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

Tissue-resident memory (Trm) cells are non-circulating T lymphocytes of non-lymphoid tissues and organs that provide localized protection at barrier surfaces such as skin, gut and lungs. In human skin, Trm cells represent the predominant lymphocyte population, comprising subsets with different cytokine profiles and cytotoxic capacity. They represent an integral part of barrier immunity, mounting tailored responses to diverse pathogens, but potentially also eliciting immune pathology. Trm cell differentiation, effector mechanisms and cellular interactions remain poorly defined. I aim to decipher cytotoxic Trm cell biology in greater depth, unravelling the epigenetic framework of phenotypically and functionally distinct CD8+ Trm populations. I will rely on state-of-the-art methodologies at the host institution. Through unique collaborations and a multidisciplinary approach encompassing advanced flow cytometry, cell sorting and high-throughput sequencing, I propose to map genome-wide chromatin accessibility in skin and gut Trm cell subsets. Identification of regulatory elements critical for cell functions coupled with analyses of transcription factor binding promise to unravel the molecular mechanisms defining Trm cell ontogeny, function and tissue-specific imprinting. Moreover, with potential application to limited patient samples, single-cell RNA sequencing of cytokine-producing cells will provide a map of Trm cell heterogeneity with unprecedented resolution. This project will illuminate the role of the microenvironment in shaping tissue-resident memory, with ultimate goals to understand Trm cell-related diseases and determine common denominators required to establish tissue residency and provide basis for generating and shaping Trm cells in future cellular immunotherapies. Being at the forefront of the research on the epigenetic differentiation processes of lymphocytes, I am determined to build a strong basis for a future career as a young independent scientist.

Mots clés : tissue resident memory cd8  t cells, skin, atac sequencing, single cell rna sequencing, flow cytometry, psoriasis, vitiligo

Participants :
- Karolinska Institutet (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 173857.2 €
Projet GenEl (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

To attract the brightest minds and host outstanding research projects, facilities like the European Organisation for Nuclear Research CERN or the currently constructed European Spallation Source ESS are key. Experimental setups use cutting edge technology and process enormous amounts of data to reveal new discoveries. Infrastructures as detectors and computing centers are work horses but cannot operate without readout systems with high-end electronics. The goal of this project is to develop general readout electronics for cross-sectoral application. This approach overcomes the shortcoming that most experiments have to develop readout systems on their own and allows groups with little knowledge and capabilities in electronics to build world-leading experiments. The successful and well suited Scalable Readout System with the VMM chip, implemented by the candidate at CERN within the Horizon2020 projects AIDA2020 and BrightnESS as a prototype, will be transferred to the host institute. Indispensable knowledge on instrumentation and involvement in future experiments is provided in return. Upcoming European R&D projects and experiments across disciplines like particle and nuclear physics at CERN, neutron science at ESS, medical instrumentation as well as groups in the USA, China, Russia and Japan intend to use the final system. With a professor as experienced supervisor, the outstanding research infrastructure at the host institute and a secondment in a company, the system will be completed and commercialised. The implementation in world-leading experiments will be supported and results disseminated to scientific communities and general public. The project strengthens the European research infrastructure and demonstrates its capabilities globally. It is in line with the European Strategy for Particle Physics, ESS and other users' timelines. In addition, training on teaching, management and supervision will boost the applicant's career in direction of an independent group.

Mots clés : cross sectoral readout electronics

Participants :
- University of Bonn (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 174806.4 €
Projet FlyLearn (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

To execute accurate movements animals must continuously calibrate their behavior to changes in their bodies and the environment. This process, called sensorimotor adaption, is thought to take place by comparing sensory feedback with internal movement representations. How the brain compares sensory information to movements and updates behavior is not well understood for any animal species. We propose to tackle this problem by using the fruit fly, because, flies have a set of neurons (HS cells) that integrate movement with visual information, being ideal candidates to convey information of self-movement during learning. Also, in a wide array of species spanning from the C. elegans to mice, including the fruit fly, when animals transition to low locomotion states serotonergic neurons are active, being possible substrates to calibrate movements to visual feedback. Here, we propose a set of experiments to inhibit and activate HS cells and serotonergic neurons and casually link their activity to sensorimotor adaption. Also, we will record the neural activity from these neurons to understand how the neural signals in HS cells and serotonergic neurons change during motor learning. This project will provide a detailed mechanistic description on how representations of self-movement in the brain are modulated by serotonin and used for motor learning. This knowledge will be useful to inspire new motor learning theories and understand how the brain generates behavior.

Mots clés : motor learning, sensorimotor integration, serotonin, hs cells, optic flow, drosophila melanogaster, optogenetic activation

Participants :
- Champalimaud Foundation (Portugal) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 147815.04 €
Projet TDoTA (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : TERMINATED

To identify a target in a dynamic environment, attention must be allocated to the target’s at the right time. Temporally selective attention allows us to discriminate a briefly presented target from temporally adjacent distractors. However, when a target is closely followed by a distractor that shares the target’s response category, participants often erroneously report the identity of the distractor (distractor intrusions). Previous studies showed that such distractor intrusion effects are mediated by attentional processes, but the exact underlying mechanism remains a matter of debate. The proposed study is designed to fill this gap, using behavioural and electrophysiological measures. We will test a new account of temporal attention and distractor intrusions. To do so, we will develop a novel paradigm that will allow us to track electrophysiological biomarkers (N2pc component) of attentional processes, separately for trials where participants correctly identified the target and intrusion trials. Prof. Eimer is one of the leading researchers in the field of cognitive electrophysiology. Under his supervision, I will train in state-of-the-art EEG and eye-tracking methods, and learn the skills required to become a PI. The studies are expected to have a substantial impact to several theoretical debates. Thus, the success of the action and its dissemination promises to turn me into a strong player in the field. From that standpoint, I will be able to find fruitful collaborations, especially by capitalizing on Prof. Eimer’s network of collaborators. As advancements are introduced to the field of cognitive psychology, researchers are rightfully expected to be apt in interdisciplinary methodologies, and especially in neuroimaging techniques. Training in these methods and achieving the goals of the action will be the stepping stone for my future career as a PI in a leading university in Israel or Europe.

Mots clés : attention, visual attention, temporal attentionl, feature binding, electrophysiology, event related potentials

Participants :
- University of London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 224933.76 €
Projet SELECTRON (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

To minimise the impact of mankind on the environment while ensuring economically viable industrial activities, greener processes are needed. In particular, developing selective synthesis routes of valuable chemicals with limited waste in the production is a major challenge faced by industry. As a case study, Haldor Topsøe, world expert in catalysis and secondment host in the project, aims to produce the valuable chemical dimethyl carbonate (DMC) without CO2 emission. Within this framework, the SELECTRON project will develop an electro-nano-catalyst for the selective and green production of DMC from methanol and CO. First, a nanotoolbox and a new synthesis route will be developed using a microwave reactor synthesis to provide Pt, Au, Ag, Cu nanocatalysts with controlled shape and structure. Second, the electrocatalytic properties of these catalysts for production of dimethyl carbonate will be assessed for the first time by state-of-the-art electrochemical and chemical characterisation but also more advanced technique like spectro-electrochemistry in parallel to theoretical simulation. Based on the knowledge gained on the electrocatalytic mechanism, a stable and selective catalyst will finally be produced. This highly interdisciplinary project will benefit from my strong background in nanomaterials design and synthesis, electrochemistry and catalysis, the complementary expertise of the host group in spectro-electro-chemistry, expertise of collaborators in theoretical simulation, and the strong commitment of Haldor Topsøe to bridge the gap academia-industry in order to develop a green production method for valuable chemicals like DMC. I will develop the required skills to become an independent expert in the emerging field of green production of valuable chemicals by electro-nano-catalysis, thus fulfilling H2020’s goal to generate leading expertise and innovation in green technologies.

Mots clés : electrocatalysis, green electrochemical synthesis, structure properties of nanomaterials, mechanism, selectivity, valuable chemicals, industry

Participants :
- University of Copenhagen (Danemark) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 200194.8 €
Projet TropAlp (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Statut du projet : SIGNED

To mitigate the effects of the current biodiversity crisis – the rapid loss of species and ecosystems – we have to understand how species evolve and how diversity is assembled. Physical distance and ecological differences can influence gene flow among individuals of a species in different ways, including the emergence of new species. As such, the evolution of diversity is often driven by geographic isolation and environmental adaptation, but the relative contribution of these processes on species diversification is not well understood. TropAlp aims to study the dynamic interplay of these two processes in driving the evolution of plant diversity to gain a better understanding of the abiotic factors fueling diversification. I will focus on two biodiversity hot-spots, the tropical alpine environments of East Africa and South America, that show differences in diversity among lineages and regions. Both ecosystems are considered island-like with similar climatic conditions but are isolated from their tropical surroundings. The key difference between them is the extent of isolation between mountain peaks. This difference permits investigating the factors that cause variation in diversity using multiple plant lineages and will contribute to a generalized and more global understanding of the evolution of diversity. The objectives of this action are (1) to delimit species; (2) to elucidate the interplay of geography and environment on diversification, and (3) to compare differences in diversity and its causes across the two continents. TropAlp enables me to apply modern phylogenomics and population genomics with comparative analyses, model-based approaches, and bioinformatics. While I have expertise in the latter, comparative phylo- and population genomics are the expertise of the host laboratory. This action will provide me with a modern skill set to become an independent, critical thinking researcher and will enhance my career chances.


Participants :
- Charles University (Rép. Tchèque) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 144980.64 €
Projet MUSRES (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : TERMINATED

To this day, thousands of melodies that witness the early history of music in Europe remain hidden within the pages of palimpsest manuscripts, ancient books reused in later centuries to host a new, usually non-musical text. The medieval 'recycling' often completely erased the original content, making an impressive corpus of early chant inaccessible. This treasure trove of concealed musical heritage is one missing key towards unlocking the dynamics behind the beginnings of musical notation for vocal music. Recovering this centuries-long lost scripts will advance our understanding of the cognitive and material processes, as well as of the graphic forms and techniques employed by early singers to represent the sounds of music. The MSCA-IF project 'Musica Restituta (MUSRES) Retrieving Hidden Chant from Medieval Palimpsest Manuscripts' will provide for the first time to musicologists, performers, and the wider scholarly community (theologians, philologists, art and science historians, etc.) new material evidence and innovative digital tools for understanding early written music through its most obscure sources. The core object of the research will be a reconstruction, full study, and edition of five among the most important surviving chant palimpsests. The project will achieve this by combining cutting-edge digital photography and image editing with the creation of 'MusRes 1.0', the first on-line virtual research environment for the digital edition of early music palimpsests. Based at the University of Trento, and in collaboration with the Universities of Oxford (UK) and Würzburg (D), MusRes aims at redefining the landscape of available primary sources for the study of early chant, as well as considerably advancing the state of the art in the digital retrieval and editing of hidden musical information in manuscript texts, also for potential application beyond musicology.

Mots clés : gregorian chant, palimpsests, manuscript studies, musical notation, digital humanities, digital imaging, medieval liturgy

Participants :
- University of Trento (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 171473.28 €
Projet EvoNIN (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Today's world relies on usage of man-made inorganic nitrogen fertilizer. It is estimated, that 48% of the world's population could only be sustained through application of the nitrogen fertilizer. However, use of nitrogen fertilizer has profound multiple negative effects onto environment and human health. Therefore, development of the improved crops, which can use atmospheric nitrogen as a direct source of N and, therefore, do not rely on fertilizer has became the European and Global political priority. Atmospheric N2 is the largest reservoir of nitrogen on Earth, but it is unavailable to most of the land plants. However, a few plant species (mainly legumes) evolved an ability to form symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and use atmospheric nitrogen as the primary source of N. The idea of transferring so-called root-nodule symbiosis to non-symbiotic plants has first appeared in the 1970es, when close to nothing was known about the molecular pathways behind nodulation. A significant international research effort over the past decades has resulted in unraveling the key genes involved in root nodule symbiosis in a number of legume model plants. Surprisingly, most of the discovered symbiotic genes were also found in non-symbiotic plants, making it difficult to elucidate key evolutionary innovations responsible for emergence of symbiosis. However, a long-needed detailed comparative study between nitrogen-fixers and non-fixers was not possible until now. The availability of completely sequenced plant genomes of species with nodal positions within and outside the nitrogen-fixing clade gives me the unique opportunity to compare the key symbiotic regulatory network in symbiotic and related non-symbiotic plants and elucidate which genes, regulatory connections or cis-regulatory elements are missing from the non-symbiotic plants. This knowledge will be ultimately exploited for the experimental transfer of nodulation to important non-symbiotic crops.

Mots clés : regulatory network evolution, gene duplication, neofunctionalization, transcriptor factor evolution, root nodule symbiosis, development of novel crops

Participants :
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 159460.8 €
Projet AniMOC (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Today, there is a tremendous need of new optoelectronic devices for spontaneous and visual reading of the touch/pressure through high-spatial resolution for smart technologies such as e-skin, robotics, touchpad screens, or medical monitors. To replace the Critical Raw Materials (CRM) that actually used in light emissive devices, mostly lanthanides, iridium or platinum, and to generate highly sensitive pressure sensors, the strategy of AniMOC project, is to use luminescent and anisotropic (1D or 2D) nanomaterials, in order to apply a directional strain on the targeted bonds involved in the optoelectronic processes. Thus, the emerging anisotropic d10 coinage Metal Organic Chalcogenolates (MOCs) as coordination polymers, [M(ER)]n, M = Cu, Ag, Au and ER = chalcogenolate ligand, are ideal candidates, because they are a good alternative to CRM and present an intense emission, due to the metallophillic interactions, as well as intrinsic multiemission bands. Therefore, the main breakthrough is to fabricate thin films with a preferential alignment of the anisotropic and luminescent MOCs through strong bonds between the nanoobjects in order to get high pressure sensitivity and stable and reversible processes. To reach this target, the four objectives of AniMOC are (i) to synthesize nanowires and nanosheets of [M(SR)]n, (M = Cu, Ag, Au) (ii) to control the functionalization of the external surfaces of the nanoobjects, (iii) to couple and organize them by cupling reactions dynamc covalent chemistry and (iv) to fabricate orientated thin films of MOCs that exhibit pressure dependent photoemission. The AniMOC project is a great opportunity to develop new luminescent touch sensitive devices that will open a new path to lightening technologies avoiding the present of CRM and provides a better sustainable and economical solution.

Mots clés : coordination polymers, coupling reactions, anisotropic materials

Participants :
- Basque Center for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 86466.24 €
Projet FLYMEN (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Too little is known about the complex hearing impairments and vestibular syndromes that develop in adults during their life course; new insights and novel scientific models are required. My project focuses on Meniere’s Disease (MD), a multifactorial impairment of the inner ear characterized by varying grades of (i) adult onset sensorineural hearing loss, (ii) episodic vertigo and (iii) tinnitus. During my PhD, I devised new approaches to decipher the genetic factors contributing to MD by combining whole exome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. I identified candidate genes for MD and validated the expression of the associated proteins in two functional domains of the human and rodent inner ear: the sensory epithelial sheets of the vestibular system and the auditory Organ of Corti. To understand the functional importance of MD candidate genes, and their interplay with environmental factors, requires an experimentally tractable in vivo model. I here propose to use the hearing and balance system of Drosophila melanogaster as an in vivo model of MD. This will involve devising and employing novel experimental tools, such as novel tests of hearing and vestibular function, genome-wide transcription studies (RNA-Seq) and bioinformatics analysis. The project will provide a better understanding of the heterogeneous landscape of adult-onset inner ear pathologies, which will inform new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.

Mots clés : inner ear hair cells, transcriptional programming, gene regulatory networks, enviromental effect, transcription factors, meniere disease

Participants :
- University of Edinburgh (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €