Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-erc-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet ERC : Cosmic_Gas (Horizon 2020, appel 2016, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Universe sciences
Entité participante : Max Planck Society — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : MPG
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2457500.0 €

The molecular gas phase is the material in galaxies out of which stars form. As such, it is the quantity that controls the star formation rate of a galaxy, thereby the overall stellar mass build-up, and ultimately galaxy evolution through cosmic times. In contrast to studies of the stellar mass and star formation, characterizing this fuel supply in galaxies as a function of cosmic epoch is still in its infancy. The ALMA facility now redefines our ability to map out the cosmic cold gas supply, essentially unknown at present. This ERC proposal is based on extensive approved observational ALMA programs, led by the PI: ASPECS is the first-ever approved ALMA large (150h) program, aimed at providing a comprehensive view of the baryon cycle from gas to stars over cosmic time. ASPECS will provide 3D molecular scans in two ALMA bands of the Hubble Ultra Deep Field -- the iconic cosmological deep field. A second focus is the detailed characterization of the molecular gas content at z>6 in host galaxies of the most distant quasars via ALMA. This will assess the role of cold gas in the build-up of the first (t_Universe < 1 Gyr) massive cosmic structures in the Universe, again through significant approved ALMA programs led by the PI’s group. The studies outlined here will fully capitalize on the unparalleled capabilities of ALMA to map out the cosmic gas supply through cosmic history, and will provide crucial insights to define observational strategies for JWST (the PI is member of the European JWST/MIRI science team). Through his track record, past achievements in the field of galaxy evolution studies, and through the available proprietary data, the PI is uniquely positioned to lead this ambitious program, which will define the global state-of-the-art in cosmological galaxy evolution through high-redshift ISM studies.

Mots-clés : high redshift quasars,cosmic gas supply
Projet ERC : GraM3 (Horizon 2020, appel 2014, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Physical and analytical chemical sciences
Entité participante : Leibniz Association — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : LG
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1912181.0 €

The molecules retaining their magnetization in the absence of magnetic field are known as single molecule magnets (SMMs). Important problems to be solved on the way to the applications of SMMs in molecular spintronics is their deposition on surfaces and addressing their spins on the single molecular level. In this project we will address these problems by designing SMMs based on endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) derivatized with anchoring groups. SMM behaviour recently discovered for DySc2N@C80 and Dy2ScN@C80 in PI’s group is governed by a strong magnetic anisotropy (magnetic moments of Dy ions are aligned along the Dy–N bonds) and ferromagnetic exchange interactions between Dy ions within the clusters. Protected by the carbon cages, these SMMs exhibit uniquely long zero-field relaxation times of several hours at 2 K and provide an ideal system for addressing the individual spin states. Spatial orientation of magnetic moments in EMF-SMMs is determined by the endohedral cluster and is therefore influenced by the orientation of the EMFs molecules and their internal dynamics. We will apply three strategies to control the spatial arrangement of the magnetic moments in EMF-SMMs: (i) deposition of EMF molecules via sublimation; (ii) exohedral modification of EMFs with anchoring groups for grafting of EMFs on surfaces; (iii) introducing photoswitchable units into the anchoring groups which can reversibly change their geometry upon impact of light and will allow switching direction of the magnetic moment in a fully controllable way. Magnetic behaviour of the surface-grafted SMMs will be studied by bulk- and surface-sensitive techniques including X-ray magnetic circular dichroism and especially spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy. Successful fulfillment of the objectives of this interdisciplinary high-risk/high-gain project will revolutionize the field of the surface molecular magnetism by allowing the study and control of the SMMs on a single spin level.

Mots-clés : single molecule magnetism,endohedral fullerene,self assembled monolayer,lanthanide
Projet ERC : BinGraSp (Horizon 2020, appel 2016, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Fundamental constituents of matter
Entité participante : National Institute for Nuclear Physics — Pays : Italie — Rôle : Partner
Acronyme de l'entité : INFN
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 0.0 €

The most energetic electromagnetic phenomena in the Universe are believed to be powered by the collision of two neutron stars, the smallest and densest stars on which surface gravity is about 2 billion times stronger than gravity on Earth. However, a definitive identification of neutron star mergers as central engines for short-gamma-ray bursts and kilonovae transients is possible only by direct gravitational-wave observations. The latter provide us with unique information on neutron stars' masses, radii, and spins, including the possibility to set the strongest observational constraints on the unknown equation-of-state of matter at supranuclear densities. Neutron stars binary mergers are among the main targets for ground-based gravitational-wave interferometers like Advanced LIGO and Virgo, which start operations this year. The astrophysical data analysis of the signals emitted by these sources requires the availability of accurate waveform models, which are missing to date. Hence, the theoretical understanding of the gravitational spectrum is a necessary and urgent step for the development of a gravitational-based astrophysics in the next years. This project aims at developing, for the first time, a precise theoretical model for the complete gravitational spectrum of neutron star binaries, including the merger and postmerger stages of the coalescence process. Building on the PI's unique expertise and track record, the proposed research exploits synergy between analytical and numerical methods in General Relativity. Results from state of the art nonlinear 3D numerical relativity simulations will be combined with the most advanced analytical framework for the relativistic two-body problem. The model developed here will be used in the first gravitational-wave observations and will dramatically impact multimessenger astrophysics.

Mots-clés : gravitational waves,numerical relativity,binary neutron stars
Projet ERC : PATRES-MDS (Horizon 2020, appel 2018, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing
Entité participante : University of Cambridge — Pays : Royaume-Uni — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : U. Cambridge
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1999771.0 €

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies of the haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) with a tendency for leukaemic transformation. Despite some new therapies, the MDS are lethal to most sufferers and in need of new effective treatments. Splicing factor gene mutations are the commonest class of somatic alterations in MDS and primarily affect the genes SF3B1, SRSF2, U2AF1 and ZRSR2. The mutations are associated with altered mRNA splicing, but each affects different transcripts and it is unclear how they drive MDS. It has been hypothesised that different mutations share pathogenetic mechanisms, distinct from their effects on alternative splicing. Recently, augmented R-Loop formation leading to cell cycle arrest of haematopoietic progenitors was identified as one such mechanism. However, we have no understanding of how the mutations drive clonal HSC expansion, a critical node for the development of new treatments. To this end, we and others described the phenomenon of clonal haematopoiesis (CH), widely held as the precursor of MDS and other myeloid cancers. We observed CH driven by splicing gene mutations only in individuals aged ≥ 70-years-old. This and other observations point to an interaction between ageing and the ability of splice factor mutations to drive clonal expansion. Here, I propose to investigate the two most common variants in MDS, SF3B1-K700E and SRSF2-P95H. Research Plan 1. Characterise the global impact of the mutations using state-of-the-art transcriptomics and proteomics 2. Use bone marrow samples from elderly humans to study the interaction of ageing with splicing factor mutations 3. Generate mosaic mutant mice to investigate the impact of ageing and other perturbations on SF3B1-K700E and SRSF2-P95H haematopoiesis Findings will be validated and pursued mechanistically to derive new insights into the molecular mechanisms and interaction of the mutations with ageing, whilst also identifying new candidate therapies.
Projet ERC : AxionDM (Horizon 2020, appel 2020, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Universe sciences
Entité participante : Universität Hamburg — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : Partner
Acronyme de l'entité : UHH
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 670382.5 €

The nature of dark matter, which makes up more than 80% of the Universe's matter content, remains unknown. Light axions and axion-like particles (ALPs) are well motivated dark-matter candidates that could be detected through their oscillations into photons in the presence of magnetic fields. Here, complementary laboratory and astrophysical searches for dark-matter axions and ALPs are proposed that will cover more than 10 orders of magnitude of possible axion and ALP masses. The astrophysical searches will focus on high-energy gamma-ray observations with the Fermi Large Area Telescope as well as current and future imaging air Cherenkov telescopes. Photon-ALP oscillations would cause features in the spectra of distant galaxies as well as gamma-ray bursts from core-collapse supernovae. Axion and ALP decay would also increase the opacity of the Universe for gamma rays. These signals will be searched for through novel comparisons of gamma-ray data and model predictions. The laboratory searches will focus on contributions to the Any Light Particle Search (ALPS II) and International Axion Observatory (IAXO) experiments. New analysis and simulation frameworks, as well as trigger concepts, will be developed in order to significantly improve the background rejection for the Transition Edge Sensor (TES) detector employed in the ALPS experiment. These improvements could pave the way for an ALP detection in the laboratory with first data runs at the ALPS II experiment planned in 2021. Monte Carlo simulations will be used to assess whether TES detectors can achieve the low background rates required for IAXO. Such high energy resolution detectors could help to precisely measure the axion/ALP mass through mass-dependent spectral features. Through an unprecedented investigation of axion and ALP signatures and by enhancing the sensitivity of future laboratory experiments, the proposed research will discover or rule out so-far unprobed dark-matter axions and ALPs.

Mots-clés : high energy gamma rays,axions,axion like particles,dark matter,indirect dark matter searches,cryogenic detectors,transition edge sensors,data analysis,machine learning,detector simulations,trigger concepts
Projet ERC : TEDE (Horizon 2020, appel 2016, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Universe sciences
Entité participante : University of Warwick — Pays : Royaume-Uni — Rôle : Partner
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 754671.03 €

The nature of many of the most energetic explosions in the Universe remains a central unanswered question in contemporary astrophysics. While progress has been made towards the origins of many of the more commonly observed transients – including “normal” core collapse supernovae and long-duration gamma-ray bursts – there remain important mysteries, both new and old. Recent studies suggest that many of the most energetic explosive transients are powered by a central engine that is either an accreting black hole or a highly magnetic neutron star (a magnetar). These engines input energy into the explosion and transform the later emission, as well as having a profound impact on metal yields, feedback into the interstellar medium, remnant evolution, particle acceleration (e.g. high energy cosmic rays) and neutrino production. The creation of the engine may also produce strong gravitational wave transients, which are likely to be discovered (if they have not already been) by the new generation of ground-based interferometers. I propose a detailed study of engine driven transients throughout the Universe, utilizing insights from both the transients themselves and their local and wider environments. In particular, my work will; a) search for evidence of long-lived engines in the longest gamma-ray bursts, and determine the effects these engines have on the appearance of associated supernovae, b) determine the properties of engines in very long gamma-ray transients thought to be tidal disruption flares, and determine if these are indeed tidal flares or unusual supernovae c) map the properties of the engines seen in short-GRBs, allowing us to hone our expectations for d) the identification and study of the first electromagnetic counterparts to GW sources, and their environments. I will achieve this by the creation of an experienced team of postdoctoral fellows and senior staff with a skills-set tuned to address these central questions.

Mots-clés : gamma ray bursts,tidal disruption events,supernovae
Projet ERC : G-LEAD (Horizon 2020, appel 2019, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Fundamental constituents of matter
Entité participante : Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives — Pays : France — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : CEA
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2112093.0 €

The nature of the dark matter, making up most of the mass of the universe remains a mystery. The G-LEAD project aims at building an original experiment to test one of the favorite hypotheses for what dark matter could be : axions. Axions have been hypothesized in the late seventies and have been extensively searched for ever since. They elegantly solve the strong CP problem of the Standard Model and constitute a natural candidate for dark matter. Axions are expected to be very light particles and they would mix with photons in an external magnetic field. If dark matter is made of axions, a metal/air interface in a magnetic field would emit GHz radio waves. I hereby propose to build the first experiment aimed at producing and detecting this axion-induced interface radiation. As opposed to all other experiments, the G-LEAD experiment is designed to be broadband, and its setup is based on a simple and robust design. It will likely constitute the world-leading experiment in terms of sensitivity in its mass range during the course of the project. Beyond the publication of candidate signals or exclusion limits on axion parameters, prototypes will be built in order to make a proposal for a large-scale broadband experiment. The project relies on a pathfinder experiment conducted at CEA Saclay and will benefit from existing local installations. Planned realizations include a new spherical cap, a large aperture 3 T magnet, modules of magnetized interfaces, new antennas and radiometers. Two postdoctoral fellows and a PhD student will be hired. An outreach and specialized workshop program is also proposed.
Projet ERC : LIFE synapses (Horizon 2020, appel 2016, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System
Entité participante : Universität Hamburg — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : UHH
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1500000.0 €

The nature of the physical substrate of memory – or engram – is probably one of the longest studied mysteries in neuroscience, and yet it still remains elusive. In recent years, the search for the engram has gained new momentum due to the possibilities of optogenetic activation and silencing of specific neurons in the brain. Recent studies suggest that the engram could be defined as the subset of neurons that is necessary and sufficient to cause recall of a specific memory when activated. But where is the engram when the neurons are not active? Most likely, ‘lasting alterations’ during memory formation are encoded in synaptic connections, forming a specific circuit that is able to trigger memory recall when active. This raises the possibility that the engram could be encoded in a pattern of altered synapses, not a pattern of cell bodies. Long-lasting potentiation or depression of synaptic efficacy is thought to underlie learning and memory formation suggesting that the engram could be stored in the strength of synapses. Yet, most excitatory synapses in the brain are highly plastic and show pronounced morphological dynamics. It is therefore not clear to what extent engrams can be stored in a network of synapses and how functional and structural changes of individual synapses contribute to the engram. The central aim of this proposal is to identify synapses participating in the engram and to study their morphological stability and pre- and postsynaptic functional properties. With novel optogenetic approaches and molecular markers we will investigate functional synapses in their native circuit over the time scale of weeks. By connecting functional long-term analysis of single synapses with morphological observations the proposed project will fill a wide gap in our understanding of how synapses encode and store information. I anticipate that my work will transform our knowledge about the location and mechanism of memory storage in the brain.

Mots-clés : synapses,engram,hippocampus,information storage,synaptic wiring,synaptic plasticity,optogenetics,2 photon imaging
Projet ERC : MIX2FIX (Horizon 2020, appel 2018, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Products and processes engineering
Entité participante : National Centre of Scientific Research "Demokritos" — Pays : Grèce — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : NCSR;NCSR-D
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2731250.0 €

The new generation of optoelectronics seeks for emerging semiconductors which combine high performance with low cost. Lead halide organic-inorganic perovskites manifest as excellent optoelectronic materials for this purpose, but at the expense of robustness and environmental compatibility. This presents a major challenge which this research addresses directly. Viable alternatives have to be identified. To tackle this challenge, MIX2FIX proposes to develop a new class of solution-processable optoelectronic devices based on air-stable, non-toxic metal chalcogenides endowed with an organic part, which will facilitate solution-processing and potentially enrich the compounds with the spectacular properties of halide perovskites. To achieve this, the CoG project has set the following objectives: (i) designing and developing optoelectronically-active, organic-inorganic chalcogenide thin films that have never been explored before, by mimicking strategies from established perovskite technology, (ii) devising means to improve their optoelectronic quality so as to be comparable with the best single-crystal semiconductors and (iii) implementing optimized materials into boundary-pushing PV and LED devices. Addressing these objectives will enable the development of novel functional hybrids at the boundaries of perovskite and chalcogenide thin films. With this, optoelectronics with efficiency and stability, comparable or higher than those of lead halide perovskite or chalcopyrite devices, will be demonstrated. This project will therefore permit the transition for emerging optoelectronic materials from toxic lead halide perovskites to green hybrid chalcogenides. Consolidating this unproven but disruptive technology will secure sustainable future for other areas of interest beyond photovoltaics, displays and lighting such as in X-Rays detectors and phototransistors or even beyond optoelectronics, in systems such as batteries and supercapacitors.

Mots-clés : chalcogenides,photovoltaics,optoelectronics,hybrid,perovskites,lead free
Projet ERC : ContactLube (Horizon 2020, appel 2014, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Weizmann Institute of Science — Pays : Israël — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

The object of this proof of concept project is to modify soft contact lenses to render them more lubricated, and so make them far more comfortable to use. We propose to improve greatly the lubricity of soft contact lenses, used by over 100 million people worldwide with a market of around $7.5bn, and for which acute discomfort may arise from high friction at the interfaces between the lenses and the eyelid or cornea. According to an established clinical hypothesis, ocular comfort is related to the level of friction between the anterior side of the contact lens and the inner eyelid occurring during the blinking process, and boundary lubrication is the key to providing user comfort during extensive wearing of soft contact lenses. High lens friction, for a substantial part of the user population, can limit the extent to which soft lenses may be used and can also aggravate pathologies such as dry eye syndrome. Thus soft contact lenses that are much better lubricated than those currently in use have clear economic and health-related benefits. The current project, working through 5 work-packages, will establish the feasibility, will carry out competitive analysis, explore the commercialization process and the IPR position, and seek contacts with appropriate industrial partners to further develop the commercialization of this idea.

Mots-clés : soft contact lenses,hydration lubrication,lubricated contact lenses,contact lens comfort,dry eye syndrome