Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Molecular Structure in Thin Wetting Films (FILMMOLECSTRUCT)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Sweden
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-ERG-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-04-01
End date: 2012-03-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The proposed project intends to obtain a molecular insight into the order and structure of thin wetting films (solid/liquid/gas) as an effort to relate molecular properties to macroscopic measureable parameters such as surface forces and contact angles. The approach will consist in combining two powerful surface sensitive vibrational spectroscopic techniques (Vibrational Sum Frequency and Total Internal Reflection Raman spectroscopies) with an apparatus capable of measuring the forces exerted between these asymmetric surfaces as a function of distance (Thin Film Pressure Balance). VSFS is intrinsically surface specific probing the first few monolayers and detecting only molecules with a preferred orientation. Conversely, TIR Raman probes deeper into the bulk (~100 nm), but detects all molecules making these two techniques complementary. Results will provide unique information on the structural changes in nanometer confined geometries of i) pure water films, ii) surfactant and polymer stabilized films and iii) biophysical relevant surfaces (planar supported lipid bilayers). The project will involve close collaboration between two research groups in Europe (Germany and England), and will help developing the applicant’s independent research skills during his period of reintegration. The applicant’s unique experience in surface vibrational spectroscopy and molecules under confinement, learnt particularly during his previous Marie Curie fellowship, will be decisive in the successful implementation of this challenging project.

Keywords: surface chemistry,molecular chemistry,instrumental techniques,structural chemistry
COMPRESSIVE DATA ACQUISITION AND PROCESSING TECHNIQUES FOR SENSING APPLICATIONS (COMPSENSE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Türkiye
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IRG-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2010-04-01
End date: 2013-03-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 75000.0
EU funding (EUR): 75000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This is a proposal to support Dr. Ali Cafer Gurbuz’s reintegration as a full-time faculty member at TOBB University of Economics and Technology (ETU) in January 2009, leaving his post-doctoral position at the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA. Dr. Gurbuz’s expertise is in the areas of signal, image and array processing, with emphasis on radar, subsurface imaging, and compressive sensing. The technical objective of the proposed research is to develop novel data acquisition and processing techniques for newly emerging compressive sensing systems. Dr. Gurbuz brings unique experience to ETU as he has collaborated with one of the pioneers of compressive sensing, Dr. Romberg, and has an invention disclosure in the area of compressive wireless sensor networks. The three-year research plan outlined in this proposal builds upon his expertise acquired over his last six years in the US and continues his successful collaboration with researchers in the US while also ensuring transfer of that knowledge to potential collaborators in Europe. Our research plan is comprised of three sub-thrusts: 1) compressive remote sensing, with applications to subsurface imaging using GPR and EMI sensors; 2) multi-sensor and distributed compressive sensing; and 3) detection and estimation algorithms based directly on compressive data. These are timely research projects since compressive sensing is a newly emerging technology, especially in the area of remote sensing, where there are many unexplored areas of research and since initial results have shown its potential in a variety of applications. ETU is in a good position to lead his project as one of the fastest growing universities in Turkey with modern facilities and a dynamic faculty. ETU is very confident of Dr. Gurbuz’s potential to become one of the leading researchers in Europe in his field and is ready to do its part for his successful reintegration. But support from this grant is extremely critical to achieve success.

Keywords: electrical engineering,compressive sensing,signal processing,subsurface imaging,image formation,sensor networks,distributed estimation,array processing
Manipulating different arms of the immune system to orchestrate tumor-specific immunity and enhance tumor clearance (IMMUNOTHERAPY)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Finland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IRG-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-09-01
End date: 2013-08-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Killing of cancer cells with an oncolytic adenovirus is an immunogenic phenomenon and can therefore be utilized for breaking the immunological tolerance of a tumor. Two complementary strategies can be used to enhance the T cell response towards the tumor: A) recruiting Dendritic Cells (DCs) to the tumor site to augment peptide loading onto MHC I; B) specific activation of DCs at the tumor site to increase their expression of co-stimulatory molecules for enhancement of cross-priming and T cell activation rather than cross-tolerance. As our first aim, we propose to generate three different capsid-modified oncolytic vectors expressing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The transgene will be driven by a replication-coupled adenoviral promoter to ensure GM-CSF production exclusively in tumor cells (an oncolytic virus replicates only in tumor cells). GM-CSF is a potent cytokine that enhances the function of antigen presenting cells (APCs) by the maturation, activation, and recruitment of DCs, macrophages and monocytes. All biologic responses crucial for DC functioning are influenced by signaling through the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and TLR9 in particular is a key bridge between the innate and adaptive response. We propose, as our second aim, to generate an oncolytic vector containing CpG-stimulating sequences in its genome to combine oncolytic cell killing with effective delivery of CpG DNA to the endosome, where TLR9 is located. Finally, we will combine the two strategies described in aims 1 and 2, generating oncolytic vectors that are able to secrete GM-CSF for recruiting APCs to the tumor and at the same time to stimulate TLR9 in these cells. Overall we propose to capitalize on the entry biology of adenovirus for stimulation of TLR9 coupled with tumor specific secretion of immunomodulatory molecules to orchestrate immune rejection of the tumor.

Keywords: health sciences,gene therapy,oncolytic adenovirus,cancer therapy,gm-csf,tlr9
TGF-beta signaling in colorectal cancers (TGFB IN CRC)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Italy
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-ERG-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-03-16
End date: 2011-03-15
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 30000.0
EU funding (EUR): 30000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in western countries. TGFb are a family of signaling molecules delivering crucial tumor-suppressive signals to different cell types. Lack of TGFb induced cytostasis is a hallmark of cancer, and mutations of key transducers of TGFb in Colorectal cancer (CRC), albeit found only in a subset of tumors, indicates a leading role for these signals in limiting tumor progression. In our lab we identified Ectodermin, a molecule that antagonizes TGFb responses by controlling Smad4 ubiquitination. Interestingly, Ectodermin is expressed in the normal and neoplastic human colon, and it plays a causative role in limiting the anti-mitogenic effects of Smad4 in tumor cells. Our preliminary data point at a fundamental role of Ectodermin in vivo as Smad4/TGF-b inhibitor, both during embryonic development and for adult tissue homeostasis. We propose here to exploit the genetic inactivation of Ectodermin in models of CRC progression to test if raising cellular responsiveness to tumor-suppressive signals (i.e. by disabling a key endogenous inhibitor) can oppose tumor formation/progression. Moreover, as part of the previous Marie Curie Fellowship to the applicant, we recently characterized the function of a novel Smad4 deubiquitinating enzyme (SADE), required for TGFb signaling, opposing Ectodermin functions in multiple cellular and development systems. We propose here to test the potential role of SADE as tumor-suppressor in CRC and to develop genetic tools to study the function of SADE in mammalian tissue homeostasis. This approach has the potential to generate novel genetic models of CRC, and to open the way for new avenues of therapeutic intervention targeting these novel enzymatic ‘druggable’ targets.

Keywords: health sciences,tgf-beta,colorectal cancer,ectodermin,mouse models,smad4-deubiquitinating enzyme (sade)
Novel signals guiding endodermal progenitor cells toward a pancreatic fate (ENDOPANC)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IRG-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-07-01
End date: 2013-06-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

A fundamental question in developmental biology is how a specialized tissue or organ originates from a pluripotent precursor cell in the embryo. The central aim of my research is to understand how and when the pancreas is progressively specified during embryogenesis. The pancreas controls two crucial functions in our body: the production of digestive enzymes and the regulation of blood sugar. Although in the past decade many studies have contributed to a solid foundation for understanding pancreatogenesis, important gaps persist in our knowledge of early pancreas formation. A complete understanding of these early events will provide insight into the development of this organ, but also into incurable diseases that target the pancreas, such as diabetes. Finally, this information will generate a blueprint for developing cell-replacement therapies in the context of diabetes. My postdoctoral research has provided important insight into the early steps of pancreatic specification. Combining embryology and genomics in Xenopus laevis, I have identified a suite of early pancreatic factors that establish pancreatic fate within the pluripotent endoderm, including a novel signaling factor, that we named Shirin. Importantly, Shirin is alone sufficient to induce pancreatic fate and, notably, insulin expression in the embryo. In addition, Shirin is one of the earliest markers identified as being expressed in the forming pancreas both in frog and mouse embryos. To address the relevance of Shirin in the context of mammalian development and understand its mechanism of action and epistatic relations within the previously known pancreatic network, I plan to: (i) In vivo study the role of Shirin in the mouse developing pancreas by loss-of-function approach; (ii) In vitro study the potential role of Shirin in triggering differentiation towards pancreatic fate using mouse embryonic stem cells, as powerful system for in vitro dissection of mammalian embryonic development.

Keywords: endoderm,pancreas,embryonic development,mouse,embryonic stem cells
Measuring and Improving Return on Marketing Investment with actionable dashboards: which marketing actions yield most returns in fast moving economies? (ROMIDASHBOARD)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Türkiye
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IRG-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-06-01
End date: 2013-05-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Driving profitable growth is the No.1 priority of companies and their leaders across the world. While many look to marketing as a prime responsible for creating and sustaining that growth, they are often disappointed in the ability of marketing managers to deliver on the promise. Faced with increased pressure from demanding customers, powerful channel partners and activist shareholders, companies need to measure the return on their marketing investments (ROMI) so that they can make informed decisions to achieve their business objectives. In particular, the development of econometric marketing mix models enables organizations to achieve competitive advantage and increase profitability through ROMI based marketing. Recently, organizations have began to summarize ROMI insights into marketing “dashboards”, with 40% of large US and UK companies report substantial efforts in this area. Unfortunately, current dashboards often fail to live up to their promises because they simply identify performance metrics and offer descriptive data on their progress: they do not establish empirical relations among the metrics, perform forecasting and what-if analysis and link them to financial consequences. This research proposal sets out to do just that for both mature and fast moving European markets. The research objectives are: 1) to empirically model how marketing actions (such as new product launch, (re)branding, pricing, adding new channels and communication activities) drive firm top-line and bottom-line financial performance; 2) to develop new dashboard tools based on this model to aid policy makers in organizations improve their return on marketing investment; 3) to compare and contrast the calculated return on marketing investment in fast-moving economies versus mature markets in Europe and the US. These insights will derive models, dashboards and case studies, and be communicated through both an academic paper and a practitioner-oriented book.

Keywords: econometrics,international marketing,marketing effectiveness,dashboards,long-term effects,advertising,innovation,pricing,competitive advantage
ERAWATCH Monitoring and Analysis (ERAWATCH2)

Framework: FP7 — Capacities
Programme: Support for the coherent development of research policies
Destination: Support for the coherent development of research policies
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: European organisations area
Call:  (FP7-Adhoc-2007-13, 2007)
Start date: 2009-05-01
End date: 2014-10-31
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 7072114.0
EU funding (EUR): 5359280.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

ERAWATCH is a public web based platform that presents information and analysis on European, national and regional research policies, actors, organisations and support measures. The service currently covers the 27 Member States of the European Union, countries associated to the European Community's Research Framework Programme and, for comparative purposes, several non EU countries. ERAWATCH also produces analytical reports to investigate further research policy issues across Europe. ERAWATCH is primarily intended for a policy audience, in particular policy-makers and analysts in the area of R&D, at EU, national and regional level. It seeks to contribute to sound policy-making at all levels of governance by offering evidence and insights into the European R&D landscape. The work proposed represents an important evolution in the development of ERAWATCH, building on the experience of work to date, and the conclusions of a recent external expert evaluation. Moreover, the new impetus given to the realisation of the ERA through the ERA Green Paper, and its contribution to the renewed Lisbon Strategy, place greater importance and on the required role and impact of ERAWATCH. Following a trajectory of ongoing enhancement of the services it provides, ERAWATCH will continue to provide support for evidence based policy making for research policies at national and European level. It will continue to collect data and produce analytical products of recognised quality and relevance, in an appropriate and consistent format, and according to a timetable for suitable policy use. ERAWATCH will continue to strengthen its focus on ERA, mainly along the axes of the ERA Green Paper. However, this is balanced against the need to develop and maintain the broader capabilities to anticipate and address emerging policy questions on the dynamics of the European Research System.

Keywords: european research area,era,research policy analysis
UNCLE: Uranium in Non-Conventional Ligand Environments (UNCLE)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Materials and Synthesis
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2009-StG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-02-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 56.0
Total project cost (EUR): 999996.0
EU funding (EUR): 999996.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Metal-metal bonds are fundamental to generating step-changes in our knowledge because the periodic table is composed mainly of metals. The PI has recently made a breakthrough by making the first covalent uranium-gallium bond which exhibits sigma- and pi-donation from gallium to uranium. It is a direct model for the unknown isolobal uranium(IV)-CO &quot; unit, and is very significant to explaining why the widely used N-heterocyclic carbenes are so good at supporting transition metal catalysts and extracting uranium from solutions containing lanthanides such as found in nuclear waste clean up. This result opens the way to non-conventional ligand complexes of uranium and the previous limitation of conventional halide or C-, N-, or O-donor ligands for uranium will be overcome using non-conventional transition metal ligands to establish a new field of uranium-metal bonds. This work will deliver new compounds which will take our understanding of actinide structure, bonding, magnetism and reactivity to a higher platform of understanding, thus bringing an area of the periodic table, which lags behind all others, up to speed and beyond. This project will deliver a whole new field of actinide chemistry, provide unique and hitherto unknown atom efficient reactivity patterns, generate models for the too-hot-to-handle neptunium and plutonium which are present in nuclear waste, and precipitate new ways of thinking about how to solve nuclear waste clean up. This will induce a paradigm shift in uranium chemistry and will be directly included in textbooks of the future. This project will deliver mobile, high calibre, inter-/multi-disciplinary researchers, reversing a strategic skills shortage and retaining them for future employment and benefit to science, industry, and society in Europe.

Keywords: uranium,metal-metal bonds,organometallic chemistry.
A Universal Supramolecular Approach toward Organic Electronic Materials and Nanostructured Carbonaceous Materials from Molecular Precursors (ORGELNANOCARBMATER)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Materials and Synthesis
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call:  (ERC-2009-StG, 2009)
Start date: 2009-09-01
End date: 2014-08-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1700000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1700000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Research in novel energy sources, efficient energy storage, sustainable chemical technology, and smaller microelectronic devices with interfaces for biological systems are among the current challenges in science and technology. Carbonaceous materials and organic electronic materials which speak the language of biomaterials will play a central role in the search for possible solutions. We aim to develop a universal supramolecular approach for their preparation and propose to develop synthetic pathways toward conjugated oligomers carrying hydrogen-bonded substituents, such as oligopeptide-polymer conjugates. These substituents serve as a supramolecular motif promoting the aggregation of the molecular precursors into single crystals, thin films, or soluble one-dimensional nanostructures. The obtained ordered phases or nanostructures from conjugated molecules themselves are highly interesting candidates for applications in photovoltaic, light-emitting, or semiconducting devices. Related nanostructures from oligo(phenylene)s or oligo(ethynylene)s will serve as reactive molecular precursors for a conversion into soluble graphene ribbon nanostructures. Finally, this approach will be extended toward the preparation of carbonaceous materials from amphiphilic oligo(ethynylene)s as energy-rich molecular precursors under preservation of the mesoscopic morphology, surface chemistry, and carbon microstructure. The obtained materials are highly interesting with respect to ion or hydrogen storage, and transition-metal-free catalysis. Hence, this research project aims to combine synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and materials science in order to both deliver novel materials and improve our understanding in utilizing supramolecular-synthetic methods in their preparation.

Keywords: macromolecular/polymer chemistry,organic electronic materials,nanowires,carbon nanostructures,graphene,conjugated molecules,hydrogen bonding,nanomaterials