Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-erc-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet ERC : CardHeal (Horizon 2020, appel 2017, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing
Entité participante : Weizmann Institute of Science — Pays : Israël — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2268750.0 €

Recent ground-breaking studies by my team and others demonstrated that latent heart regeneration machinery can be awakened even in adult mammals. My lab’s main contribution is the identification of two, apparently different, molecular mechanisms for augmenting cardiac regeneration in adult mice. The first requires transient activation of ErbB2 signalling in cardiomyocytes and the second involves extra cellular matrix-driven signalling by the proteoglycan agrin. Impressively, both mechanisms promote a major regenerative response that, in turn, enhances cardiac repair. In CardHeal we will use the two powerful regenerative models to obtain a holistic view of cardiac regeneration and repair mechanisms in mammals (mice and pigs). In Aim 1, we will explore the molecular mechanisms underlying our discovery that transient activation of ErbB2 in adult cardiomyocytes results in massive cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation and proliferation followed by new vessels formation, scar resolution and functional cardiac repair. Specific objectives focus on ErbB2-Yap/Hippo signalling during cardiac regeneration; ErbB2 activation in a chronic heart failure model; ErbB2-induced regenerative EMT-like process; and cardiomyocyte re-differentiation. In Aim 2, we will investigate the therapeutic effects of agrin, whose administration into injured hearts of mice and pigs elicits a significant regenerative response. Specific objectives are matrix-related cardiac regenerative cues, modulation of the immune response, angiogenesis, matrix remodeling, and developing a preclinical, large animal model to study agrin efficacy for cardiac repair. Interrogating the differences and similarities between our two regenerative models should give us a detailed roadmap for cardiac regenerative medicine by providing deeper knowledge of the regenerative process in the heart and pointing to novel targets for cardiac repair in human patients.

Mots-clés : cardiac regeneration
Projet ERC : CLIMSEC (Horizon 2020, appel 2014, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Social Sciences and Humanities
Panel : Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems
Entité participante : Peace Research Institute Oslo — Pays : Norvège — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : PRIO
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1996945.0 €

Recent uprisings across the world have accentuated claims that food insecurity is an important trigger of political violence. Is the Arab Spring representative of a general climate-conflict pattern, where severe droughts and other climate anomalies are a key driving force? Research to date has failed to conclude on a robust relationship but several notable theoretical and methodological shortcomings limit inference. CLIMSEC will address these research gaps. It asks: How does climate variability affect dynamics of political violence? This overarching research question will be addressed through the accomplishment of four key objectives: (1) Investigate how food security impacts of climate variability affect political violence; (2) Investigate how economic impacts of climate variability affect political violence; (3) Conduct short-term forecasts of political violence in response to food and economic shocks; and (4) Develop a comprehensive, testable theoretical model of security implications of climate variability. To achieve these objectives, CLIMSEC will advance the research frontier on theoretical as well as analytical accounts. Central in this endeavor is conceptual and empirical disaggregation. Instead of assuming states and calendar years as unitary and fixed entities, the project proposes causal processes that act at multiple temporal and spatial scales, involve various types of actors, and lead to very different forms of outcomes depending on the context. The empirical component will make innovative use of new geo - referenced data and methods; focus on a broad range of insecurity outcomes, including non-violent resistance; and combine rigorous statistical models with out-of-sample simulations and qualitative case studies for theorizing and validation of key findings. Based at PRIO, the project will be led by Research Professor Halvard Buhaug, a leading scholar on climate change and security with strong publication record and project management experience.
Projet ERC : GPSART (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Mathematics
Entité participante : Technische Universität Berlin — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : TUB
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1180000.0 €

Recent years have seen an explosion of applications of geometric and pathwise ideas in probability theory, with motivations from fields as diverse as quantitative finance, statistics, filtering, control theory and statistical physics. Much can be traced back to Bismut, Malliavin (1970s) on the one-hand and then Doss, Sussman (1970s), Foellmer (1980s) on the other hand, with substantial new input from Lyons (from '94 on), followed by a number of workers, including Gubinelli (from '04 on) and the writer of these lines (also from '04 on). Most recently, the theory of such ``rough paths" has been extended to ``rough fields", notably in the astounding works of M. Hairer (from '13 on). The purpose of this project is to study a number of important problems in this field, going beyond the rough path setting, and with emphasis on geometric ideas. (i) The transfer of concepts from rough path theory to the new world of Hairer's regularity structures. (ii) Applications of geometric and pathwise ideas in quantitative finance. (iii) Obtain a pathwise understanding of the geometry of Loewner evolution and more generally explore the use of rough path-inspired ideas in the world of Schramm-Loewner evolution. (iv) Investigate the role of geometry in the pathwise analysis of non-linear evolution equations.

Mots-clés : pathwise stochastic analysis
Projet ERC : LEGO-3D (Horizon 2020, appel 2019, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Computer science and informatics
Entité participante : University of Tübingen — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1467500.0 €

Recently, the field of computer vision has witnessed a major transformation away from expert designed shallow models towards more generic deep representation learning. However, collecting labeled data for training deep models is costly and existing simulators with artist-designed scenes do not provide the required variety and fidelity. Project LEGO-3D will tackle this problem by developing probabilistic models capable of synthesizing 3D scenes jointly with photo-realistic 2D projections from arbitrary viewpoints and with full control over the scene elements. Our key insight is that data augmentation, while hard in 2D, becomes considerably easier in 3D as physical properties such as viewpoint invariances and occlusion relationships are captured by construction. Thus, our goal is to learn the entire 3D-to-2D simulation pipeline. In particular, we will focus on the following problems: (A) We will devise algorithms for automatic decomposition of real and synthetic scenes into latent 3D primitive representations capturing geometry, material, light and motion. (B) We will develop novel probabilistic generative models which are able to synthesize large-scale 3D environments based on the primitives extracted in project (A). In particular, we will develop unconditional, conditioned and spatio-temporal scene generation networks. (C) We will combine differentiable and neural rendering techniques with deep learning based image synthesis, yielding high-fidelity 2D renderings of the 3D representations generated in project (B) while capturing ambiguities and uncertainties. Project LEGO-3D will significantly impact a large number of application areas. Examples include vision systems which require access to large amounts of annotated data, safety-critical applications such as autonomous cars that rely on efficient ways for training and validation, as well as the entertainment industry which seeks to automate the creation and manipulation of 3D content.

Mots-clés : computer vision,machine learning,generative models,primitive representations,differentiable rendering,data augmentation,simulation
Projet ERC : ConsQuanDyn (Horizon 2020, appel 2019, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Condensed matter physics
Entité participante : Technical University of Munich — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : TUM
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1498750.0 €

Recently, tremendous progress has been made in exploring non-equilibrium dynamics of correlated quantum matter. The project ConsQuanDyn investigates the relaxation dynamics and the dynamical quantum phases, induced by parameter quenches or by periodic drive, in quantum matter with dynamically constrained excitations. Such constrained systems, which can be dual to gauge theories and host exotic topological order, have been recently realized in Rydberg quantum simulators and have a long tradition in condensed matter physics. However, it is an important open challenge to describe and understand their far-from-equilibrium dynamics. The central focus of the project ConsQuanDyn is to develop new concepts and new theoretical methods to study constrained quantum systems far from thermal equilibrium. The project has three principal objectives each of which would represent a major contribution to the field: (O1) To identify glassy dynamics and hydrodynamic transport in constrained quantum lattice gas, quantum dimer and fracton models. (O2) To demonstrate information scrambling and entanglement growth in constrained Hilbert spaces. (O3) To predict exotic dynamical quantum phases and to study their dynamical criticality both in quenched and in periodically driven constrained systems. To successfully meet our ambitious objectives, my team and I will develop two complementary theoretical approaches based on exact numerical techniques and on non-equilibrium field theory. This allows us to understand fundamental dynamical properties of constrained quantum systems and to guide future experiments. Constrained quantum systems may realize topological quantum bits and self-correcting quantum memories. Due to the international effort of inventing new quantum technology, that inherently operates out of equilibrium, it is now the right time to foster a deep understanding of the non-equilibrium dynamics in constrained quantum matter, which is the central goal of the project ConsQuanDyn.

Mots-clés : non equilibrium quantum dynamics,strongly correlated many body systems,constrained quantum matter  quantum dimer models,fracton models,quantum information scrambling,periodically driven floquet systems
Projet ERC : VERTICAL CITY (Horizon 2020, appel 2014, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System
Entité participante : Centre national de la recherche scientifique — Pays : France — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : CNRS
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1964199.0 €

Receptors and associated scaffolds, together called receptosome, are relatively stable structures, but exchange of individual adaptor proteins can occur on a short time scale and in a highly regulated manner, which provides fine-tuning, speed, and specificity to the receptor signaling. Therefore, understanding how receptor function is affected by the composition and dynamics of complexes is an essential biological concern that will offer the opportunity to target exclusively the therapeutically relevant signaling pathway of a given receptor. We propose that in the brain, receptosome dynamics is involved in fine-tuning synaptic transmission and plasticity, which might be crucial for cognitive functions. First, we will establish the link between molecular events, neuronal signaling and memory performance. More than correlations, this project proposes live recording of molecular events and cellular signaling during memory encoding. Second, new specific therapeutic targets will be proposed for the treatment of cognitive deficiencies: instead of interfering with the ligand-biding pocket of the receptor, we propose to target specific scaffold interactions. This strategy will only modify a specific altered function of a receptor without modifying other functions (thus, avoiding undesired side effects). Third, within the scope of this proposal, we will develop innovative, powerful techniques that will be of high interest for a broad community of researchers in life sciences. These technologies will enable to monitor the versatility of protein-protein interactions in space and time ranging from in cellulo to in vivo BRET imaging in freely behaving animals. To conclude, we will establish the functional significance of oligomer remodeling in the physiological synaptic plasticity and try to restore it in neurological disorders.

Mots-clés : genomics,comparative genomics,functional genomics,psychiatric disorders
Projet ERC : VELCROProtein (Horizon 2020, appel 2020, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Synthetic Chemistry and Materials
Entité participante : Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology — Pays : Suisse — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : ETH Zurich
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1998496.0 €

Recombinant proteins, including enzymes and antibodies, have revolutionized many sectors of biochemistry and biotechnology. In this project I propose a groundbreaking technology to control the supramolecular assembly of proteins in space and time to better mimic cellular organization and create a next generation of protein “living” materials for biocatalysis and medicine. The core idea is to mimic cellular multiprotein assemblies and microreactors on the bench, by compartmentalizing multiple proteins in space. Increasing evidence indicates that cells can coordinate crucial functions by forming membrane-less compartments via liquid-liquid phase separation of proteins and nucleic acids. Most of the proteins involved in this process consist of globular regions and disordered domains, which are enriched in specific aminoacids and pilot highly controlled self-assembly. In this project we will conjugate functional globular proteins with sequences that mimic the disordered biological domains and act as “molecular Velcros”, thereby coupling biochemical functions with phase separation in space and time. Using a combination of microfluidic technology and in silico analysis, we will develop sequences capable to control not only the dynamic process of phase separation but also the phenotype of the resulting compartments, including selective recruitment of molecules, physical properties and response to specific switches. This project will deliver adaptive compartments with unprecedented control of composition, environment, biochemical function and stimulus-responsiveness, going towards the development of networks of open microreactors, superior enzymes for green chemistry as well as smart materials for drug delivery. Moreover, the results will generate new knowledge on natural supramolecular structures that are associated with both functional biology and aberrant aggregates involved in devastating disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Mots-clés : protein self assembly,protein aggregation,cellular membraneless compartments,microfluidics,complexity domains  lcds,intrinsically disordered domains,biocatalysis
Projet ERC : BioSCoPe (Horizon 2020, appel 2020, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Products and processes engineering
Entité participante : Université de Lorraine — Pays : France — Rôle : Partner
Acronyme de l'entité : UL
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 131520.0 €

Reducing greenhouse gas and harmful emissions in the transport sector is a crucial issue in the fight against climate change and air pollution. The use of sustainable biofuels remains the solution of choice to reduce the carbon footprint of propulsion systems that are difficult or impossible to electrify, such as those for aviation or road freight transports. The addition of biofuels to conventional fuels strongly affects their oxidation stability, leading to changes in their chemical and physical structures, which in turn affects the combustion engines functioning in terms of efficiency, safety and pollutant emissions. The synergistic effects of the oxidation of liquid fuels (aging), the action of antioxidant additives, and their consequences on the reactivity and pollutant emissions during their combustion remain unexplored. This project aims at promoting the development of sustainable biofuels and antioxidants for heavy-duty transports by bringing a new fundamental understanding of their coupled effects on conventional fuels, throughout all their chain of use, from storage to combustion. Unprecedented well-defined kinetic experiments to study the oxidation stability of liquid fuels will be developed and directly coupled with a gas-phase combustion reactor. Key intermediates and pollutants will be quantified in the liquid- and gas-phase reactors. Detailed kinetic models will be developed and validated for liquid-phase oxidation and gas-phase combustion, using an original approach based on theoretical chemistry for the challenging liquid-phase models. This project will set new standards in the research field of biofuel combustion properties by integrating the crucial step of fuel aging, a neglected source of pollutants. It will push the frontier of knowledge on oxidation stability of fuels and antioxidants properties, and lead to new scientific tools and concepts to understand, design and optimize biofuel/antioxidants mixtures throughout all their chain of use.

Mots-clés : biofuels,oxidation stability,combustion,antioxidants,chemical engineering,theoretical chemistry,kinetic model
Projet ERC : iGOLDD (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : University Medical Center Utrecht — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : UMC
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Reducing the high attrition rates in drug development continues to be a key challenge for the pharmaceutical industry. With average drug development costs of over $2 billion dollar and a 95% failure rate of cancer drugs in Phase I trials, a new paradigm is highly needed. iGOLDD represents a unique opportunity for the commercialisation of a powerful alternative drug-delivery solution that has the potential to locally boost the efficacy of many drugs for a range of clinical indications. Prof. Moonen and his team, as part of the ERC project Sound Pharma, have developed a powerful technology platform, based on magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU), that can be used for high-precision image-guided drug delivery, HIFU is the only known technique capable of completely non-invasive, precisely controlled heating deep inside the human body. MRI allows continuous imaging of the tumour and surrounding health tissue for target definition. iGOLDD aims to commercialise this unique technology as a stand-alone drug delivery platform that can be widely offered to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to improve new or existing drugs or reuse shelved therapies. In iGOLDD we will further optimise the HIFU technology (in particular temperature control and motion correction) for drug delivery of macromolecular drugs, such as antibody-drug conjugates, to demonstrate the large potential of our drug delivery platform. In addition, we will prepare for market introduction, by defining the exact business strategy, model and positioning for commercial success. We will develop the business strategy that offers the most promise, based on the technological aspects of the project, the market needs and trends, the end-user needs and the IP-position. During this project, we will gain technical and commercial proof-of-concept, which will provide us with the necessary information regarding potential commercialisation routes.

Mots-clés : image guided,drug delivery,ultrasound,magnetic resonance,mr hifu,platform technology,non invasive,temperature control,precision
Projet ERC : Tissue-Tregs (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy
Entité participante : UK Research and Innovation — Pays : Royaume-Uni — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : UKRI
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 888793.41 €

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are formed through the expression of the transcription factor Foxp3 in T cells, resulting in the rewiring of the cell function into an immunosuppressive phenotype. Recently, it has been proposed that Tregs also have additional tissue-specific physiological roles when resident in different tissues. For example, tissue-specific Tregs residing in the muscle and adipose tissue possess immunological and non-immunological functions in these tissues, distinct from the generic Tregs in circulation. Currently, research into tissue-specific functions of Tregs, or any other migratory cell type, is limited by the available research tools. A vital part of immunological studies is cell depletion, yet a major limitation of all available methods is that they deplete target cells across the entire organism. This makes it extremely difficult to ascertain the function of tissue-resident Tregs, as systemic deletion results in severe autoimmunity, confounding the study of tissue-specific subsets. In order to assess these tissue-resident subsets new research tools are required to deplete the target cells in a specific anatomical region while leaving the same cell type unaffected in other organs. This project proposes to generate new synthetic biology tools for depleting tissue-resident cells and then to apply these tools to the study of tissue-resident Tregs in the brain, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas, thus creating a comprehensive atlas of tissue-specific functions. These studies will be extended by systematic molecular, cellular and kinetic analysis using existing innovative methods established in the laboratory. Finally, our tissue-specific deletion system will have a profound impact on immunology beyond the direct scope of the project, as the tools will be developed to allow flexible application to any cell type. In essence, this is a field of research currently held back by the absence of appropriate tools, waiting for the generation of a new toolkit.