Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-erc-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet ERC : HITSUPERJU (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Condensed matter physics
Entité participante : Delft University of Technology — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : TU Delft
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1522810.0 €

Recently I revealed a deep operational analogy between an exotic material and an electronic device, i.e. between a 3-dimensional topological solid and a 4-terminal superconducting junction. Specifically, the 3d Weyl singularities revealed in the energy spectrum of this quantum device give rise to quantized trans-conductance in two leads that is typical for 2-dimensional topological Quantum Hall materials. The quantized value can be tuned with the third control phase. I propose to capitalize on this breakthrough by realizing artificial n-dimensional (topological) solid materials by (n+1)-terminal superconducting junctions. This seemed to be fundamentally forbidden so far. In particular, in the framework of one research direction I will address the realization of higher Chern numbers. The edges and interfaces are important in topological solids, they need to be structured. For the artificial topological materials made with multi-terminal superconducting junctions such structuring is impossible in geometric coordinate space. However, the fact that the charge and superconducting phase are quantum-conjugated quantities provide the unique possibility for the structuring in multi-dimensional charge space that I will access in the framework of another direction. These two research directions will be supplemented by a more technical effort devoted to computational (quantum) dynamics of multi-terminal superconducting junctions. The proposed way to "conquer" higher dimensions for condensed matter physics is of clear fundamental importance. Exciting applications are at the horizon, too. The exotic quantum states under consideration can be topologically protected and thus useful for quantum information processing. Quantized trans-resistance as well as other topological invariants may be important in metrology. More generally, the research proposed will boost the whole field of electronic devices wherever topology guarantees the discrete stability of device characteristics

Mots-clés : topological materials,superconducting junctions,topological transport responses,andreev states,coulomb blockade
Projet ERC : GEMS (Horizon 2020, appel 2018, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Physical and analytical chemical sciences
Entité participante : Scuola Normale Superiore — Pays : Italie — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : SNS
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1609500.0 €

Recently, there has been a paradigmatic shift in experimental molecular spectroscopy, with new methods focusing on the study of molecules embedded within complex supramolecular/nanostructured aggregates. In the past, molecular spectroscopy has benefitted from the synergistic developments of accurate and cost-effective computational protocols for the simulation of a wide variety of spectroscopies. These methods, however, have been limited to isolated molecules or systems in solution, therefore are inadequate to describe the spectroscopy of complex nanostructured systems. The aim of GEMS is to bridge this gap, and to provide a coherent theoretical description and cost-effective computational tools for the simulation of spectra of molecules interacting with metal nano-particles, metal nanoaggregates and graphene sheets. To this end, I will develop a novel frequency-dependent multilayer Quantum Mechanical (QM)/Molecular Mechanics (MM) embedding approach, general enough to be extendable to spectroscopic signals by using the machinery of quantum chemistry and able to treat any kind of plasmonic external environment by resorting to the same theoretical framework, but introducing its specificities through an accurate modelling and parametrization of the classical portion. The model will be interfaced with widely used computational chemistry software packages, so to maximize its use by the scientific community, and especially by non-specialists. As pilot applications, GEMS will study the Surface-Enhanced Raman (SERS) spectra of systems that have found applications in the biosensor field, SERS of organic molecules in subnanometre junctions, enhanced infrared (IR) spectra of oligopeptides adsorbed on graphene, Graphene Enhanced Raman Scattering (GERS) of organic dyes, and the transmission of stereochemical response from a chiral analyte to an achiral molecule in the vicinity of a plasmon resonance of an achiral metallic nanostructure, as measured by Raman Optical Activity-ROA

Mots-clés : quantum chemistry,multiscale modeling
Projet ERC : AlterMateria (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Condensed matter physics
Entité participante : Delft University of Technology — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : TU Delft
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1499982.0 €

Recently, ‘designer’ quantum materials, synthesised layer by layer, have been realised, sparking ground-breaking new scientific insights. These artificial materials, such as oxide heterostructures, are interesting building blocks for a new generation of technologies, provided that one is able to access, study and ultimately control their quantum phases in practical conditions such as at room temperature and high speeds. On the other hand, an independent research area is emerging that uses ultra-short bursts of light to stimulate changes in the macroscopic electronic properties of solids at unprecedented speeds. Here I propose to bridge the gap between material design and ultrafast control of solids. This new synergy will allow us to explore fundamental research questions on the non-equilibrium dynamics of quantum materials with competing ground states. Specifically, I will utilize intense THz and mid-infrared electromagnetic fields to manipulate the electronic properties of artificial quantum materials on pico- to femto-second time scales. Beyond the development of novel techniques to generate THz electric fields of unprecedented intensity, I will investigate metal-insulator and magnetic transitions in oxide heterostructures as they unfold in time. This research programme takes oxide electronics in a new direction and establishes a new methodology for the control of quantum phases at high temperature and high speed.

Mots-clés : transition metal oxides,complex oxides,oxide interfaces
Projet ERC : Redox Relays (Horizon 2020, appel 2016, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions
Entité participante : German Cancer Research Center — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : DKFZ
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2006250.0 €

Redox signaling is a process by which endogenous oxidants, derived from metabolism, reversibly modify particular thiols on particular proteins to change their functional behavior in an adaptive manner. However, the molecular mechanisms of redox signaling remain largely unknown. In particular, specificity and efficiency of redox signaling remain unexplained. The now emerging solution to this conundrum is that redox signaling is mediated and channeled by protein-to-protein redox relay chains that dynamically assemble in the cytosolic, nuclear and mitochondrial compartments. We and others have found that H2O2 signals are relayed through thiol peroxidases to neighboring proteins within supramolecular assemblies. Evidence now suggests that so far we have just glimpsed the ‘tip of the iceberg’, namely that redox relay chains are ubiquitous and also operate for reactive nitrogen and sulfur species. This project aims to systematically uncover, dissect, monitor and manipulate the redox relay chains that give specificity and efficiency to redox signaling. The basic strategy is to tag all protein-coding genes with genetically encoded reporters which –within the context of the living cell– sense the transmission of thiol oxidizing equivalents within their sphere of immediate proximity (≈10 nm). A combination of genetic screening, redox proteomics and transcription profiling will then allow to identify the composition of redox relays, their endogenous target proteins und their functional impact on gene regulation. The knowledge about the composition of redox relays will lead to precision tools for the observation and manipulation of defined redox signaling pathways in vivo. The project is expected to yield fundamental insights into the specific molecular links by which reactive oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur species couple changes in metabolism to cellular and organismal adaptations regulating resilience and healthspan.

Mots-clés : redox signaling,redox regulation,protein thiol oxidation
Projet ERC : Reginfra (Horizon 2020, appel 2020, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Social Sciences and Humanities
Panel : The study of the human past
Entité participante : KU Leuven — Pays : Belgique — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : KUL
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2499625.0 €

RegInfra analyses how infrastructures such as city walls, roads, and bridges contributed to regional and empire-wide integration, and equally how they contributed to countervailing trends including local tensions, local autonomy, and cross-border regional formations in late imperial Chinese history (ca. 1000-1800). At a time when the People’s Republic of China is heavily investing in domestic and cross-continental infrastructures, we aim to map, compare, and critically analyse the material infrastructures on which Chinese polities of the past have been constructed. Key objectives include: • mapping the appearance and disappearance of large-scale infrastructures on an open access spatial analysis platform based on the digital annotation of the extant textual and archaeological record; • conducting comparative spatial analyses of the distribution of infrastructure features, their construction, maintenance, breakdown, uses and cultural meanings, and developing a regional history of infrastructures on this basis; • comparing data derived from the historical textual record and from modern archaeological reports and modelling processes of infrastructure development and decline; • publishing research in the fields of history, digital archaeology, and infrastructure studies that will substantially revise existing historiographies on the nature, durability, and efficacy of material infrastructures and contribute to emerging historiographies that place socio-economic and cultural developments in regional contexts and cross-border contact zones; • developing an event-based digital annotation method that will be made available for use in various languages; • developing a method for the automated extraction of data on infrastructure in Chinese archaeological reports including an ontology and a machine learning model Through these activities we aim to foster broader debate about the past and present uses and meanings of historical infrastructures and their digitization.

Mots-clés : chinese history,history of infrastructure,digital history,comparative history,digital archaeology
Projet ERC : Reginfra (Horizon 2020, appel 2020, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Social Sciences and Humanities
Panel : The study of the human past
Entité participante : Leiden University — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : Partner
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 0.0 €

RegInfra analyses how infrastructures such as city walls, roads, and bridges contributed to regional and empire-wide integration, and equally how they contributed to countervailing trends including local tensions, local autonomy, and cross-border regional formations in late imperial Chinese history (ca. 1000-1800). At a time when the People’s Republic of China is heavily investing in domestic and cross-continental infrastructures, we aim to map, compare, and critically analyse the material infrastructures on which Chinese polities of the past have been constructed. Key objectives include: • mapping the appearance and disappearance of large-scale infrastructures on an open access spatial analysis platform based on the digital annotation of the extant textual and archaeological record; • conducting comparative spatial analyses of the distribution of infrastructure features, their construction, maintenance, breakdown, uses and cultural meanings, and developing a regional history of infrastructures on this basis; • comparing data derived from the historical textual record and from modern archaeological reports and modelling processes of infrastructure development and decline; • publishing research in the fields of history, digital archaeology, and infrastructure studies that will substantially revise existing historiographies on the nature, durability, and efficacy of material infrastructures and contribute to emerging historiographies that place socio-economic and cultural developments in regional contexts and cross-border contact zones; • developing an event-based digital annotation method that will be made available for use in various languages; • developing a method for the automated extraction of data on infrastructure in Chinese archaeological reports including an ontology and a machine learning model Through these activities we aim to foster broader debate about the past and present uses and meanings of historical infrastructures and their digitization.

Mots-clés : chinese history,history of infrastructure,digital history,comparative history,digital archaeology
Projet ERC : REPROWORM (Horizon 2020, appel 2014, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Cellular, Developmental and Regenerative Biology
Entité participante : Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : MDC
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1457938.0 €

Regenerating tissues by reprogramming cells has the potential to become a therapeutic approach for replacing lost tissues in patients suffering from injury or degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Muscular Dystrophy. Strategies to generate required tissues using embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are associated with either ethical or medical safety issues. An alternative strategy is to directly reprogram cells to the required tissue type by forced expression of cell fate-inducing transcription factors (TFs). Direct reprogramming (DR) has the potential to circumvent unsafe proliferative pluripotent cell stages and it allows in vivo procedures. However to date, DR is successful in only a few cell types and it is not well understood why most cells are refractory to DR. Recently, we provided evidence that inhibitory mechanisms play an important role in restricting cell fate conversion. We identified factors inhibiting direct conversion of germ cells into specific neurons or muscle cells. Additionally, preliminary studies in our group revealed other factors that inhibit ectopic cell fate induction in somatic cells. The objective of this proposal is to further understand mechanisms that restrict DR. We aim to identify and characterize factors involved in safeguarding differentiated cells and thereby counteract induction of ectopic fates in different cells. We use C. elegans as an in vivo model and apply large-scale forward and reverse genetic screenings with high-throughput. Next generation sequencing, tissue-specific biochemistry (ChIP-seq, SILAC) and 4D imaging will be used to elucidate the molecular function of identified DR-regulating factors. Finally, we will test the ability to convert cells in aged animals and assess the effects of ageing on the ability to induce ectopic cell fates. Our research has the potential to facilitate the generation of specific tissues from different cellular contexts for future biomedical approaches.

Mots-clés : cell fate maintenance,transdifferentiation,c  elegans
Projet ERC : DecodeDegRNA (Horizon 2020, appel 2019, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems
Entité participante : Hebrew University of Jerusalem — Pays : Israël — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : HUJI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1500000.0 €

Regulation of gene expression lies at the heart of fundamental biological processes, such as the formation of different cell types inside an embryo or responses to environmental stimuli. Living cells ensure that the right genes are expressed at the right time and place by carefully controlling every RNA molecule inside a cell from its ‘birth’ by transcription to its final ‘death’ by degradation. While vast efforts strive to understand the first part of this process – transcription, studies of RNA degradation have been more limited. Current knowledge largely relies on small-scale investigation of key – but anecdotal – cases, while technical and experimental difficulties limit its large-scale analysis. Therefore, we still lack a systematic and predictive understanding of RNA degradation: technologies to globally measure it, the molecular mechanisms involved, its functional and physiological implications and models to decode and predict it. Transcriptional silencing makes early embryos an ideal system to study RNA degradation and uncover its basic concepts, as I propose here. Aim 1 will decipher how genomic information within native RNA sequences determines their degradation in embryos. Aim 2 will develop the technology to investigate RNA degradation at single-cell resolution, and uncover its regulation within arising embryonic cell populations. Aim 3 will reveal the molecular implementation of the regulatory code of RNA degradation and determine its physiological roles that underlie the massive degradation of maternal mRNAs – a key regulatory event and a main developmental transition in early embryos of all animals. This work will uncover new principles of RNA degradation in early development and elicit its mechanisms and functions using the zebrafish as an in vivo model system. The assays and models to be developed will be broadly applicable to study RNA degradation in diverse contexts, ranging from disease mechanisms to engineering of RNA- protein interactions.

Mots-clés : post transcriptional regulation,zebrafish embryonic development,maternal to zygotic transition
Projet ERC : Tissue-Tregs (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy
Entité participante : Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie — Pays : Belgique — Rôle : Partner
Acronyme de l'entité : VIB
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1110741.59 €

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.
Projet ERC : THOR (Horizon 2020, appel 2017, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Omnisys Instruments (Sweden) — Pays : Suède — Rôle : Partner
Type d'entité : Organismes privés (hors enseignement)
Financement ERC de l'entité : 27500.0 €

Remote sensing and monitoring in various environments solves many scientific and societal problems. Examples are: industrial air pollution control, global atmosphere surveillance, our planet system and the universe exploration, process controls in industry, and material research in laboratories. Molecular absorption/emission feature, combined with a high penetration depth of THz waves through dust, short wavelength allowing for high pointing directivity, all these factors determine the uniqueness of the THz range of electro-magnetic wave spectrum (0.1-10THz) in the mentioned applications. High radiometric sensitivity of THz wave detectors is a vital selection criterion for a THz system to become attractive. Uncooled THz detectors/mixers show adequate sensitivity only for frequencies below 1THz, whereas “supra-THz” (>1THz) detectors require cooling down to 4K. This limitation hinders exploitation of THz spectroscopy for such important application as atmosphere monitoring, local and global pollution surveillance, security, as well as universal sciences, in full. Small-scale satellites, balloons, portable sensors, can’t afford LHe cooling or power thirsty 4K cryo-coolers. For large-scale space missions, 4K cooling has already been utilized (e.g. Herschel and Planck Space observatories, COBE, etc), however it limited the missions lifetime significantly. In the frame of ERC StG grant Teramix, we developed technology, where high sensitivity and large bandwidth THz detection can be achieved at 20-40K temperature range, which can be accessed with compact and low power consumption coolers. The THOR project will lead the new technology through pre-commercial prototyping, a real-world application in an existing (representative) system, and explore marketing opportunities in both commercial and research areas.

Mots-clés : terahertz detector,electronics,space industry