Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-erc-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet ERC : ECOGAL (Horizon 2020, appel 2019, Synergy grants)
Entité participante : Heidelberg University — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2718498.75 €

Stars and planets are born from a large reservoir of diffuse gas and dust that permeates the Galaxy, the interstellar medium (ISM). The process is governed by the complex interplay of often competing physical agents such as gravity, turbulence, magnetic fields, and radiation. The system is organized in a hierarchy of scales, that link the disk of the Milky Way, to star-forming clouds, and eventually to protoplanetary disks, the cradles of planetary systems. Stellar feedback creates highly non-linear feedback loops that strongly influence the dynamical evolution across the entire cascade of scales. We witness a paradigm shift in galactic astronomy and astrophysics. Approaches that treat the constituents of the Galaxy in equilibrium and consider the various scales in isolation reach clear limits. A comprehensive understanding of our Milky Way requires us to consider the Galaxy as one single complex ecosystem, where dramatically different environments coexist and where varying conditions are found for star and planet formation, and ultimately for life. Exploring and understanding the Galactic ecosystem as well as the physical processes that govern its evolution define the research activities of ECOGAL. Our primary goal is to build a unifying predictive model of star and planet formation in the Milky Way. Based on a unique combination of theoretical modeling and multi-wavelengths observations, we will trace the properties of planet-forming disks back to their environment in different parts of the Galaxy, determine the physical processes that regulate the birth to stars and determine their key parameters, deliver a well calibrated galaxy template which can be used to study systems in the distant Universe. To reach these goals, ECOGAL unites four key research groups in Europe at the forefront in observational astronomy, numerical astrophysics, instrument development, and astroinformatics, whose synergy enables transformative progress in our understanding of our Galaxy.

Mots-clés : hierarchical structure formation,galactic ecosystem
Projet ERC : ECOGAL (Horizon 2020, appel 2019, Synergy grants)
Entité participante : Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives — Pays : France — Rôle : CO-PI
Acronyme de l'entité : CEA
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 3420137.5 €

Stars and planets are born from a large reservoir of diffuse gas and dust that permeates the Galaxy, the interstellar medium (ISM). The process is governed by the complex interplay of often competing physical agents such as gravity, turbulence, magnetic fields, and radiation. The system is organized in a hierarchy of scales, that link the disk of the Milky Way, to star-forming clouds, and eventually to protoplanetary disks, the cradles of planetary systems. Stellar feedback creates highly non-linear feedback loops that strongly influence the dynamical evolution across the entire cascade of scales. We witness a paradigm shift in galactic astronomy and astrophysics. Approaches that treat the constituents of the Galaxy in equilibrium and consider the various scales in isolation reach clear limits. A comprehensive understanding of our Milky Way requires us to consider the Galaxy as one single complex ecosystem, where dramatically different environments coexist and where varying conditions are found for star and planet formation, and ultimately for life. Exploring and understanding the Galactic ecosystem as well as the physical processes that govern its evolution define the research activities of ECOGAL. Our primary goal is to build a unifying predictive model of star and planet formation in the Milky Way. Based on a unique combination of theoretical modeling and multi-wavelengths observations, we will trace the properties of planet-forming disks back to their environment in different parts of the Galaxy, determine the physical processes that regulate the birth to stars and determine their key parameters, deliver a well calibrated galaxy template which can be used to study systems in the distant Universe. To reach these goals, ECOGAL unites four key research groups in Europe at the forefront in observational astronomy, numerical astrophysics, instrument development, and astroinformatics, whose synergy enables transformative progress in our understanding of our Galaxy.

Mots-clés : hierarchical structure formation,galactic ecosystem
Projet ERC : SupraVox (Horizon 2020, appel 2020, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Synthetic Chemistry and Materials
Entité participante : Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : Partner
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1995000.0 €

State-of-the-art metal oxide chemistry lacks the ability to predictably design materials and their properties from the atomic level upwards. This ability, however, would provide ultimate control over metal oxide structure and reactivity, leading to designer materials to deliver solutions in areas including information technologies and sustainable energy. In addition, understanding the supramolecular chemistry which governs metal oxide aggregation is expected to provide fundamental insights into spontaneous structure organization and the rise of complexity in prebiotic chemistry. SUPRAVOX proposes bottom-up vanadium oxide polymerization chemistry as a new design paradigm to bridge the gap between molecular building blocks and solid-state metal oxides. This is achieved by developing chemically tuneable molecular vanadium oxide monomers as models for an industrially important metal oxide class. The conception of rational supramolecular aggregation routes will enable the initiation, propagation and termination of vanadium oxide monomer growth into metal oxide oligomers and polymers. SUPRAVOX will explore the chemical evolution of vanadium oxide oligomers in and out of thermodynamic equilibrium to develop reversible aggregation control beyond classical molecular chemistry. This will lead to the first examples of inorganic systems chemistry and enable unique structural design approaches, such as self-sorting, self-recognition and stimuli-response. The technological relevance of the systems will be demonstrated by their electrode surface-deposition. We propose that tuning of polymer structure and size will directly affect their electrochemistry based on quantum confinement effects. In sum, SUPRAVOX will lay the synthetic and mechanistic foundations for metal oxide polymerization chemistry as a new paradigm for the controlled, bottom-up design of functional metal oxide nanostructures with impact on future metal oxide technologies.

Mots-clés : polyoxometalate,self assembly,polyoxovanadate,vanadium oxide,electrochemistry
Projet ERC : CriBLaM (Horizon 2020, appel 2017, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Mathematics
Entité participante : University of Geneva — Pays : Suisse — Rôle : Partner
Acronyme de l'entité : UNIGE
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 198452.69 €

Statistical physics is a theory allowing the derivation of the statistical behavior of macroscopic systems from the description of the interactions of their microscopic constituents. For more than a century, lattice models (i.e. random systems defined on lattices) have been introduced as discrete models describing the phase transition for a large variety of phenomena, ranging from ferroelectrics to lattice gas. In the last decades, our understanding of percolation and the Ising model, two classical exam- ples of lattice models, progressed greatly. Nonetheless, major questions remain open on these two models. The goal of this project is to break new grounds in the understanding of phase transition in statistical physics by using and aggregating in a pioneering way multiple techniques from proba- bility, combinatorics, analysis and integrable systems. In this project, we will focus on three main goals: Objective A Provide a solid mathematical framework for the study of universality for Bernoulli percolation and the Ising model in two dimensions. Objective B Advance in the understanding of the critical behavior of Bernoulli percolation and the Ising model in dimensions larger or equal to 3. Objective C Greatly improve the understanding of planar lattice models obtained by general- izations of percolation and the Ising model, through the design of an innovative mathematical theory of phase transition dedicated to graphical representations of classical lattice models, such as Fortuin-Kasteleyn percolation, Ashkin-Teller models and Loop models. Most of the questions that we propose to tackle are notoriously difficult open problems. We believe that breakthroughs in these fundamental questions would reshape significantly our math- ematical understanding of phase transition.

Mots-clés : statistical physics,phase transition,percolation theory,ising model
Projet ERC : SAW-SBS (Horizon 2020, appel 2020, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Systems and communication engineering
Entité participante : Bar-Ilan University — Pays : Israël — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : BIU
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2000000.0 €

Stimulated interactions between light and hypersonic elastic waves, known as stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), provide opportunities far beyond what is possible using light alone: From basic research of light-matter interactions and quantum mechanics, to ultra-narrow laser sources, spectroscopy, communication, signal processing and sensors. The realization of SBS in photonic integrated platforms provides large freedom of design, and would support mass production. The objectives of the proposed research program are to reveal, investigate and employ SBS processes on the most technologically-significant integration platform: silicon-on-insulator (SOI). Such interactions are largely considered out of reach. The silicon device layer of SOI does not guide acoustic modes, which leak away to the underlying bulk. Previous studies of SBS in silicon relied on suspended membranes and waveguides, in which the underlying silicon dioxide layer has been etched away. Suspended devices become fragile, and their subsequent processing is difficult. In addition, SBS in silicon has been restricted to the forward direction only. Forward scattering interactions are inherently difficult to localize. To overcome this challenge, I propose to rely on surface acoustic waves (SAWs) that are guided by the upper interface between the solid substrate and the air above. The propagation of SAWs is supported by SOI, however they were not yet considered towards SBS in this platform before. Backwards SBS will be realised between guided light in a standard SOI waveguide, with an underlying oxide layer, and a surface acoustic mode. Analysis shows that the effect should be strong enough to be observed, and also employed in signal processing and sensing applications. Additional objectives include SAW-photonic chips with tuneable acoustic frequency and SAW spectroscopy on-chip. The program outcomes could add another dimension to standard silicon-photonics, that of acoustics.

Mots-clés : silicon photonics,opto mechanics,brillouin scattering,optical signal processing,microwave photonics,photonic integrated circuits,acoustic spectroscopy
Projet ERC : PreventStoCan (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases
Entité participante : Karolinska Institutet — Pays : Suède — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : KI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1941531.0 €

Stomach cancer is the 4th most common cancer and 2nd leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The aim of this proposal is to deepen the understanding of mechanisms involved in microbe-induced gastric carcinogenesis, which will facilitate risk stratification for identification of high-risk groups and may offer new opportunities for pharmacological and probiotic prevention. We hypothesize that novel H. pylori genotypic variation can predict carcinogenicity. The cancer-causing H. pylori strains may no longer be present at the time of cancer diagnosis, displaced by a changed microenvironment and invading microorganisms. We further hypothesize that the composition of invading microorganisms determines the risk of stomach cancer. To test these hypotheses, we will perform a case-control study nested within a historic cohort of patients with gastric biopsies taken decades ago. For cases who developed stomach cancer several years after index biopsy and their matched controls, paraffin-embedded blocks will be retrieved for metagenomic analysis of H. pylori and other microfloras, using our new method with laser capture micro-dissection, DNA amplification and sequencing. Interactions of host response and environmental exposures with the gastric microbiome will also be checked. To explore the molecular mechanism underlying the gastric carcinogenesis, we will further examine gastric epigenetic changes and mutation profiles by novel methods which require minute amount of starting material. Moreover, we will develop non-invasive tests for infections with carcinogenic strains of H. pylori and other microorganisms, which can easily be deployed in low-resource countries. This project will not only contribute significantly to reducing the worldwide burden of this dreaded malignancy, but also broaden our understanding of the mechanisms linking infection, inflammation and cancer development, and open a door for research using the vast resources of archived pathology materials.

Mots-clés : stomach cancer,primary prevention,helicobacter pylori,microbiome,metagenomics,genomics,epigenetics,microbe host environment interactions,carcinogenesis,tumour mutation,molecular epidemiology
Projet ERC : SEED (Horizon 2020, appel 2019, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Products and processes engineering
Entité participante : Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : HU
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1997811.0 €

Storing large amounts of electrical energy is a major challenge for the forthcoming decades. Today, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are considered the best option for electric vehicles and grid storage but these rising markets put severe pressure on resource and supply chains. The principle of LIBs is based on solid electrodes separated by a liquid electrolyte between which Li ions are reversibly exchanged during charge and discharge. The efficient Li+ transport in the different phases and across the interfaces is essential for achieving a good performance. A fundamental difference between ion transport in solid phases and ion transport in solutions is that the ions are “naked” in the solid phase but solvated in the liquid phase. Recently major efforts have been initiated to adopt the successful LIB concept to other working ions such as Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ or Al3+. This is motivated by the promise of lower cost thanks to their abundance as well as in some cases higher energy density. The progress, however, is limited mainly due to an unfavourable mismatch between the solid electrode host structures and the ion radii or too large charge/radius ratios. Especially multivalent ions lead to severe lattice polarization frustrating ion mobility in solid electrodes. This project aims at a radically different concept, i.e. instead of “naked” ions, solvated ions will be intercalated into the electrodes. Solvent co-intercalation is traditionally considered as highly detrimental. Latest results, however, question the generality of this argument. The SEED project will explore the concept of using solvated ions in solid electrodes for the reversible storage of a variety of ions. As the solvation shell acts as electrostatic shield and can be tuned in its composition, lattice polarization can be minimized. Using this effect, the SEED project finally aims at enabling reversible charge storage of multivalent ions in host structures with properties far beyond current state-of-the art.

Mots-clés : electrochemical energy storage,batteries,intercalation compounds
Projet ERC : HIGGSBNDL (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Fundamental constituents of matter
Entité participante : University of London — Pays : Royaume-Uni — Rôle : Partner
Acronyme de l'entité : U. London
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 0.0 €

String theory provides a unified description of particle physics and gravity, within a consistent theory of quantum gravity. The goal of this research is to develop both the phenomenological implications as well as conceptual foundations of string theory and its non-perturbative completions, M- and F-theory. Both, seemingly independent, questions are deeply connected to a mathematical structure, the Higgs bundle, which characterizes supersymmetric vacua of dimensionally reduced gauge theories, and insights into the moduli space of Higgs bundles will result in a fruitful cross-connection between these subjects. For string theory to engage in a meaningful dialog with particle physics, it is paramount to gain a universal understanding of the low energy effective theories that can arise from it. Building on the success of studying F-theory vacua in terms of Higgs bundles, we propose to develop the Higgs bundle approach for M-theory on G2-manifolds, leading to a universal characterization of the low energy physics. Methods developed for Higgs bundles of d = 3 N = 2 theories obtained from M5-branes on three-manifolds will be used in this process. Associated to each Higgs bundle is a local G2 manifold and we propose a way (using new results in geometry) to construct compact G2 spaces associated to these, which manifestly ensure the phenomenological soundness of the compactifications. Higgs bundles have recently also played a key role in studying the compactifications of the M5-brane in M-theory. We propose and develop a new duality between a d = 4 theory on a four-manifold X4 and a d = 2, N = (2,0) supersymmetric gauge theory on a two-sphere S2, obtained by considering the M5-brane theory on X4xS2. The supersymmetric vacua have a characterization in terms of Higgs bundles, which can be studied with tools developed for F- theory Higgs bundles on four-manifolds. Furthermore we propose a concrete approach to derive this duality from first principles.
Projet ERC : LongRangeFermi (Horizon 2020, appel 2020, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Fundamental constituents of matter
Entité participante : University of Stuttgart — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2496420.0 €

Strongly interacting Fermi gases appear in nature from the smallest to the largest scales — from atomic nuclei to white dwarfs and neutron stars. However, they are notoriously difficult to model and understand theoretically. Emulating such Fermi systems with ultracold atoms has been highly successful in recent years, but the approach has been limited to short-range interactions of the van der Waals type. Longer-range interactions such as dipolar or atom–charge interactions would provide a significant enrichment of the accessible physics, including next-neighbour interactions in the Fermi–Hubbard Model, dipolar Fermi polarons, bilayer pair formation and superfluidity, and charged Fermi polaron formation and transport. We will tackle these challenging fundamental physics problems experimentally with two innovative quantum gas microscopy techniques suited for the detection of strong dipolar quantum correlations in lattices and bilayers and fermionic correlations around impurities and charges. The first technique is based on non-linear optical microscopy to study dipolar fermions on lattices and bilayers. The second technique is a newly developed and demonstrated pulsed ion microscope with unprecedented spatial (<200 nm) and temporal (<10 ns) resolution at 100 µm depth of field that will be extended to study impurities created in a bulk Fermi gas. The pulsed operation enables controlled studies of transport of charged polarons in a Fermi gas. This novel quantum gas microscope can resolve the dynamics from the two-body collisional time scale to the collective many-body timescale. With these versatile tools at hand we will gain a deep microscopic understanding of the underlying physics of strongly correlated fermionic quantum matter with interactions longer-ranged than those typically present in all previous experiments. These highly controllable atomic model systems promise to guide research on related Fermi systems in material science, nuclear physics and astrophysics.

Mots-clés : experimental many body physics with ultracold fermions,dipolar quantum gases,novel quantum gas microscopy
Projet ERC : SEE_QPT (Horizon 2020, appel 2019, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Condensed matter physics
Entité participante : Bar-Ilan University — Pays : Israël — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : BIU
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2052739.0 €

Strongly interacting electron systems lead to a wealth of competing phases, phase transitions, and quantum critical points. When probed globally, the inherent inhomogeneities, disorder, localization, and mixture with other phases can be a stumbling block in detecting and controlling the various electronic states. Armed with a suitable local probe, however, spatial inhomogeneities turn from a concealing factor into the key to unveil new exotic electronic phases. Our unique tool, the scanning SQUID, is the most suitable probe, as it provides both extremely high magnetic sensitivity - capable of detecting trace amounts of conductivity, superconductivity and magnetism - with a high spatial resolution. We will integrate our state-of-the-art sensor with a set of tuning knobs, to enable simultaneous manipulation and imaging of quantum phase transitions. Our key goal is to provide clear-cut evidence for elusive many-body states that are in the blind spot of global measurements. We will detect hidden phases, such as traces of superconducting islands in an insulator, puddles of strongly correlated electrons at the onset of metallicity, and protected states in topological phases. The spatial distribution of states and disorder-related inhomogeneities will serve as the main tool in our quest. We will elucidate the correlations between emergent states that show non-trivial coexistence, such as magnetism and superconductivity, conductivity in a ferroelectric medium and itinerant ferromagnetism. We will provide clues about the mechanisms that drive fundamental transitions, such as the metal-insulator and the superconductor-insulator transitions. We will track phases and fluctuations near quantum criticality, and use the local information to bridge the gap between the microscopic behavior and the thermodynamic limit, where critical phenomena emerge. We aim to explore fundamental questions like the universality of transitions and assist the development of quantum materials.

Mots-clés : scanning squid microscopy,oxide interfaces,oxide heterostructures,superconductivity,magnetism