Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-erc-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet ERC : FORECAT (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Earth System Science
Entité participante : Université de Gand — Pays : Belgique — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : UGent
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1500000.0 €

Biogeochemistry directs ecological recovery of secondary forests, and thereby impacts the rate of carbon accumulation along succession. Recent observations suggest that cations (calcium, magnesium, potassium) limit forest productivity in the tropics, although research to date has largely focused on nitrogen and phosphorus. Moreover, the intensification of land-use change impacts cation availability at the onset of succession, likely further constraining regrowth rates of secondary forests. FORECAT (legacy effects on tropical FOrest REcovery through CATion limitation) strives to understand the fundamental role of cations in limiting productivity of secondary forests in the tropics, and to quantify how land-use change and its intensification affect cation limitation on forest recovery rates. FORECAT will integrate observational, experimental and modelling approaches. This work will be conducted along tropical forest successional gradients and land-use intensity gradients, to disentangle how the legacy land-use history affects recovery trajectories through cation cycling. Additionally, a large scale nutrient addition experiment in different-aged forest will further uncover the role of changed nutrient availability along succession. The field-based data will constitute the most detailed nutrient mapping – including cations – of secondary tropical forests to date. These data will then be integrated in a state-of-the-art biogeochemical model to provide projections of long-term effects of different land-use change scenarios on forest recovery in the tropics. Due to the sheer magnitude of projected land-use intensification in the tropics, cation limitation on the carbon uptake rate of secondary forest regrowth will impact global carbon cycle. Furthermore, FORECAT will drastically improve our land-scape scale understanding of forest regrowth in the tropics, and will set the stage to inform managers and decision makers on optimal and sustainable land-use change planning.
Projet ERC : NADIR (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Prevention,  Diagnosis and T reatment of Human Diseases
Entité participante : Université technologique de Dresde — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : TU Dresden
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1498750.0 €

Deep learning (DL) is rapidly transforming cancer research and oncology. DL can extract subtle visual features from preclinical and clinical image data. In my junior research group, I have developed end-to-end DL methods to predict molecular biomarkers and clinical outcomes directly from histopathology slides. Because histopathology slides are ubiquitously available for any patient with a solid tumor, DL is a broad tool for translational studies, enabling researchers to extract molecular information and make predictions about clinical outcome. However, the potential of DL in cancer research is fundamentally limited because it is purely descriptive and, in many cases, a black-box system. Also, DL is currently disjoint from the vast amount of biological mechanistic knowledge in cancer research, and from the world of experimentation. In NADIR, I will close this gap. My hypothesis is that DL models can not only make predictions but can be used to verify existing biological knowledge and to make new mechanistic discoveries. The main tools that allow me to address this are concept explainability and counterfactual virtual experimentation. For both, there exists a nonmedical proof of concept, but no systematic biomedical application yet. I approach this problem as a biomedical cancer researcher with training in programming, medical image analysis, and biomedical engineering. As such, I will develop DL systems that can extract biological concepts, can elucidate biological mechanisms, and can be used to create, and answer, mechanistic hypotheses. NADIR’s tools will be synergistic with and can be used together with other biological high-throughput experimentation pipelines such as transgenic animal experiments or tumor organoid cultures. The main use case of NADIR is focused on tumor-immune interaction in colorectal and gastric cancer, and through the educational and outreach program in NADIR, it will be made available as a general tool for cancer researchers in biomedicine.

Mots-clés : computational pathology,artificial intelligence,biomarker,gastrointestinal cancer,colorectal cancer,immunotherapy
Projet ERC : GRASPAGAIN (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Systems and Communication Engineering
Entité participante : Université Friedrich-Alexander d'Erlangen-Nuremberg — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1495271.0 €

Many individuals suffer partial or complete muscle paralysis with no available cures. Even though neural interfaces have the potential to restore motor function with assistive systems, their use is still very limited. Even in the case of state-of-the-art invasive neural implants, the control of the movements of the paralyzed limbs is highly unsatisfactory. These neural interfaces suffer high surgical risks, poor control of the activity of spinal motor neurons, and inaccurate mapping of the attempted movements. Spinal motor neurons are the last cells of the nervous system that convert motor commands into movement and their activity can be accessed with minimally invasive methods. In most neural lesions, such as spinal cord injury and stroke, there are functionally active spinal motor neurons projecting to paralyzed muscles that are modulated by brain input. In this project, I propose a bidirectional interface that is driven by the real-time identification of efferent spinal motor neuron activity. We will develop novel sensing, decoding, and feedback methods with precise cellular resolution. This neural interface will map, engage, and augment the spared output of the spinal cord through new deep learning methods and hundreds of fine-tuned electromyographic sensors recording action potentials of individual motor units for the muscles controlling the hand. The output of this interface will enable highly accurate temporal associations between efferent motor neuron activity and sensorimotor feedback by delivering multiple visual and somatosensory inputs. This bidirectional neural interface will entrain and monitor the spared neural pathways at the direct cellular level with the goal of transforming and augmenting the activity of the spared motor neurons into highly functional motor dimensions. Using these new technologies, we aim to answer open questions in movement neuroscience and spinal cord injury.
Projet ERC : BRAINMASTER (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Synthetic Chemistry and Materials
Entité participante : Université Friedrich-Alexander d'Erlangen-Nuremberg — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1500000.0 €

The emergence of a new era in neuromodulation is led by the intriguing potential of functional materials to replace or control neural activity. The ability to simultaneously analyse neural activity offers the potential to translate signals into a feedback loop for intuitive therapy or even to replace lost neurological functions. However, neuromodulation and recording in the deep brain commonly relies on chronic implantation of macroscale hardware with numerous safety concerns and often suffers from poor spatiotemporal resolution. BRAINMASTER will demonstrate scalable, wireless, minimally invasive neuromodulation relying on forces transformed to mechanosensory neurons by magnetic nanodiscs (MNDs) coupled to external magnetic fields (MFs). Neuromodulation will run concurrently with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Ca2+ transients. BRAINMASTER’s ambitious objectives will permit cell-type specific interrogation (write) and simultaneous imaging (read) of deep brain in untethered subjects without implanted hardware, overcoming major challenges present in existing approaches. MNDs will be engineered to selectively target neural mechanosensitive ion channels by release of viral vectors for exogenous channel expression or by recognition motifs for endogenous stimulation. MND surface with Ca2+ binding moieties will allow dynamic MRI imaging via formation of ferromagnetic clusters translated as MRI contrast variations. The bidirectional BRAINMASTER interface will include MRI Ca2+ imaging simultaneous with stimulus from large gradient forces ‘pulling’ MNDs on mechanosensory cells and torques mediated by low frequency MFs from miniaturized, MRI compatible coils. Ultimately, I will develop the first-of-its-kind intuitive interface between the deep brain and an engineered system to facilitate cognitive training and therapies for developmental, neurodegenerative and mental disorders and demonstrate the technological breakthrough in the rodent model of early Alzheimer’s disease.

Mots-clés : neural interfaces,wireless neuromodulation,advanced functional nanomaterials
Projet ERC : HELIOS (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Synthetic Chemistry and Materials
Entité participante : University of Regensburg — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1499828.0 €

The synergy of visible light and electrical energy has been employed for decades in water splitting to hydrogen, but only recently was used to power the synthesis of higher value complex organic molecules (natural products, pharmaceuticals). Synthetic photoelectrochemistry (PEC) is receiving notable attention due to its enhanced scope of redox transformations, sustainability, and selectivity compared to photo- or electrochemistry alone. Synthetic electrochemistry (EC) is a useful synthetic tool that replaces atom-uneconomical chemical redox agents with simple electrons and protons. However, in most EC reactions and in all PEC reactions, only one half-reaction of the cell is optimized to generate value; the other half-reaction sacrifices its own electrode or redox additives. ‘Paired’ electrolysis, where both half-reactions afford useful species, is key to sustainability and efficiency.  HELIOS will discover, develop and disseminate paired synthetic PEC reactions. Intermediates generated by both half-reactions are converged in novel, creative chemical transformations, including: i) marriage of radicals or ions generated by each half-reaction to furnish phenethylamines and azetidines, valued pharmaceuticals ii) ring-fusing reactions that furnish bicyclic scaffolds, toward molecules with high 3D character urgently required in drug discovery iii) alcohol inversion reactions that are catalytic, environmentally-friendly and use mild conditions ‘Multifunctional’ catalysts will be used that can be electro-activated in both cathodic and anodic half-cells, to photochemically generate and stabilize reactive intermediates.  HELIOS i) harnesses electrical and light energy to rapidly convert cheap, abundant chemical feedstocks to value-added complex molecules and ii) improves the sustainability and selectivity of synthetic PEC and EC processes. HELIOS opens an entirely new dimension of chemical reactivity that will revolutionize the way chemists use redox to synthesize molecules.

Mots-clés : photoelectrochemistry radical chemistry synthetic method development green chemistry
Projet ERC : VILARIA (Horizon Europe, appel 2024, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Prevention,  Diagnosis and T reatment of Human Diseases
Entité participante : Université d'Anvers — Pays : Belgique — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1499808.0 €

Filarial parasites cause over 200 million infections globally. Filarial morbidity was presumably limited to the skin, eyes, and lymphatic vessels. However, my research generated evidence that Onchocerca volvulus infection also induces neurological disease including Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy (OAE). However, the causal mechanisms for neurological symptoms linked to O. volvulus infection are still unknown. Recently my research group co-discovered a virus (OVRV1) within O. volvulus. Being related to the rabies virus family, OVRV1 could potentially cause OAE. I will investigate the clinical implications of this virus in >1600 persons from 3 affected countries. Case-control studies will verify whether OVRV1 is a risk factor for OAE. In a cohort study of onchocerciasis-exposed children with neurological symptoms, I will investigate the presence of OVRV1 in cerebrospinal fluid and assess its neurotoxicity by seeding OVRV1-positive samples on neural organoids. Viral metagenomics on Mansonella perstans (most common filarial disease, >110 million infections) will determine if it also harbours OVRV1 or other viruses. Finally, I will establish a prospective pregnancy cohort (n=900) and follow-up their children to investigate the materno-foetal consequences of in utero exposure to filarial parasites and/or viruses. This project is expected to unveil new disease mechanisms and may lead to new diagnostic/treatment options. If OVRV1 is shown to be associated with OAE, it could serve as a biomarker to diagnose this condition. However if OVRV1 is found to be an O. volvulus-specific endosymbiont, it could be used to improve the performance of the current onchocerciasis diagnostic tests. It could even become a target for the development of new (macro)filaricidal drugs. Demonstrating that filarial infections can adversely impact pregnancy/child health will justify research on safe approaches to treat pregnant women and under-fives with ivermectin during mass drug administration.

Mots-clés : onchocerciasis mansonellosis virus epilepsy pregnancy
Projet ERC : BulkBonding (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Products and Processes Engineering
Entité participante : Université de Lund — Pays : Suède — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2300000.0 €

In this project I will develop a novel concept and new understanding of metal joining through use of chemical gases. In this concept, chemical vapour transport (CVT) technology is unconventionally used to induce a transient liquid phase that could form joints with greatly enhanced mechanical and anti-corrosion properties. In metal joining a continuous metallic phase must bridge two parts, but current bridging phases are weaker and more prone to corrosion than the materials from which the components are made. This shortens the lifespan in harsh environments and new avenues need to be explored. My preliminary data show that it is possible to: 1) induce a transient liquid phase, by 2) exposing metal surfaces to melting point depression element (MPD) precursors gases, using 3) chemical vapour transport technology.  The concept will result in joints made from the bulk material itself, hence both joint and bulk obtains the same surface oxide and microstructure, leading to best possible corrosion resistance and strength.  In this project, in-situ characterisation will be used to improve our understanding of chemical vapour technology for processing metals and their oxides. Benefiting from this knowledge, and the production of small components for testing fundamental properties and evaluating performance, I will discover the mechanisms in, and create models for, CVT alloying as well as identify the properties of the novel joints. To ensure a wide application of research results, I will investigate the joints in corrosive settings, targeting the demanding environments found in solar thermal energy storage, solid oxide fuel cells, and fossil free steel production. This novel joining concept could also revolutionise the manufacturing of small, complex, and high-performing equipment, as difficult-to-join alloys could thus be used in difficult-to-manufacture components. Such components are found in turbine engines, medical equipment, and sensor technology.

Mots-clés : joining,chemical vapour transport cvt
Projet ERC : CONSPIRATIONS (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Social Sciences and Humanities
Panel : The Soci al World and Its Interactions
Entité participante : Université de Lund — Pays : Suède — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1271181.0 €

In recent years, conspiracy theories have become an important issue not only to the people who propagate them, but also to those who fear their consequences and design initiatives to push back against the ‘post-truth’ era. Perceived as a major threat to liberal democracies, they are increasingly subjected to state-led interventions. Also many NGOs are now dedicated to preventing and combating conspiracy theories. Clearly, conspiracy theories have become a highly polarizing topic. The objective of CONSPIRATIONS is to analyse this growing tension over conspiracy theories in Europe. The project proposes an innovative approach which moves beyond an exclusive focus on ‘truthers’ to examine the perspective of ‘truth defenders’ as well. This project will analyse conspiracy theory not as a standalone phenomenon, but instead as an outcome of the complicated relationship linking stakeholders who are both separated and connected by the conspiratorial divide. By expanding the scope of study from conspiracy theories to conflicts over conspiracy theories, CONSPIRATIONS will explore the possibility that the worlds of these actors are mutually constitutive. This approach goes beyond the question of who is wrong and what to do about it. Instead, it offers a deeper understanding of the conflicts themselves, which are clearly of urgent importance for contemporary Europe. That understanding in turn will provide better knowledge for tackling the damaging effects of the conspiratorial divide. An important premise of this proposal is that the answer lies not in addressing the content of the conspiracy theories themselves, but rather the kinds of conditions that give rise to them. The secondary goal is to understand how these conflicts are influenced by social contexts, and how they unfold across diverse European settings. The objectives of this project will be achieved through ethnographic case studies in Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany, Poland, Sweden, and EU institutions.

Mots-clés : conspiracy theories,social anthropology
Projet ERC : InfoCitizen (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Social Sciences and Humanities
Panel : The Soci al World and Its Interactions
Entité participante : Université d'Anvers — Pays : Belgique — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1499931.0 €

Data has been extolled as the new frontier of development. Whereas western elite actors have contested big data for its flattening of social life and information extraction, grassroots initiatives have been championing big data to promote citizen rights, improve state accountability, and reduce inequality. InfoCitizen will: (1) study the citizenship practices and technologies coalescing around model initiatives to produce and circulate data in the Global South. We contend that for favela residents in Brazil, ethnic minorities in Portugal and Germany, and poor citizens in Tanzania and Kenya, far from splintering and prying, data has the potential to promote cultural change, political identity, and economic wellbeing via “better,” “faster,” and “more reliable” public and private statistics. (2) blend insights from the social studies of quantification, the anthropology of data, and citizenship studies to grasp data produced by experts and citizens across top-down and bottom-up data ecosystems. Via the concept of informational citizenship, we will illuminate the politics (infrastructures, epistemologies, visibilities) and poetics (experiences, socialities, and affects) of datafication, their impacts on law- and policymaking, and their effects on individuals, communities, and institutions in Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Tanzania, and Kenya. (3) combine archival, digital, audiovisual, and quanti-qualitative methods to unpack the tools—censuses, smartphones, policy reports—and actors—NGOs, data labs, legal commissions—crystallizing in the wake of grassroots numbers. We propose a global and comparative ethnography of datafied subjectivities and their interplay with transnational networks of expertise—such as think tanks, governments, and businesses. (4) generate applied and analytical research and a unique database of quantification tools and practices to critically probe the imaginaries, contingencies, materialities, and spaces of data for radical democratic change today.

Mots-clés : quantification statistics numbers technopolitics development inequality infrastructure information top down data bottom up data datafication citizenship subjectivity affects ethnography digital humanities comparison global south latin america africa brazil portugal germany tanzania kenya
Projet ERC : RECHARGE (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Products and Processes Engineering
Entité participante : Université d'Anvers — Pays : Belgique — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1498614.0 €

Electrochemical energy storage is essential if we wish to increase the usage of intermittent energy sources such as windmills and solar panels. With intermittent energy sources it is crucial that energy can be stored to meet demand when production is too low. When targeting stationary storage with large capacity and long storage times, redox flow batteries stand out. However, in order to compete with other energy storage technologies several fundamental challenges remain to be resolved. Mass transport limitations, cell resistivities, pressure losses and slow kinetics still pose major barriers that result in unsatisfactory energy efficiencies and power densities.  In RECHARGE, I propose an innovative and disruptive approach. By combining for the first time pulsatile flow with precisely structured 3D electrodes the battery’s performance can be accurately steered towards improved battery hydrodynamics, allowing to surpass state-of-the-art in terms of maximum attainable power density, diminished efficiency losses and enhanced energy capacity. The combination of targeting an in-depth understanding into how reagent, product and electrolyte transport is governed within the redox flow battery by using in operando characterisation and having perfect control over the electrode geometry and flow field design through advanced engineering approaches, will result in unprecedented control over the mass transport and reaction environment. This will yield a significantly improved redox flow battery with a power density of 1000 mW/cm² and a roundtrip efficiency above 85%.  RECHARGE will demonstrate the impact of achieving perfect control over the hydrodynamic and electrochemical characteristics of a redox flow battery and can thus be considered as the first step towards a new generation of redox flow batteries that will completely redesign the electrode structure and fluid control strategies towards strongly improved battery efficiencies.

Mots-clés : redox flow battery electrochemical engineering pulsatile flow 3d electrode