Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet ConserVar (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Genetic diversity is one of the three basic elements of biodiversity. Understanding the full extent of this diversity within species is fundamental for their conservation. However, despite the ongoing advances in DNA sequencing technologies, conservation genomics is lagging behind in using whole-genome data efficiently. In contrast, other fields, such as human genomics, have developed theoretical and computational approaches to tackle this. If applied to endangered species, these approaches will provide a better understanding of their genetic diversity, particularly regarding the structure of this diversity across populations and its effect on adaptation to changing environments.  By leveraging two types of genetic data currently overlooked in conservation genomics – haplotype information and structural genomic variation, I will develop new analysis strategies to characterise genomic variation in endangered species. Using the Arctic fox as a model species, I will use whole-genome data from both present-day and historical samples to: 1) infer subtle patterns of population structure and gene flow, 2) quantify temporal changes in genomic structural variation and 3) assess the ability of these types of genetic data to inform on adaptation to local environments.  This research programme will provide not only a comprehensive characterisation of genomic diversity in Arctic foxes – with a direct impact on the Swedish Arctic fox conservation programme, but also new analytical tools for conservation genomics, unlocking the full potential of whole-genome data for biodiversity conservation.  Combining my solid track record on both human and biodiversity population genomics, and the host’s extensive expertise on conservation genomics and palaeogenomics, this fellowship will allow me to obtain the key scientific and transferrable skills to establish myself as a research leader in the field and make substantial contributions to biodiversity conservation.

Mots clés : population genomics, biodiversity conservation, genetic diversity, whole genome data, haplotype based approaches, structural variation

Participants :
- Université Pompeu Fabra (Espagne) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Université de Stockholm (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 222727.68 €
Projet nanoIR4AD (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Neurodegenerative diseases are a ticking time-bomb for health care systems because they are care-intensive and will soon become much more wide-spread due to increased life expectancy. Their most common form is Alzheimer's disease (AD), in which the amyloid-ß (Aß) peptide aggregates to amyloid fibers that accumulate in plaques in the human brain. We will study unresolved key aspects of AD in order to understand and eventually combat the disease. The objectives are: 1. To map the biochemical composition of plaques with unprecedented spatial resolution in order to understand the role of lipids in plaque organization and development - possibly leading to a biochemistry-based classification of these brain lesions, 2. To characterize co–aggregates of Aß with other amyloidogenic polypeptides, which may link different diseases and improve diagnosis, 3. To improve anti-amyloid peptides for a possible new AD treatment by characterizing and optimizing their interaction with Aß, and 4. To establish isotope-edited nanoscale infrared (IR) imaging as a versatile tool to characterize chemically similar components of mixtures. We will exploit the advantages of novel approaches in IR spectroscopy to move the field forward in areas that are difficult for more common methods. IR nanospectroscopy with 20 nm spatial resolution will be used throughout and will be combined for the Aß studies with isotope-edition and with Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. The supervisor is a well-know expert in biological IR spectroscopy and has recently established all approaches in his work. I, as the researcher, will be trained in advanced IR spectroscopy as well as in transferable skills, incl. leadership, and in pedagogics. The expertise in IR nanospectroscopy will particularly promote my career because the technique is about to revolutionize chemical imaging and has many applications in basic and applied science. For the same reason, also the EU will benefit from additional experts in this technique.

Mots clés : alzheimer s disease, infrared spectroscopy, amyloid , plaques, scattering type scanning near field optical microscopy s snom , alpha synuclein, islet amyloid polypeptide, atomic force microscopy

Participants :
- Université de Stockholm (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 206887.68 €
Projet ARCTISTIC (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The Arctic sea-ice is an important ecosystem that guarantees food security and plays a key role in the regulation of the global climate, affecting the livelihoods of people beyond the Arctic region. The Arctic sea-ice is shrinking, and studies predict an Arctic sea-ice free summer by 2050. The impacts of a sea-ice free Arctic on the climate system and human activities are little understood, mainly due to the limited availability of tools to reconstruct and understand the Arctic sea-ice history. State-of-the-art sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) analyses offer novel solutions to better understand sea-ice ecosystems. ARCTISTIC proposes to i) design and test novel molecular tools (ddPCR assays) to trace sea-ice associated taxa in marine sediments, ii) validate the new ddPCR proxies against established tools for sea-ice reconstruction (lipid biomarkers) and iii) assess the impact of sea-ice changes on biodiversity using metabarcoding analysis on the same sediment samples, and bioinformatics. ARCTISTIC research activities will deliver a novel and innovative toolbox for sea-ice reconstructions. Tools and data will be made available in open access publications, with the aim to accelerate Arctic sea-ice reconstructions beyond ARCTISTIC. ARCTISTIC presents an excellent opportunity for the exchange of the latest skills and approaches for sea-ice reconstruction between myself and NORCE (Norway), with a secondment at AWI (Germany). ARCTISTIC will allow me to develop new skills in sedaDNA methods, palaeoceanographic proxy development and bioinformatics, expand my research network and gain a stronger understanding of Arctic ecosystems and sea-ice history. I will also develop transferrable skills in science communication and project management to ensure a future career path as an independent researcher.

Mots clés : sea ice, sedadna, palaeoceanographic proxies, microbial ecology, biodiversity, arctic

Participants :
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (Allemagne) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
- Centre norvégien de recherche (Norvège) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 210911.04 €
Projet EUROIDE (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The Russian-Ukrainian war marked a turn in the EU`s policy towards its Eastern Partnership (EaP) members, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The EU has been gradually opening since 2014 and offered a candidate status in 2022 and 2023. Thus, currently the EU faces a challenge of modifying its EaP policy and deciding how these countries can be led to the membership. However, these countries’ move towards Europe, which is based on European self-identification, has been contested domestically by alternative identities, including those advocated by Russia. The lack of a single identity has been noted as a challenge to domestic consensus on democratisation, to the EU rule transfer and implementation and as an incitement for external intervention. But considering the leap in the EU and Russian policies, this context faces potential restructuring. While we know how the EU policies might affect rule adoption beyond its borders, the question of its influence on identity debates has yet to be addressed. The goal of EUROIDE is to understand whether and under what conditions increasing acceptance from the EU side in times of Russian aggression instigates change in identity contestation. This understanding will provide well-needed insights into domestic constellations in regard to accepting or resisting democratisation and Europeanisation processes in value terms. To achieve the research objective, I will conduct a longitudinal and comparative study of identity discourses in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine under changing EU approach since 2014. EUROIDE will be based on a strong interdisciplinary approach, bridging political and psychological theories and computer science, Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods to analyse identity discourses. To ensure the successful implementation of the project, leading scholars in the studies of Europeanisation and the post-Soviet region will supervise me. EUROIDE will strengthen my academic profile towards advanced funding and a tenured position.

Mots clés : european identity russian ukrainian war eastern partnership eu candidate countries eu enlargement democratization

Participants :
- Université de Brême (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 416941.44 €
- German Council on Foreign Relations (Allemagne) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
- École polytechnique fédérale de Zurich (Suisse) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet CrowdControl (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The cytoplasm is filled with an extremely high concentration of macromolecules that is close to the maximal physical limit. Such a tight packing of macromolecules gives rise to a crowding effect that influences chemical reactions and protein dynamics. Changes in crowding levels are therefore predicted to have profound consequences on cell function. It is therefore not surprising that the overall intracellular concentration of macromolecules is very constant within a cell type, but it varies during important physiological transitions such as cell division, differentiation, and senescence. How crowding is regulated is poorly understood but feedback coupling between intracellular density and cell growth has been observed in multiple systems. The CrowdControl project will combine two unbiased screening approaches with targeted genetic manipulations and quantitative live cell imaging to identify the molecular mechanism underlying intracellular density homeostasis. Specifically, we will: (i) identify proteins that can sense intracellular density changes by performing structure sensitive mass spectrometry in cells with different levels of macromolecular crowding; (ii) perform a CRISPR-knockout screen to identify mutations that affect density homeostasis; and (iii) use quantitative live cell microscopy to investigate whether proteins identified in (i) and (ii) affect feedback coupling between intracellular density and cell growth. A better understanding of intracellular density regulation will allow the development of precise tools to alter crowding and identification of crowding sensitive proteins will give insight into what processes may respond to density changes. The results of this project will therefore be key to understanding how cells finely tune their intracellular density levels, but in addition they will also lay the basis for understanding how density changes affect cell function during the cell cycle, senescence, and differentiation.

Mots clés : crowding, intracellular density, overall macromolecular concentration

Participants :
- Institut Curie (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 332506.56 €
- École polytechnique fédérale de Zurich (Suisse) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet FACIP (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The proposal is about the Forensic Analysis of Concrete through Image Processing (FACIP), which offers several improvements over traditional methods of forensic analysis (FA) of concrete. Unlike manual inspection, the proposed method automates and streamlines the process, reducing human effort and evaluation time. FA of concrete is commonly used to determine particle size, shape, aggregate ratio, porosity, and other physical characteristics that affect concrete performance. This project aims to develop an innovative approach that utilizes image processing (IP) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to enhance FA of concrete structures. By accurately and efficiently detecting, characterizing, and quantifying various concrete defects such as cracks, spalling, corrosion, and delamination, the project aims to extract intricate patterns and features from concrete images through deep learning, improving FA accuracy. This ambitious objective pushes the boundaries of current research in FA of concrete, opening the door to discoveries and advancements. By combining IP and CNN for FACIP, the research aims to develop innovative methodologies and tools that surpass the limitations of existing techniques, such as Core Cutting, Schmidt Hammer, and UPVs, providing accurate and reliable analysis results. This contributes to developing more effective concrete maintenance, repair, and structural integrity assessment strategies. Ultimately, the project aims to provide concrete forensic experts with advanced, reliable, and time-efficient analysis methods, enhancing concrete forensic investigations' overall accuracy and effectiveness.

Mots clés : forensic analysis of concrete, image processing, convolutional neural networks, compressive strength

Participants :
- Université métropolitaine d'Oslo (Norvège) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 226751.04 €
Projet FIT-BI (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Invasive neonatal infections constitute a significant global public health challenge claiming 6 deaths per 1000 births. The perinatal period is a critical time for invasive neonatal infections. Among these infections, neonatal bacterial infections primarily acquired at the time of delivery through maternal-fetal transmission, remain a leading preventable cause of mortality and morbidity. This public health concern is further exacerbated by the emergence and escalation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which is jeopardizing essential benefits made since the discovery of antibiotics especially, the contribution of these drugs to improvements in maternal, neonatal and child mortality. Despite the advancements made in the reduction of morbidity and mortality from neonatal infections, diagnostics still relies primarily on conventional microbiology techniques which are time-consuming and can be inaccurate. Diagnostics with a faster turnaround time would likely improve surveillance in all settings but also enable timely management of infections. FIT-BI is timely as it will enable the development of rapid diagnostic kits allowing real-time bacterial identification and prediction of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, curbing thereby extensive antibiotic use and AMR; and contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals 1 and 3 in an advanced and sustainable manner. This promising undertaking will greatly expand the ER's scientific expertise in multi-disciplinary and state-of-the-art fields including Molecular Biology, Microfluidics and Flow Chemistry, impacting her future career, and positioning her as a leading independent researcher bridging the world of academia and industry. Furthermore, the proposed application has great public potential, as it will contribute to tailoring antibiotic therapy, and improving patient management and prognosis while de-escalating AMR in Europe and beyond.

Mots clés : materno fetal infection, maternal and neonatal mortality, antimicrobial resistance, microfluidics, quantitative pcr

Participants :
- BforCure (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 211754.88 €
Projet WoodNDame (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The unfortunate event of April 15th 2019, the Notre-Dame de Paris’s cathedral (NDP) fire, brought a unique and extraordinary opportunity to study past environmental conditions prevailing in the Paris Basin through charred oak wood pieces. Partly dated between the 11th and 13th centuries, the charred woods from the roof structure of the NDP open a unique window into the Medieval Climate Anomaly (≈ 950–1250 CE), a period characterised by warm and dry summers that profoundly influenced society during the High Middle Ages (HMA), especially in Europe. Furthermore, the major pieces of the roof framework correspond to trees of ca 20-25 m in height with small diameters (30-50 cm), which suggest specific woodland management. By investigating uncharred and charred tree growth rings from NDP, the WoodNDame project will aim to provide an annual and seasonal high temporal resolution reconstruction of the interaction(s) between climate–forest–woodland management systems during the HMA. To reach this goal, the project will first develop a pioneering and interdisciplinary methodology - combining dendro-anatomical features and state-of-the-art isotopic (δ13C) analysis – to provide (i) a comprehensive picture of the impact of carbonisation on oak wood anatomical and chemical properties at inter- and intra-ring scales and (ii) a modern reference using these multiproxy approach based on 15 wood stands in the Paris Basin for disentangling dendroclimatological and woodland management signals.

Mots clés : notre dame de paris, charred wood, growth rings, climate, woodland management

Participants :
- Muséum national d'histoire naturelle (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 211754.88 €
- Institut des ressources naturelles (Finlande) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet MOAN (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Nanoparticles are gaining increased biomedical relevance in cancer applications due to their theranostic capacity by integrating in a single entity imaging contrast in different biomedical techniques and local therapeutic action. However, current theranostic nanostructures suffer from limited contrast intensity, reduced imaging and therapy depth, and poor circulation time and penetration into solid tumors. To overcome such limitations, novel magneto-opto-acoustic nanodevices (MOANs) loaded into monocytes, as Trojan Horses, are proposed in this project. The MOANs will be composed of mechanically resonant micro/nano-plates with resonance in the ultrasound biomedical window (1-10 MHz), merging magnetostrictive and photothermal bimetallic properties. As a result, alternating magnetic fields and intensity modulated near infrared light beams at the resonant frequency will turn MOANs into amplified ultrasound sources, as new contrast agents. Moreover, their magnetic/optical properties will combine photothermal and magneto-mechanical therapies. The MOANs loaded monocytes will enable the following in progress in Theranostics: i) enhanced circulation time and penetration in solid tumors given by the innate properties of monocytes, ii) amplified ultrasound contrast in superficial and deep tissues with lower intensity magnetic field or light intensity, and iii) efficient magneto-mechanical and photothermal local therapy inside tumors. To demonstrate the biomedical potential in vitro and in vitro, a new MOA scanning microscope and a compact MOA device will be developed. This project will allow me to deepen my multidisciplinary expertise in areas such as microfabrication, magneto/opto-mechanical effects, or in vitro and in vivo assays. Leveraging my existing experience in optical and magneto-optic device development and biofunctionalization techniques, the MOAN project will enable me achieving the scientific maturity necessary to pursue an independent research career.

Mots clés : magneto acoustic, opto acoustic, contrast agents, photothermal, magneto mechanical, nanotherapies, immune cells, monocytes

Participants :
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Espagne) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
- Conseil supérieur de la recherche scientifique (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 194074.56 €
- CERCA Institution (Espagne) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet N2OTOCARBON (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas” for its physiological effects, is both a potent greenhouse gas an ozone depleting substance. Indeed, it is a major contributor to climate change, thereby posing a critical concern for contemporary society. It possesses a warming potential approximatively 300 times that of carbon dioxide and due to its high chemical stability, it persists in the atmosphere for over 100 years. Despite its chemical inertness, synthetic chemists have discovered ways to harness its potential. Primarily used as an oxygen atom donor, its applications encompass oxidation processes, including the industrial-scale oxidation of olefins to ketones. In contrast, there are limited reactions, wherein nitrous oxide serves as the source of nitrogen atoms. C-N bonds are prevalent in natural products, synthetic intermediates, pharmaceutical compounds, and functional materials. In this project, I will explore the chemical capture of nitrous oxide using carbon nucleophiles to form C-N bonds. I will develop new synthetic methodologies to access versatile organic functional groups such as diazenes, hydrazines and amines using this approach. We foresee that this research will benefit both the environmental crisis and the chemical industry. It will introduce new practices that enable the repurposing of ecologically problematic gases into valuable chemical commodities.

Mots clés : nitrous oxide, main group chemistry, c n bond

Participants :
- Université technique de Munich (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 321472.8 €
- École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (Suisse) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €