Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-erc-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet ERC : HANDSOME (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Forschungsverbund Berlin — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : FVB
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Crystalline materials are indispensable to modern life, and the development of crystal growth processes for novel materials remains an important challenge in materials science and engineering. However, the knowledge about these processes is limited to very select, specialist communities. Researchers from different fields often use crystals just as "products" without being aware of the exciting multi-disciplinary background of their production processes. The HANDSOME project aims to facilitate the integration of this topic in educational curricula at various levels. We will adopt a macroscopic perspective on crystal growth, starting with heat transfer phenomena and phase changes between solid and liquid states, which can be related to many aspects of everyday life such as cooking or weather. A modular hands-on setup (EduCrys) will be developed to demonstrate the growth of tin crystals from melt using a process very similar to the industrial production of silicon crystals for microelectronics. Various sensors will be utilized to measure the temperature or power consumption. In the HANDSOME project, we envision EduCrys as a unique, innovative educational product for both schools and universities. We will follow the principles of open hardware with low-cost components and open source control software to maximize accessibility and customizability. The EduCrys setup will allow the transfer of knowledge from high-tech industries and specialized research labs to the classroom while preserving the possibility of hands-on experience and therefore increasing interactivity in science education. The HANDSOME project aims to reach a new level of awareness in the society about the challenges of modern materials science, in particular the production processes of crystalline materials, their energy-efficiency, and their environmental impact.
Projet ERC : SuperPHOTON (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université Koç — Pays : Turquie — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Superconducting single photon detectors are critical components for emerging quantum technologies due to their high detection efficiencies, short jitter, photon number resolution, high maximum and low dark count rates. These devices may enable new ground-breaking applications in topological quantum computing and quantum internet. Niobium-based nanowires (Nb, NbN) are some of the most used superconductors for photodetection, but their material characteristics, device jitter and efficiencies cannot be effectively tuned or reproduced for scalable quantum technology deployment. The structural and electronic properties of these nanowires are not suitable for scalable cryogenic or room temperature readout. The challenges in growing high-quality quantum materials consistently provide a significant bottleneck against the development of quantum technologies that might efficiently interface with conventional microelectronics. In my ERC Grant (948063), we are using our pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) expertise for magnetic topological insulators (MTI) and garnets for spintronic and superconducting devices with high conversion efficiency between electronic spins and charges. Here, I propose to develop three prototypes and obtain their patents: (1) Three MTI superconductor-based single photon detector prototypes with beyond state-of-the-art high efficiencies and ultralow jitter owing to the unique properties of MTI such as ultrafast sub-ps magnetization reversal, ballistic transport of Dirac electrons along the interfaces and integrated spin logic. (2) We are going to provide a steady supply of high-quality superconductor and spintronic films (NbN, MTI, and magnetic garnets) to accelerate basic and applied research, which is a market growing with about 20% annual rate. (3) A custom low-cost cryostat for 2-3K detector tests will be prepared with fiber optical and RF cable feedthroughs, electromagnets, readout electronics and software.
Projet ERC : CherPET (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Institut Jožef Stefan — Pays : Slovénie — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : IJS
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

The paradigm shift in medicine from the treatment of acute or advanced disease to very early diagnosis and even prevention in cancer, as well as in personalized treatment, puts more stringent requirements on positron-emission (PET) imaging both in terms of sensitivity as well as specificity. Novel long axial PET scanners with an axial field of view that can be greater than 1m offer a very attractive solution to many of these challenges, in particular if they are combined with the Time-of-flight (TOF) PET technology. The time-of-flight resolution of PET scanners is limited by the timing spread due to delayed scintillation emission. By using prompt Cherenkov photons instead, the coincidence timing resolution can be improved. We propose to prove the feasibility of the above idea by combining a set of our break-through innovation steps, latest advances in photon detection with large area fast photon detectors and in the low-noise fast timing electronics. The PET detector that we would develop in the proposed project would allow for a construction of a PET scanner at a lower cost, better performance and ease of handling, if compared with the state-of-the-art clinical devices. If successful, our technology will represent a major leap in the use of PET for cancer diagnosis, staging, restaging, prodromal detection of neurodegenerative and cardiac diseases as well as treatment guidance and monitoring.
Projet ERC : EVoid (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Proof of concept grants)
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 : 150000.0 €

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of both physiological homeostasis and pathological conditions, including cancer and regenerative diseases, and have recently been pinpointed as central effectors in the therapeutic capabilities of their parent cells. Nevertheless, the therapeutic market of EVs still has significant potential for further development. Specifically, EV production methods that deliver robust, scalable and high-yield productions, if possible with the minimum cell material, are still unattainable. Besides, existing technologies are not adequately versatile to accommodate different types of producer cells, which is of particular relevance, given that the biological makeup of the EVs, and in turn their therapeutic potential, strongly depend on the state of the parental cells when stimulated. Here, we aim to integrate tight control of produced cells configuration with high-throughput production of EVs in a streamlined system.
Projet ERC : FIBROLEAD (Horizon Europe, appel 2025, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Inolysis monoprosopi idiotiki kefalaiouchiki etaireia — Pays : Grèce — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Organismes privés (hors enseignement)
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which comprises Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a growing global health challenge affecting over 6.8 million people. Characterized by chronic inflammation leading to intestinal fibrosis, IBD significantly reduces quality of life and increases the risk of severe complications, including colon cancer. Current treatments primarily target inflammation, and fail to address the persistent activation of inflammatory fibroblast phenotypes and the resulting fibrosis, contributing to frequent relapses and a heightened risk of disease progression. To address this gap, FIBROLEAD introduces a pioneering approach by targeting fibroblasts, key mediators of chronic inflammation and fibrosis in IBD. Our recent research identified VM-313 to effectively disrupt pathogenic fibroblast activation. We now have evidence that this compound has a strong potential in mitigating both inflammation and fibrosis in vitro, ex vivo and in a mouse model of lung fibrosis. Additionally, it exhibits a favourable safety/toxicity profile and drug-like properties that are equal or superior to currently available anti-fibrotic drugs. These findings position VM-313 as a promising candidate for expanding and improving therapeutic strategies for IBD and other fibrotic diseases. This PoC project aims to develop VM-313 as an advanced lead and validate its clinical and commercial potential. Our approach includes assessing its in vivo safety and efficacy in animal models of IBD and determining its mode of action via target identification and validation studies. In parallel, we will develop a comprehensive business case, engage with key stakeholders, and conduct a commercial assessment to evaluate market entry potential. By leveraging our unique targeting strategy and the advantages of a non-invasive oral therapy, VM-313 has the potential to transform IBD treatment, delivering significant benefits to patients.
Projet ERC : Stripe-o-Morph (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : École internationale supérieure d'études avancées — Pays : Italie — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : SISSA
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Morphing tubular structures are extensively used in interventional medical devices (e.g., stents). Current solutions lack adaptability to complex geometries and to patient-specific needs. Stripe-oMorph proposes the use of devices with superior morphing capabilities, bio-inspired by motile microorganisms, previously investigated in the ERC AdG “MicroMotility”, and based on the concept of morphingby-sliding of parallel strips.
Projet ERC : e-COOL (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université Aalto — Pays : Finlande — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Refrigeration is necessary in an ever increasing number of technical applications with significant societal importance. The presently available solutions, however, have several shortcomings especially in applications requiring extremely compact cooling with access to cryogenic temperatures. This project aims to provide the commercial incentive and a proof of concept for an optical cooler based on the thermodynamics of electroluminescence. The targeted cooling system would allow a robust and compact cooling method that would primarily target cooling applications at the 50-200 K temperature range that are presently largely inaccessible without using mechanical solutions. Through this project we would learn more about the validity of electroluminescent cooling (ELC) in practical applications as well as its most likely pathways towards commercialization.
Projet ERC : WiseReader (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université Pompeu Fabra — Pays : Espagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : UPF
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Trust in mainstream media has been declining steadily across the world. The trend is fuelled by the perception that news companies are not truly independent but serve the interests of owners, advertisers or creditors. Many media outlets insulate editorial decisions from external pressures, but ordinary citizens have no means to know. Hence, distrust in a few “bad apples” risks extending to the entire industry. The WiseReader project aims to tackle this problem. Based on research carried out under the Starting Grant project MIRAGE, it proposes to create a web browser extension that allows online users to learn about the potential conflicts of interest faced by the news outlets. The extension will identify companies and individuals featured in a news article as well as relevant connections between them and the news outlet. It would then display the results using an intuitive system of coloured flags and offer comprehensive information about these connections on a dedicated website. The project aims to empower ordinary citizens allowing them to discern what news sources and stories ought to be trusted. It may also allow quality news outlets to distinguish themselves from others and improve their reputation and traffic.
Projet ERC : A-Laser (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université Aalto — Pays : Finlande — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

The continuous growth of global data traffic pushes the data center technology boundaries and their energy consumption. Data centers already use more than 2% of the global electricity and are expected to consume 20% by 2025. The new generation hyperscale data centers offer a more energy-efficient alternative to conventional data centers but are limited by the current technology restrictions. Silicon photonics has been deemed to solve current bottlenecks for building green hyperscale data centers. However, this technology is challenged by the complicated and expensive fabrication methods of the laser sources, which represent 40% cost of the entire silicon transceiver market. Using a simple fabrication method invented in our ERC Advanced project, we have designed a waveguide light source that can be fabricated onto the silicon-integrated platform with a single-step, straightforward, low-cost, low-temperature and scalable process that lowers the fabrication cost ~10 times compared to the state-of-the-art light sources. Such technologic breakthrough will push the implementation of silicon photonics in hyperscale data centers, allowing them to maintain a low energy footprint while meeting the ever-increasing bandwidth requirements of the growing big data societal challenge. Our project aims to further develop the novel technology and demonstrate its effectiveness for data center applications, to create the first-of-its-kind low-cost and scalable fabrication technology for the silicon photonics market, compatible with the current systems used in the industry. Furthermore, we will prepare and validate the business concept with value chain players, strengthen our IPR strategy, and prepare the commercialization to establish a start-up aiming at serving this significantly growing market (40% Compound Annual Growth Rate).
Projet ERC : MODEX-mTMS (Horizon Europe, appel 2024, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université Aalto — Pays : Finlande — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

We aim to develop and validate a versatile and affordable transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) system that can perform adaptive and automated brain stimulation. TMS is performed routinely in thousands of hospitals worldwide for diagnostics (e.g., to measure corticospinal excitability), for presurgical planning (to locate eloquent brain areas that should not be harmed), and for treating severe depression and neuropathic pain. Unfortunately, only about 50% of patients benefit from the treatment; the treatments are also very time-consuming.  Current TMS protocols are user-dependent, non-personalized, and stimulate only one brain target at a time; furthermore, target searches can take up to 10 minutes. When only one cortical node is stimulated, networks are difficult to modulate. Therefore, we need stimulus sequences that activate precise cortical nodes in specific networks involved in different disorders such as depression, addiction, or neuropathic pain. This can be done with so-called multi-locus TMS (mTMS), which we have developed in the ongoing ERC Synergy project ConnectToBrain, but the barrier to users purchasing mTMS is often the high cost.  In this project, we will introduce a minimum viable prototype, an affordable 3-channel entry system for mTMS that enables efficient clinical protocols, provides operator independence, and saves time in patient care, with the potential to improve the clinical outcome. We aim to demonstrate the viability and value of this 3-channel device, which can later be expanded to a larger one simply by adding electronic modules and new coil sets. We intend to demonstrate the speeding up of motor cortex hotspot search by a factor of 5–10 and to show experimentally that the new multi-locus technology will markedly improve the efficacy of inducing plastic changes in the target network.
Projet ERC : EUFACETS (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Fondazione Bruno Kessler — Pays : Italie — Rôle : Partner
Acronyme de l'entité : FBK
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 65000.0 €

EUFACETS aims at maximising the value of the ERC Consolidator Project FACETS by developing a family-oriented social network app based on visage. Some faces were excluded from the forced digitalization of all faces due to the increasing digitalisation of our lives, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic: those of the elders. The pandemic was just underlining an already existing issue: face-based social networks have been designed by young people for young people. They focus on connecting people who are distant in space but fail to connect people who are distant in time. They help individuals treasure and share their own memories, those attached to digital pictures and selfies, yet they are oblivious of memories that are enshrined in pre-digital photographs. EUFACETS aims to alleviate this issue by developing an app establishing a new family-oriented social network based on visage. Through the app, members of extended families will be able to digitalize analogic pictures, send it in this digital form to the elder, who will then be able to tell a story about the picture; the story will be made available to the family, which will be able to listen to it and to integrate it with secondary narratives; finally, through facial recognition and artificial intelligence, the app will suggest automatic identification of visages photographed in subsequent pictures and facilitate the reconstruction of the narrative. The solution will grow around the elders, with the only purpose of reconnecting them with their distant relatives, friends, and acquaintances, as well as with the pre-digital past of their visage. This is done without any logics of commodification and control, standardization and commercial exploitation underlying existing face-based digital platforms.
Projet ERC : TREEMAP (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université de Copenhague — Pays : Danemark — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : KU
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Trees outside forests make up more than one quarter of the tree cover in Africa, but there is currently a lack of efficient and reliable monitoring systems for trees outside forests. Previous research suggests that most forest and landscape restoration (FLR) is occurring outside of contiguous forests, particularly in agroforestry systems. This implies that tree on fields, in particular those of smallholder farmers, as well as trees in restoration and plantation areas cannot be effectively and rapidly monitored. The ERC project TOFDRY has developed methods and tools that can fulfil these tasks, but the project outputs are not harmonized and not operational. The TREEMAP project aims at moving research into practical and needed application in Africa that facilitate the use of tree level biomass maps with end-users, such as governmental authorities or NGOs. TREEMAP will conduct a user needs assessment, and harmonize TOFDRY methods to develop operational products at two scales: (1) local/regional scale tree-level biomass maps using sub-meter resolution imagery, (2) annual high resolution biomass maps at national scale based on PlanetScope images, with a focus on dynamics in farmlands and restoration/plantation areas. Finally, TREEMAP will disseminate and distribute demo-products to end-users. TREEMAP will partner with AUDA-NEPAD, who is setting up in-country institutional arrangements to enable multi-sector use of the biomass maps. TREEMAP products will generate visibility on and verification of FLR efforts that can attract climate finance. Tree-level biomass maps contribute to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventories, the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) reporting, and potential participation in carbon markets. Placing highly accurate, user friendly, regularly updated, analysis ready products in the hands of non-experts in Africa allows widespread participation in FLR monitoring and carbon markets.
Projet ERC : T-SPINDEX (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université libre de Berlin — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz (THz) frequency range (0.3-30 THz) is a powerful tool for material spectroscopy and characterization in a contact-free, non-ionizing and non-destructive way. An essential application is the contact-free measurement of the complex-valued reflectivity and, ideally, refractive index of materials. Such knowledge is essential in condensed-matter research (for characterization of, e.g., the conduction-electron concentration and scattering in semiconductors, of optical phonons in insulators and magnons in antiferromagnets) and in applied settings. Ideally, THz reflectivity measurements should be (1) ultrabroadband (covering two decades from 0.3 to 30 THz), (2) user-friendly and offer (3) high precision and low noise. However, requirements (1)-(3) are not fulfilled by current approaches. The goal of T-SPINDEX is to build a prototype THz time-domain reflectivity spectrometer to determine the THz refractive index of materials rapidly. Features (1)-(3) are achieved altogether by using an innovative laser-driven coherent THz source, a spintronic THz emitter.