the loss or malfunction of neurons in common. Alongside the rapid increase of life expectancy whereby it is estimated that a quarter of Europeans will be over 60 years of age by 2020, these types of disorders are becoming a growing burden for aging societies, in terms of both suffering and economic cost. In Europe, for example, the total cost of brain disorders was estimated at €386 billion in 2004 and increased to €798 billion in 2010. This project, 4F4REJUVENGLIA (short for: 4 factors for rejuvenating glia), focuses on a novel approach to engineer neurogenesis, based on nuclear cell reprogramming technology, to induce regeneration of damaged areas of the brain. The aim is to generate new neurons in regions naturally devoid of neurogenesis. The approach involves the overexpression of the Yamanaka factors directly in parenchymal glia, with the purpose of reprograming/rejuvenating these cells back in development in order to recover their stem cell potential lost during specification (Fig.1). We hypothesise that this “rewinding” to a neural progenitor-like state may rearrange the local environment and remodel it towards a stem cell niche that help instruct and integrate new neurons within the preexisting circuits.


Participants :
- University of London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 212933.76 €
Projet FIRE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Amazonian rainforest ecotones (AREs) are one of the most heavily exploited and most threatened ecosystems in the Amazon. Fire plays an integral role in maintaining these vegetation transition zones from fire-averse rainforest to fire-prone savanna vegetation. Synergies between direct human activity and indirect climate change impacts threaten to accelerate forest transformation through positive feedback loops by increasing future fire susceptibility, fuel loads and fire intensity. As regional precipitation is expected to decrease due to deforestation and reduced evapotranspiration, and natural- and human-caused ignitions are projected to increase fire in AREs. The combined results will likely drive the expansion of savanna forests at the expense of the rainforest vegetation. AREs have largely been neglected in fire management strategies and the long-term ecological effects of fire in AREs remain poorly understood. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the long-term effects of climate variability and human disturbance on fire in these vital ecosystems to inform future land-management and conservation efforts. The objective of this proposal is to determine the natural and human-caused drivers of fire in the Bolivian ARE for the past 8,000 years. I have thus developed a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary framework integrating high-quality palaeoecological, palaeoclimatological data with current archaeological survey data to provide long-term records of natural variability and human land-use change. These new data will be incorporated into various scenarios in statistical Structural Equation Models to investigate natural and human factors driving fire in AREs for the past 8 thousand years. I will develop a case study for proof-of-concept of a new interdisciplinary framework that will result in a greater understanding of the long-term drivers of fire in AREs and inform how future climate and changes in land-use practices may impact these vital ecosystems.

Mots clés : bolivian amazon, fire, macrocharcoal, rainforest, ecotone, savanna, paleofire, structural equation modeling, archaeology, disturbance, pre columbian, deterium, leaf wax isotopes, paleohydrology

Participants :
- University of Amsterdam (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 165598.8 €
Projet Particle-bound ROS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Ambient particulate air pollution is one of the most severe public health issues worldwide as highlighted in a recent WHO study. It is unknown which particle sources and properties are the most health damaging but Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), present in particles or generated by particle components upon deposition of particles in the human lung, are widely thought to be a significant contributors to particle-related toxicity. However, accurate ROS quantification remains challenging due to the lack of appropriate analytical methods. Recent studies, using novel analytical techniques, found that substantial amounts of particle-bound ROS are present in secondary organic aerosol (SOA). However, it is entirely unknown which SOA precursors and atmospheric conditions affect ROS formation in SOA, especially how anthropogenic pollutants (e.g. NOx and SO2) affect ROS. In this proposal, we aim to establish for the first time a comprehensive data set of atmospheric particle-bound ROS concentrations and temporal variability, measured with high time resolution, by deploying a novel online ROS instrument in two contrasting urban locations in the UK, and to explore how different sources and atmospheric conditions contribute to particulate ROS. Furthermore, we will perform laboratory atmospheric simulation chamber experiments to elucidate ROS formation mechanisms in SOA from anthropogenic and biogenic sources by combining a comprehensive set of novel and state-of-the-art online analytical techniques. The study therefore will provide for the first time knowledge on sources and on characteristics of ROS and will provide essential and critical information for innovative strategies for air pollution mitigation and policies. This interdisciplinary project will provide a unique opportunity for the MSCA Fellow to receive world-class training, to enhance his potential and future career as well as for transfer of knowledge between the researcher and the host.

Mots clés : atmospheric aerosols, reactive oxygen species  ros, secondary organic aerosol  soa, online ros instrument, extractive electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry  eesi ms, anthropogenic pollutants

Participants :
- University of Cambridge (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €
Projet DesignerAntibiotics (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Aminoglycosides are critically important antimicrobials used in the treatment of life-threatening infections. A major drawback of usage is hearing loss caused by irreversible damage to the inner ear (ototoxicity). Ototoxicity occurs in ~20% of patients and ~100% of patients with the m.1555A>G mitochondrial DNA mutation. The largest EU patient group exposed to aminoglycosides are children in neonatal intensive care and the effect of hearing loss during infancy is particularly profound as it impedes language acquisition. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop safer aminoglycoside antibiotics. Ototoxicity limits usage despite the antibacterial potency and low incidence of drug resistance provided by this class of antibiotics. Economically, the annual EU cost incurred by drug resistant infections amounts to €1.5 billion, and the cost of hearing impairment is estimated to be €78 billion. Moreover, 25,000 EU patients die annually as a result of infections caused by resistant bacteria and 22.5 million suffer from hearing impairment, with 2 million profoundly deaf. Stanford research recently published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has shown that it is possible to chemically modify aminoglycosides to diminish ototoxicity while maintaining antibacterial activity. Through a novel collaboration between Stanford and University College London (UCL), the aim of this research is to use a results-guided drug design approach to develop the next generation of safer aminoglycoside antibiotics. For this work, the candidate will have access to 15 novel patented aminoglycoside compounds, crystallography data, murine in vitro and in vitro models of ototoxicity, and a rare biobank of cells from patients with the m.1555A>G mutation. This work will build upon the candidate’s Distinction Masters of Research structural biology experience at Imperial College London, and UCL PhD and recent first-author publication in Human Molecular Genetics related to aminoglycoside ototoxicity.

Mots clés : deafness, hearing loss, m 1555a g, aminoglycoside antibiotics, ototoxicity, drug development

Participants :
- University of London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 251857.8 €
- Stanford University (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet SufisEthicsDemocracy (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Among contemporary Sufi orders (mystical Islamic religious movements), a new political and theological tendency has been developed in the last decades: Sufi counter reformism. Which is a Muslim political-theological movement, inscribed by the Islamic tradition, open to democratic values, and in opposition to Islamic reformism and Islamism. My main hypothesis is that some Sufi orders are playing an important role in the expansion of democratic space in Europe and in the Maghreb. In this research, I will investigate the role of Sufi orders as political actors in Belgium, France, Morocco and Algeria. Sufi counter reformism offers new perspectives on the debate on Islam, democracy, and secularism. It will deconstruct the dichotomist perspective, which opposes secular and religious, private and public, and traditional and modern. We need empirical research on Islam, and in particular on Muslim politics, in this period of social and political tensions. Finally, this research will give more visibility to the organisations committed to improve democratic rights, by improving and creating new networks, and raising awareness about the debate on Islam and democracy. It will reduce the gap between institutions and citizens, through a better understanding of Islamic democratic engagement, in order to build a more trustful European society.

Mots clés : sufism, islam, democracy, religious movements, islamism, mysticism

Participants :
- KU Leuven (Belgique) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 160800.0 €
Projet GREENLOC (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Among the main goals of Intelligent Transportation Systems are (i) safety: reducing threats encountered due to human impact, and (ii) efficiency: providing transportation opportunities in an ecologically and economically sustainable way. Self-driving vehicles (SDV) have the potential to achieve both goals, for which localization (i.e., the determination of the positon and velocity of the vehicle) is of key importance. Localization is challenging due to the variety of conditions (weather, clutter, obstructions) that may impede different sensors, as well as the strict latency requirements. Accurate and fast localization is a necessity for providing crash-safe high-speed SDVs. Furthermore, reducing energy costs introduced by the continuous localization process is required for reducing the frequency to charge an SDV. Current SDV localization technology is insufficient in meeting these three performance measures at the same time, requiring a different approach for high-speed SDVs. This project proposes a high-sensitive fast green relative localization system, called as GREENLOC, which obtains and shares the relative location of surrounding vehicles and road-side units by ultra-wideband cross-layer communications in a multi-hop vehicular ad-hoc network. GREENLOC is the first localization system, which enables crash-safe SDVs driving not only on highways close to speed limits, but also in congested low-speed traffic. Moreover, GREENLOC is the first localization method that works accurately even in difficult weather conditions. This project has the potential to shift Europe forward in the international competitive race of SDVs, making crash-safe high-speed SDVs possible, which in turn has the potential to solve the traffic congestion problem. Besides, this fellowship is an excellent opportunity for the experienced researcher, who is enthusiastic about realizing her idea in an international research environment after a long period of parental leave dedicated to her family.

Mots clés : ultra wideband localization, self driving vehicles, vanet, routing protocol

Participants :
- Chalmers University of Technology (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 185857.2 €
Projet FABA-SHAPE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Among those food plants that eventually became domesticated, faba bean played a major role; the species has one of the longest established traditions of cultivation, having been domesticated more than ten thousand years ago and is a staple resource in many countries. The process of co-evolution between faba bean and human beings developed over millennia and therefore needs to be investigated from a long-term perspective. Unfolding the past will allow us to understand the present situation and could lead to future actions to more effectively increase the resistance of faba bean to environmental stresses and pests and reduce the risk of famine for the human beings living in developing countries. Within the context of this project, we intend to combine two of the most innovative methods available to archaeobotanists, Shape Analysis and Stable Carbon Isotopes Analysis. The combined use of these methods will allow us to identify the varieties of faba bean used by the early farmers and assess the ecological requirements of the primitive forms of faba bean. In addition, to solve the enigma of the origin of the crop, the information obtained with this project will serve as a basis for agronomists and plant breeders to search the genome of primitive landraces for useful mutations that can improve the resistance of faba bean to drought and pests.

Mots clés : archaeobotany, western asia, neolithic, origin of agriculture, faba bean, shape analysis, stable carbon isotopes

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 185076.0 €