Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
The bright side of the plume: VOlcanic LighTning and Ash plume electrification (VOLTA)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Earth system science
Panel description: Physical geography, geology, geophysics, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, climatology, cryology, ecology, global environmental change, biogeochemical cycles, natural resources management
Countries involved: Germany
Call: ERC Consolidator Grant (ERC-2019-COG, 2019)
Start date: 2022-02-01
End date: 2027-01-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1999681.0
EU funding (EUR): 1999681.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Pliny the Younger first reported volcanic lightning in his description of the Pompeii eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Yet, to this day we cannot decipher electrification processes and lightning in volcanic plumes. The brightest clue from volcanoes remains a dark gap to fill. Electrostatics permeates our life just as it does in volcanic plumes, driving processes from the micro to the global scale. Charging impacts the way ash is transported, sedimented and remobilized, and how it chemically reacts in the environment. Like in thunderclouds, volcanic lightning can be readily detected from safe distance, allowing for real-time mapping of ash plumes. Pioneering laboratory experiments and multi-parametric measurements at active volcanoes, I showed a link between electrification and first-order source parameters like mass eruption rate, grain-size distribution and overpressure, suggesting that electrical monitoring can also describe the initial conditions and evolving structure of volcanic plumes. Testing this ground-breaking hypothesis requires an unprecedented interdisciplinary approach that merges knowledge and practice of volcanology, atmospheric sciences, electrostatics and electrical engineering. In VOLTA I will deliver a comprehensive 4D electrical model of volcanic plumes and consequently provide a game-changing tool for volcano monitoring. To this end, I will: 1) design new electrostatic sensors to measure real-time electrical activity at target volcanoes, 2) design and build a unique apparatus to constrain the electrification of gas-particle jets in scaled laboratory experiments, 3) quantify the effect of charging/discharging on the ash lifecycle, and 4) generate a multiphysics numerical model of volcanic plumes incorporating fluid dynamics and electrostatics. Beyond volcanology, VOLTA will provide fundamental understanding of electrification processes in dusty environments, relevant to industrial processing, Earth and planetary electricity and the origin of life.

Keywords: volcanic ash,volcanic plume,lightning,explosive eruptions,plume electrification,volcano monitoring,experimental volcanology,numerical modelling,volcanic gas,dust,aerosol,electrostatics,charging,atmospheric electricity,electric breakdown,chemical reactivity,fulgurites,aviation hazards
DNA binding specificity in-vivo (bInDR)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced 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: Israel
Call: ERC ADVANCED GRANT (ERC-2020-ADG, 2020)
Start date: 2021-06-01
End date: 2026-05-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

How transcription factors (TFs) bind rapidly at specific sites within large genomes remains a major mystery. Specificity is puzzling since TFs select a small fraction of their potential binding sites - short and highly abundant DNA motifs. Rapid detection of these selected sites is challenging due to the small motif size and the large number of non-specific sites within a genome. Despite extensive efforts, a unifying model accounting for these challenges, underlying the foundations of gene regulation, is still missing. Our recent results revealed an unexpected role of long intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in determining the in-vivo binding specificity of TFs. Long IDRs are ubiquitous among eukaryotic TFs, but their potential role is largely unknown. By studying two budding yeast TFs, we found that in-vivo binding specificity depends on long (>500 residues) IDRs located outside the DNA binding domains (DBDs). Furthermore, IDRs direct TF binding to the selected set of promoters using multiple weak specificity determinants distributed throughout their entire sequence. Our results suggest that TFs search for their binding sites through a two-tier process: Specificity determinants distributed within long IDRs direct TFs to broad promoter regions, allowing for subsequent localized search of the DBD for its short binding motif. We plan to establish this model by: (1) Defining the molecular basis of IDR-promoter recognition and its sequence recognition code, (2) Defining the dynamic profile of IDR-based DNA recognition, and (3) Elucidating the evolutionary implications of this novel recognition mode. Through a combination of experiments, computation and theory, carried out by an interdisciplinary group of students, our study will establish a new paradigm that explains the efficiency and specificity of the search of TFs for their in-vivo binding targets, providing a new solution for a long-standing mystery.

Keywords: transcription factor,in vivo binding specificity,budding yeast
Active microcleaners for water remediation (MICROCLEANERS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: ERC actions
Countries involved: Spain
Call: ERC Proof of Concept Grant (ERC-2015-PoC, 2015)
Start date: 2016-09-01
End date: 2018-02-28
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 150000.0
EU funding (EUR): 150000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

We have witnessed a massive growth in industrial and agricultural activities, and a huge increment in the release of pollutants to our aqueous ecosystems. Centralized water suppliers look for systems energetically more viable than current ones and for onsite water purification systems which can be faster, more affordable and less aggressive. Here, we present a novel active self-mixing and multifunctional system (microcleaners) capable of cleaning chemical and biological pollutants. Using a combination of cutting-edge technologies, microcleaners will be applied in several aqueous environments such as industrial wastewaters or polluted aquatic ecosystems. The system will consist of an active part (for self-power), and a chemically reactive part (for cleaning pollutants). The small microcleaners can be recovered using magnetic fields and guided to defined locations using “tactic behaviours” imposed by gradients (temperature, chemical, or pH, for example). This property, will contribute to the re-usability of the microcleaners, which will significantly reduce the cost of the water treatment. A pilot microfluidic device will be fabricated where multiple fluidic parameters can be precisely controlled and model pollutants can be tested. Thereafter, the developed technology will be carefully evaluated and tested in up-scaled systems containing real samples of contaminated water. Overall, this project will enable to treat water in an unprecedented revolutionary, energy efficient and target-specific manner. We aim at engineering microcleaners such that small –but functionally significant- modifications will allow us to target organic pollutants and capture heavy metals. The expected outcome of the project is to test the benefits of our microcleaners technology to a new generation of water treatment methods and make this technology available to the market.

Keywords: nanotechnology,nanomotors,self propulsion,water treatment
Time Task management solution for SMEs to Improve Focus and Maximize Work Efficiency (Taskfit PRO)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Information and Communication Technologies
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Hungary,Hungary
Call: Open Disruptive Innovation Scheme (implemented through the SME instrument) (H2020-SMEINST-2-2014, 2014)
Start date: 2015-08-01
End date: 2017-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2003500.0
EU funding (EUR): 1402450.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Controllability and the availability of relevant, real-time data (serve as basis on business decisions) are crucial factors in company’s life and daily operation. Taskfit PRO task management software which builds on the commercially available Taskfit software (http://basewalk.com/product-video/) gives a unique solution for such challenges. Taskfit PRO is a task management solution that helps to structure the company’s clients, projects, tasks and manage them in a unified system. It provides availability to the latest, up-to-date information in the system without manual data upload. Taskfit PRO runs as a background application that can be controlled through a small dashboard on the screen. New tasks/projects can be created and started by a simple double-click, after which the system automatically registers the working hours spent with the execution of the given task/project. Switching between tasks can be managed by a click, too. When switching to a task, all files (regardless of the format or extension) related to the given task/project become available immediately – without any extra searching and browsing through irrelevant folders and files. Separation of documents and files related to a single task is ensured by the fact that Taskfit PRO provides a single Windows desktop for each created task/project. BaseWalk, the creator of Taskfit was established in 2009 and piloted the first Taskfit prototype in 2010. Since then, they have executed pilot projects with large and small companies and presently have hundreds of users locally and internationally. To help maximise the commercialisation of Taskfit PRO, BaseWalk set up a list of new functions and improvements based on feedback from existing clients and decided to apply for SME Instrument funding together with Nuage who are experts in cloud computing.

Keywords: focus,productivity,task management,project management,project control,time sheet,office hours,document tracking,real time profit and loss monitoring,schedule variance,cost variance,task
Segregated education in post-conflict Bosnia and the possibilities of future conflicts in Europe (GATED)

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: Social Sciences and Humanities
Countries involved: Ireland,United States
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-GF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2015, 2015)
Start date: 2016-10-01
End date: 2019-09-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 248063.4
EU funding (EUR): 248063.4
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

The aim of this Fellowship is to provide Dr Maja Halilovic-Pastuovic with advanced interdisciplinary training and new skills and experience in order to enhance her innovative and creative potential, increase her knowledge base, expand her career possibilities and enable her to reach professional maturity commensurate with a leading researcher in the EU. The remit of the Fellowship falls under the categories of transformation of societies, interethnic relations, and education: systems and institutions. The researcher will be based for two years at the Josef Korbel School, University of Denver, working under the supervision of Professor Timothy Sisk. The return phase of the Fellowship will be completed in the Irish School of Ecumenics at Trinity College Dublin under the supervision of Prof Etain Tannam. Research training will be implemented through an interdisciplinary project investigating segregated education in Bosnia and Herzegovina and security in Europe. The specific aim of the project is to investigate if segregated education in post-conflict societies causes radicalisation of youth and increases the possibilities of future conflicts. The Researcher is a trained sociologist and the exposure to the University of Denver whose expertise lies in the field of international relations and political science, and to Trinity College Dublin where expertise is focused on peace studies, will provide the researcher with interdisciplinary training necessary for advancement of her career and the success of the project. The resources of the two host institutions will facilitate the development of an international academic network, as well as career mentoring, and will firmly establish the researcher at the centre of the transnational interdisciplinary nexus addressing the challenge of European security.

Keywords: conflict,post conflict societies,segregated education,bosnia and herzegovina
A WORLD WITHOUT SCARS: Regenerating wounded skin rather than patching with scars (ScarLessWorld)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing
Panel description: Organ and tissue physiology, comparative physiology, physiology of ageing, pathophysiology, interorgan and tissue communication, endocrinology, nutrition, metabolism, interaction with the microbiome, non-communicable diseases including cancer (and except disorders of the nervous system and immunity-related diseases)
Countries involved: Germany
Call: ERC Consolidator Grant (ERC-2018-COG, 2018)
Start date: 2019-04-01
End date: 2024-03-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1997890.0
EU funding (EUR): 1997890.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Scars are a mystery. They rarely develop in lower vertebrates, where the norm is a complete regeneration of damaged tissues, but are frequent in mammals including humans. Scar phenotypes depend on different injury types, anatomic locations, age, gender and species. The natural diversity of scars includes rare cases, where damaged tissues regenerate without scarring. The scar/regeneration decision remains unresolved and scar prevention is a clinical challenge. Current research has been held up by conceptual and operational bottlenecks. The current conceptual notion comes from experiments showing that scarring depends on the internal environment of the injured organ. I challenged this notion by uncovering specialized fibroblast cell lineages that regenerate connective tissues without scars, anywhere, anytime. My hypothesis is that the decision to scar/regenerate lies in the compositions of specific fibroblast types. To further study this theory I had to resolve a second bottleneck, the current lack of assays that display the full complexity of scarring and regeneration. I have thus developed innovative technological approaches (four novel tools) that allow whole-animal live imaging, tracking and gene modification of fibroblasts. Building on these innovative tools and my expertise in cell lineages as linchpins of this proposal, I aim to: (1) catalogue the repertoires of dermal fibroblast lineages, (2) image their dynamics during scarring/regeneration (3) identify the decision-making genes for scarring/regeneration in actual skin tissues, and finally (4) translate our findings from mouse to human skin. This new notion that specialized fibroblast lineages drive scarring/regeneration, combined with the technology breakthroughs, will greatly advance our current understanding of scar formation, which is a significant worldwide biomedical problem, creating new research avenues for regenerative medicine far beyond the current state-of-the-art.

Keywords: regeneration,scars
Sub-Poissonian Photon Gun by Coherent Diffusive Photonics (PhoG)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)
Theme: EIC Pathfinder
Destination: Tackling grand interdisciplinary science and technology challenges
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Germany,Switzerland,Belarus,United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Call: FET Flagship on Quantum Technologies (H2020-FETFLAG-2018-03, 2018)
Start date: 2018-10-01
End date: 2022-03-31
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2761866.25
EU funding (EUR): 2761866.25
Participants: 5
Project status: CLOSED

The goal of the project is to deliver deterministic compact sources of highly non-classical states, from sub-Poissonian light to multi-mode entanglement, all utilizing a solitary technological platform. The project will build their working prototypes and develop the technology foundation for applications of these sources in an advanced optical imaging and metrology. The proposed sources will be based on a novel paradigm in photonic devices: diffusive coherent photonics operating with dissipatively coupled photonic circuits. The project will demonstrate that light can flow diffusively retaining coherence and even entanglement, be effectively equalized, distributed in a controlled way or even localized in perfectly periodic structures by means of dissipative coupling. Such unique light propagation regimes will be realized with the help of a photonic analogue of a tight-binding lattice using coupled waveguide networks in linear and non-linear glass materials. These coherent photonic devices will be fabricated by ultrafast laser inscription, and the dissipative coupling implemented by mutually coupling each pair of waveguides in the chain to a linear arrangement of waveguides. Efficient quantum diagnostics methods will be developed to verify the source characteristics and to assess their technological readiness. We expect coherent diffusive photonic devices to find applications in photonic networks and in a range of metrology tasks, potentially also for simulations of complex quantum dynamics. The project goal thus is: 1) to implement a family of compact sub-Poissonian photon guns, capable of robust generation of mesoscopic non-classical and entangled states; 2) to perform a feasibility study of their applications in entanglement-enhanced imaging and atomic clocks aiming at the 2 times better clock frequency stability.
Peering through the East Antarctic Ice Sheet to reveal geology, crustal architecture and tectonic influences on ice sheet dynamics (REVEAL)

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: Environment and Geosciences
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2014, 2014)
Start date: 2015-05-18
End date: 2017-05-17
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 183454.8
EU funding (EUR): 183454.8
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Although East Antarctica is regarded as a keystone in the Rodinia and Gondwana supercontinents and is a pivotal component of the global climatic system it remains the least known continent on Earth. With REVEAL we aim to unveil the crustal structure, tectonic architecture and evolution of several major frontier regions in East Antarctica. The project will also address large-scale geological controls on bedrock topography, subglacial hydrology and ice sheet dynamics. Our models and interpretations of potential field data will enable us test several hypotheses regarding the effects of collision, accretion and rifting on East Antarctica. This has significant implications for comprehending the impact of supercontinental assembly and break up on the structure and evolution of East Antarctica. Using state of the art three dimensional modelling, we will obtain an enhanced understanding of intraplate mountain building in the enigmatic Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains region. This is highly significant, as these mountains were critical for East Antarctic Ice Sheet development. The enhanced knowledge of subglacial geology that will derive from our analyses of the Recovery Frontier and Wilkes Land will facilitate new assessments of the influence of geological boundary conditions on the dynamics and the stability of these potentially more vulnerable marine-based parts of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. The REVEAL project has a strong international dimension and will deliver several high-profile publications and dissemination activities. It will provide unique and timely training and career development opportunities for the experienced researcher.

Keywords: east antarctica,magnetic and gravity anomalies,imaging and modelling,collision and rifting,mountain building,supercontinental assembly and break up,ice sheet dynamics
Cities in Global Financial Networks: Financial and Business Services and Development in the 21st Century (CityNet)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: The Social World and Its Diversity
Panel description: Sociology, social psychology, social anthropology, education sciences, communication studies
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: ERC Consolidator Grant (ERC-2015-CoG, 2015)
Start date: 2016-08-01
End date: 2022-07-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1929306.0
EU funding (EUR): 1929306.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Financial and business services (FABS), including law, accounting, and business consulting, have been one of the most dynamic sectors of the world economy, with a fivefold rise in real value added since 1980. Although FABS are central to the processes of globalisation, financialisation, urbanisation and development, our understanding of the sector in the context of tumultuous changes of the early 21st century is partial. How have the FABS firms and centres been affected by the global financial crisis and the Eurozone crisis? How are they changing in response to new financial regulation, the expected shift of economic activity to the Asia-Pacific region, and the digital revolution? What are the impacts of FABS on urban, regional, and global development? We urgently need groundbreaking frontier research to better understand the nature and dynamics of FABS, and their implications. This project is designed to address this challenge by focusing on three objectives: mapping the FABS sector and its transactional networks worldwide; analysing strategies of FABS firms, as well as policies towards FABS and their institutional environments in cities; explaining the impacts of FABS, their strategies, and place-specific factors on growth, stability, and inequality at urban, regional, national and global level. In doing so, we will develop a new theoretical framework, called the Global Financial Networks, which positions FABS and their networks in the broader economy. Using a mixed-methods approach, we will document the development of FABS and their consequences, cutting through the hype of financial centre indices, and through the fog of ideologically charged debates on the virtues and vices of the financial sector. One of the outcomes of the project will be the world’s first ever atlas of finance. The project will provide a robust evidence base crucial in shaping future rounds of investment by and in FABS, and policies towards FABS by governments and other organisations.

Keywords: globalisation,financial centres,business services