Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Molecular machines based on coiled-coil protein origami (MaCChines)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Biotechnology and Biosystems Engineering
Panel description: Biotechnology using all organisms, biotechnology for environment and food applications, applied plant and animal sciences, bioengineering and synthetic biology, biomass and biofuels, biohazards
Countries involved: Slovenia
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2017-ADG, 2017)
Start date: 2018-09-01
End date: 2024-08-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2497125.0
EU funding (EUR): 2362838.75
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

Proteins are the most versatile and complex smart nanomaterials, forming molecular machines and performing numerous functions from structure building, recognition, catalysis to locomotion. Nature however explored only a tiny fraction of possible protein sequences and structures. Design of proteins with new, in nature unseen shapes and features, offers high rewards for medicine, technology and science. In 2013 my group pioneered the design of a new type of modular coiled-coil protein origami (CCPO) folds. This type of de novo designed proteins are defined by the sequence of coiled-coil (CC) dimer-forming modules that are concatenated by flexible linkers into a single polypeptide chain that self-assembles into a polyhedral cage based on pairwise CC interactions. This is in contrast to naturally evolved proteins where their fold is defined by a compact hydrophobic core. We recently demonstrated the robustness of this strategy by the largest de novo designed single chain protein, construction of tetrahedral, pyramid, trigonal prism and bipyramid cages that self-assemble in vivo. This proposal builds on unique advantages of CCPOs and represents a new frontier of this branch of protein design science. I propose to introduce functional domains into selected positions of CCPO cages, implement new types of building modules that will enable regulated CCPO assembly and disassembly, test new strategies of caging and release of cargo molecules for targeted delivery, design knotted and crosslinked protein cages and introduce toehold displacement for the regulated structural rearrangement of CCPOs required for designed molecular machines, which will be demonstrated on protein nanotweezers. Technology for the positional combinatorial library-based single pot assembly of CCPO genes will provide high throughput of CCPO variants. Project will result in new methodology, understanding of potentials of CCPOs for designed molecular machines and in demonstration of different applications.

Keywords: synthetic biology,bionanostructures,geneticaly encoded molecular machines,recombinant protein,protein cages,golden gate gene assembly
4F-induced rejuvenation of glia into neural stem cells for brain repair (4F4REJUVENGLIA)

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: United Kingdom
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2018, 2018)
Start date: 2019-05-01
End date: 2021-11-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 212933.76
EU funding (EUR): 212933.76
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Although the concept of adult neurogenesis has important implications for regenerative medicine, the formation of new functional neurons from progenitors during adult life is rare and occurs only in confined areas of the mammalian brain . Because adult neurogenesis is limited, the regenerative capacity of the brain is restrained and the possibilities of recovery from damage are almost absent. The WHO* reported that up to 1 billion people, nearly one in six of the world’s population, suffer from neurological disorders. Many of these disorders have the loss or malfunction of neurons in common. Alongside the rapid increase of life expectancy whereby it is estimated that a quarter of Europeans will be over 60 years of age by 2020, these types of disorders are becoming a growing burden for aging societies, in terms of both suffering and economic cost. In Europe, for example, the total cost of brain disorders was estimated at €386 billion in 2004 and increased to €798 billion in 2010. This project, 4F4REJUVENGLIA (short for: 4 factors for rejuvenating glia), focuses on a novel approach to engineer neurogenesis, based on nuclear cell reprogramming technology, to induce regeneration of damaged areas of the brain. The aim is to generate new neurons in regions naturally devoid of neurogenesis. The approach involves the overexpression of the Yamanaka factors directly in parenchymal glia, with the purpose of reprograming/rejuvenating these cells back in development in order to recover their stem cell potential lost during specification (Fig.1). We hypothesise that this “rewinding” to a neural progenitor-like state may rearrange the local environment and remodel it towards a stem cell niche that help instruct and integrate new neurons within the preexisting circuits.
Deciphering the role of oxylipins in the epigenetic mechanisms controlling plant immunization. (EPILIPIN)

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: Spain
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2016, 2016)
Start date: 2018-01-16
End date: 2020-01-15
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 158121.6
EU funding (EUR): 158121.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Reducing crop losses caused by pests and diseases is absolutely necessary to feed the increasing world population, but the use of pesticides increases the damage to the environment and contributes to climate change. As a result, international entities such as the European Union are promoting the search for alternative strategies. Experts point to “plant immunization” or priming, as the safest and most effective approach to boost the endogenous plant immune system. Unfortunately, deeper knowledge of the involved mechanisms is needed for its application in crop protection. In this context, epigenetic mechanisms and oxylipin pathways are involved in priming processes but their specific contribution as well as the relationship between these two pathways has not yet been addressed. In order to fill this gap in our knowledge we propose an ambitious but feasible project that builds on solid and exciting preliminary results. We will use the unique genetic and molecular tools available in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to analyse first the role of oxylipin natural compounds in different priming processes and then, study the relationship between both molecular pathways to delineate plant defence mechanisms and priming. The synergistic interaction formed by the host group, world-leading in oxylipins research, and the applicant, an expert in epigenetics, guarantees the maximization of two way transfer of knowledge, training and networking possibilities. Moreover, this action has a potentially remarkable impact and represents a key point in the applicant´s career complementing her current knowledge and expanding her skills. Taking these considerations together, the EPILIPIN project offers a unique opportunity for the development of a research that perfectly fits the EU concerns and priorities of improving crop yields minimizing the impact of agriculture on the environment by exploring the use of natural compounds (oxylipins) to trigger long term immunization (priming).

Keywords: plant immunity,priming,epigenetics,oxylipins,arabidopsis
Welfare, Incentives, Dynamics, and Equilibrium (WIDE)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Individuals, Markets and Organisations
Panel description: Economics, finance and management
Countries involved: France
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2019-ADG, 2019)
Start date: 2020-06-01
End date: 2025-05-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1240922.0
EU funding (EUR): 1240922.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Informational frictions lead to inefficient allocations, reducing welfare. Dynamic incentive theory offers a powerful conceptual framework to analyse the optimal design of contracts and mechanisms mitigating these inefficiencies. Its technical difficulty and abstractness, however, have limited its applications. The objective of this project is to develop new frameworks to enhance the applicability of dynamic incentive theory and address important unanswered applied questions: 1) In corporate finance, I will evaluate the quantitative relevance of dynamic contract theory. To do so, I will develop a new structural econometric framework and estimate the magnitude of dynamic incentive problems and their consequences for corporate investment and bankruptcy risk. 2) In organization theory, I will study if equilibrium choices lead to excessive complexity. I will model the link between complexity and incentives. Then, in contrast with standard dynamic contract theory, which takes the tasks of agents as given, I will endogenize agents’ tasks and their complexity. Finally I will confront this theory to new data on complexity. 3) In asset pricing, I will build a novel equilibrium framework to study the consequences of dynamic incentive constraints for relative prices and the cross section of expected returns. In addition to this positive analysis, I will delineate the normative implications of the theory for financial markets regulation. 4) In public finance, I will study whether financial transactions should be taxed. To do so, I will extend the dynamic mechanism design paradigm of “new public finance” to financial transaction taxes and compare the distortions induced by these taxes with those induced by taxes on capital or labour income. By delivering useful results on four important issues, this project will demonstrate the applicability of dynamic incentive theory. To do so it will develop novel tools by combining dynamic incentive theory with other methodologies.

Keywords: dynamic financial contracting,asset pricing under limited commitment,incentives,financial transactions tax,structural econometrics of corporate finance
A simple, repeatable way to completely remove a clot from the brain in one pass (Perfuze)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Innovation in SMEs
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Ireland
Call: SME instrument (H2020-SMEInst-2018-2020-2, 2019)
Start date: 2019-08-01
End date: 2021-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4473543.75
EU funding (EUR): 2484012.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Stroke is the third most common cause of death globally and is the leading cause of adult physical disability. Globally, seventeen million people had a stroke in 20152. Of these, 33% died and 33% were permanently disabled. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a clot, preventing blood flow, and causing brain damage. Stroke is a devastating disease. Perfuze has developed aspiration catheter technology intended to ingest the clot in a single attempt. No accessory devices or sophisticated techniques are required, meaning the procedure can be performed by a single operator. This maximises the chance of complete clot ingestion within the occluded vessel, complete flow restoration and improved patient outcomes. Multiple iterations have been required to reach the existing Millipede design. Pilot manufacturing lines utilising customised coiling and wire forming equipment have been built. Component and assembly drawings and specifications have been defined. Six preclinical animal studies have been performed to compliment proof-of-concept bench testing. The potential market opportunity is huge. In the US and EU alone, it is valued at $2.5bn in 2018. The Perfuze platform is uniquely positioned to exploit the recent, dramatic clinical shift away from medical therapy to endovascular device treatment of ischemic stroke. This SME Instrument Phase 2 will enable company scale up and creation of 52 jobs by 2024 and will generate over €17m in turnover.

Keywords: clot brain removal stroke aspiration
Treating the Chronic Pain Patient earlier in the Pathway (CAPRI)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Innovation in SMEs
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Ireland
Call: SME instrument (H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020-3, 2019)
Start date: 2020-02-01
End date: 2022-07-31
Duration (months): 30.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3423556.25
EU funding (EUR): 2396489.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Persistent postoperative chronic pain (POCP) is defined as pain lasting for two or more months after surgery, when other causes of pain are excluded, such as cancer or chronic infection. The goal of the Capri-Stim project is to develop a product to replace current pain medication and nerve block injectable approaches for chronic pain. Capri-Stim is the only implant suitable for postoperative pain having an indwell duration of over 5 years with no side effects. Capri-Stim only requires one injection, is a low risk class 2 device, has an average selling price (ASP) of 50% less than current competitors. Capri-Stim enables the patient being discharged from the healthcare system after one visit and self managed from home. The technology is protected by 4 patent filings Pain medication is addictive and comes with significant side effects. Nerve block injectables need to be repeated at least every 3 months and have their own significant side effects. Other technologies have attempted to replace these approaches but have all failed as they all involve significant invasive surgical procedures, are susceptible to lead migration, are too large for intramuscular placement with inaccurate placement causing reduced efficacy. Developed in NUI-Galway, Capri-Stim is a new product and the only implant suitable for postoperative pain having an indwell duration of over 5 years with no side effects. Capri-Stim only requires one injection, is a low risk class 2 device, has an ASP of 50% less than current competitors. Overall the Capri-Stim product means that the patient can be discharged from the healthcare system after one visit and self managed from home.

Keywords: chronic neuropathic pain nervous system injectable neurostimulation implant
LArge STructures IN random Graphs (LASTING)

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: Mathematics
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2020, 2020)
Start date: 2021-07-01
End date: 2023-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 224933.76
EU funding (EUR): 224933.76
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The study of random graphs lies in the interface between combinatorics, graph theory, and probability, and has a tremendous amount of applications in various fields such as networks, algorithms, physics, and life sciences. The aim of this project is to study large structures in random graphs, count their appearances and measure their strength. In the first set of problems we aim to count the number of subgraphs from specific families in random graphs, where the families contain both large and small members. We consider families such as cycles, matchings, trees, and independent sets. In combinatorics, these types of problems are usually studied for families of equal-size members. We will combine advanced probabilistic ideas to solve these problems for families containing graphs of all possible sizes. This has strong connections to ideas from statistical physics. In the second set of problems we investigate classical extremal graph theoretical problems in the context of random graphs. Roughly speaking, we start with a graph satisfying some property (either deterministically or typically), and we want to measure how many edges can be removed (either randomly or deterministically) until the property no longer holds. These types of problems are known as robustness, resilience, and Turan-type problems. Here we study these problems with respect to spanning structures. The experienced researcher has made several advances to these problems and to closely related problems. For example, she solved robustness and Turan-type problems for almost-spanning cycles (with Krivelevich and Mond), and she approximately solved the counting problem of directed Hamilton cycles (With Ferber and Long). The supervisor, Prof. Keevash, is a world leading expert on the absorption method, a key tool to approach extremal problems when considering large structures. A combination between these ideas with new probabilistic and statistical-physics tools, will be the key ingredient in this research.

Keywords: random graphs,probabilistic method,extremal combinatorics,percolation
Distributed Network of Active Noise Equalizers for Multi-User Sound Control (D-Noise)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)
Theme: EIC Pathfinder
Destination: Novel ideas for radically new technologies
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Spain,Belgium
Call: FET Innovation Launchpad (H2020-FETOPEN-4-2016-2017, 2016)
Start date: 2017-05-01
End date: 2018-10-31
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 130937.5
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

The project is aimed at developing a novel wireless acoustic sensor network (WASN) for multi-user active noise equalization without the need of using headsets. This system is formed by multiple active noise equalizers (ANEs), which act as a node in a WASN-type set up and cooperate to simultaneously solve their node-specific noise equalization problems. By doing so, the proposed system can simultaneously ensure the auditory comfort of multiple users that are regularly exposed to high noise levels. This is radically different from the current multi-user systems for ANE where each node aims at ensuring the auditory comfort of each passenger without cooperation. To implement the proposed multi-user ANE, the project will rely on distributed algorithms derived within the EU-FET HANDiCAMS project. These algorithms build on node-specific cooperation rules to allow the cooperation of devices interested in different signal processing tasks and let them attain superior performance as compared to the case where they would operate on their own. In particular, through these node-specific cooperation rules, these algorithms yield a system that overcomes the two main limitations of the existing technologies. First, the spatial diversity of all the microphone signals can be leveraged and hence superior levels of noise attenuation can be attained in the active noise equalization problem of each node. Second, there is no performance degradation due to the acoustical interaction between ANEs of different users, which allows to perform simultaneous ANEs in scenarios with a high density of users. Due to its competitive advantages, the current levels of noise reduction can be attained with much simpler and cheaper ANEs, which will make the technology more accessible and will enhance the commercialization of ANEs on grand-scale. Thus, the proposed project is expected to constitute a strong seed for the creation of jobs, which will encourage the entrepreneurship in the FET research world.

Keywords: multi task signal processing,multi user active noise equalization
Security Without Obscurity for Reliable Devices (SWORD)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Computer science and informatics
Panel description: Informatics and information systems, computer science, scientific computing, intelligent systems
Countries involved: Belgium
Call: ERC Consolidator Grant (ERC-2016-COG, 2016)
Start date: 2017-09-01
End date: 2023-08-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1997661.34
EU funding (EUR): 1997661.34
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Cryptographic implementations are traditionally evaluated based on a trade-off between security and efficiency. However, when it comes to physical security against attacks exploiting side-channel leakages or fault insertions, this approach is limited by the difficulty to define the adversaries (e.g. their knowledge about the target implementation) and to specify sound physical assumptions. Quite naturally, the problem becomes even more challenging in contexts where implementations can be maliciously modified during design or fabrication via so-called hardware Trojans. To a large extent, these vulnerabilities echo the general challenge of restoring trust that is faced by cryptographic research in view of the recent Snowden revelations. In this context, we believe that the design of small components able to perform secure computations locally will be an important building block of future information systems. For this purpose, the SWORD project envisions a paradigm shift in embedded security, by adding trust as an essential element in the evaluation of physically secure objects. Our two main ingredients to reach this ambitious goal are a good separation between mathematics and physics, and improved transparency in security evaluations. That is, we want cryptographic implementations to rely on physical assumptions that can be empirically verified, in order to obtain sound security guarantees based on mathematical proofs or arguments. And we want to make the empirical verification of physical assumptions more transparent, by considering open source hardware and software. By allowing adversaries and evaluators to know implementation details, we expect to enable a better understanding of the fundamentals of physical security, therefore leading to improved security, efficiency and trust in the longer term. That is, we hope to establish security guarantees based on a good understanding of the physics, rather than the (relative) misunderstanding caused by closed systems.

Keywords: side channel analysis,fault attacks,hardware trojans,secure implementations,open source implementations,trust,cryptographic hardware,leakage resilience,embedded security