Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Advancing the theory of quantum phase transitions in the era of quantum computing (TRANGINEER)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Fundamental Constituents of Matter
Panel description: Particle, nuclear, plasma, atomic, molecular, gas, and optical physics
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2025-STG, 2025)
Start date: 2026-02-01
End date: 2031-01-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1923544.0
EU funding (EUR): 1923544.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Understanding quantum phase transitions is one of the biggest challenges in modern physics, stimulating numerous exciting developments in theoretical, experimental, and numerical physics. Perhaps, the most remarkable, was the invention of conformal field theory, responsible for many exact predictions. This paved the way for numerical and experimental observations of many of these transitions forming, however, a misleading impression that almost all quantum transitions in nature are conformal. But is this imbalance real, or are many exciting non-conformal transitions currently overlooked due to the limitations of our theoretical toolbox? In this proposal, I aim to develop a methodology for the unbiased construction of quantum phase transitions. Recent years have been marked by tremendous progress in non-perturbative computational methods. The invention of constrained tensor networks fully profiting from Rydberg blockade for the first time provides sufficient accuracy to predict novel types of quantum phase transitions. With such a powerful tool at hand, I aim to develop a numerical approach to engineer novel quantum criticalities in experimentally realizable models of Rydberg atoms. Implemented directly on a lattice, my method will not rely on the available field-theoretic description of the transitions and, by construction, will have no bias towards conformal ones, opening a way for systematic study of non-conformal transitions and breaking a new ground in fundamental physics. By focusing directly on the effective models of Rydberg atoms I open a path for immediate experimental validation of my future predictions. This proposal benefits from the latest technological advances and will provide a timely theory guidance for future experiments. My study will be an important step towards synthesising novel quantum critical phenomena directly in quantum simulators.

Keywords: tensor networks,density matrix renormalization group dmrg,ipeps algorithms quantum phase transitions,chiral transitions quantum chains and ladders quantum simulators,rydberg atoms,synthetic phases spontaneous symmetry breaking quantum chains with disorder,infinite randomness
Cell Factory on chips: make Cell Therapies affordable and accessible to all patients (Sarcura)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Innovative Europe
Programme: European innovation ecosystems
Theme: Elevating the scalability potential of European business
Destination: Elevating the scalability potential of European business
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Austria
Call: Women TechEU (HORIZON-EIE-2022-SCALEUP-02, 2022)
Start date: 2023-06-01
End date: 2024-05-31
Duration (months): 12.0
Total project cost (EUR): 107142.86
EU funding (EUR): 75000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Sarcura GmbH, an Austrian deep-tech company founded in November 2019, will develop and market a machine platform for the industrial GMP manufacturing of personalised cell therapeutics, such as CAR-T therapies. We will contribute to scale the global cell therapy manufacturing capacity of these lifesaving treatments from currently thousands of doses per year to hundreds of thousands of doses, cost effective and safe for all patients. Sarcura envisions to transform existing manufacturing paradigms by using leading-edge semiconductor technologies (such as integrated photonics) embedded in microfluidic liquid processing systems to bring bioprocess control to cellular level. We believe that only by bringing together automation, integration (of additional functionality), miniaturization, and modularity we can achieve the required 100-fold increase in manufacturing capacity the cell therapy industry requires Our initial focus is the development of a GMP ready, fully automated, industrial cell isolation device for the manufacturing of cell therapies. The device will include all necessary processing steps to handle the typical starting material of clinical cell therapy as well as provide integrated process analytics and quality control such as cell count, viability, phenotype characterization and other analytics After launching the first single unit operation device for the Cell Isolation, further devices performing the Formulation, Gene Transfer and Expansion followed by an integrated end-to-end device will be developed. Finally, we aim to market an autonomous, self-optimising manufacturing system based on real-time manufacturing optimisation via AI driven (artificial intelligence) predictive process control. Our product offer will include (a) desktop instruments, (b) single-use microfluidic cartridges, and (c) software and algorithms.

Keywords: cell therapy,integrated photonics,semiconductor
Determining the role of tubulin polyglutamylation in the regulation of neuronal functions (AxTransCode)

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: France
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 (HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01, 2024)
Start date: 2025-05-01
End date: 2027-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 242260.56
EU funding (EUR): 242260.56
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

The microtubule cytoskeleton plays crucial roles in regulating a vast range of biological processes in different cell types, in particular in neurons that strongly depend on intracellular transport for cargo delivery over long distances. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of tubulin recently emerged as modulators of microtubule properties and functions, which is expected to dynamically adapt them to specific cellular functions. Neuronal microtubules are strongly enriched in the PTM polyglutamylation, which was shown to affect the transport of different cargos. Strikingly, perturbed polyglutamylation causes neurodegeneration in mice and humans. How the impact of polyglutamylation on neuronal microtubules translates into such drastic physiological effects is, however, not understood. In my project I aim at determining how polyglutamylation affects physiological functions that are driven by microtubule-based transport in neurons. I will use primary neurons with different levels and patterns of tubulin polyglutamylation and a novel CRISPR/Cas9 technology to endogenously label cargos. Super-resolution microscopy techniques will be applied to precisely determine how this PTM temporally and spatially regulates cargo distribution to their target sites, and how this contributes to neuronal homeostasis. The proposed work will provide a mechanistic understanding of how tubulin PTMs control the physiological roles of the microtubule cytoskeleton at cellular level. This will expand our knowledge of the role of the tubulin code in regulating organism homeostasis, which might provide a mechanistic explanation for its role in neurodegeneration.

Keywords: microtubules tubulin code tubulin polyglutamylation neuronal transport neurons
Functional cofactors for targeted modification of biomolecules (CoMBi)

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: Lithuania
Call: ERC PROOF OF CONCEPT GRANTS (ERC-2024-POC, 2024)
Start date: 2025-04-01
End date: 2026-09-30
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 150000.0
EU funding (EUR): 150000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Enzymatic addition of a methyl group (methylation) is the most prevalent natural modification in cells, serving a myriad of regulatory and structural functions. Abnormal methylation of DNA, RNA or histone proteins can lead to severe developmental defects and is associated with numerous human diseases. Selective methylation of biomolecular targets is carried out by dedicated methyltransferase enzymes, which use the cofactor S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) as the source of methyl groups. Despite the high specificity and impressive diversity of MTases, the deposited methyl groups are poor reporters and hardly amenable to further derivatization. To unlock the biotechnological power of MTases, strategies for repurposing these enzymes into targeting vehicles for the transfer of useful extended groups from synthetic AdoMet analogs have been devised. However, despite substantial advances over the past decade, a widespread adoption of this enabling technology in scientific labs and clinical settings was grossly hindered by the poor availability of such synthetic cofactors. This proposal, footed on findings of our ERC-funded work, will seek to overcome the limitations of chemical synthesis and adapt our recently developed chemo-enzymatic protocols for low-cost industrial production of functionally competent AdoMet analogs. We will also seek the transfer of the technology to an industrial partner for its commercial exploitation and to ensure broad access of these valuable reagents to the scientific community and commercial stakeholders.

Keywords: s adenosyl l methionine analogs adomet dependent methyltransferases biocatalytic s alkylation chemo enzymatic production bio orthogonal labeling
Innovative tools to use south African plant extract in advanced delivery systems for antibacterial applications (INSAPANT)

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: Italy
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2022 (HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01, 2022)
Start date: 2024-01-08
End date: 2026-01-07
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 188590.08
EU funding (EUR): 188590.08
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

Multidrug-resistant bacteria are becoming implicated more frequently in acute and chronic infections. Bacteria often live together in a biofilm community, which makes it easier for bacteria to become resistant to different classes of antibiotics. This poses a severe threat to global public health, and the fact that antibiotics have many side effects makes the situation even worse. It is imperative to search for novel, safe, and effective antimicrobial agents and robust drug delivery strategies. In INSAPANT, South African plants will be employed for the green synthesis of biogenic nanoparticles, and their antibacterial potential against biofilm associated with multidrug-resistant bacteria will be investigated. The main goal of the INSAPANT is to exploit a synergic therapeutic approach by designing a novel delivery system targeted with aptamers that will carry the biogenic nanoparticles selectively on site of action and protect them following systemic administration. This combinatorial strategy can potentially remove the biofilm in a manner that is more efficient than a passive release or the administration of the content alone. INSAPANT has significant social benefits since it has the potential to lead to the creation of a unique drug delivery system for the treatment of biofilm formation and, ultimately, the reduction of mortality caused by bacterial infections. The INSAPANT fellowship will contribute to i) Expose the researcher to a multidisciplinary and intersectoral research network and foster excellence in research; ii) Improve the researcher's project management and fundraising skills; iii) Enhance the researcher's communication, dissemination, and exploitation of results, as well as Transfer of Knowledge to various audiences; and iv) Boost the researcher's career development skills.

Keywords: biofilm,nanohydrogels,nanoparticles,green synthesis,targeted drug release
Next-gen Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry Technology for Unravelling the Plasma Proteome (NEXT-UP)

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: Belgium,Germany
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 (HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01, 2024)
Start date: 2026-01-01
End date: 2027-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 200400.0
EU funding (EUR): 200400.0
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

NEXT-UP involves the development of a cutting-edge proteomics analytical platform for untargeted mass spectrometry (MS) based proteome profiling doubling the chromatographic resolving power and delivering an unprecedented three-order magnitude increase in MS detection sensitivity. Key technological advancements include the development of a new generation of precision-engineered monolithic capillary columns, designed with a nanostructured flow-through pore system, which is compatible with ultra-low-flow (<20 nL/min) operation. In addition, an innovative microfluidic modulator chip will be designed and constructed to enable sample transfer in two-dimensional liquid chromatographic (2D-LC) separations on a nanoflow scale. Proof-of-Concept involves the comprehensive identification of plasma protein signatures in serum. Consequently, the NEXT-UP initiative aims to unravel plasma proteomics by revealing high-impact, low-abundance proteins, with the goal of advancing early disease detection, uncover disease mechanisms, and revolutionizing personalized treatments. The project will be conducted at the VUB having unique expertise in biocolumn and chip design/prototyping and nanoLC-MS omics in close collaboration with HZI providing relevant samples and knowhow in clinical (plasma-) proteomics, bioinformatics/statistics matching the demands in translational research and systems level approaches.

Keywords: separation science serum proteomics two dimensional liquid chromatography
Uncovering the biological relevance of the replication-associated protein splicing during viral replication in geminiviruses and other CRESS viruses (VIRALS)

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 2022 (HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01, 2022)
Start date: 2024-03-01
End date: 2026-02-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173847.36
EU funding (EUR): 173847.36
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Due to their limited protein-coding capacity, viruses have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to hijack the host molecular machinery for their own benefit; among these strategies, splicing of the viral transcripts allows them to increase their transcriptome and proteome diversity, and has been described in several virus families, including plant DNA viruses, such as geminiviruses. Geminiviruses, which cause devastating problems for the agriculture worldwide, belong to the circular, replication-associated protein (Rep)-encoding (CRESS) viruses, a phylum infecting organisms from all three domains of life and potentially sharing analogous mechanisms for genome replication. Importantly, Rep is the only protein required for viral replication, and is structurally conserved across CRESS viruses. Splicing of Rep transcripts has been anecdotally reported in circoviruses and a few minor genera of geminiviruses, with some splicing events required for a full infectivity. On the other hand, unpublished work in the host group has uncovered that i) Rep from different begomoviruses, the major genus within the Geminiviridae family, associate with the plant splicing machinery; and ii) tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) Rep transcripts are spliced during the infection, giving rise to at least five unknown Rep protein isoforms, lacking either the oligomerization domain or part of the N-terminal DNA binding domain. We propose to uncover the importance of Rep splicing in TYLCV and to establish its relevance during the viral replication, by characterizing Rep spliced variants interactome and functions. We will also analyze the conservation of Rep splicing landscape in different geminiviruses and CRESS viruses, potentially outlining an unknown layer in the regulation of the replication of these cross-kingdom infecting viruses.

Keywords: ssdna alternative splicing rep nanovirus circovirus
Planning Land Use Strategies: Meeting biodiversity, climate and social objectives in a Changing world. (PLUS Change)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Programme: Climate, Energy and Mobility
Theme: Climate
Destination: Climate sciences and responses for the transformation towards climate neutrality
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Czechia,Netherlands,Austria,Belgium,Latvia,Slovenia,Italy,Poland,Sweden,Slovakia,Germany,France,Switzerland,United Kingdom
Call: Social science for land-use strategies in the context of climate change and biodiversity challenges (HORIZON-CL5-2022-D1-01-two-stage, 2022)
Start date: 2023-06-01
End date: 2027-05-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 6678922.5
EU funding (EUR): 6678922.5
Participants: 23
Project status: SIGNED

PLUS Change brings together 23 institutions from across Europe including 5 Universities, 5 research institutes, 3 stakeholder network organisations, 1 performing arts collective, and 9 practice partners representing regional planning and land management authorities and organisations. The objectives directly address the call with an aim to create land use strategies and decision-making processes that meet climate, biodiversity and human well-being objectives of sustainability, and to develop interventions that leverage political, economic, societal, material and cultural contexts to achieve these strategies, by involving actors at multiple decision-making levels (individual, land management, planning, policy). Activities include land use modelling (including historical and future trajectories of change), systems mapping, causal loop diagrams, performing arts approaches, randomized controlled trials of behaviour change, sociological surveys, and policy and governance reviews. All activities brought together in an integrated research design that draws on their different contributions to a holistic approach to understand multi-scale land use systems across a diversity of socioeconomic and biogeographical contexts, and create usable tools for land managers, users, planners and policy makers. The project is anchored in, and integrated through, 11 location-based cases for co-creation, and in a high-level multiplier cluster to identify challenges and impacts at EU and Global levels. Outputs include recommendations of co-designed and tested interventions to unlock behavioural, structural and procedural changes to achieve identified land use strategies; and a toolkit to support land use planners in enacting these interventions, including knowledge training, a planning dashboard and simulation tools, and methods for engaging citizens and land managers in behaviour change.

Keywords: transformations systems change behaviour change governance land use modelling interventions planning and policy
The Delft Laminar Hump: A novel local surface geometry for passive laminarization of aircraft wings (DELAH)

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

The exponential growth in aviation calls for radical new technologies to curb aircraft fuel consumption and emissions. At the heart of the problem, lies aerodynamic drag. Laminarization, namely the extension of laminar flow over the wing, holds immense potential for reducing aerodynamic drag by up to 15%. Unfortunately, many solutions proposed so far are costly, complex, and unreliable, thus obstructing laminarization from reaching industrial-scale application. The Delft Laminar Hump aims at breakthrough efficient, robust, and effective laminarization of aircraft wings. The Hump is a fully passive localised geometry modification of the wing surface, discovered by the PI and his team through their research on laminar flow control. In their preliminary experiments, the team has demonstrated a significant laminarization effect and have recently proceeded with an initial patent application. DeLaH aspires to be the first step in transitioning the Hump concept from laboratory to innovation and societal impact. Technical activities are planned towards validating the concept in wind tunnel tests, at conditions resembling cruise flight and documenting the influence of real-life environmental factors such as roughness. Innovation activities cover a diverse range of objectives, such as the strengthening and extension of IPR and the definition of a technology transfer strategy from HI to key industrial stakeholders, such as Airbus. A market and feasibility analysis will be combined with a business development plan, to explore and exploit industrial and research collaborations. The PI and team will work closely with a group of stakeholders within the HI, such as the Impact and Innovation Centre, providing expertise in IPR and business development, and the Aerospace Innovation Hub, providing an engaging platform to industrial partners. Ultimately the project will strive to position the Hump technology at the starting line of technological development and industrial adoption.