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

The ever shrinking size of field effect transistors for digital electronics has now reached a boundary where fluctuations in the position of a single dopant can have a significant influence on the performance of the transistor and quantum effects cannot be neglected any more. These two effects therefore represent a size limit, preventing the microelectronics industry from further downscaling and performance increase of MOSFET transistors. This calls for a breakthrough. Rather than being a drawback one can take advantage of quantum and dopant effects to build a quantum analogue of the classical electronics. To build this Quantum Electronics one would need basic quantum elements: good quantum memory, quantum bus, quantum processor, and of course and efficient interface between these elements. Superconducting circuits have already been shown to be efficient as quantum bus or quantum processor, but can only hold quantum information for tens of microseconds. In this project I propose to build a long lasting quantum memory and interface it, quantum coherently and efficiently, to a superconducting quantum bus. I will use an ensemble of spins of bismuth dopants implanted in silicon as a quantum memory. Bismuth spins have been recently proven to be able to hold quantum information over several seconds when immersed in a small magnetic field, bringing them to a so-called clock transition. I will interface this good quantum memory with superconducting circuits, bringing together a good quantum memory with a quantum bus and processor. Building this unit in silicon, I will benefit from tremendous material development made by the microelectronic industry over the past 50 years.

Mots clés : quantum electronics, quantum memory, superconducting circuits, bi spin ensemble, clock transition

Participants :
- University of London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet HiCapWDM (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : TERMINATED

The ever-increasing capacity demand in optical fiber communications is currently being addressed in three ways: a) Increasing the data rate carried by each wavelength channel in wavelength-division multi¬plexed (WDM) systems by using advanced optical modulation formats which offer improved spectral efficiency compared to legacy On-Off Keyed formats, b) reducing the unused bandwidth between channels by precisely controlling the transmitter wavelength and channel spacing, and c) using flexible transmission techniques to tailor the optical channels to the traffic demands in real time. A key component that enables all three of these techniques to be addressed is a low-linewidth optical comb source. The low-linewidth allows the high-order modulation formats to be used. The comb line spacing is precisely controlled so that adjacent channels will not “wander” independently and interfere with each other. The spacing between the lines can also be controlled to change the channel separation in order to allow different modulation formats and especially different symbol rates for the individual sub-channels. This allows the system to adapt to optimize the bit rate and/or modulation format depending on the available bandwidth and properties (dispersion, noise, loss, etc.) of the transmission link. For this adaptation, enhanced digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms are used. The goal of this project is to investigate high-capacity, cost effective, flexible WDM transmission systems, employing optical frequency combs and enhanced DSP technologies.

Mots clés : wavelength division multiplexing, nyquist, optical comb source, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, ofdm

Participants :
- Fraunhofer Society (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 159460.8 €
Projet ViFoMeTi (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The experienced researcher Bernardete Coelho, doctor in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Aveiro (Portugal), aims at leading research activities on the numerical modelling of the thermo-mechanical behaviour of β-metastable titanium alloys. Such activities will be carried out in Université Bretagne Sud (France) under the supervision of Prof. Sandrine Thuillier. Advanced materials such as titanium alloys are considered as technological key enablers in societal challenges and a key factor in technological solutions, as they determine the process, the mechanical properties and the service life of an object. Regarding β-titanium alloys, they are more and more used in the biomedical and aeronautic fields and the modelling of their thermo-mechanical behaviour will become an enabling technology in order to perform forming at warm and elevated temperatures. Given the huge interest in the thermo-mechanical behaviour of lightweight β-titanium alloys, one objective of this project consists in its investigation and numerical modelling over a large range of temperatures. It is also intended to include the modelling of the occurrence of plastic instabilities in β-titanium alloys, for a biphasic material, i.e. titanium molybdenum with several compositions as well as an industrial material. Moreover, the technological part of this project aims to validate the thermo-mechanical models to the case of hot forming of a β-titanium alloy. Then, the final objective of this project is to perform a fast eco-audit, using eco-indicators, for different scenarios including hot forming and heat treatment for β-titanium alloys. Additionally, a business plan for a promising application will be developed. As a global overview, this project deals with the virtual forming and mechanical design of parts made out of β-titanium alloys for a large range of compositions, based on the modelling of the thermo-mechanical properties (up to rupture) of such alloys in a large range of temperatures.

Mots clés : titanium alloys

Participants :
- Université Bretagne Sud (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 184707.84 €
Projet JUMP (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The exploration of the Jovian system is a priority for present (Juno NASA’s mission) and upcoming (Juice ESA’s mission) spacecraft missions. This research project focuses on Jupiter’s internal dynamics. This is crucial as it sets the whole planetary environment, including the giant magnetosphere. Unfortunately, despite being the nearest gas planet from Earth, the internal dynamics of Jupiter is poorly constrained from present observations. However, Jupiter's observable zonal winds constitute privileged markers directly connected to the underlying dynamics. They are powerful jets that channel more than 90% of the total kinetic energy observed on the planetary surface. Nevertheless, how these jets interact with planetary interiors? remains a fundamental question that the fellow will address during the fellowship. As of now, two dominant models are continuously challenged: the shallow layer model, where jets confine within a thin layer, and a deep model, where jets extend down to the entire molecular envelope. Recently, the fellow published the first successful lab experiment to reproduce jets and consequently restored the deep model that was so-far disqualified from previous studies. Now, taking advantage of this privileged position, the fellow designed “JUMP”: the JUpiter Modeling Platform. JUMP is a mixed laboratory-numerical platform that is capable of generating jet-like flows in a continuum of planetary configurations from shallow to deep atmospheres. It combines an advanced laboratory challenge that requires the strong engineering expertise of the host and associated numerical skills which is well into the specific abilities of the fellow. Using a package of statistical tools the fellow will describe flow properties in such a manner that results are directly comparable with previous works on Jupiter high resolution images. The ultimate challenge of JUMP is to identify markers in flow properties that will distinguish between deep and shallow scenarios on Jupiter.

Mots clés : planetary flows, rotating turbulence, zonal winds, zonostrophic regime

Participants :
- Sapienza University of Rome (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 168277.2 €
Projet RMES (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The exploratory studies on sound-matter interaction are to date one of the most promising directions as fundamental research which can be used practically in rheology, medical imaging and other contactless manipulations. So far only acoustic radiation force is used in applications. The study of rotational mechanical effects of sound actually remains in its infancy and expected application potential invites a better understanding of acoustic radiation torques and further fundamental experimental investigations. With the aim at going beyond the state-of-the art, the research project proposes to explore experimentally new facets of the rotational mechanical effects of sound based on the use of acoustic vortex beams, which are characterized by a helical wavefront bearing on-axis phase singularity. Indeed, depending on the specific wavematter interaction, acoustic vortex beams can induce various rotational mechanical effects, such as angular displacements, spinning or orbiting motions. Our approach will first consist to study acoustic radiation torque effects that do not rely on sound-absorption, which corresponds to a sound-matter interaction regime barely explored experimentally. Also, we will unveil experimentally the existence of recently predicted a spin contribution to the total angular momentum of acoustic vortex beams. For these purposes, we will firstly develop a toolbox allowing versatile acoustic vortex beam shaping in the ultrasonic regime owing to 3D printing technologies. Then, by using obtained vortex beams and appropriately designed sound-matter interaction schemes, we will detect and monitor quantitatively the sought-after rotational mechanical effects. By addressing original and timely scientific challenges on experimental grounds, the project will bring new knowledge in the field of acoustic angular momenta and set a new state-of-the-art for acoustic contactless manipulations.

Mots clés : sound matter interaction, acoustic vortex beams, acoustic torque, acoustic spin, acoustic orbital, angular momentum transfer, absorbing acoustic probes, acoustic contactless manipulations

Participants :
- Université de Bordeaux (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 196707.84 €
Projet hetero-MOF (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The field of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is currently among the most extensively studied topics in chemistry given the large number of fascinating applications associated with the chemical versatility of MOFs. In particular, the use of MOFs as heterogeneous catalysts is an area that has attracted considerable attention since, in principle, the ideally suited architectures of MOFs can present catalytically active sites spatially arranged. With the expansion of this area, a new emergent class of heterometallic metal-organic frameworks (hetero-MOFs) has recently been considered for the study of an important type of reactions from an industrial point of view in which two or more individual reactions are carried out in a single step ("tandem" or "cascade" reactions). However, the synthetic approach for the preparation of these hetero-MOFs has been mainly conducted by post-synthetic replacement of ions with the same oxidation state, with lack of control over the final composition. The project herein described focus on the design and preparation of novel hetero-MOFs with enhanced stability to perform as superior heterogeneous catalysts. With this purpose, a reasonable straightforward method is proposed, consisting in the low temperature synthesis of hetero-MOFs using pre-designed heterometallic secondary building units (SBUs) as starting materials. The main challenge lies in the control of the metal stoichiometry based on cations with different oxidation states and therefore very different chemical reactivities. The catalytic performance of the novel hetero-MOF materials will be tested during a secondment of excellence already established in the hetero-MOF project.

Mots clés : metal organic frameworks, cascade  or  tandem  reactions

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 185076.0 €
Projet SELFSENS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The final aim of this project is to develop an autonomous gas sensor system capable of discriminating among different vapour species. Looking at the attractive characteristics of reduced graphene oxide, we should look for their functionalization in order to increase their selectivity to a concrete gas while decreasing it to others. Furthermore, the design of sensor arrays together with pattern recognition algorithms will be investigated in order to develop a highly selective sensory device towards different gas molecules. Moreover, the whole manufacturing of these sensors will be done by printing and laser scribing techniques because of the large amount of characteristics that this technology offers to electronics circuits (e.g. large-scale fabrication, lightweight, flexibility). In addition to this, the sensing layer should be recovered in order to have a fast response of the sensor to force the trapped molecules to escape. This issue will be also addressed compromising time response and power demand. In this project, we propose the inclusion of energy harvesting approach together with a storage element in order to reduce this consumption or even to achieve a self-powered sensory system. A key point of this strategy will be to employ the same fabrication processes as the used for the manufacturing of the gas sensors. Finally, the whole system will be to include it in a larger system, adding the required circuitry and communication module with the aim of performing environmental monitoring in different scenarios such as industry or building comfort. For example, the inclusion of a gas sensing platform can control and adjust the proper work environment conditions. This solution can not only enhance the quality of working conditions but also to reduce cost and pollution, being profitable for employers, employees and society.

Mots clés : energy harvesting, flexible electronics, gas sensors, graphene oxide, printed electronics

Participants :
- University of Granada (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 170121.6 €
Projet RESPIMMOX (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The finding of anammox bacteria brought up the possibility of achieving energy-self-sufficient wastewater treatment plants for nitrogen removal, but their widespread technological application is still under research. The lack of pure cultures, standard cultivation methods and comprehensive genetic data make the molecular research on anammox bacteria challenging, and thus, there is a critical absence of molecular studies to understand how these bacteria make a living. One of the current challenges of anammox bacteria research is to understand niche differentiation, meaning how and why different anammox species find their unique ecological space. RESPIMMOX project aims to understand the biomolecular characteristics of anammox Ca. Brocadia that trigger their niche differentiation as the main anammox genus present in wastewater treatment plants, to improve the efficiency and stability of bioreactors. We will obtain biochemical evidence of the membrane-bound protein complexes involved in the electron transport chain of Brocadia-species, and investigate the soluble yet-unidentified enzymes responsible of the nitrite reduction. We will follow a complexome profiling approach combined with enzymatic activity assays, as commonly performed with Dehalococcoides mccartyi in the host laboratory. RESPIMMOX project will be accomplished through three specific objectives: i) achievement of an anammox Brocadia-enriched culture with high cell concentrations; ii) training of the researcher in biochemical methods to characterize respiratory complexes using the respiration with halogenated aromatic compounds as an example; and iii) identification and characterization of the protein complexes involved in the anammox Ca. Brocadia energy metabolism. The results from this proposal will entail a step forward for the understanding of anammox niche differentiation, specifically of the dominance of Ca. Brocadia in bioreactors, and will contribute to unravel the puzzle that anammox bacteria pose.

Mots clés : anammox bacteria, anammox ecological niches, biochemistry of anammox bacteria, respiration of anammox bacteria, nitrite reductases, anammoxosome membrane bound proteins

Participants :
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 162806.4 €
Projet CONCEPT FIT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The frequencies, intensities, and types of emotions people experience in a given situation differ systematically across cultural boundaries. This variation is inherently meaningful because it reflects differences in the conceptual system for emotions, with implications for well-being. Emotional fit between an individual and other members of their culture is a protective factor for mental and physical health, as is a well-developed conceptual repertoire for emotions. Although language is often used to understand the conceptual system for emotions, this work has remained limited by theories that focus on emotion words at the expense of other features of language, and methods that do not allow for discovery-oriented analysis. In this research project, I will address these limitations by describing the conceptual system for emotions in Dutch-speaking Belgians using a qualitative (objective 1) and automated (objective 2) analysis of natural language. I will then perform a cross-cultural comparison with English speakers from the US (objective 3), and derive a natural language-based measure of emotional fit between individuals and their fellow culture members (objective 4). To accomplish these goals, I propose a 2-year stay at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven under the supervision of Prof. Batja Mesquita, a pioneer in the study of culture and emotion whose ERC Advanced grant will provide key data for my project. I will also be supported by Profs. Peter Kuppens and Dirk Geeraerts, experts in individual differences and linguistic theory, respectively. I further propose a secondment with Dr. Ryan L. Boyd of Lancaster University, who will train me in state-of-the-art methods in automated text analysis. The deliverables of the project also include an article reviewing approaches to analyzing emotion language, and development of supervision and communication skills. This project will expand the understanding of emotional experience, and will enhance my future career possibilities.

Mots clés : emotion, emotional fit, cultural fit, meaning making, well being, health

Participants :
- KU Leuven (Belgique) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 178320.0 €
Projet FORECAST (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The frequency and intensity of droughts are expected to increase in many regions of the world due to global climate change. Droughts can lead to widespread tree mortality, leading to a loss of carbon stored in forests that will feedback to exacerbate climate change. Thus, modelling forest responses to drought is critical for predicting climate change socio-economic and ecological impacts and informing conservation strategies. However, current models are not capable of adequately representing forest responses to drought, especially for mixed forests due to their diversity in species and functional traits. The proposed research intends to solve this problem by developing a model for mixed forests based on known biophysical constraints, plant functional traits and optimization theory. The model’s performance will be evaluated with (1) detailed measurements at Hayedo de Montejo (HM), a mixed Mediterranean forest with diverse functional traits, (2) data from a network of eddy-covariance towers that measure ecosystem fluxes, and (3) mortality data from two national forest inventories that span a wide range of forest types. Next, the model will be used for forecasting the vulnerability of HM to different climate change scenarios for guiding the conservation of this World Heritage Site. I will develop this project at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, one of Europe’s leading academic institutions. A secondment at Centro de Investigación Ecológica y Aplicaciones Forestales (Barcelona) will allow me to learn new modelling approaches, gain access to global plant databases, and establish new collaborations. A secondment at Dirección General de Medio Ambiente y Sostenibilidad de la Comunidad de Madrid, a non-academic institution in charge of HM’s management, will ensure intersectoral transfer of knowledge among scientists, educators, managers and policy makers. This MSCA will facilitate my return to Europe and enhance my chances of obtaining a permanent position in Europe.

Mots clés : climate change, competition, conservation, drought stress, ecophysiology, forest, management, modelling, plant functional traits, plant hydraulics, protected areas, water resources

Participants :
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 172932.48 €