Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Harnessing Stromal Fibroblasts to Reduce Resistance and Improve Colon Cancer Therapeutics (antiCAFing)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Prevention,  Diagnosis and T reatment of Human Diseases
Panel description: Medical technologies  and tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases, therapeutic approaches and interventions , pharmacology, preventative  medicine, epidemiology and public health , digital medicine
Countries involved: Spain
Call: ERC CONSOLIDATOR GRANTS (ERC-2021-COG, 2021)
Start date: 2022-09-01
End date: 2027-08-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1999826.0
EU funding (EUR): 1999826.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Refractory tumors and emergence of drug resistance are the most important challenges in cancer therapeutics. The non-cancerous determinants of therapeutic response and particularly the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in resistance are poorly understood. I previously described the crucial role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in key tumorigenic processes, including matrix remodeling, cancer cell invasion and growth. Importantly, these aggressive CAF phenotypes are controlled by mechanical reprogramming and mechanotransduction pathways. Within therapeutic resistance contexts, I hypothesize that preexistent and therapy-induced aberrant activation of mechanotransduction signaling in CAFs leads to the generation of refractory TMEs affecting cancer cell signaling and the behavior of accessory stromal cells such as endothelial and immune cells. As a result, tumors will present: (i) abnormal vasculature associated with reduced drug perfusion and chemotherapy efficacy; (ii) increased production of pro-survival signals affecting targeted therapy; and (iii) inactivation of cytolytic T cells and reduced responses to immunotherapy. I propose that CAF-based biomarkers will improve our capacity to identify patients most likely to respond to these therapeutics. In addition, targeting mechanotransduction in CAFs will significantly increase efficacy in non-responders. Focusing in colorectal cancer, I will use patient-derived CAFs as a tractable system and organ-on-chip, in vitro and preclinical models of CAF-mediated resistance, and combinatorial chemistry to systematically elucidate the molecular and biological features conferring CAFs their privileged therapy-resistance properties. This will illuminate novel and general mechanisms whereby TME characteristics influence tumorigenesis, and inform the development of refined biomarkers to stratify patients and next generation combinatorial therapies (including anti-CAF therapies) with reduced risk of recurrence.

Keywords: tumor microenvironment,cancer associated fibroblasts,mechanotransduction
Maximising tidal energy generation through Blade Scaling & Advanced Digital Engineering (MAXBlade)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Programme: Climate, Energy and Mobility
Theme: Energy
Destination: Sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply
Action type: Innovation actions
Countries involved: Netherlands,Spain,Poland,Belgium,United Kingdom
Call: Demonstration of innovative rotor, blades and control systems for tidal energy devices (HORIZON-CL5-2022-D3-01, 2022)
Start date: 2023-01-01
End date: 2028-06-30
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1755645.0
EU funding (EUR): 1373889.0
Participants: 9
Project status: SIGNED

The MAXBlade project will specifically focus on delivering a 70% increase in rotor swept area of the technology by addressing design, reliability, condition monitoring, maintenance and control issues relating to tidal turbine blades. All of these issues have to date been insufficiently addressed for tidal turbine blades and need to be holistically tackled to reach a site-averaged €30/MWh cost reduction in tidal stream energy, while maturing the technology to address barriers around investment attractiveness. The project also anticipates significant challenges and expected legislative requirements around applying circular economy principles to tidal stream turbine blades in pursuit of a net zero generation sector. With a close interface between blade design and testing activities, the project addresses a comprehensive circular economy roadmap for tidal turbine blades, including advancing the potential of recyclable thermoplastic resins for use in the composite blades. The project also progresses initiatives to ensure that the European composite sectors become the international leader in tidal blade manufacture through knowledge transfer, practical engagement in the blade production design and identifying and addressing barriers to increasing European supplier capacity. The project will consist of a 2-year design and development phase, an 18-month build, followed by a 2-year performance verification through the build of a tidal array of at least two units (c. 5MW), ensuring that 8 blades (4 rotors) are tested providing cumulatively 120,000 hours of rotor performance data.
Deep Bayesian Reinforcement Learning -- Unifying Perception, Planning, and Control (BAYES-RL)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Computer Science and Informatics
Panel description: Informatics and information systems, computer science, scientific computing, intelligent systems
Countries involved: Israel
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2021-STG, 2021)
Start date: 2022-04-01
End date: 2027-03-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

For robots to assist humanity in homes, or hospitals, the capability to manipulate diverse objects is imperative. So far, however, robotic manipulation technology has struggled in managing the uncertainty and unstructuredness that characterize human environments. Machine learning is a natural approach -- the robot can adapt to a given scenario, even if it was not programmed to handle it beforehand. Indeed, Deep Reinforcement Learning (deep RL), which has recently led to AI breakthroughs in computer games, has been publicized as the learning-based approach to robotics. To date, however, deep RL studies focused on known and observable systems, where uncertainty was resolved by lengthy trial and error. Quickly learning to act in novel environments, as required for robotics, is not yet within our reach. The crux of the matter is the tight coupling between perception and control under high uncertainty -- the robot must actively reduce uncertainty while also trying to solve the task; for complex and high-dimensional systems, we do not have a suitable algorithmic framework for this. In this proposal, our overarching goal is to: Develop the algorithmic framework of using deep learning in problems that tightly couple perception, planning, and control, for advancing robotic AI to reliably manipulate general objects in unstructured environments. Towards this end, we shall develop neural network representations of uncertainty, and algorithms that estimate uncertainty from data. We will develop theory and algorithms for decision making under uncertainty, bringing in a fresh perspective to the problem based on Bayesian reinforcement learning (Bayes-RL). These advances will allow us to study safety certificates for deep RL, and develop a general and practical methodology for learning-based robotic manipulation under uncertainty, validated on real robot experiments. Aside from robotic manipulation, we expect impact on various fields where decision making plays an important role.

Keywords: reinforcement learning,robotic manipulation,deep learning,representation learning
ADVANCED SYNERGIES FOR PILOT DEMONSTRATION TOWARDS INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION IN WIDENING COUNTRIES (DemosAxia)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area
Programme: Widening participation and spreading excellence
Theme: Improved access to Excellence
Destination: Improved access to Excellence
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Panel: Physics
Countries involved: Greece,Portugal,France,Switzerland
Call: Pathways to Synergies (HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-04, 2023)
Start date: 2024-06-01
End date: 2027-05-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1198865.0
EU funding (EUR): 1198865.0
Participants: 4
Project status: SIGNED

DemosAxia will offer a coherent package of actions, in terms of strategy development, innovation, training and outreach activities. Overall, DemosAxia aims to improve the high-added value products/services available in South-East and South-West Europe. A project like DemosAxia can maximize the added value and impact of projects IMOCO4.E and GRAPHEYE, including their platforms, networks, associations, and other initiatives consisting of identifying and leveraging the resources and creating new sources of value that form the base for building synergy. Connections and actions that are going to be developed between the DemosAxia consortium and similar or related projects or initiatives, will add value to the results generated already by previous or ongoing projects. The synergies will help in spreading the project’s results to a broader audience but also to learn from other projects’ findings. Interaction and exploitation of synergies with other projects and initiatives will be exploited to increase the outreach of potential stakeholders by organize joint events, exchange knowledge, experience, and best practices, and stimulate discussions among key players.

Keywords: synergy,microelectronics,training,technology transfer,innovation management
Transcendent Nexus: Rethinking Mediatorial Christology and the Neoplatonic Doctrine of Pure Souls in Late Antiquity (TRANEX)

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: Social Sciences and Humanities
Countries involved: Netherlands,Germany
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023 (HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01, 2023)
Start date: 2024-06-01
End date: 2026-05-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 203464.32
EU funding (EUR): 203464.32
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

TRANEX contends that in Late Antiquity (c. 300-500 AD) both the figure of Christ and those of Pythagoras and Socrates underwent a parallel process of metamorphosis facilitated not least through an intellectual exchange between Christian theologians and Neoplatonists, that is, pagan philosophers who drew on Plato’s thought to build a new philosophical and religious system. Rather than perceiving pagan Neoplatonism and Christianity as separate and detached entities, TRANEX emphasizes the need to understand them as dynamically intertwined and mutually influential realms. From Iamblichus onwards (c. 245-325 AD), Neoplatonists reinterpreted figures like Pythagoras and Socrates as ‘pure souls’ sent to earth to save humankind. These saviour figures bear striking resemblances to Christologies that portray Christ as a subordinate divine mediator. I understand these parallels as the outcome of an interreligious exchange, which I intend to explore by focusing on the concept of the ‘soul’. The intermediate nature of the soul, positioned between humanity and divinity, holds a paramount significance as a converging point for Neoplatonic and Christian worldviews, fueling profound discussion on the intricate relationships between humanity and divinity. Within this conceptual framework, I will study the most influential thinkers of the late third to the first half of the fifth century. By juxtaposing subordinationist Christologies with the Neoplatonic doctrine of pure souls, I aim to demonstrate that a comprehensive understanding of late antique Christological debates requires an appreciation of the broader Neoplatonic discourse surrounding figures like Pythagoras and Socrates, and vice versa. I will specifically examine three key aspects that are equally central to both subordinationist Christologies and Neoplatonic conceptions of ‘pure souls’: (1) ‘mediation’ towards humanity, (2) ‘similarity’, rather than ‘identity’, to God(s), and, consequently, (3) ‘subordination’ to God(s).

Keywords: late antiquity neoplatonism patristics iamblichus,proclus,hermias eusebius of caesarea,athanasius,cappadocian fathers,cyril doctrine of the soul christology plato s reception
Electro-Optic Meta Tweezers for Precise Manipulation and Analysis of Underwater Sub-100 nm Nanoplastics (NPLs-AcquaSENS)

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: Physics
Countries involved: Germany,Canada
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 (HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01, 2024)
Start date: 2025-07-01
End date: 2027-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 202125.12
EU funding (EUR): 202125.12
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

Nanoplastics (NPLs) are microscopic plastic particles smaller than 1000 nm that pose a significant environmental and health threat. They are frequently released when larger plastic debris pieces decompose, and they can be found everywhere, from marine ecosystems to the food we eat. Detecting NPLs (< 100 nm) is challenging due to the limitations of analytical tools. The "Nanoplastics (NPLs)-AcquaSENS" Project seeks to address these challenges by developing an innovative online Field-Flow Fractionation (FFF) coupled with electro-optic meta-sensors for the rapid, non-destructive, and in situ detection of NPLs in aquatic environments. This project will harness the power of advanced numerical simulations, cutting-edge nanolithography, and state-of-the-art instrumentation techniques to create a novel electro-optic meta tweezer. This device will enable the controlled trapping and precise manipulation of NPLs, pushing the boundaries of current detection capabilities. A key component of the project is the measurement of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) signals from electro-optically trapped NPLs, which will allow for a detailed analysis of the microscopic physics governing these particles in real-world water bodies. The project will overcome diffraction and diffusion limits in NPL detection and have the lowest LoD to date. Additionally, the project will develop a comprehensive, high-resolution SERS spectral library of commonly found plastic materials in drinking waters to provide a standardised reference tool for researchers and practitioners. This SERS library will serve as a critical resource for the identification and characterization of NPLs. Integrating this advanced technology into routine drinking water monitoring protocols has the potential to significantly enhance water quality regulatory frameworks, providing a powerful tool for safeguarding public health.

Keywords: sers,field flow fractionation,nanoplastics,raman tweezer,nanolithography,dielectrophoresis
Development of delignified nanocellulose based gas transfer scaffold membrane for artificial lung applications (CellMembrane Hop-On)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area
Programme: Widening participation and spreading excellence
Theme: Improved access to Excellence
Destination: Improved access to Excellence
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Ireland,Portugal
Call: Hop on Facility (HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-06, 2023)
Duration (months): 21.0
Total project cost (EUR): 538722.5
EU funding (EUR): 538722.5
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Lung disease is a primary cause of mortality worldwide, and for individuals afflicted with irreversible and terminal lung conditions, lung transplantation is the sole solution for long-term treatment. The acute deficiency of appropriate donors leads to extended waiting periods with diminished prospects for successful recovery owing to suboptimal organ function following transplantation. The CellMembrane consortium is creating the first biobased nanocellulose (NC) artificial lung, intended to serve as a permanent substitute and a bridge solution for transplantation. The initial project has established a robust foundation, and the incorporation of NOVA via this Hop-On application will introduce essential advancements to expedite progress and tackle current challenges in cellulose-based membrane development. To improve NC composite production, NOVA will synthesize new cellulose derivatives. Other partners will use these cellulose-based composites in bioink formulations and membrane production. These will enhance the artificial lung prototype's biocompatibility and gas exchange efficacy. NOVA will bring Janus membrane production know-how, enabling the construction of asymmetric membranes optimized for gas transfer, thereby improving the device's functionality. NOVA will also develop thin membranes using casting techniques not currently used within the project, to produce high-performance, hemocompatible membranes that are essential for prolonged use in artificial lungs. In close collaboration with CellMembrane partners, NOVA will help to advance artificial lung technology by creating a prototype that facilitates sustained gas exchange without requiring systemic anticoagulants. This project has the potential to revolutionize treatment alternatives for patients awaiting lung transplantation, markedly enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

Keywords: artificial lung,lung disease,oxygenator,lung transplant,wearable portable lung,nanocellulose
Agonists of the microprotein BRAWNIN in the treatment of Charcot Marie Tooth disease (ABC-MT)

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: France
Call: ERC PROOF OF CONCEPT GRANTS (ERC-2023-POC, 2023)
Start date: 2024-07-01
End date: 2026-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 150000.0
EU funding (EUR): 150000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

This project will provide proof of concept for the neuroprotective potential of agonists of the mitochondrial protein BRAWNIN. We have identified that BRAWNIN is an important regulator of mitochondrial function in neurons. Mitochondria are essential organelles to support metabolic homeostasis in the cell. Mounting evidence in the literature demonstrate that mitochondria and more broadly metabolic regulation is central to the function of the nervous system. Axons are especially affected by metabolic deregulation, which can lead to axonal degeneration. In this application, we propose that increasing the cellular levels of protein BRAWNIN using a gene-therapy strategy (defined as BRAWNIN agonists) will be protective in neurodegenerative disease, and we will demonstrate this in models of Charcot Marie Tooth disease, a peripheral neuropathy strongly associated with altered metabolism and mitochondria. Overall, our project will provide the first demonstration that BRAWNIN is a target of therapeutic interest in axonal metabolic diseases, which we will further develop with the ultimate goal to develop BRAWNIN agonists for patients.
Photonic Quantum Technologies with Strain-Free Artificial Atoms (PQART)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Condensed Matter Physics
Panel description: Structure, electronic properties, fluids, nanosciences, biological physics
Countries involved: Denmark
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2022-STG, 2022)
Start date: 2023-05-01
End date: 2028-04-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Photons are an excellent platform to explore fundamental quantum properties without disturbance from the environment. They are also advantageous for applied topics such as quantum communication and simulation. The prerequisite for exploiting photons in quantum science is producing and manipulating high-quality streams of entangled photons in a scalable setting. Yet, the progress on this front has been slow primarily due to shortcomings in material properties. So far, only small states involving three photons have been demonstrated, and the quest of generating two-dimensional entanglement is untouched. In this project, I will address the scalability problem employing an emerging class of artificial atoms named gallium arsenide quantum dots (GaAs QDs). Contrary to standard QDs, GaAs QDs are free from mechanical strain. As a result, GaAs QDs have lower noise, and different GaAs QDs have similar optical properties; these are critical requirements for a scalable platform. We will use photonic nanostructures to flexibly interface GaAs QDs on a photonic chip. Such a scalable platform will be an invaluable contribution to photonic quantum technologies. As an immediate outcome, we will use this platform to deliver three novel goals: 1. Highly entangled states of photons with two-dimensional connectivity 2. First experimental studies on the interaction between photons in a strongly non-linear medium 3. Pave the way towards quantum memories based on the collective states of nuclei in a QD These achievements will be enabling contributions to quantum technologies. Two-dimensional clusters of entangled photons are indispensable resources with immediate applications in quantum communication and will open new prospects for photonic quantum simulation. Additionally, studying the interaction between photons in a strongly nonlinear medium will enable us to build number-resolving photon detectors, and in the longer term, may enable emulating many-body quantum systems on our platform.

Keywords: quantum information science,quantum networks,quantum photonics,atomic and molecular physics