Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Gaussian Processes. Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Nonlinear Social Science (NONLINEARSCIENCE)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: The Soci al World and Its Interactions
Panel description: Sociology, social psychology, education  sciences , communication  studies
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call: ERC CONSOLIDATOR GRANTS (ERC-2022-COG, 2022)
Start date: 2024-09-01
End date: 2029-08-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1999555.0
EU funding (EUR): 1999555.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Nonlinearity is ubiquitous in the social sciences. In cross-sectional research, nonlinearity naturally follows from the fact that variables often depend on human perception. The tendency to share fake news, for example, depends in a complex nonlinear manner on peoples’ personality and political preferences. In longitudinal research, nonlinearity follows from the fact that temporal social processes are nonstationary by nature. For instance, stressful life events (e.g., unemployment, pandemic) have a complex nonlinear impact on well-being over time. To study these nonlinear phenomena, much more data are needed than in linear analyses. Therefore, researchers increasingly rely on technological innovations to collect rich data, such as panel data via online surveys, experience sampling data via mobile apps, or temporal social network data using digital communication (e.g., email). In addition, prior information (e.g., from experts) is often available to inform us about plausible nonlinear shapes. A crucial problem is however that statistical approaches for learning nonlinearity still heavily rely on old-fashioned techniques which can only model simple (curvilinear) effects and are unable to include external prior information. Our understanding about nonlinear phenomena therefore remains limited. This project aims to resolve these shortcomings by developing cutting-edge methods for nonlinear social science using Bayesian Gaussian processes. With this nonparametric methodology, we can learn complex nonlinear shapes, add prior knowledge, and test nonlinear theories. Implementation in user-friendly software will ensure general utilization. Tailor-made extensions will be developed for cross-sectional data, panel data, experience sampling data, and temporal social network data. After this project, we will be able to truly understand complex nonlinear mechanisms, to learn how these unfold over time, and to make accurate predictions (e.g., of well-being after life events).

Keywords: bayesian statistics nonlinear social science life course sociology organizational sociology
Management at a distance (MANDIST)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Individuals, Markets and Organisations
Panel description: Economics, finance , management
Countries involved: Germany
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2023-STG, 2023)
Start date: 2024-06-01
End date: 2029-05-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1487141.0
EU funding (EUR): 1487141.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Multinationals (MNCs) are key drivers of economic growth, accounting for 33% of global output (OECD 2018). However, within MNCs, the economic performance of foreign affiliates declines markedly with distance from headquarters (HQ). This pattern implies the existence of frictions that restrict how much economic growth foreign direct investment (FDI) can generate in host countries. Understanding the underlying mechanisms has important implications for the economic benefits of FDI and FDI policy. Yet, they remain little understood. In this project, I propose a novel explanation: management problems at a distance. Management problems can be severe even in purely local settings (e.g., Gibbons and Roberts 2013). It is plausible that principal-agent (PA) problems between HQ and the foreign subsidiary manager rise disproportionately when different countries, cultures, languages, and institutions are involved. As previous research has been severely restricted by the scarcity of global organizational data on MNCs, so far, there exists no systematic evidence on PA problems within MNCs and how they can be resolved. I will focus on two solutions: the employment of foreign subsidiary managers that have a certain connection to HQ, and the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to improve monitoring problems. I have been able to identify several novel data sources that can be combined to create the first comprehensive datasets on managers and ICT use within multi-location firms in three historical and contemporaneous settings. Combined with innovative empirical approaches, this allows me to provide the first tests for the existence of PA problems within MNCs and study several channels through which PA problems can affect economic growth: managerial compensation, changes in risk-taking, and career incentives of middle managers. I will estimate how these channels affect the economic performance of subsidiaries, firms, and host economies.

Keywords: multinationals,ict,managers,family firms,productivity,principal agent problems,fdi,expat managers,firm organization
European Spectroscopy Laboratory to model the materials of the future (EUSpecLab)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Doctoral Networks
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Physics
Countries involved: France,Czechia,Belgium,Italy,Sweden,Denmark,Netherlands,Austria,Switzerland,Slovakia,Japan,Germany
Call: MSCA Doctoral Networks 2021 (HORIZON-MSCA-2021-DN-01, 2021)
Start date: 2022-09-01
End date: 2027-02-28
Duration (months): 54.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2836872.51
EU funding (EUR): 2719285.2
Participants: 27
Project status: SIGNED

The roadmap of the European Materials Modelling Council has identified a strong need in European industries for materials modelling, especially on the atomic, molecular and quantum level. A key bottleneck is the lack of scientists that can translate industrial problems into modelling strategies, to carry out simulations with the right tools, or to derive results of practical engineering value. EUSpecLab addresses this problem by training a new generation of innovative material scientists that will bridge the gap between industrial processes and theoretical understanding, and leverage novel informatics tools in artificial intelligence. EUSpecLab will train students in the theory, development and application of computer codes for the modelling of cutting-edge spectroscopies. Examples are the time and spin-resolved spectroscopies at the forefront of fundamental research in the characterization and designing of the new materials that will shape the future of our society. The results will be exploited using machine learning, to leverage first principles results and explore vast classes of materials. To provide beyond state-of-the-art training, EUSpecLab gathers the expertise of scientists in quantum physics/chemistry, in theory/ modelling and experimental methods, in computer science and artificial intelligence, in atomic and spin/time structure, working in academic laboratories and in companies involved in the making and modelling of materials. The students will become fluent with high-level programming, able to develop innovative computational approaches and software. With the involvement of the software or applied research companies, the Researchers will be exposed to the process of transforming research programs into professionally supported simulation platforms with applications to industrial problems.

Keywords: spectroscopy,machine learning,modelling,many body effects,software development
6G Integrated Sensing and Communication for Ubiquitous Wireless NeTworks (6G-SCOUT)

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: Information Science and Engineering
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 (HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01, 2024)
Start date: 2026-02-01
End date: 2028-07-31
Duration (months): 30.0
Total project cost (EUR): 345234.9
EU funding (EUR): 345234.9
Participants: 3
Project status: SIGNED

As we advance into the 5G networks era, emerging applications increasingly require enhanced broadband and seamless connectivity. While sub-6GHz-based conventional 5G networks offer temporary solutions, the need for greater bandwidth and advanced capabilities drives the development of millimeter-wave and Terahertz networks. These next-generation networks require precise environmental information for reliable communication, which can only be achieved by integrating wireless communication and wireless sensing technologies. Looking ahead, 6G networks are expected to go beyond simply increasing data rates and massive connectivity by merging wireless sensing and communication into a unified system, known as Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). 6G-SCOUT is leading this evolution by developing efficient ISAC systems for 6G wireless networks that seamlessly integrate communication and sensing functionalities. The project focuses on several key objectives to advance 6G technology. First, it will create a resource-efficient, sensing-assisted communication algorithm that evaluates sensing data from various network nodes, optimizing resource allocation to enhance sensing and communication performance. Second, 6G-SCOUT will develop a cooperative multi-band, multi-static sensing technique for localization and object recognition, using advanced machine learning (ML) and deep reinforcement learning tools. To ensure transparency and robustness of the proposed ML solutions, posthoc explainability techniques will be used. A crucial aspect of 6G-SCOUT is the practical validation of its algorithms and system designs using real-time software-defined radio (SDR) and multi-band testbed platforms. Lastly, with 6G standardization on the horizon, 6G-SCOUT will also promote European Union value-based techniques for 6G ISAC, building a strong stakeholder community through standardization efforts and widespread dissemination, ensuring a lasting impact on global wireless communication.

Keywords: integrated sensing and communication isac,6g,network sensing,explainable ai xai,software defined radios,testbed implementation
Computational Studies on Heterogeneous Astrocatalysis of Space-Abundant Transition Metals (CHAOS)

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: Chemistry
Countries involved: Spain,France
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2022 (HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01, 2022)
Start date: 2024-09-01
End date: 2026-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 165312.96
EU funding (EUR): 165312.96
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

The formation of Solar-like planetary systems is a complex process that goes through different steps, where not only physical changes occur but also an increasing of the molecular complexity. This gives rise to a rich chemical diversity and complexity of gas-phase molecular species in different astrophysical environments. However, not all the molecules observed can be formed at this state. The presence of interstellar grains (i.e., submicron-sized solid-state particles ubiquitously present in space) is especially important for the synthesis of molecules that would not form in the gas phase in the abundance required to satisfy observations. Interstellar grains are advocated to infer catalytic effects. However, such a “catalytic role” is associated with enhancing the encountering of the reactive species on the grain surface due to adsorption and diffusion, and the capability of the grains to dissipate the energy excess of largely exothermic reactions. In fact, state-of-the-art research on the field mainly focuses on the reactivity happening on the ices covering the grains and whose capability to reduce activation barriers is rather limited. Nevertheless, other materials beyond ices are also present in interstellar environments and can indeed exhibit catalytic properties. Refractory grains containing space abundant transition metals (such as Fe and Ni) are the perfect candidates to perform as heterogeneous catalysts. By using Fischer-Tropsch (CO + H2) and Haber-Bosch (N2 + H2) processes as model reactions and, by means of quantum chemical simulations, the project CHAOS will present for the first time a complete and deep description of the heterogeneous catalytic processes that can occur in the interstellar medium. The data obtained will go beyond representing the catalytic capacity of such materials in the outer space, it will be further used for predictive purposes as inputs in machine learning models.

Keywords: haber bosch,fischer tropsch,quantum chemistry,interstellar complex organic molecules icoms,surface chemistry,dust grains,machine learning,rrkm
Photonic Vector Network Analyzers (PhoVeNA)

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: Germany
Call: ERC PROOF OF CONCEPT GRANTS (ERC-2023-POC, 2023)
Start date: 2024-06-01
End date: 2025-11-30
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 150000.0
EU funding (EUR): 150000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

The deployment of 5G networks and the upcoming deployment of 6G in the next decade is essential to advance wireless communication for keeping pace with modern data hunger. 6G will incorporate first channels in the Terahertz domain (100 GHz -10 THz), however, terahertz technology in communication applications has a main bottle neck: the lack of powerful sources and versatile components. In order to engineer these towards maturity, sophisticated characterization tools are required to identify design flaws. The most prominent of these are Vector Network analyzers (VNAs) a class of systems currently dominated by electronics. Meanwhile, photonic technologies start to become competitive with established electronic technologies in the lower THz band and already excel beyond 1 THz in terms of dynamic range. Optical comb technologies enable frequency accuracy and stability beyond that of electronic systems, potentially at a fraction of the cost. This project aims for the development of two photonic prototype systems: (i) a photonic frequency extender for the WR10 band, compatible with electronic base band VNAs and (ii) a completely photonic VNA based on a frequency comb with a bandwidth of several THz, spectral purity better than that of electronic VNAs and seamless tunability over the whole range. The technology to be developed in this project will simplify characterizing devices over a larger frequency range at (much) lower cost, enabling large scale deployment of VNA systems. This will, in turn, foster development of Terahertz systems for further key applications besides communication, e.g. in spectroscopy, including medical applications, industrial-scale non-destructive testing and quality control as well as security.

Keywords: vector network analyzer,photonic system,photonic frequency extender,terahertz
CONNECTING VOLTAGE-GATED POTASSIUM CHANNELS TO TRANSCRIPTIONAL AND TRANSLATIONAL REGULATION (TRANSION)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Molecules of Life: B iological  Mechanisms , Structures  and Functions
Panel description: For all organisms : Molecular biology , biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biophysics , synthetic and chemical biology, drug design, innovative methods and modelling
Countries involved: Italy
Call: ERC ADVANCED GRANTS (ERC-2024-ADG, 2024)
Start date: 2025-10-01
End date: 2030-09-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2949476.0
EU funding (EUR): 2949476.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Potassium (K+) channels are found in the majority of cells in almost every organism, where they regulate a wide variety of physiological functions in response to environmental stimuli. The goal of TRANSION is to confirm our hypothesis that physical coupling between voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels in the Shaker-type (Kv1) family and specific transcription factors (TFs) provides a widespread signaling checkpoint that coordinates information from different stimuli and orchestrates appropriate transcriptional and translational responses. This ground-breaking program will reveal novel roles for ion channels in regulating signal transduction, changing the paradigm by which cells adjust transcriptional programs and protein translation in response to environmental change. The premise that TFs are directly regulated by their association with voltage-gated ion channels is unprecedented, and its verification will disclose unique roles for this important class of evolutionarily conserved K+ channels as well as these families of TFs that control physiologically and pathologically relevant processes. Gaining insight into the underlying mechanism may also lead to the development of innovative therapies against a number of pathologies, given that ion channels can be modulated by both inhibitors and activators at picomolar concentrations. By developing tools to probe the relevance of this novel signaling pathway, TRANSION will uncover mechanisms, identify players, and reveal structural information that will further our understanding of transcription and translation in vivo. It will also establish connections between different fields of research and provide a springboard to ask new questions. TRANSION will deliver a unifying conceptual framework to understand how ion channels can regulate protein translation.

Keywords: potassium ion channels,voltage sensing,proliferation,protein translation,stat transcription factors,cancer,imflammation
NexaSphere: NexGen 3D Networks Spin Harmonies across 6G, AI, and unified TN/NTN. (NexaSphere)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Programme: Digital, Industry and Space
Theme: Public-private partnerships
Destination: Smart Networks and Services
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Partnership: SNS (JU-JTI)
Countries involved: Germany,France,Ireland,Cyprus,Italy,Austria,Finland,Greece,United Kingdom
Call: Communication Infrastructure Technologies and Devices – Standardisation and Follow-up/PoCs (HORIZON-JU-SNS-2024, 2024)
Start date: 2025-01-01
End date: 2027-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 8559491.68
EU funding (EUR): 7997516.08
Participants: 18
Project status: SIGNED

The vision of NexaSphere is to create a system capable of facilitating a 3D network of networks. This framework seamlessly integrates multi-path transmission to enhance multi-connectivity in an energy-saving manner, bringing together spaceborne and airborne platforms with terrestrial infrastructure. The main goal is to deliver societal benefits to the future European landscape, with a particular focus on mobile transportation (including air mobility, railway, and automotive sectors), smart cities, and communities beyond the year 2030. NexaSphere's primary objective is to conceptualize and develop advanced hardware prototypes and software algorithms for a sustainable multi-connected 3D network. This network will integrate radio and wireless-optical technologies, and enabling network orchestration through AI-driven programmability. Additionally, NexaSphere aims to extend the edge-cloud continuum into space, creating a Radio & Wireless-Optical Connectivity Continuum from short-range to long-range. By integrating scalable simulation models in a hardware-in-the-loop approach and conducting in-lab and relevant environment validation, NexaSphere seeks to demonstrate proof-of-concept for this TN/NTN unified network architecture, targeting a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4-5. These demonstrations will showcase the benefits of the proposed architecture, particularly within the mobile transportation sector, covering aeronautics, railway, and automotive industries.

Keywords: unified tn ntn,sustainable networks,ai driven,wireless radio optical network,3d networks,multi connectivity,ntn antenna,edge cloud continuum,ai based resource management
Supramolecular organization and dynamics of presynaptic proteins (SOADOPP)

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: Germany
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2021 (HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01, 2021)
Start date: 2023-09-01
End date: 2025-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 189687.36
EU funding (EUR): 189687.36
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Since the prophetic vision of the German scientist Emil du Bois-Reymond in 1877 that put forward the hypothesis of the chemical nature of synaptic transmission, a large number of biochemical, genetic and neuro-physiological studies have revealed all the components that are involved in synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis. This complex action-potential-triggered process, in which the entry of calcium ions (Ca2+) into the presynaptic compartment induces a milliseconds-fast fusion of neurotransmitter-containing SVs with the presynaptic plasma membrane (PM), requires a number of so-called presynaptic proteins playing different roles. To date, despite all the knowledge acquired about presynaptic proteins, the question how they carry out this fast process remains unanswered. Recently, it was hypothesized that the presynaptic proteins are organized in specific supramolecular arrangements and do cooperate to achieve this remarkable feat. However, the study of presynaptic protein arrangement and functioning at nanometer isotropic scale is challenging, and decades of research were unable to resolve this phenomenon. In this project, I plan to study the three-dimensional supramolecular structures of the presynaptic proteins during SV exocytosis at nanometer isotropic resolution, and its structural dynamics on the nanometer length scale with microsecond temporal resolution. For this purpose, I will combine the super-resolution technique Single-Molecule Metal-Induced Energy Transfer (smMIET), developed by the host group, with the single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) methods of DNA-PAINT and MINFLUX. The overall importance of this proposal in understanding the Ca2+-triggered SV fusion is that it is essential to understand how synapses and ultimately the brain work, and all derived knowledge and applications that comes with it.

Keywords: presynaptic proteins,regulated exocytosis,neurotransmitter release,smmiet,dna paint,minflux