Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Building models of fusion-driven sarcomas via cell fate engineering (EngineeringSARCOMAs)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Postdoctoral Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Life Sciences
Countries involved: Austria
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023 (HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01, 2023)
Start date: 2024-05-01
End date: 2026-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 183600.96
EU funding (EUR): 183600.96
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

One of the unsolved problems in cancer biology is why and how do certain oncogenic driver genes promote cancer in one cellular context but not in another. This project focuses on fusion oncogenes relevant to sarcomas, which are sarcoma type-specific and tumorigenic only in certain cellular states. By combining cell fate engineering of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) with forced expression of sarcoma-linked fusions, I will systematically probe the cellular contexts and molecular mechanisms of fusion-driven sarcomagenesis, with the prospect of building novel disease models that could be used for testing new therapies. I hypothesize that fusion-driven sarcomas emerge from the combination of an oncogenic fusion protein and a cell-of-origin that is defined by a characteristic state prone to transformation. I will investigate the interplay between a specific cellular context and the activity of a particular fusion and whether a permissive cellular context is sufficient for fusions to execute their tumorigenic programs. I will pursue a “build it to understand it” approach and construct sarcoma models starting from hPSCs inducible for the expression of five sarcoma-linked fusions respectively. I will validate these models against single-cell and spatial maps of sarcoma tumors available in the host lab. I will exploit two complementary approaches for creating cells permissive to different fusion oncogenes: i. Programmed differentiation of hPSCs with precise molecular intervention in vitro (Objective 1); ii. Genetically engineered teratomas that could allow for full in vivo modeling of sarcomas (Objective 2). Alignment with the call: Innovative, collaborative, multidisciplinary project expected to qualify the applicant for a principal investigator position and an ERC starting grant. Candidate is promising early career female scientist moving from Italy to Austria. The candidate will bring her knowledge and new possible collaborations to the host lab.

Keywords: pediatric sarcomas,disease modeling,transcription regulation,oncogenic fusion proteins,stem cell biology,crispr screening,single cell sequencing
Continual and Sequential Learning for Artificial Intelligence (ConSequentIAL)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Computer Science and Informatics
Panel description: Informatics and information systems, computer science, scientific computing, intelligent systems
Countries involved: Germany
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2024-STG, 2024)
Start date: 2025-10-01
End date: 2030-09-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1259375.0
EU funding (EUR): 1259375.0
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

Machine Learning systems, while promising, lack the autonomy needed for many real-world applications beyond mere proof-of-concept stages. The key challenge lies in enabling AI to continuously adapt to shifting data distributions and proactively seek information under high uncertainty. Fields such as drug discovery and micro-chemistry are expecting breakthroughs from AI, given the vast and intricate search spaces they deal with, coupled with expensive data acquisition. It is vital for algorithms to steer this search, assimilate new data, and strategically explore promising zones. Reinforcement Learning (RL) offers tools and methods for agents to autonomously learn from their actions, but its efficacy has been largely confined to stationary, single-task settings. ConSequentIAL's vision is a Continual and Sequential Learning AI that marries supervised and unsupervised learning with advanced data gathering and RL-driven discovery mechanisms. To achieve these goals, I propose to bridge the theory of constrained and non-stationary RL to build a sound and useful mathematical formulation of the problem. On these new solid grounds, I develop novel algorithmic principles that allow the agent to detect and respond to external shifts, while remaining aware of her own impact on the system she interacts with. I address the memory-versus-stability trade-off central to continual learning by enabling agents to actively plan their skill acquisition in accordance with their long-term goals. The ambition of this project is to position AI to tackle the consequential scientific challenges ahead.

Keywords: reinforcement learning,learning theory,continual learning,lifelong learning
Agent-based models minimizing carbon usage in flexible and efficient future integrated steelworks (AgiFlex)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Programme: Digital, Industry and Space
Theme: Industry
Destination: Climate neutral, Circular and Digitised Production
Action type: Innovation actions
Partnership: Clean Steel (co-programmed)
Countries involved: Finland,Germany,Italy,Netherlands
Call: Low carbon-dioxide emission technologies for melting iron-bearing feed materials OR smart carbon usage and improved energy & resource efficiency via process integration (Clean Steel Partnership) (IA) (HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01, 2023)
Start date: 2023-12-01
End date: 2028-11-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5203182.5
EU funding (EUR): 4691795.0
Participants: 5
Project status: SIGNED

To curtail CO2 emissions, many changes of steel production chains are needed. Investments have to be planned while future framework conditions are unknown. The increasing replacement of fossil sources with intermittent renewable energy (in particular H2) will increase fluctuations in energy availability and prices. Injecting H2-rich gases in the BF and replacing a BF with DR-EAF significantly affect the site-wide gas supply. Process integration will need re-optimisation, in particular with respect to gas and energy flows. Current ICT tools are not able to address these new tasks due to lack of flexibility and optimisation capability. These challenges are addressed in AgiFlex, which exploits a highly innovative multi-agent approach for production and energy management on a completely new level. This tool monitors and controls processes, conditions and resources and optimises process integration and gas and energy flows along the complete steel production chain. AgiFlex develops digital twins for existing and new production steps and couples them into a framework for holistic optimization. The new system is demonstrated as “digital AgiFlex plant“ at two industrial sites in TRL 7 and is thoroughly verified with existing data and tools. By this, it will immediately decrease the carbon footprints. Scenarios for future framework conditions (e.g., availability and costs of renewable energies, future plant states) are studied with the new ICT tool and different options for injection, utilisation, recycling or export of gases are assessed considering process needs, safety issues and economic aspects. Decarbonisation strategies with optimised process integration are derived for different steps of plant transition to low carbon technologies. This includes also possible control measures for demand-side response. The easy and flexible transfer of the modular tool to other plants will be proven, supported by intensive communication and dissemination actions.

Keywords: co2 emission mitigation,decarbonisation,process integration,agent based optimization
Active regulation of growth and division controls the spatio-temporal organization of living organisms (GrowDiv)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Postdoctoral Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Physics
Countries involved: Germany
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 (HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01, 2024)
Start date: 2025-10-01
End date: 2027-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 202125.12
EU funding (EUR): 202125.12
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Biological systems such as developing organisms, growing tissues, or expanding bacterial biofilms depend on two key processes—cell division and growth. While division increases cell numbers, growth enlarges individual cells. These active processes shape large-scale properties such as division waves, mechanical state transitions, ordered spatial arrangements, and cell size regulation. Though division and growth are often coupled, they can also operate independently, complicating their influence on tissue mechanics and organization. For example, spatially coordinated division and its role in pattern formation have been underexplored, especially in particle-based models that account for individual cell dynamics. This project, GrowDiv, focuses on understanding how biological systems with uncoupled division and growth achieve robust spatial and temporal organization. Working closely with experimentalists studying the self-organization of Xenopus laevis embryo cytoplasm, I will use a numerical particle-based model to investigate the impact of growth and division timescales on three major transitions: (i) from steady division waves to chaotic dynamics, (ii) from fluid to solid-like states, and (iii) from ordered spatial arrangements to disordered configurations. In particular, I will simulate how independent growth and division lead to stable organization, comparing theoretical predictions to experimental results on cytoplasmic dynamics and microtubule asters. The project will reveal how large-scale biological self-organization emerges from the intricate interplay between division and growth, providing deeper insights into early embryogenesis and the mechanical properties of living systems.

Keywords: oscillating active matter,synchronization,tissue mechanics,pattern formation,active glasses
Next Generation Polymyxin Antibiotics: Optimization and Validation (NOVA)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: ERC actions
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call: ERC PROOF OF CONCEPT GRANTS2 (ERC-2022-POC2, 2022)
Start date: 2022-11-01
End date: 2024-04-30
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 150000.0
EU funding (EUR): 150000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In the NOVA ERC PoC project, we present a novel class of semi-synthetic polymyxins as an innovative solution to address the inherent toxicity of the polymyxins family of antibiotics. We here disclose the first candidate compounds of this novel family of antibiotics with potential for use as front-line treatment for multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. Due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a resurgence in the use of polymyxin antibiotics has occurred over the last decade, despite the well characterised and dose-limiting nephrotoxicity associated with these compounds. Though designated as last-resort antibiotics due to these side effects, the ongoing rise of AMR is forcing clinicians to rely on unsafe antibiotics such as the polymyxins. Increased polymyxin use results in risks for patients and pressure on healthcare systems. Our novel semi-synthetic polymyxins have best-in-class potential given their significantly improved safety profile and offer a superior alternative to current last-resort anti-Gram-negative antibiotics. Succinctly, the next generation polymyxins we have developed offer key advantages over current last-resort antibiotics: (i) reduced nephrotoxic side effects, (ii) effectiveness against multi-resistant strains with negligible resistance induction, and (iii) ability to be produced at low cost. Moreover, our robust semisynthetic approach will allow us to generate additional analogues in the future. In NOVA, we will explore the technical and commercial potential of our next generation polymyxins. Specifically, we will validate the first candidate compounds and perform preliminary preclinical toxicity studies in vivo. In parallel, we will evaluate the commercial feasibility of the next generation polymyxins. This entails analysing the market and (existing and emerging) competitors, as well as the IP position and strategy. By the end of the project, we will consolidate the project outcomes in an investor-ready business plan.
Circular Economy for the Sustainable Earth Spheres- Geosphere, Biosphere, Hydrosphere & Atmosphere (ECOSPHERE)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Co-funding of regional, national and international programmes
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Countries involved: Türkiye,Austria,Spain,Romania,Sweden,Hungary,Ireland,Greece,Cyprus,Belgium
Call: MSCA COFUND 2022 (HORIZON-MSCA-2022-COFUND-01, 2022)
Start date: 2024-01-01
End date: 2028-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2292480.0
EU funding (EUR): 2292480.0
Participants: 29
Project status: SIGNED

One of the main building blocks under the Green Deal policy is the “Circular Economy Action Plan” focusing on sustainable resource use, design and production for a circular economy, with the aim to ensure transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, ensuring economic growth while improving the well-being and health of citizens and future generations.Increasing the number of expert researchers and key profiles in the field of circular economy within the scope of the EU Green Deal is of great importance for the fulfilment of the determined policy objectives. ECO-SPHERE is a COFUND postdoctoral programme focusing on circular economy for sustainable product design and resource efficiency offering 24 postdoctoral fellowships of 24-months length in diligently designated research areas on eco-design, energy, water/wastewater, material recovery, waste management, economic policy, climate change, sustainability, and business models. ECO-SPHERE is coordinated by the Department of Environmental Engineering at Yildiz Technical University in collaboration with Dokuz Eylul University. The 5-year programme will be executed in a broad range of research areas incorporating circular economy weighing European Union Circular Economy Action Plan, European Green Deal, United Nations SDGs, and Paris Agreement. Circular economy studies for resource and energy-intensive sectors will be carried out in order to ensure sustainable development together with all stakeholders, in which People, Planet and Profit are handled in an integrated manner. ECO-SPHERE will concentrate on industries with high circularity potential such as electronics and information technology, automotive, packaging, plastics, textiles, construction, food, water, and energy. Moreover, ECO-SPHERE will have a human-centric approach and focus on empowering consumers and providing them with cost-saving opportunities, making circularity work for people and cities.

Keywords: circular economy,sustainability,carbon footprint,environmental management
Co-creating and Upscaling Sponge Landscapes by Working with Natural Water Retention and Sustainable Management (SpongeWorks)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Programme: Mission
Theme: Adaptation to climate change
Destination: Adaptation to climate change
Action type: Innovation actions
Countries involved: Germany,Netherlands,France,Greece,United Kingdom,Austria
Call: Mission Climate adaptation, Mission Ocean & waters and Mission Soil Deal for Europe – Joint demonstration of an integrated approach to increasing landscape water retention capacity at regional scale (HORIZON-MISS-2023-CLIMA-OCEAN-SOIL-01, 2023)
Start date: 2024-09-01
End date: 2028-08-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 15336781.25
EU funding (EUR): 14998925.0
Participants: 28
Project status: SIGNED

Floods and droughts put increasing pressure on the European society, with estimated annual damages from river flooding of €7.6 billion and drought-induced losses over €9 billion. Fostering sponge measures as nature-based solutions to boost the natural retention function of landscapes is promising but implementation must be rapidly upscaled and innovative approaches to increase the integration, involvement and cooperation of diverse actors from local to basin wide levels are urgently needed. SpongeWorks aims to demonstrate practical, effective, economically feasible and inclusive approaches and solutions towards enhancing the sponge functioning of interconnected groundwater, soil and surface water systems at regional scale. It applies an integrative multi-actor approach to demonstrate the effectiveness of multifunctional sponge measures for improved water and soil management for enhancing water retention in three large demonstrators in the Pinios (GR), Lèze (FR) and Vecht (NL/DE) river basins. In each demonstrator, SpongeWorks evaluates existing sponge measures, draws lessons-learned and best practices, and implements new sponge measures. The effectiveness of large-scale implementation is assessed to co-create long-term sponge strategies with action plans and roadmaps at landscape scale. Broad dissemination of best-practices, promotion of exemplary demonstration areas as lighthouses, and targeted replication in eight associated regions ensures long-lasting impact of this work. SpongeWorks contributes to transformative change of landscape management to ensure regions are more adapted and resilient to climate change impacts on soils, waters, habitats and biodiversity. By combining scientific excellence and practical know-how from established communities of practice, as well as facilitating mutual learning and sharing of successful strategies, SpongeWorks will catalyse a shift in the pace of implementation of sponge measures and strategies across Europe and beyond.

Keywords: co creation multi actor approach spatial planning,inclusive governance socio economic appraisal transformative change water quality biodiversity human well being
AQUAMON: Advanced QUAlity MOnitoring system of water in urbaN areas (AQUAMON)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Programme: Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment
Theme: Bio-Environment
Destination: Clean Environment and zero pollution
Action type: Innovation actions
Countries involved: Greece,Germany,United Kingdom,France,Netherlands,Portugal,Romania,Spain,Ukraine,Cyprus,Italy
Call: Holistic approaches for effective monitoring of water quality in urban areas (HORIZON-CL6-2024-ZEROPOLLUTION-02, 2024)
Start date: 2025-06-01
End date: 2028-11-30
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5735897.75
EU funding (EUR): 4835095.25
Participants: 16
Project status: SIGNED

Urban water pollution, resulting from rapid urbanisation, industrialization, and climate change, poses a significant threat to public health and environmental impact, compromising water quality. Specifically, water quality deterioration is linked to diffuse pollution from pollutant surface and groundwater bodies, disrupting biodiversity and the quality of aquatic ecosystems while exacerbating the global water crisis. Traditional urban water management plans do not include a holistic monitoring approach to address emerging water pollution ignoring important water pollution sources and pathways. Detecting, preventing, and responding timely to these threats can ensure the preservation of clean and safe water sources and work towards a resilient and sustainable water future across Europe that prioritises both public health and environmental well-being. By committing to the destination of a clean environment and zero pollution, AQUAMON aims to perform innovation activities towards: - Securing high-quality drinking water, - Integrating sewer and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) control, - Building a water-smart management system for bathing waters to provide informed and safe opportunities for bathing in urban recreational waters, - Restoring our oceans, seas, and river water bodies by deploying unmanned vehicles across the water surface, underwater, and air, - Enhance sustainability to elevate wastewater quality to reuse standards, - Improving urban water quality monitoring management plans and regulation shaping throughout the entire urban water cycle. Designed around the challenges of 8 representative use cases across Europe, AQUAMON will implement effective monitoring strategies to enhance the comprehension of diffuse and point sources of water pollution within a global and climate change context.

Keywords: computer and information science,catchment scale water management,hydrology,water and soil pollution,environmental health,autonomous robots,integrated management of water,8 pilot use cases
Italy for Artificial Intelligence (IT4LIA)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Programme: Digital, Industry and Space
Theme: Public-private partnerships
Destination: European High Performance Computing
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Partnership: EUROHPC (JU-JTI)
Countries involved: Italy
Call: Artificial Intelligence Factories (HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2025-AI-01-IBA, 2025)
Start date: 2025-04-01
End date: 2028-03-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 30000000.0
EU funding (EUR): 15000000.0
Participants: 13
Project status: SIGNED

IT4LIA AI Factory will act as a catalyst for the creation and growth of a more competitive AI ecosystem both in Italy and the EU, by leveraging on EUROHPC LEONARDO and TECNOPOLO BOLOGNA infrastructural assets and the rapidly growing AI national ecosystem. This proposal to establish a European AI Factory in Italy (equipped with an AI-optimized supercomputer) is crucial for nurturing and advancing the vision conceived in 2017, based on a collaborative strategy and a unified commitment at all government levels, including the Italian National Ministry of University and Research and the Emilia Romagna Regional Government, which led to the creation of Bologna Tecnopolo (a hub for supercomputing, big data processing, AI and quantum computing) and to the rapid growth of the national ecosystem. The strong support from the European Union EuroHPC played a key role in the success of this strategy.

Keywords: artificial intelligence,generative ai,high performance computing