Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Maternal Enteric Microbiota for Offspring's Repertoire development and Illness Susceptibility (MEMORIS)

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: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2016, 2016)
Start date: 2018-03-01
End date: 2020-05-27
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 187419.6
EU funding (EUR): 187419.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Recently, it has emerged that early life exposure to commensal microbes is crucial to instruct our immune system and prevent later life autoimmune and metabolic diseases. The host lab now showed that this education begins even earlier – during gestation by signals from the maternal intestinal microbiota. Using the E. coli strain HA 107, genetically engineered to grow in vitro without the ability to persist in vivo, they demonstrated that transient intestinal colonisation of pregnant germ-free mouse dams drives neonatal innate immune maturation. However, the long-term consequences of maternal microbiota cues especially for the adaptive immune system of the adult offspring remain elusive. The MEMORIS project (Maternal Enteric Microbiota for Offspring's Repertoire development & Illness Susceptibility) shall elucidate the long-term consequences of maternal microbial signals for the offspring’s adaptive immune system and disease susceptibility. My specific aims are to reveal the consequences of gestational colonisation for the offspring’s (1) own intestinal microbiota composition and metabolism; (2) adaptive immune repertoire development; and (3) susceptibility to autoimmune and metabolic diseases. For this, I will colonise offspring of gestationally colonised versus germ-free mouse dams at birth and by (1) metagenomic, metatranscriptomic and metabolomic read-outs assess its dynamic microbiota development. (2) Flow cytometric and transcriptional profiling, immunglobulin gene sequencing and bacterial FACS will reveal adaptive immune repertoire maturation. Based on these results I will (3) elucidate the role of maternal microbiota signals for disease susceptibility using NOD mice modeling type 1 diabetes and high fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. I would like to establish the concept that our susceptibility to autoimmune and metabolic diseases is influenced during a “window of opportunity” that opens – not just at birth – but already during pregnancy.

Keywords: maternal and infant intestinal microbiota,education of immune system,mucosal immunology,autoimmunity,metabolomics and metabolic disorders
Optimal Control at Large (OCAL)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Systems and communication engineering
Panel description: Electrical, electronic, communication, optical and systems engineering
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2017-ADG, 2017)
Start date: 2018-11-01
End date: 2024-10-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2497058.0
EU funding (EUR): 2497058.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Despite wide ranging progress on both the theory and applications of optimal control for more than half a century, considerable challenges remain when it comes to applying the resulting methods to large scale systems. The difficulties become even greater when one moves outside the classical realm of model based optimal control to address problems where models are replaced by data, or macroscopic behaviours emerge out of microscopic interactions of large populations of agents. To address these challenges, we propose here to develop a framework for approximating optimal control problems using randomised optimisation. The starting point will be formulations of optimal control problems as infinite dimensional linear programs. Our recent work suggests that randomised methods on the one hand can serve as a basis for algorithms to approximate such infinite programs and on the other enjoy close connections to statistical learning theory, providing a direct link to data driven approaches. Turning these intuitions into an approximation framework for optimal control that rests on solid theoretical foundations and provides explicit accuracy guarantees will be the methodological contribution of the proposed research. The resulting methods can find a range of applications in engineering and beyond; here we will investigate two such applications. One is motivated by our work on energy management in buildings and districts. The challenge here is the dimensionality of the system, especially if one would like to include weather and other forecast information and the corresponding uncertainty. The second application will be to so-called population systems, that involve the interaction of many agents with local decision-making capabilities coupled through the use of common resources. Here the main challenges are defining suitable "features" to abstract the individual states and the integration of uncertainty due to the presence of non-participating agents.

Keywords: approximate dynamic programming,randomised optimisation,distributed,systems,aggregative games,energy demand response,mobility
Biophysical mechanisms of long-range transcriptional regulation (BioMeTRe)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems
Panel description: Genetics, epigenetics, genomics and other ‘omics studies, bioinformatics, systems biology, genetic diseases, gene editing, innovative methods and modelling, ‘omics for personalised medicine
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2017-STG, 2017)
Start date: 2018-01-01
End date: 2023-12-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

In mammals, transcriptional control of many genes relies on cis-regulatory elements such as enhancers, which are often located tens to hundreds of kilobases away from their cognate promoters. Functional interactions between distal regulatory elements and target promoters require mutual physical proximity, which is linked to the three-dimensional structure of the chromatin fiber. Chromosome conformation capture studies revealed that chromosomes are partitioned into Topologically Associating Domains (TADs), sub-megabase domains of preferential physical interactions of the chromatin fiber. Genetic evidence showed that TAD boundaries restrict the genomic range of enhancer-promoter communication, and that interactions between regulatory sequences within TADs are further fine-tuned by smaller-scale structures. However, the mechanistic details of how physical interactions translate into transcriptional outputs are totally unknown. Here we propose to explore the biophysical mechanisms that link chromosome conformation and long-range transcriptional regulation using molecular biology, genetic engineering, single-cell experiments and physical modeling. We will measure chromosomal interactions in single cells and in time using a novel method that relies on an enzymatic process in vivo. Genetic engineering will be used to establish a cell system that allows quantitative measurement of how enhancer-promoter interactions relate to transcription at the population and single-cell levels, and to test the effects of perturbations without confounding effects. Finally, we will develop physical models of promoter operation in the presence of distal enhancers, which will be used to interpret the experimental data and formulate new testable predictions. With this integrated approach we aim at providing an entirely new layer of description of the general principles underlying transcriptional control, which could establish new paradigms for research in epigenetics and gene regulation.

Keywords: chromosome conformation,transcriptional control
Theoretical and observational consequences of the Geometrical Destabilization of Inflation (GEODESI)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Universe sciences
Panel description: Astro-physics/-chemistry/-biology; solar system; planetary systems; stellar, galactic and extragalactic astronomy; cosmology; space sciences; astronomical instrumentation and data
Countries involved: France
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2017-STG, 2017)
Start date: 2018-02-01
End date: 2024-08-31
Duration (months): 79.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1476672.0
EU funding (EUR): 1476672.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

The GEODESI project aims at interpreting current and forthcoming cosmological observations in a renewed theoretical framework about cosmological inflation and its ending. The simplest toy models of inflation economically explain all current data, leaving no observational clue to guide theorists towards a finer physical understanding. In this context, I very recently unveiled an hitherto unnoticed instability at play in the primordial universe that potentially affects all inflationary models and drastically modifies the interpretation of cosmological observations in terms of fundamental physics. The so-called Geometrical Destabilization of inflation reshuffles our understanding of the origin of structures in the universe, offers a new mechanism to end inflation, and promises unrivaled constraints on high-energy physics. It is crucial to develop this fresh look before a host of high-quality data from large-scale structure surveys and cosmic microwave background observations become available within the 5 year timescale of the project. With the ERC grant I plan to build a group at the Institute of Astrophysics of Paris (IAP-CNRS) with the objective of determining the full theoretical and observational consequences of the geometrical destabilization of inflation. We will combine insights from non-standard cosmological perturbation theory and lattice simulations to constrain realistic models of inflation in high-energy physics, producing accurate theoretical predictions for a wide variety of observables, including the spectra and the non-Gaussianities of primordial fluctuations and stochastic backgrounds of gravitational waves.

Keywords: cosmological inflation,primordial non gaussianities,theoretical high energy physics,lattice simulations
Purposing de novo protein scaffolds for the Heck reaction (DENOPHECK)

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: Germany
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2020-09-01
End date: 2022-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 162806.4
EU funding (EUR): 162806.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The overall aim of this fellowship is to develop an enzymes that catalyses the Heck reaction using de novo proteins. We now live in an age where the consequences of the emissions of greenhouse gases are having observable, detrimental effects on our planet’s ecosystem. Therefore, the need to develop non-toxic, cleaner and lower energy reactions is essential. Palladium(0)-catalysed cross-coupling reactions are a powerful method for generating carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds, leading to their extensive use in academia and industry. Among all cross-coupling reactions, it can be argued that the Heck reaction is one of the greenest because the reagents are not prefunctionalised with metals, boron or silicon. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the Heck reaction can be performed in water, although truly catalytic examples to date require temperatures up to 140 °C and often more reactive and expensive aryl bromide and aryl iodide reagents. De novo protein design, the selection of an amino-acid sequence that will fold to a desired protein structure, is a newly established field. Successful designs have furnished a diverse range of protein structures. In contrast to most natural proteins, de novo proteins are well understood, have high thermal stability and are characterised to atomic detail. Dr Rhys, under the supervision of Prof Höcker & Prof Weber, proposes to purpose a range of de novo proteins to bind artificial co-factors to develop truly de novo Heckase enzymes. Functional enzymes will be optimised using well-established rational design and directed-evolution techniques. The development of an optimised Heckase could overcome existing challenges to produce an ambient temperature, stereoselective, water-soluble Heck catalyst.

Keywords: de novo protein design,artificial enzyme,rational design,directed evolution
The First non-cancerogenic Glyoxal Acid-Free fixative for a Formalin-free hospital (GAF)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Innovation in SMEs
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Italy
Call: SME instrument (H2020-SMEInst-2018-2020-1, 2019)
Start date: 2020-01-01
End date: 2020-08-31
Duration (months): 8.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

ADDAX Biosciences is an academic spin-off of the University of Torino, born after long time research activity of its founders on the pathological tissues. Our company goal is to replace the use of Formalin (a cancerogenic solution of formaldehyde) as fixative, while preserving optimal tissue fixation to guarantee correct diagnosis and therapy. In the European Union, Formaldehyde is recognized as a carcinogenic substance, and its use, production and commercialization is prohibited from August 2017. However, at present there is no valid alternative to Formalin accepted by the scientific community to preserve patient specimens. Our project proposes a huge step forward in the fixative market by introducing an innovative reagent, based on acid-free Glyoxal (GAF), that will allow the optimal tissue fixation at structural and molecular level, combined with the absence of toxicity and carcinogenic activity. The addressable market of our GAF product is primarily represented by the healthcare segment, thus the targeted users and clients are public and private entities performing pathology services, such as: Hospitals, Clinics, Emergency Medical Services, Diagnostic Laboratories, Academic Institutes, Forensic Laboratories, CROs, Veterinary Clinics, Labs and Hospitals. Our business model is initially based in two distinct phases: the first one aimed to achieve a controlled production capacity to serve the first customers and finance the further investments; in the second phase, from second year, we expect a faster scale-up through outsourcing production agreements with major European producers of chemical and pharmaceutical products. In this scenario, Addax will retain the R&D, quality, scientific and market development. The objectives of our Feasibility Study are to validate at European level our proof-of-concept and design an updated Business Plan and Commercialization Plan.

Keywords: tissue fixation,formalin free,histology,histochemistry,immuno histochemistry,fish,sequencing,rna analysis,formaldehyde,eradication of carcinogenic agents,workers health
Interdisciplinary Network for Dementia Utilising Current Technology (INDUCT) (INDUCT)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Innovative Training Networks (ITN)-European Training Networks
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Social Sciences and Humanities
Countries involved: Spain,Spain,Belgium,Sweden,Switzerland,Czechia,Netherlands,Netherlands,Netherlands,United Kingdom,United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN-ETN) (H2020-MSCA-ITN-2015, 2015)
Start date: 2016-03-01
End date: 2020-08-31
Duration (months): 54.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3878757.0
EU funding (EUR): 3878757.0
Participants: 16
Project status: CLOSED

Dementia raises complex challenges for people with dementia, their families, and society. The European Parliament has called for investment in high quality, innovative technology research to improve dementia care but so far there has been little benefit because research has generally been limited, small scale and methodologically flawed. In particular: the poor understanding between research and business of how people with dementia use technology means new applications are designed without an in-depth appreciation of people’s needs, preferences and limitations; there is little knowledge about practical, psychological and social barriers and facilitators to implementation making it hard to get results into practice; there is a serious shortage of research trained professionals who combine expertise on dementia care research and technology. In conjunction with INTERDEM the world’s largest network of psychosocial research for people with dementia this ITN will: develop a European multi-disciplinary, intersectoral educational research framework for Europe, to comprehensively train 15 early stage researchers (ESRs) to PhD level; provide the research evidence to show how technology may improve care and quality of life for people with dementia; and provide the European workforce with a much needed new generation of excellent research trained professionals. The objectives of INDUCT are to: determine practical, cognitive & social factors to improve usability of technology; evaluate the effectiveness of specific contemporary technology; trace facilitators & barriers for implementation of technology in dementia care. Using advanced methods in applied health research (e.g. randomised controlled trials, qualitative studies) INDUCT will provide the evidence needed to demonstrate how to make dementia care technology more usable, more effective, and better implemented in practice, culminating in an international consensus guideline for improving policy and practice.

Keywords: dementia care and technology
Energy Local Storage Advanced system (ELSA) (ELSA)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Secure, clean and efficient energy
Action type: Innovation actions
Countries involved: Germany,Germany,Spain,Ireland,Italy,Italy,Germany,France,France,United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Call: Local / small-scale storage (H2020-LCE-2014-3, 2014)
Start date: 2015-04-01
End date: 2018-12-31
Duration (months): 45.0
Total project cost (EUR): 13083061.25
EU funding (EUR): 9861612.5
Participants: 13
Project status: CLOSED

Integration of distributed small/medium size storage systems can allow operating distribution grids much more flexibly, thus realizing smart grid features like local demand-supply balancing, congestion relief, peak shaving and effective RES integration. However, few technologically mature decentralized storage systems are commercially available today at affordable prices, while both viable business models and the underlying legal and regulatory framework are lagging behind. As an answer ELSA will implement and demonstrate an innovative solution integrating low-cost second-life Li-ion batteries and other direct and indirect storage options, including heat storage, demand-side management, as well as use of intermittent RES. The core idea is to consider Storage as a Service towards building and district managers for local energy management optimization, and towards DSO for enhanced network operations. ELSA will adapt, build upon, and integrate close-to-mature (TRL>=5) storage technologies and related ICT-based energy management systems for the management and control of local loads, generation and single or aggregated real or virtual storage resources, including demand response, in buildings, districts and distribution grids. Data models ensuring interoperability among building, districts and DSOs and novel business models enabled by energy storage “as-a-service” will be developed. Different configurations will be demonstrated along six test sites, where a set of different storage technologies will be integrated. Safety issues and social acceptance will be dealt with by communication and product reliability demonstration. A technical, economic and environmental validation, involving relevant stakeholders, will be carried out to nurture the European-wide replication of the ELSA concept, prepare the ground for a concrete roll out of the resulting TRL9 technologies and provide input for regulatory framework adaptation.

Keywords: distributed energy storage,second life battery energy storage,hybrid storage management,ict based energy management,storage as a services,energy storage,grid,smart energy
Developing replicable and cost effective Nearly Zero-Energy' building solutions for small builders in Europe (NZE Buildings)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Secure, clean and efficient energy
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: France
Call: Stimulating the innovation potential of SMEs for a low carbon energy system (H2020-SMEINST-1-2014, 2014)
Start date: 2015-05-01
End date: 2015-10-31
Duration (months): 6.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The building sector is responsible for the majority of the energy consumption in the world. It is also a key challenge for the 20-20-20 strategy of the EU. Sustainable housing starts with 'near zero-energy' buildings, i.e. homes that are so well insulated that it becomes easy to produce more renewable energy on site than what is consumed. Today, house construction in Europe is mainly performed by craftsmen who are small local builders and who work with traditional technics and who are not keen to invest on research and development of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). As a consequence, it remains very difficult for consumers and investors to buy 'plus energy' houses in Europe (costs and lack of offer due to lack of know-how). The objective of the project is to provide to local builders the products and the tools so that they can offer to their customers 'nearly zero-energy' buildings with guaranteed performance and cost controls. To do so, ECOXIA has developed the concept of "Smart Envelope". Built in the ideal conditions of the factory, the envelope is installed in a 'Plug & Play' way on site in one day. It includes both energy performance and the components to make it smart. ECOXIA developed a prototype in 2012 to check the performance of its building envelope. Installed in Yerres, France, it proved the interest of the concept from a mechanical, thermal, comfort and cost standpoints. The recorded consumption proves that the prototype is a 'plus energy' building with the production of only 20 sqm of photovoltaic solar panels. To be able to commercialise the right solution and help Europe to develop a new industry, ECOXIA needs to go further into its feasibility study by addressing the following questions: - which is the best level of prefabrication? - how can we improve the price of our solution for the European market ? - who are the best potential partners for our project in Europe? - what are the regulatory issues on the most relevant markets in Europe?

Keywords: plus energy building,nearly zero energy building,oem solution,performance,quality,price,home,automation,industrialisation