Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Quantum Information Processing with Atomically Thin Semiconductors (QUIPATS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Reintegration panel
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Physics
Countries involved: Germany
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2020, 2020)
Start date: 2021-05-01
End date: 2023-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 162806.4
EU funding (EUR): 162806.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Quantum technologies promise to revolutionise modern communication and information processing. A key bottleneck in building large-scale quantum computers and networks is the current lack of high-efficiency interfaces between stationary and travelling qubits (photons). Atomically thin semiconductors such as monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have the potential of greatly simplifying the design of such interfaces and enabling novel devices that are unavailable with state-of-the-art techniques. In this project, I propose the development of a toolkit for emerging quantum optical interfaces based on TMDs. The toolkit includes a software package to model the photonic properties of devices involving two-dimensional materials. In addition, I will refine the theoretical description of the quantum many-body states of optical excitations in doped TMDs, which is essential to accurately predict the performance of quantum optical interfaces. I will demonstrate the power of these tools by proposing experimentally realizable devices with applications in quantum communication and quantum simulation. Moreover, the proposal encompasses several activities aimed to refine my communication and leadership skills. In particular, I will establish an outreach programme with a local high school to raise awareness of the transformative potential of quantum technologies and to generate excitement about scientific research. Considered in its entirety, the proposed activities will enable me to become a fully independent researcher and scientific leader while contributing meaningfully to a highly active area of research.
Transcription factor binding as a function of chromatin (TFtoChromatin)

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: Switzerland
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2015, 2015)
Start date: 2017-08-01
End date: 2019-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 175419.6
EU funding (EUR): 175419.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

How the genomic blueprint of an organism is translated into cellular phenotype is a fundamental question in modern biology. The instructions need to be specifically regulated for cells to function. The regulation of the readout of this information is not entirely written in the DNA sequence but also requires epigenetic directives like DNA and histone modifications. The maintenance of cellular states as well as their controlled differentiation requires the establishment of correct transcriptional patterns. Binding of specific transcription factors (TFs) to promoter and cis-regulatory regions is the key factor in regulating gene activity. This binding occurs in the context of chromatin, where nucleosomes and their modification states are thought to limit DNA access. This might in part account for why most TFs only occupy a minor fraction of their preferred sequence motifs. Moreover, chromatin sensitivity can create hierarchies between TFs since sensitive factors might rely on “pioneer” factors to establish a state of open chromatin. Despite its general relevance these models remain speculative due to limited understanding of the actual sensitivity of individual TFs to the local chromatin state. To narrow this gap in our knowledge I will establish a system to locally manipulate chromatin in vivo and measure the resulting effect on binding of individual TFs at a defined chromosomal site. By systematic variation of nucleosome positioning and epigenetic modifications and its impact on TF occupancy this project aims to generate novel insight into the fundamental principles that regulate transcription output.

Keywords: chromatin,gene regulation,transcription factors,nucleosome positioning,epigenetic modifications
Peptide Coated Platinum Nanoparticles as Antitumor Agents (PepPtNPAntiCan)

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: Switzerland
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2015, 2015)
Start date: 2016-03-01
End date: 2018-02-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 187419.6
EU funding (EUR): 187419.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cisplatin is an efficient chemotherapeutic drug, yet it suffers from two main disadvantages: evolving drug resistance and relatively high toxicity. One of the latest approaches for dealing with these drawbacks has been the development of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) as a Pt(II) ion source. However, this solution is far from effective, mainly due to obstacles in cancer-cell targeting and a lack of nuclear penetration. The Wennemers group developed a combinatorial screening for the identification of peptides that allow for the formation of metal nanoparticles. The identified peptides control the geometric parameters of the nanoparticles and stabilize them in the aqueous environment. This proposed research aims to investigate the functionalized peptide-coated PtNPs as potential antitumor agents. We will use this combinatorial assay for the controlled formation of small PtNPs. The mechanism of nanoparticle formation will be extensively investigated, including full structural NMR analyses, thermodynamic and kinetic studies, all with the intention of providing insights into how the size-controlled PtNP formation is achieved. The major challenge will be to find the ideal, additive, peptide-based modification for specifically translocating PtNPs into the cancer cell nucleus. We believe that this potentially pro-drug will be inactive in the extracellular environment due to the presence of inert Pt(0) that will be oxidized by the high levels of hydrogen peroxide in cancer cells to Pt(II) ions. Therefore, in vitro cytotoxicity will be studied, as well as toxicity and metal accumulation in healthy cell lines to discover anti-cancerogenic peptide-coated PtNPs.

Keywords: bioinorganic chemistry,chemotherapeutics
Cross-layer modEl-based fRamework for multi-oBjective dEsign of Reconfigurable systems in unceRtain hybRid envirOnments (CERBERO)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Information and Communication Technologies
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Spain,Italy,Italy,Italy,Israel,Switzerland,France,Netherlands,Netherlands,United Kingdom
Call: Smart Cyber-Physical Systems (H2020-ICT-2016-1, 2016)
Start date: 2017-01-01
End date: 2020-02-29
Duration (months): 38.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5383597.5
EU funding (EUR): 4996460.0
Participants: 12
Project status: CLOSED

ICT is embedded and pervasive into our daily lives. The notion of Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) has emerged: embedded computational collaborating devices, capable of controlling physical elements and responding to humans. The Cross-layer modEl-based fRamework for multi-oBjective dEsign of Reconfigurable systems in unceRtain hybRid envirOnments (CERBERO) project aims at developing a design environment for CPS based of two pillars: a cross-layer model based approach to describe, optimize, and analyze the system and all its different views concurrently; an advanced adaptivity support based on a multi-layer autonomous engine. To overcome the limit of current tools, CERBERO provides: libraries of generic Key Performance Indicators for reconfigurable CPSs in hybrid/uncertain environments; novel formal and simulation-based methods; a continuous design environment guaranteeing early-stage analysis and optimization of functional and non-functional requirements, including energy, reliability and security. CERBERO effectiveness will be assessed in challenging and diverse scenarios, brought by industrial leaders: an embedded CPS with self-healing capabilities for planetary explorations (TASE-S&T), an ocean monitoring CPSoS (AS), and a Smart Travelling CPSoS for Electric Vehicle (TNO-CRF-S&T). CERBERO will automate multi-objective decisions to meet requirements and correct/optimized–by–construction designs. Interoperable components (i.e. DynAA by TNO, AOW by IBM, PREESM by INSA, PAPI-ARTICo3 by UPM, MDC by UniCA-UniSS) will be enhanced with additional features (as security, USI), mostly released as open-source to foster open innovation and a real path to standardisation, and integrated (IBM- AI) into a unique framework. Design speed up (one order of magnitude), increased performance (30% less energy) and reduced costs of deployment (by rapid prototyping and system in the loop incremental design) and maintenance (by runtime verification and adaptivity) of CPSoS are expected.

Keywords: uncertain and hybrid environment,model based design,cross layer optimisation,multi objective dse,system in the loop,sw adaptivity,requirements verification
Enabling Multifunctional Plasmonics on Hybrid Artificial Scale-Integrated Systems (EMPHASIS)

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: Spain
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2016, 2016)
Start date: 2018-09-01
End date: 2020-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 158121.6
EU funding (EUR): 158121.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Optical isolator, or optical diode, is a device, which allows the transmission of light in only one direction. They are used in fibre optic communication to prevent back reflections and improve signal-to-noise ratio. The development of on-chip optical communications requires downscaling of optical components, e.g replacing optical fibres with nanoscale waveguides. The miniaturization of optical isolators is therefore a key step towards integrated photonic circuits. We approach this challenge by taking advantage of surface plasmon resonances that can squeeze light down to nanoscale dimensions. We combine plasmonic waveguides with ferroelectric and -magnetic materials that, in turn, break the space-inversion and time reversal symmetries to create non-reciprocal conditions for light propagation. The ferroelectric and magnetic materials provide us with an additional interesting advantage: their optical properties can be adjusted by applying external electric and magnetic fields, enabling active control over light in nanoscale. The proposed research project brings together the candidate’s expertise in plasmonics and the hosting group’s established knowledge in oxide thin films. This creates excellent conditions for training through research and knowledge transfer. We envision two significant outcomes: (i) demonstration of a proof-of-concept plasmonic isolator based on symmetry considerations and (ii) assessing the viability of using active oxide materials as tools to control plasmon propagation with external fields. The H2020 Innovation Union initiative strives to drive economic growth in the EU by innovation. In line with this strategy, we recognize that EMPHASIS offers ample potential for technological applications and include strategies to ensure that the potential can be realized.

Keywords: plasmonics,magnetism,ferroelectricity,multiferroics,transition metal oxides
Global Terrorism and Collective Moral Responsibility: Redesigning Military, Police and Intelligence Institutions in Liberal Democracies (GTCMR)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Cultures and cultural production
Panel description: Literary studies, cultural studies, study of the arts, philosophy
Countries involved: Netherlands,United Kingdom
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2014-ADG, 2014)
Start date: 2016-01-01
End date: 2021-09-30
Duration (months): 69.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2479810.0
EU funding (EUR): 2017555.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

International terrorism, e.g. Al Qaeda, IS, is a major global security threat. Counter-terrorism is a morally complex enterprise involving police, military, intelligence agencies and non-security agencies. Counter-terrorism should be framed as a collective moral responsibility of governments, security institutions and citizens. (1) How is international terrorism to be defined? (2) What is the required theoretical notion of collective moral responsibility? (3) What counter-terrorist strategies and tactics are effective, morally permissible and consistent with liberal democracy? Tactics: targeted killing, drone warfare, preventative detention, and bulk metadata collection (e.g. by NSA); (4) How is this inchoate collective moral responsibility to be institutionally embedded in security agencies? (i) How are security institutions to be redesigned to enable them to realise and coordinate their counter-terrorism strategies without over-reaching their various core institutional purposes which have hitherto been disparate, (e.g. law enforcement versus military combat), and without compromising human rights, (e.g. right to life of innocent civilians, right to freedom, right to privacy), including by means of morally unacceptable counter-terrorism tactics? (ii) How are these tactics to be integrated with a broad-based counter-terrorism strategy which has such measures as anti-radicalisation and state-to-state engagement to address key sources of terrorism, such as the dissemination of extremist religious ideology (e.g. militant Wahhabi ideology emanating from Saudi Arabia) and the legitimate grievances of some terrorist groups (e.g. Palestinian state)? What ought a morally permissible and efficacious (i) structure of counter-terrorist institutional arrangements, and (ii) set of counter-terrorist tactics, for a contemporary liberal democracy collaborating with other liberal democracies facing the common problem of international terrorism consist of?

Keywords: applied philosophy,moral analysis,global terrorism,security studies,police,military,intelligence agencies
An Empirical Foundation for Understanding Positive Emotions (PEP)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: The Human Mind and Its Complexity
Panel description: Cognitive science, psychology, linguistics, theoretical philosophy
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2016-STG, 2016)
Start date: 2017-09-01
End date: 2024-02-29
Duration (months): 78.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Positive emotions are of great importance for our physical and mental health and for our social relationships. However, scientific knowledge of positive emotions is lacking, with research to date being both fractionated and scarce. The Positive Emotions Project (PEP) takes on the challenge of formulating a foundational, empirically-based framework of positive emotions. This is accomplished by a set of studies combining methodologies that examine both subjective and objective elements of 17 positive emotions, including gratitude, awe, amusement, compassion, and relief. Central to the investigation is the integration of cross-cultural and developmental approaches, in order to differentiate between consistent patterns and idiosyncratic features. Project 1 will use experience sampling to map out the experience of positive emotions across ten dramatically different cultures, examining subjective elements of emotions, such as antecedent events and psychological states. Project 2 will comprehensively establish which nonverbal facial and vocal signals are associated with different positive emotions across cultures and ages. Project 3 will provide an integrated multi-level account of positive emotions, considering similarities and differences across emotions, taking into account cross-cultural and developmental patterning of subjective and objective features. The empirical and theoretical results of PEP will result in new, innovative paradigms, and substantial, freely available datasets that will help to redress the current dearth of data and approaches for understanding positive emotions. It will also provide the basis for a much-needed scientific, multifaceted account of positive emotion. Such a model will benefit scientists across many disciplines, including affective computing, behavioural economics, and psychiatry, whose work builds on psychological models of emotions.
Dna Damage REsponse: Actionabilities, Maps and Mechanisms (DDREAMM)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Synergy grants
Action type: ERC actions
Countries involved: Austria,Switzerland,United Kingdom
Call: ERC Synergy Grant (ERC-2019-SyG, 2019)
Start date: 2020-03-01
End date: 2026-02-28
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 8865965.0
EU funding (EUR): 8865965.0
Participants: 4
Project status: SIGNED

To monitor and protect their genomes, eukaryotic cells have evolved sophisticated DNA-damage response (DDR) systems that comprise DNA repair and DNA-damage signaling processes. DDR deficiencies are associated with diverse human disorders, ranging from aggressive hereditary and sporadic cancers to inherited genetic diseases. The impact of DNA repair has also recently been harnessed to treat diseases through “synthetic lethal” cancer treatments and CRISPR-Cas genome editing. However, the fundamental interactions between DDR pathways that underpin such therapeutic opportunities are still not well understood. Furthermore, we are only just beginning to understand how suppressive functional interactions (so-called “synthetic viability”) can lead to resistance to DDR-targeting therapeutics. Our proposed research will address these important issues by using cutting-edge technologies in gene editing and chemical biology, and by taking a multidisciplinary approach to create deeply integrated genetic and physical maps of DDR pathways and interactions in many human cell types. Next-generation CRISPR-Cas transcriptional genome-wide approaches will be used to uncover hypo- and hyper-morph alleles that affect cellular sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents and DDR-enzyme inhibitors, thus providing insights into DDR events and explaining human DDR-deficiency phenotypes. Mass spectrometry and in-depth mechanistic studies will establish physical interaction networks within the genetic framework and reveal the signaling logic that underpins DDR outcomes and vulnerabilities. With chemical-genetic approaches, we will develop small molecule tools to precisely interrogate DDR pathways and that could lead to new therapeutic agents. In sum, our work should provide major insights into human genome surveillance in multiple cell types, yield powerful tools to precisely control DNA repair outcomes, and speed the development of new therapies for cancer and other diseases.

Keywords: crispr cas,genetic screening,physical interaction,drug discovery,synthetic lethality,synthetic resistance,dna damage and repair
Enhancing Separation Efficiency in European Syngas Industry by using Zeolites (ZEOSEP)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: ERC actions
Countries involved: Spain,Netherlands
Call: ERC-Proof of Concept (ERC-2017-PoC, 2017)
Start date: 2018-01-01
End date: 2019-06-30
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 150000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Syngas is traditionally used in industry for production of fuels in the kerosene, gasoline and diesel range via Fischer-Tropsch, for the manufacture of bulk chemicals like ammonia, methanol and dimethyl ether and for synthesis of a whole array of fine chemicals. The hydrogen /carbon monoxide ratio of the syngas is an important design variable to maximize production of these compounds. Therefore, the search of effective processes that enable said ratio adjustment as well as individual compound purification is an essential and ongoing effort for industry. The Proof of Concept that we propose is the development of a zeolite-based separation process to obtain carbon dioxide-neutral fuels and chemicals. The process that we plan to design is based on gas uptake and release, combining separation efficiency with low separation costs. Our approach consists of three main steps: identification of the optimal zeolite structure; validation with experiments and initiation of commercialization by developing a Business Case. For the technical testing, we will use the research knowledge developed within the ERC-RASPA project, and the resulting process will be validated for the separation of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and oxygen resulting from plasma-assisted dissociation of the former gas into the others. The competitive analysis, business case and commercialization will be performed with the Company Traxxys Innovation and Sustainability as a partner. End user companies and equipment manufacturers such as Bronswerk (NL) and Hidralia (Sp) have expressed their interest in the idea.

Keywords: zeolites,adsorption,separation,syngas,carbon dioxide neutral fuels,carbon dioxide neutral chemicals,fischer tropsch,watergas shift,partial oxidation,surface process,methanol,ammonia,diesel