Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Finding the genetic causes of contagious metastases under the sea (SCUBA CANCERS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems
Panel description: Genetics, epigenetics, genomics and other ‘omics studies, bioinformatics, systems biology, genetic diseases, gene editing, innovative methods and modelling, ‘omics for personalised medicine
Countries involved: Spain,Spain
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2016-STG, 2016)
Start date: 2017-01-01
End date: 2022-06-30
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1492500.0
EU funding (EUR): 989463.8
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Clonally transmissible cancers are somatic cell lineages that are transmitted between individuals via the transfer of living cancer cells. There are only three known types of naturally occurring clonally transmissible cancers, one of which is a leukemia-like cancer found in marine bivalves, called hemic neoplasia (HN). HN in cockles Cerastoderma edule offers an unique opportunity, over the other naturally occurring transmissible cancers, for the discovery of the genetic drivers of cancer transmissibility because: (1) cockle HN has a polyphyletic origin, which allows the identification of recurrently mutated genes among different unrelated cockle HN lineages; (2) HN provides a reliable in vitro and in vivo model that could be used for driver gene discovery and validation by means of genetic engineering methods; (3) cockle HN represents a nearly endless source of biological resources for study and experimentation on the origins and development of natural clonally transmissible cancers, due to the ubiquity of cockles throughout the Western Atlantic coast of Europe and the high prevalence of HN (>20%). Using HN in cockles as a model for clonally transmissible cancers, this project intends to identify the genomic alterations and mutational processes that drive transmissible cancers to depart from their hosts and evolve as parasitic clonal lineages in the marine environment, for illuminating universal processes that make a cancer contagious, and to identify new/unexpected biological insights into the general mechanisms of cancer metastasis. We will first characterize the clonal structure of cockle transmissible cancers by phylogenetic approaches. Then, we will use NGS analysis to catalogue the somatic alterations that characterize different HN clonal lineages, figure out the mutational processes that operate in marine transmissible cancers, and identify the putative cancer genes that drive cancer transmissibility, which will be finally validated by genome editing approach

Keywords: cancer genomics,next generation sequencing
PHUSICOS: 'According to nature' - solutions to reduce risk in mountain landscapes (Phusicos)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Climate action, environment,  resource efficiency and raw materials
Theme: Fighting and adapting to climate change
Action type: Innovation actions
Countries involved: Austria,Austria,Germany,Italy,Italy,Spain,Italy,Austria,Spain,Switzerland,Switzerland,Norway,Norway,France,France,France
Call: Large-scale demonstrators on nature-based solutions for hydro-meteorological risk reduction (H2020-SC5-2017-TwoStage, 2017)
Start date: 2018-05-01
End date: 2023-04-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 9645857.14
EU funding (EUR): 9472200.0
Participants: 17
Project status: SIGNED

PHUSICOS, meaning 'According to nature' in Greek, demonstrates how nature-based solutions (NBSs) provide robust, sustainable and cost-effective measures for reducing the risk of extreme weather events in rural mountain landscapes. Although mountains amplify risks, and even more so under extreme weather events, mountainous regions do not receive the same attention as densely populated urban areas in European disaster risk reduction plans. PHUSICOS's underlying premise is that nature itself is a source of ideas and solutions for mitigating the risk posed by climate-driven natural hazards. However, there is a lack of adequate proof of concept for NBSs to address hydro-meteorological events in rural and mountainous regions. PHUSICOS will fill the knowledge gap specifically related to NBSs for hydro-meteorological hazards (flooding, erosion, landslides and drought) by implementing NBSs at several European case study sites. These sites comprise 3 large-scale demonstrator sites Italy, Frane/Spain/Andorra and Norway; and 2 small-scale complementary concept cases in Austria and Germany. The three demonstrator sites are representative of hydro-meteorological hazards, vegetation, topography and infrastructure throughout rural and mountainous regions in Europe. They have already guaranteed external financing and are currently in the process of implementing disaster risk reduction measures that are open to broader implementation of NBSs through the application of the PHUSICOS key innovation actions. The concept cases will be used for testing innovative ideas at local scale. PHUSICOS relies on a transdisciplinary consortium of 15 partners from seven European Countries, with expertise from public authorities, research institutes and universities to develop innovative actions on five fronts: technical, service, governance, learning arena and product innovations. PHUSICOS will also utilise the experience of three international partners and results of European research projects.

Keywords: natural hazards,risk reduction,innovation,green infrastructure,climate adaptation
Organization and learning-associated dynamics of prefrontal synaptic connectivity (PrefrontalMap)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System
Panel description: Nervous system development, homeostasis and ageing, nervous system function and dysfunction, systems neuroscience and modelling, biological basis of cognitive processes and of behaviour, neurological and mental disorders
Countries involved: Israel
Call: ERC Consolidator Grant (ERC-2018-COG, 2018)
Start date: 2019-02-01
End date: 2025-07-31
Duration (months): 78.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1880003.0
EU funding (EUR): 1880003.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

How does experience alter the functional architecture of synaptic connections in neural circuits? This question is particularly pertinent for the complex circuits of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a high-order associative neocortical area that plays a crucial role in flexible, goal-directed behavior. The mPFC is densely interconnected with cortical and subcortical circuits, and its neurons were shown to undergo substantial experience-dependent structural remodeling that is thought to support learning and memory consolidation. However, little is known regarding the synaptic organization of this complex circuit, and of the functional implications of its experience-dependent structural remodeling. In this proposal, we aim to uncover the organization and learning-associated dynamics of functional connectivity in the mouse mPFC. To obtain high-resolution maps of cell type-specific synaptic connectivity in the mPFC, we will combine single-cell optogenetic manipulation with calcium imaging and electrophysiology in vitro, and establish the circuit-wide organization of connectivity within and between defined projecting neuron populations. We will test the hypothesis that pyramidal neurons projecting to subcortical targets form tightly interconnected subnetworks, and that inhibitory inputs to these networks, through selective innervation, can modulate information output from the mPFC. To understand how learning changes the functional synaptic organization of the mPFC, we will establish an all-optical system for interrogation of synaptic connectivity in vivo. We will utilize this powerful platform to test the hypothesis that prefrontal-dependent learning is associated with reorganization of local-circuit functional connectivity among identified subcortically-projecting cell assemblies. Our innovative technology will be widely applicable for neural circuit analysis in a variety of systems, and allow us to gain new insights into the complex circuitry of the mPFC.

Keywords: synaptic connectivity,prefrontal cortex,two photon optogenetics and imaging
Estimation of Neural Code from the Electroencephalogram (EEG) (ESNECO)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Standard European Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Life Sciences
Countries involved: Italy
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2020-10-16
End date: 2022-10-15
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 171473.28
EU funding (EUR): 171473.28
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The electroencephalogram (EEG) is one of the most important non-invasive brain imaging tools in neuroscience and in the clinic, but surprisingly little is known about the features of neural circuit activity that give rise to the EEG. The challenge is to explain the functional and anatomical configurations, e.g., the neural interactions among different classes of cells, that produce the diverse spatial, spectral and temporal EEG features linked to cognition and neurological diseases. By means of an interdisciplinary approach, combing advanced theoretical modeling with state-of-the-art multiscale neurophysiology and interventional techniques, I will address the above challenge. I will develop rigorous mathematical tools to disambiguate the EEG and robustly interpret it in terms of specific neural features (e.g., firing rate). Such features are key elements in determining the microcircuit configuration and have been documented to contribute to brain disorders such as schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). First, I will develop neural network models that include the key components of cortical microcircuits. I will then turn these models into accurate EEG analysis tools by fitting them to empirical data to “invert”, or translate back, the EEG into an estimate of the neural parameters. In particular, I am interested in studying the relationship of the EEG with spiking activity and synchrony of excitatory and inhibitory populations. The experiments will record simultaneously EEG and intracortical neural activity in mice, combined with optogenetic tools that can determine the contributions of specific classes of cells and specific patterns of activity in cells to different EEG features. The analysis tools developed in this project will be used to infer neural circuit changes from EEG measures, which will produce substantial progress toward bridging the gap between EEG and neuron dynamics.

Keywords: neocortex,network dynamics,spiking neural network,optogenetics
Bright and Compact Deep Ultraviolet Light Sources for Healthcare and Industry (ULIGHT)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Fundamental constituents of matter
Panel description: Particle, nuclear, plasma, atomic, molecular, gas, and optical physics
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: ERC Proof of Concept Grant (ERC-2019-PoC, 2019)
Start date: 2020-03-01
End date: 2021-08-31
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 150000.0
EU funding (EUR): 150000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

We will use a new class of deep ultraviolet light source to address the biggest challenge facing modern medicine: the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR): the resistance of bacteria (so-called “super bugs”) to anti-biotics. AMR is anticipated to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050. The golden era of antibiotics is over, and the antibiotic pipeline is failing. We need to develop new technologies to target pathogens without antibiotics and to which pathogens cannot develop resistance. The germicidal properties of ultraviolet light (wavelength around 254 nm) from lamps are well established. Unfortunately, this wavelength is mutagenic to human cells and unsuitable for therapy. However, it has recently been shown that shorter-wavelength deep ultraviolet light (DUVL), such as 207 nm light, maintains germicidal efficacy while limiting mutagenic effects. While there are existing ways to generate DUVL, they all fail to meet the constraints that must be met for ubiquitous clinical use: compact size, low cost, long lifetime, high robustness and no need for serviceability. During my ERC Starting Grant project I developed a new route to create high brightness DUVL sources. In this project we will demonstrate the Proof of Concept of a business providing compact, robust, bright and low-cost DUVL sources—based on a down-scaling of my Starting Grant technology—for delivery to confined regions of the body for safe (non-mutagenic to human cells) killing of pathogens.

Keywords: ultraviolet,laser,healthcare,healthcare technology,antimicrobial,germicidal,medical,medicine,antibiotic resistance,antimicrobial resistance
Unveiling the properties of the first galaxies through their connection with the intergalactic medium (GalaxyConnect)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Reintegration panel
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Physics
Countries involved: Germany
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2021-07-01
End date: 2023-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 162806.4
EU funding (EUR): 162806.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

To understand how the first galaxies formed, we need to characterise their properties. Studying these galaxies directly is challenging, as they are hard to detect in emission. Another way of understanding galaxies in the early Universe is through their interactions with the cosmic web of gas surrounding them, which is observed as absorption lines in the spectra of distant quasars. By studying the ionization state and chemical enrichment of this gas, we can put constraints on theories of galaxy formation. During this fellowship, hosted at the Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam, I will use radiative transfer and hydrodynamic cosmological simulations to model the connection between galaxies and the intergalactic medium (IGM). This research will combine my skills in modelling the IGM with the expertise of my supervisor Prof. Dr. Christoph Pfrommer in the physical processes that drive galaxy outflows. The novel aspect of my work is that I will simultaneously model the evolution of the intergalactic medium on large scales, and the physics driving galaxy formation on smaller scales. In particular, I will focus on modelling metal absorption lines, which are a signature of galactic outflows. Typically, interpreting these metal lines is hard, due to the degeneracy between the ionization state of the gas and its metallicity. I will break that degeneracy by carefully calibrating the ionization state of the simulations against existing data from the Lyman-alpha forest. This will allow me to constrain the efficiency of galactic outflows, and to understand the nature of the galaxies that enriched the IGM with metals. I will construct mock observations from my simulations to make direct comparisons with real data, testing models of galaxy formation and constraining the timing of reionization. My results will be essential for interpreting existing and forthcoming observations, as well as for making predictions for the next generation of 30-metre telescopes.

Keywords: intergalactic medium,numerical simulations,quasar absorption lines,reionization
Spectroscopic and Computational Elucidation of Transition Metal Photoredox Mechanisms (PhotoRedOx)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Global Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Chemistry
Countries involved: Czechia,United States
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2021-08-01
End date: 2024-07-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 255756.24
EU funding (EUR): 255756.24
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

Photoredox catalysis is an emerging and powerful methodological approach for accomplishing bond constructions in organic chemistry and utilizes photosensitizers to convert photon energy into chemical potential to drive photo-induced C–C/C–X couplings and C–H bond activations. Given catalysis can be light-activated, this methodology is considered environmentally friendly and sustainable. To date, the three main modes of action are: 1) single electron transfers (SETs) to initiate radical coupling reactions; 2) SETs to simultaneously generate free radicals and activate transition metal catalysis (i.e., dual photoredox); and 3) energy transfer to or direct excitation of a transition metal catalyst. While the number and complexity of bond transformations is rapidly increasing, there are few spectroscopic or computational studies of photoredox mechanisms, largely due to the complexity and interplay between excited state dynamics and reactive intermediates. The applicant will use a variety of high-level spectroscopies spanning 10 orders of magnitude in photon energy and 15 orders of magnitude in time to observe molecular events from femtoseconds after light absorption to individual steps in the reaction. Experimental data guide ligand design to tune ground and excited state structure, regioselectivity, or alter reactivity for new bond constructions. Together, the methodologies allow to evaluate energetics of reaction coordinates, define mechanisms, estimate redox activity of intermediates, and map excited state potential energy surfaces to define key electronic contributions from frontier molecular orbitals. This work will be communicated at local, national, and international seminars and conferences. Major findings will be disseminated via publication in high-impact scientific journals. Importantly, the applicant’s training at the host institution and the returning phase will be invaluable for accomplishing his goal to obtain a position at a major European University.

Keywords: photoredox catalysis,transition metal catalysis,c h activation
Developing a European Forum on Paradox and Pluralism (EUFORPP)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Spreading excellence and widening participation
Programme: Widening participation and spreading excellence
Theme: Improved access to Excellence
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Italy,Switzerland,Netherlands,United Kingdom,Portugal
Call: Twinning (H2020-WIDESPREAD-2018-03, 2018)
Start date: 2019-09-01
End date: 2023-02-28
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 799731.25
EU funding (EUR): 799731.25
Participants: 5
Project status: SIGNED

Management science shows that individuals and organizations constantly face paradoxical challenges, built from contradictory yet related interests of pluralistic stakeholders that do not have straightforward resolutions. Researchers in the field of Paradox and Pluralism develop ground-breaking research with complex perspectives that accept conflict and contradiction as part of all organizing endeavours. This research overcomes limitations of traditional theories and methodologies and has gained prominence among academics and practitioners. Nova SBE has been developing Paradox and Pluralistic perspectives, but lacks funding and access to global networks that enable it to achieve higher standards of scientific excellence in the field. EUFORPP will leverage on the academic expertise of European institutions (CITY/UK, UNIGE/Switzerland, LUISS/Italy, and EUR/Netherlands) and a wider network of international experts, to create opportunities to develop Nova SBE’s research and innovation (R&I) capacity in this field across Europe and the world. EUFORPP will build excellence in Nova SBE by setting up a long-standing Forum on Paradox and Pluralism, materialized in different mechanisms: an International Conference to be held annually, a Community of Practice supported by a Web Platform to connect worldwide experts, and Impact Labs to explore specific sub-fields and connect the Forum to society. Nova SBE will be the primary beneficiary of the project, but the networking will benefit all Partners and the state of R&I in Europe, as these mechanisms will establish fruitful links with top researchers at global level. The Twinning will also include specific activities aimed at Nova SBE’s development, such as staff exchanges, academic symposia, training of early stage researchers, and paper development workshops that will enable a significant transformation in Nova SBE’s research capacity.

Keywords: paradox management,pluralism,long lasting international network,capacity building
Dual LIquid Vector for hydrogEn Refueling Station (DeLIVERS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Secure, clean and efficient energy
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: France
Call: Stimulating the innovation potential of SMEs for a low carbon and efficient energy system (H2020-SMEINST-1-2016-2017, 2016)
Start date: 2017-03-01
End date: 2017-08-31
Duration (months): 6.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

HySiLabs is proposing a liquid fuel technology capable of producing hydrogen on-site and on-demand. The liquid fuel is stable, non-toxic, and non-explosive, and is therefore easy to transport and to store. Hydrogen is produced via a chemical reaction, in a reactor called a hydrogen generation unit, and consumed directly, thus removing the need to store the gas. The technology has already been implemented into several applications, including power for telecom towers and forklifts for material handling, and HySiLabs is now looking to extend the technology to hydrogen refueling stations for fuel cell electric vehicles. The technology is well-fitted for the hydrogen refueling station application because it circumvents any safety issues dealing with the transportation and on-site storage of high-pressure flammables. In addition, the hydrogen production occurs rapidly and spontaneously, with no energy input required, reducing the operating expenses linked to hydrogen production.

Keywords: hydrogen,fuel cell,hydrogen refueling station,fossil fuel alternatives,emission free fuel