Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
MXene Nanosheets For Future Optoelectronic Devices (MXTRONICS)

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: Physics
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2020-11-01
End date: 2022-10-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 224933.76
EU funding (EUR): 224933.76
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

MXenes, a new family of transition metal-based 2D materials, have garnered a lot of interest due to their intriguing properties and potential in many applications. Recently, they have exhibited impressive optical properties such as broadband absorption and surface plasmon excitations, underlining their potential for photonic and plasmonic devices. At this early stage of development, large scale synthesis and processing of MXenes is lagging behind other 2D materials, leaving the opportunities for optoelectronic applications nearly uncharted. Therefore, this project proposes to investigate using MXenes for optoelectronic memory applications. In particular, the project proposes three main activities that capitalise on the strength of experienced researcher and the host research group (Prof. Andre Geim) in 2D material synthesis and optoelectronic devices: (1) development of processes to synthesise new MXenes, (2) development of doping strategies to functionalise MXenes and (3) development of optoelectronic memory device for image capture, where plasmonic and photosensitivity of MXenes will be exploited. The synthesised MXenes will be characterised using various advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. The result of the proposed project will be transformational functionalities with orders of magnitude improvement in terms of large scale preparation of 2D MXenes with controllable functionalisation and beyond. The success of this project will make a substantial contribution to one of the European Union main concerns on developing nanotechnologies and advanced materials. Overall this proposed multidisciplinary project brings benefits to both the applicant and the host institution (University of Manchester) in terms of mutual knowledge transfer, joint publications, new collaborations and networking activities and personal career development of the researcher as well as increased public awareness about research resulting from ambitious outreach program.

Keywords: two dimensional materials,mxenes,functionalization,thin films,optoelectronics,nanoplasmonics,flexible electronics
A pan-cancer diagnostic platform based on nanobiotechnology and machine learning for simple and accessible early cancer detection (Metachip)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Innovation in SMEs
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: SME instrument (H2020-SMEInst-2018-2020-1, 2018)
Start date: 2019-02-01
End date: 2019-05-31
Duration (months): 4.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cancer is the second highest cause of death in the EU, with more than 1.3 million deaths attributable to cancer each year. Early detection of cancer is crucial to increasing the chances of survival for patients. For example, the average cancer survival rate is 83% when caught early and only 17% when diagnosed at an advanced stage. This is compounded by the difficulty and expense of screening for early stage cancers. Beyond expensive and specialist whole body imaging techniques such as MRI, there is still no commercially available general test for detecting any type of cancer before symptoms present themselves. Staggeringly, 52% of cancer deaths are due to a lack of preventative tests. Metachip, from ConquerX, is a revolutionary pan-cancer diagnostic platform that enables early-stage detection of the 10 most common types of cancer from a single, simple blood test. The platform consists of a reading device, disposable chips coated with a proprietary nanocomposite, and a diagnostic software suite powered by cutting edge artificial intelligence. The Metachip test is cost effective, fast (one hour to results), and does not require specialist analytical techniques or lab facilities. By delivering the Metachip platform, ConquerX aim to make early-stage detection of cancer available to every hospital in the EU and worldwide. During the phase 1 feasibility study, ConquerX will establish a sound go-to-market strategy and supply chain, and will draft further development plans. During the second phase of the innovation project, ConquerX will optimise the diagnostic platform, scale-up manufacturing, perform clinical validation activities with partner hospitals and gain regulatory approval.

Keywords: early stage cancer detection,diagnostic platform,nanobiotechnology,machine learning,molecular biosensors
Development of all thin-film PERovskite on CIS TANDem photovoltaics (PERCISTAND)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Secure, clean and efficient energy
Theme: Low-cost, low-carbon energy supply
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Germany,Australia,Germany,Germany,Switzerland,Belgium,Belgium,Switzerland,Belgium,France,France,United States,Netherlands
Call: Developing the next generation of renewable energy technologies (H2020-LC-SC3-2019-RES-TwoStages, 2019)
Start date: 2020-01-01
End date: 2023-06-30
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5055821.41
EU funding (EUR): 4997437.5
Participants: 13
Project status: SIGNED

A realistic approach to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) devices above the Shockley-Queisser single-junction limit is the construction of tandem devices. PERCISTAND focuses on the development of advanced materials and processes for all thin film perovskite on chalcogenide tandem devices. This tandem configuration is at an early stage of development today. The PERCISTAND emphasis is on 4-terminal tandem solar cell and module prototype demonstration on glass substrates, but also current- and voltage-matched 2-terminal proof-of-concept device structures are envisaged. Key research activities are the development and optimization of top wide band gap perovskite and bottom low band gap CuInSe2 devices, suitable transparent conductive oxides, and integration into tandem configurations. The focus is on obtaining high efficiency, stability and large-area manufacturability, at low production cost and environmental footprint. Efficiency target is 30 % at cell level, and 25 % at module level. Reliability and stability, tested in line with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, must be similar as commercially available PV technologies. High manufacturability means that all technologies applied are scalable to 20×20 cm2, using sustainable and low-cost materials and processes. The cost and environmental impact will be assessed in line with International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and must be competitive with existing commercial PV technologies. Such a tandem device significantly outperforms not only the stand-alone perovskite and chalcogenide devices, but also best single-junction silicon devices. The development will be primarily on glass substrates, but also applicable to flexible substrates and thus interesting for building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solutions, an important market for thin film PV. Hence, the outcome has high potential to strengthen and regain the EU leadership in thin film PV research and manufacturing.

Keywords: perovskite,chalcogenide,tandem
Co-production of Climate Services for East Africa (CONFER)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Climate action, environment,  resource efficiency and raw materials
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Germany,South Africa,Norway,Norway,Kenya,United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Call: Human dynamics of climate change (H2020-LC-CLA-2019-2, 2019)
Start date: 2020-09-01
End date: 2024-08-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 6999177.5
EU funding (EUR): 6999177.5
Participants: 9
Project status: SIGNED

CONFER is a multi-national collaboration to bolster resilience to climate impacts and reduce disaster risk in East Africa, potentially reaching 365 million people in eleven countries. Our main objective is to co-develop dedicated climate services for the water, energy and food security sectors with stakeholders and end-users, to enhance their ability to plan for and adapt to seasonal climate fluctuations. The scientific work in CONFER is ambitious and aims to break new ground along three inter-related tracks. First, we will secure end-user engagement by using the Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Fora, which are held three times per year and attract about 200 stakeholders, as platforms for co-production of new and dedicated climate services for our focus sectors. By fostering a two-way dialogue between our scientists and a large group of stakeholders and end-users, we will create enthusiasm and raise awareness to ensure that the value of our new science and products is fully realized by those who need them the most. Second, we will improve on the accuracy and local detail of numerical prediction model outputs for East Africa, with a particular focus on seasonal prediction. Third, we will develop statistical and machine learning tools to obtain a new level of seasonal forecast skill based on numerical models and high-resolution satellite data. We will also involve our scientific experts in a large training and capacity development programme designed to enhance climate information uptake in our focus sectors. Our research and outreach address important IPCC topics, the sustainable development goals, and the expected impacts in the call for proposals. We will aim to influence policymaking through frequent interaction with stakeholders at the climate outlook fora, by publishing policy briefs, and by organizing an open conference on climate services in Africa.

Keywords: co production,downscaling,climate adaptation,machine learning,energy,water,food security,climate services
Imaging nucleic acid metabolism in cells (INAME)

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: Chemistry
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2014, 2014)
Start date: 2016-01-04
End date: 2018-01-03
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 195454.8
EU funding (EUR): 195454.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In this project I, Pawan Kumar, a Nucleic Acid Chemist seek to team up with a pioneer in Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Biology (Professor Tom Brown) to carry out a highly interdisciplinary study at the University of Oxford to obtain deeper insights into DNA and RNA synthesis and metabolism in living cells and its application to cancer research. I propose to detect and quantify nucleic acid synthesis in proliferating cells by fluorescence without the requirement for toxic metal ions or antibodies. Earlier known methods such as [3H]thymidine and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine labelling are either slow and labour intensive or require the use of harsh conditions. Incorporation of 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine into newly synthesized DNA and its subsequent detection with an azide derivative of a fluorescent dye under copper catalyzed alkyne azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction conditions presents a better alternative. However, cytotoxicity of copper salts restricts its use for living cells. I will use the strain promoted alkyne azide cycloaddition reaction, Diels-Alder reaction, and inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction to study cellular DNA and RNA. None of these reactions require the use of toxic metal salts. I will develop the conditions under which both DNA and RNA will be stable, so that it will be possible to isolate intact fluorescent nucleic acids from cells for detailed analysis. I will prepare the modified nucleosides and use them to label newly synthesized DNA and RNA in cells enabling their detection by reaction with fluorophores by using metal free click ligation reactions. The study will provide a better understanding of the mechanisms regulating DNA replication and the interplay between transcription and DNA replication. In the project I will develop techniques to provide information on the toxic effect of antimetabolites used commonly in anti-cancer therapies, and for identifying the mechanisms of viral replication and understanding the viral life cycle.

Keywords: cell biology,cancer biology,dna and rna biosynthesis,cell proliferation,dna fiber staining,metal free click ligation reactions
Role of a novel proteasome-associated DUB – A boon for therapeutics (DUBs26S)

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: Israel
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2016, 2016)
Start date: 2017-11-01
End date: 2019-10-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 182509.2
EU funding (EUR): 182509.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Clearing-up old or redundant proteins is essential for cells to live; this job is largely done by 26S Proteasome. The multisubunit complex – 26S Proteasome – is extraordinarily conserved throughout all eukaryotic phyla, in terms of subunit composition and overall structure. However, in preparation of this research proposal, the Researcher found a novel association of 26S proteasome with a clinically important deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), USP9X. In a subset of proteasome purified from human tissue by the Researcher, USP9X was in fact the major DUB replacing commonly reported enzymes (USP14, UCH-L5). This finding shatters the notion of proteasome as a static, fixed, complex, and opens up the search for expanded spheres of interaction. The crux of this MSC-IF action is the reciprocal relationship between 26S proteasome and USP9X. Using myriad experimental tools at his disposal, the Researcher proposes to unravel how this novel association tweaks each of their respective enzymatic properties. Incorporation of USP9X may alter substrate specificity and processivity of proteasome, as well as its own enzymatic properties. Even in the immediate term, this proposal will realign research efforts – both basic and applicative – towards USP9X as the new drugable target in the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This new enzymatic active site on proteasome complexes will instigate investigation into the cause of USP9X in neurodegeneration and various cancers. This MSCA-IF fits current European challenges to increase healthy life span by proposing strategies for drug design against DUBs of clinical relevance. Two host labs are committed to provide the Researcher with the best training and support to bring his research to fruition and embark his independent career. Novel experimental findings embellished with new technical competencies and networking experience ensures the Researcher’s future career goals.

Keywords: ubiquitin,26s proteasome,deubiquitinase enzymes,dubs,protein protein interaction,cancer,neuronal differentiation,small molecule inhibitors
Lab-on-Skin: A wearable medical device for improved clinical trial monitoring (Lab-on-Skin)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Innovation in SMEs
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call: SME instrument (H2020-SMEInst-2018-2020-1, 2018)
Start date: 2018-05-01
End date: 2018-10-31
Duration (months): 6.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The high costs and long timelines associated with drug development are a major burden to society. The healthcare industry is increasingly looking for systems and processes to reduce the costs of developing and testing new drugs. Commercial wearable medical devices have recently found their ways into clinical trials, with pharma companies looking for new tools to monitor patients enrolled in clinical trials. Although such wearables can track a plethora of patient parameters and offer advantages that stand to improve the way in which clinical trials are designed and conducted, they only measure physical parameters of patients and fail to measure biochemical parameters that are directly relevant to drug development (biomarkers). Xsensio has leveraged the most advanced innovations from the fields of nanotechnology, biochemistry, and microfluidics to develop its proprietary Lab-on-Skin™ platform. At its core, the Lab-on-Skin™ platform contains an innovative functionalized sensor chip that is capable of measuring biomarkers in sweat. With the remote, continuous, and real-time monitoring of biomarkers, ultra-low power consumption, and optimized design for mass-production, the Lab-on-Skin™ platform is highly attractive for integration into wearable devices for 24/7 monitoring of patients. In this project, Xsensio will perform a feasibility study to (1) select a panel of biomarkers that maximize the (clinical) applications of the Lab-on-Skin™ platform, (2) obtain quantitative and qualitative market data, (3) construct roadmaps for navigating the regulatory landscape, (4) strengthen and expand its current IP position, and (5) consolidate all current and future findings into a business plan.

Keywords: nanosensors,wearable medical devices,non invasive disease biomarker monitoring in sweat,smart sensors,smart wearable technology,mhealth
European Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage Laboratory Infrastructure (ECCSEL)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Research Infrastructures
Theme: Research infrastructures
Destination: Development and infrastructures
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Spain,Italy,Italy,Switzerland,Norway,Greece,Poland,Poland,France,Netherlands,United Kingdom
Call: Individual implementation and operation of ESFRI projects (H2020-INFRADEV-1-2015-1, 2015)
Start date: 2015-09-01
End date: 2017-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3252279.6
EU funding (EUR): 3252279.0
Participants: 16
Project status: CLOSED

ECCSEL aims at gaining recognition as a world-class research infrastructure based within leading European Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) institutions and knowledge centres. It will be due for registration in 2015, forming a legal entity allocating efforts and resources to selected scientific and technological aspects of the CCS chain. ECCSEL will enable high-ranking researchers and scientists from all regions of Europe (and from third countries) to access state-of-the-art research facilities to conduct advanced technological research actions relevant to CCS. The proposed project aims to : • implement ECCSEL as a not-for-profit organisation consistent with the European Research Infrastructure Consortium legal framework ; • initiate operations of ECCSEL as a world-class CCS research infrastructure in accordance with the principles developed during the preparatory phase; • develop the research infrastructure to an upgraded common standard in terms of quality of services, management and access provision;

Keywords: research infrastructure,carbon capture and storage,esfri
Upcycling plastic wastes: biopolymers for a circular economy (BIOP)

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: Chemistry
Countries involved: Spain
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2020, 2020)
Start date: 2021-09-01
End date: 2023-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 160932.48
EU funding (EUR): 160932.48
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

BIOP aims to address one of the most critical environmental issues derived from human activities, plastic wastes. Far from having a suitable alternative to palliate their impact and promote their recyclability, the emerged pandemic alarm associated to the fast coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading worsens detrimentally the scenario. Disposable Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) used by healthcare professionals produces vast quantities of plastic waste, being worthwhile to develop biodegradable PPE for the future, which would allow alternative ways to process this waste. In addition, it is reasonably urgent to propose an efficient alternative to handle the giant amount of non-biodegradable plastics already generated (mainly protective suits, boot covers and single-use gloves). The project focuses mostly on single-use polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) recycling into lighter value-added molecules (upcycling) that can be used as building blocks to synthetize new biobased polymeric units, in combination with specific biomass-derived platform chemicals such as 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Hence, going through the plastics to bioplastics concept, the project’s guiding light is the joint valorization of plastic and biomass wastes to finally produce BIOPolymers, approach that add value to both wastes thus paving the way towards a circular economy. With this purpose, the project’s specific challenges concerns 1) PE/PP conversion to lower molecular weight alkenes through the development of specific processes and highly selective catalysts, 2) 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF, biomass platform molecule) transformation to FDCA over the new designed and optimized catalysts and 3) joint conversion of alkenes (derived from plastics) and HMF (one-pot oxidation) thus allowing cost savings and technologies coupling.

Keywords: wastes upcycling,biomass valorisation