Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-erc-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet ERC : MATURATION (Horizon 2020, appel 2016, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution
Entité participante : University of Helsinki — Pays : Finlande — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : UH
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2500000.0 €

Life history is the nexus of biology, because various biological questions ultimately revolve around the causes and consequences of variation in reproduction and survival, i.e. fitness. Traditionally, a major tool in life-history research has been quantitative genetics because it provides an important statistical link between phenotype and genotype. However, the mechanisms by which evolution occurs may remain unclear unless such traditional approaches are combined with molecular investigations. Another complicating factor is that the fitness of male vs female life histories do not always align, and hence life history traits may be shaped by sexual conflict. This is why life-history approaches focusing on both quantifying the conflict and understanding its resolution at the genetic level are needed. As in many species, age at maturity in Atlantic salmon is tightly linked with size at maturity and thus represents a classic evolutionary trade-off: later maturing individuals spend more time at sea before returning to freshwater to spawn and have higher reproductive success due to their larger size but also have a higher risk of dying prior to first reproduction. Our recent cover paper in Nature reported a large-effect gene explaining 40% of the variation in this key life history trait. Remarkably, the locus exhibits sex-dependent dominance and this resolves a potential intra-locus sexual conflict in the species. The relatively simple genetic architecture of this trait combined with the features of Atlantic salmon as a model system offer an ideal opportunity to better understand the molecular mechanisms and ecological drivers underlying a locally adapted life history trait. In MATURATION I will i) characterize age at maturity candidate gene functions and allelic effects on phenotypes ii) elucidate fitness effects of these phenotypes and GxE interactions iii) develop a mechanistic model for the sex-dependent dominance and validate intra-locus sexual conflict resolution

Mots-clés : altantic salmon,sexual conflict,local adaptation,evolutionary genomics,ecological genomics
Projet ERC : C0PEP0D (Horizon 2020, appel 2018, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Products and processes engineering
Entité participante : Centrale Méditerranée — Pays : France — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2215794.0 €

Life is tough for planktonic copepods, constantly washed by turbulent flows. Yet, these millimetric crustaceans dominate the oceans in numbers. What have made them so successful? Copepod antennae are covered with hydrodynamic and chemical sensing hairs that allow copepods to detect preys, predators and mates, although they are blind. How do copepods process this sensing information? How do they extract a meaningful signal from turbulence noise? Today, we do not know. C0PEP0D hypothesises that reinforcement learning tools can decipher how copepod process hydrodynamic and chemical sensing. Copepods face a problem similar to speech recognition or object detection, two common applications of reinforcement learning. However, copepods only have 1000 neurons, much less than in most artificial neural networks. To approach the simple brain of copepods, we will use Darwinian evolution together with reinforcement learning, with the goal of finding minimal neural networks able to learn. If we are to build a learning virtual copepod, challenging problems are ahead: we need fast methods to simulate turbulence and animal-flow interactions, new models of hydrodynamic signalling at finite Reynolds number, innovative reinforcement learning algorithms that embrace evolution and experiments with real copepods in turbulence. With these theoretical, numerical and experimental tools, we will address three questions: Q1: Mating. How do male copepods follow the pheromone trail left by females? Q2: Finding. How do copepods use hydrodynamic signals to ‘see’? Q3: Feeding. What are the best feeding strategies in turbulent flow? C0PEP0D will decipher how copepods process sensing information, but not only that. Because evolution is explicitly considered, it will offer a new perspective on marine ecology and evolution that could inspire artificial sensors. The evolutionary approach of reinforcement learning also offers a promising tool to tackle complex problems in biology and engineering.

Mots-clés : copepod,turbulence,reinforcement learning,hydrodynamic signalling
Projet ERC : Photonis (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Earth system science
Entité participante : Université de Lorraine — Pays : France — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : UL
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2248040.0 €

Light elements such as hydrogen and nitrogen present large isotope variations among solar system objects and reservoirs (including planetary atmospheres) that remain unexplained at present. Works based on theoretical approaches are model-dependent and do not reach a consensus. Laboratory experiments are required in order to develop the underlying physical mechanisms. The aim of the project is to investigate the origins of and processes responsible for isotope variations of the light elements and noble gases in the Solar System through an experimental approach involving ionization of gaseous species. We will also investigate mechanisms and processes of isotope fractionation of atmophile elements in planetary atmospheres that have been irradiated by solar UV photons, with particular reference to Mars and the early Earth. Three pathways will be considered: (i) plasma ionisation of gas mixtures (H2-CO-N2-noble gases) in a custom-built reactor; (ii) photo-ionisation and photo-dissociation of the relevant gas species and mixtures using synchrotron light; and (iii) UV irradiation of ices containing the species of interest. The results of this study will shed light on the early Solar System evolution and on processes of planetary formation.
Projet ERC : Photonis (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Earth system science
Entité participante : Centre national de la recherche scientifique — Pays : France — Rôle : Partner
Acronyme de l'entité : CNRS
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 562189.0 €

Light elements such as hydrogen and nitrogen present large isotope variations among solar system objects and reservoirs (including planetary atmospheres) that remain unexplained at present. Works based on theoretical approaches are model-dependent and do not reach a consensus. Laboratory experiments are required in order to develop the underlying physical mechanisms. The aim of the project is to investigate the origins of and processes responsible for isotope variations of the light elements and noble gases in the Solar System through an experimental approach involving ionization of gaseous species. We will also investigate mechanisms and processes of isotope fractionation of atmophile elements in planetary atmospheres that have been irradiated by solar UV photons, with particular reference to Mars and the early Earth. Three pathways will be considered: (i) plasma ionisation of gas mixtures (H2-CO-N2-noble gases) in a custom-built reactor; (ii) photo-ionisation and photo-dissociation of the relevant gas species and mixtures using synchrotron light; and (iii) UV irradiation of ices containing the species of interest. The results of this study will shed light on the early Solar System evolution and on processes of planetary formation.
Projet ERC : HILL (Horizon 2020, appel 2020, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Social Sciences and Humanities
Panel : Individuals, Markets and Organisations
Entité participante : Erasmus University Rotterdam — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : EUR
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1637943.0 €

Limited liability, the ability to walk away from certain debts, is seen as one of the hallmarks of modern economics. In 2016, the Economist argued it is one of man’s greatest inventions that encourages investment by limiting people’s downside risk. Nevertheless, it has shortcomings. In the extreme, if people never have to own up to their debts, no-one would ever be willing to lend to them. In other words, there appears to be a trade-off. In this research program I theoretically and empirically investigate this trade-off in the context of entrepreneurs, (non-financial) companies and banks. The central research question I ask is: What is the optimal level of limited liability that spurs economic activity? Empirically, we know surprisingly little. In today’s world there is little variation in limited liability within a country and it is hard to make comparisons if the regime is the same for everyone. There are large differences between countries, but these may reflect deeper economic, cultural or institutional differences. In this research program I use the 19th and early 20th century as a laboratory. During this time period rules on limited liability were introduced for the first time and subsequently underwent large changes. This provides a unique opportunity to study the effects of limited liability. I focus on three areas where limited liability plays a key role. In the context of entrepreneurship, I analyze the impact of limited liability on patenting, the introduction of new technologies and, by looking at migration decisions, the best liability system in the eyes of entrepreneurs themselves. In the context of (non-financial) firms, I study the valuation and entry of firms who obtain (the option of) limited liability for their shareholders. In the context of banking, I look at the link between managers’ liability and their risk taking, and how liability rules affect financial fragility (in the form of bank runs) and the overall provision of credit in the economy

Mots-clés : limited liability,entrepreneurship,listed companies,banking,financial history
Projet ERC : APROCS (Horizon 2020, appel 2016, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Systems and communication engineering
Entité participante : Eindhoven University of Technology — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : TU/e
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1493561.0 €

Linear Parameter-Varying (LPV) systems are flexible mathematical models capable of representing Nonlinear (NL)/Time-Varying (TV) dynamical behaviors of complex physical systems (e.g., wafer scanners, car engines, chemical reactors), often encountered in engineering, via a linear structure. The LPV framework provides computationally efficient and robust approaches to synthesize digital controllers that can ensure desired operation of such systems - making it attractive to (i) high-tech mechatronic, (ii) automotive and (iii) chemical-process applications. Such a framework is important to meet with the increasing operational demands of systems in these industrial sectors and to realize future technological targets. However, recent studies have shown that, to fully exploit the potential of the LPV framework, a number of limiting factors of the underlying theory ask a for serious innovation, as currently it is not understood how to (1) automate exact and low-complexity LPV modeling of real-world applications and how to refine uncertain aspects of these models efficiently by the help of measured data, (2) incorporate control objectives directly into modeling and to develop model reduction approaches for control, and (3) how to see modeling & control synthesis as a unified, closed-loop system synthesis approach directly oriented for the underlying NL/TV system. Furthermore, due to the increasingly cyber-physical nature of applications, (4) control synthesis is needed in a plug & play fashion, where if sub-systems are modified or exchanged, then the control design and the model of the whole system are only incrementally updated. This project aims to surmount Challenges (1)-(4) by establishing an innovative revolution of the LPV framework supported by a software suite and extensive empirical studies on real-world industrial applications; with a potential to ensure a leading role of technological innovation of the EU in the high-impact industrial sectors (i)-(iii).

Mots-clés : linear parameter varying systems,nonlinear systems,control synthesis,data driven modeling
Projet ERC : MultiMotif (Horizon 2020, appel 2018, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions
Entité participante : Forschungsverbund Berlin — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : FVB
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1095590.31 €

Linear motifs are short sequence stretches that occur in intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDRs) lacking stable secondary and tertiary structure, and mediate vital interactions within various biological systems. An exemplary system for the presence of IDRs and a high concentration of linear motifs is the clathrin mediated endocytosis machinery of the eukaryotic cell, where a complex interaction network of IDR-rich adaptor proteins enables both protein and lipid interactions. The molecular mechanism of such interactions, especially when multiple motifs act in concert, is however only poorly understood particularly since the dynamic and flexible nature of IDRs makes them a very difficult object to study. I aim to develop an integrative approach based on single molecule fluorescence and NMR spectroscopies to characterize the molecular principles of IDRs in clathrin mediated endocytosis. A systematic analysis of IDRs with different types of motifs and various interaction partners will not only shed light on the molecular functions of linear motifs within endocytosis, but also on how multiplicities of linear motifs may work in various biological processes in general. In vitro structural studies will be connected with single molecule imaging to relate molecular conformation with function within the cell.

Mots-clés : intrinsically disordered proteins
Projet ERC : InfoMols (Horizon 2020, appel 2020, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Synthetic Chemistry and Materials
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 : 2499850.0 €

Linear oligomers encoded with a sequence of side-chains that have specific recognition properties are the basis for a range of properties that are the hallmarks of Nature’s nanotechnology: folding, substrate recognition, catalysis, self-assembly, and molecular replication. Nucleic acids are currently unrivalled as the only molecular architecture that embodies all of these properties, and this ability to encode, express and replicate sequence information is the molecular basis for the evolution of life on Earth. The aim of this proposal is to develop synthetic oligomeric molecules that encode and express chemical information in the same way as nucleic acids, via a sequence of recognition sites attached as side-chains to a linear backbone. We have already reported a range of synthetic oligomers that bear no relation to the structures of their biological counterparts, yet show efficient sequence-selective duplex formation via H-bonding interactions and can be used for replication of sequence information via covalent base-pairing interactions. Here hybrid systems are proposed that combine the most successful elements of backbone architecture and oligomerisation chemistry with a mixture of dynamic and kinetically inert base-pairing side-chains to obtain new synthetic systems that show all of the functional properties found in biomolecules. The ability to replicate sequence in recognition-encoded synthetic information molecules will enable exploration of new chemical spaces using directed evolution. These new chemical systems will allow us to evolve synthetic oligomers that fold into stable well-defined 3D structures, bind substrates with high affinity, and catalyse reactions. Programmable abiotic molecular nanotechnology will open a new area of chemistry with huge unexplored potential.
Projet ERC : CRIMTANG (Horizon 2020, appel 2016, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Social Sciences and Humanities
Panel : The Social World and Its Diversity
Entité participante : University of Copenhagen — Pays : Danemark — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : UCPH
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1999909.0 €

Linked to terrorism, moral breakdown, and societal decay, Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) has come to embody current global anxieties as a figure of fear and cause of disquiet. Yet despite its central position on the social and political radar, our knowledge of it remains limited and fragmentary. Quantitative analyses may have identified the scale of the problem, but its underlying socio-cultural logic and practices remain under-researched and largely obscure. TOC is on the rise, and we need better insights into how it develops and expands, who engages in it and why, and how it is linked to and embedded in social networks that straddle countries and contexts. CRIMTANG proposes a unique approach to the study of the social infrastructure of contemporary TOC. It develops a research strategy that is ethnographic and transnational in design and so attuned to the human flows and formations of TOC. The project comprises a trans-disciplinary research team of anthropologists, criminologists and political scientists, and builds on their prior experience of the people, regions and languages under study. It explores the illegal and overlapping flows of migrants and drugs from North-West Africa into Europe, following a key trafficking trajectory stretching from Tangiers to Barcelona, Paris and beyond. In so doing, CRIMTANG sheds new light on the actual empirical processes in operation at different points along this trafficking route, whilst simultaneously developing new theoretical and methodological apparatuses for apprehending TOC that can be exported and applied in other regions and contexts. It reimagines the idea of social entanglement and proposes new transnational and collective fieldwork strategies. Finally, it will advance and consolidate the European research environment on TOC by creating a research hub for transnational ethnographic criminology at the University of Copenhagen.

Mots-clés : anthropology,ethnography,transnational crime,drugs,migrants,trafficking,smuggling
Projet ERC : DDD (Horizon 2020, appel 2016, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Products and processes engineering
Entité participante : University of Twente — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2937500.0 €

Liquid-liquid extraction - the transfer of a solute from one solvent to another - is a core process in chemical technology and analysis. The current challenge is to miniaturise the analyte extraction process and to optimize the extraction recovery and preconcentration factor. Lacking a priori calculations, this is now often done by trial-and-error. However, to control and optimize the extraction processes, it is crucial to quantitatively understand the diffusive droplet dynamics in multicomponent fluid systems. This is essential and urgently needed not only for modern liquid-liquid extraction processes for diagnostics & microanalysis, for droplet microfluidics, or in the paint & coating industry, but on larger scales also in remediation industry, in chemical technology, or in food processing. These applications of droplets governed by diffusion include cases of immersed droplets in the bulk & on a surface, single & multicomponent droplets & solvents, and cases with high droplet number density. In spite of their relevance, multiphase & multicomponent fluid systems with relevant diffusive droplet dynamics are poorly understood. The objective of DDD is a breakthrough: to fill this gap and to come to a quantitative understanding of diffusive droplet dynamics, thus illuminating the fundamental fluid dynamics of diffusive processes of immersed (multicomponent) (surface) droplets on multiple scales. To achieve this objective, we will perform a number of key controlled experiments and numerical simulations for idealized setups on 9 orders of magnitude in length scale, allowing for one-to-one comparison between experiments and numerics/theory. It is now time to bridge the gap from modern fluid dynamics to process-technology, colloidal & interface science, from nano/microscopic and purely diffusively governed droplets to macroscopic ones and from single droplets to multiple & multi-component droplets, to arrive at multiscale high-precision chemical engineering for droplets.

Mots-clés : disperse multiphase flow,droplet microfluidics,droplets,diffusion
Projet ERC : ARTISYM (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Synthetic Chemistry and Materials
Entité participante : Eindhoven University of Technology — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : TU/e
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2500000.0 €

Living organisms have acquired new functionalities by uptake and integration of species to create symbiotic life-forms. This process of endosymbiosis has intrigued scientists over the years, albeit mostly from an evolution biology perspective. With the advance of chemical and synthetic biology, our ability to create molecular-life-like systems has increased tremendously, which enables us to build cell and organelle-like structures. However, these advances have not been taken to a level to study comprehensively if endosymbiosis can be applied to non-living systems or to integrate living with non-living matter. The aim of the research described in the ARTISYM proposal is to establish the field of artificial endosymbiosis. Two lines of research will be followed. First, we will incorporate artificial organelles in living cells to design hybrid cells with acquired functionality. This investigation is scientifically of great interest, as it will show us how to introduce novel compartmentalized pathways into living organisms. It also serves an important societal goal, as with these compartments dysfunctional cellular processes can be corrected. We will follow both a transient and a permanent approach. With the transient route biodegradable nanoreactors are introduced to supply living cells temporarily with novel function. Functionality is permanently introduced using genetic engineering to express protein-based nanoreactors in living cells, or via organelle transplantation of healthy mitochondria in diseased living cells. Secondly I aim to create artificial cells with the ability to perform endosymbiosis; the uptake and presence of artificial organelles in synthetic vesicles allows them to dynamically respond to their environment. Responses that are envisaged are shape changes, motility, and growth and division. Furthermore, the incorporation of natural organelles in liposomes provides biocatalytic cascades with the necessary cofactors to function in an artificial cell

Mots-clés : polymersomes,nanoreactors,biomimetic,artificial organelles