Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
A neural network builder with remotely controlled parallel computing (NEUROCLOUD)

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: United Kingdom
Call: ERC-Proof of Concept (ERC-2017-PoC, 2017)
Start date: 2017-09-01
End date: 2019-02-28
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 148550.0
EU funding (EUR): 148550.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Neural network simulations have been a driving force behind our advances in the artificial intelligence filed, but also a key tool in our understanding of the human brain. However, exploring such networks usually engages substantial computational resources requiring specific programing skills and dedicated facilities. In our main project NETSIGNAL, we have developed computational environment ARACHNE aiming to facilitate high-end neural network exploration among scientific and industrial users. ARACHNE enables an investigator to construct and explore cellular networks of arbitrary biophysical and architectural complexity using a simple interface on a local computer or a mobile device. Through small-file exchange via the internet, the interface controls a pre-configured computational kernel installed on a remote computer cluster or cloud. Uniquely, ARACHNE can integrate traditional wired network connections with diffuse, volume-transmitted type of inter-cellular signalling, to reflect the emerging role of glia in brain processing. ARACHNE thus affords a flexible neural network design and incorporates latest advances in neuroscience while providing a portable console suitable for IT-untrained explorers. ARACHNE has passed a feasibility and novelty test by independent experts (Aleksin et al, PLoS Comp Biology 2017, in press), its test version is available on-line (https://github.com/LeonidSavtchenko/Arachne/). Our goal here is to determine market potential and the commercial viability of ARACHNE and its conceptual design, but also to establish industry-standard provisions for its commercial exploitation. We plan: (a) to upgrade ARACHNE technical specs, interface, support, etc. to the industry standard; (b) to assess the market and the competitors; (c) to determine IPR position and strategy, (d) to explore budgeting and further funding strategy, (e) to establish initial provisions for its distribution and/or licensing of ARACHNE.

Keywords: brain,synaptic circuit,neural network,astroglia
Alpine lakes benthic viral community structure and diversity: a metagenomic and ecological approach (metaVir-Alp)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Career Restart panel
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Environment and Geosciences
Countries involved: Italy
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2015, 2015)
Start date: 2016-11-01
End date: 2018-10-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 180277.2
EU funding (EUR): 180277.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Viruses are a key and yet neglected component of freshwater ecosystems. By impacting bacterial communities they influence evolutionary dynamics, mineralisation processes, energy transfer across trophic levels and greenhouse gas emission. Nonetheless, they are among the least understood organisms. This project proposes a multidisciplinary breakthrough combining metagenomics, microbiology, and advanced computation to characterise the genetic diversity, structure and function of viral and bacterial communities in freshwater sediments along an altitudinal gradient that mimics a natural temperature gradient. As model system I will use the threatened Alpine lakes; the ultimate aim is to develop a model that could predict the response of benthic microbial communities to future climatic changes. Three steps are involved:1)an experimental microbiology approach will describe the viral community structure and evaluate the viral contribution to bacteria mortality and C-cycle; 2)an experimental and computational metagenomics approach will define the genetic structure and diversity of the viral and microbial benthic community and 3)statistical modelling of the effect of temperature and other biochemical factors on viral community structure and genetic diversity, virus-host interactions and benthic C-cycle. To date, no investigations combined microbiological and metagenomics approaches to characterise microbial communities in freshwaters. This project will provide unprecedented insights into the potential effects of global change on threatened Alpine lakes, with important conservation implications across EU Countries. During this multidisciplinary project I will train intensively in bioinformatics, limnology and project management, exchanging knowledge with world leaders in the field of metagenomics and freshwater ecology. This project would allow me to resume my career by developing a novel research line and acquire key skills needed to establish an independent research position.

Keywords: viriobenthos,lake sediment,metagenomics,lakes,microbiology
Mortuary Archaeology of the Rameț Bronze Age Landscape: Identity and inequality in early mining communities (2700-2200 BC) (MARBAL)

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: Social Sciences and Humanities
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2016, 2016)
Start date: 2017-10-01
End date: 2019-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 183454.8
EU funding (EUR): 183454.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

MARBAL will integrate human osteology with isotopic analyses of diet and mobility, osteobiographical reconstructions of the lives of prehistoric individuals, and archaeological analyses of material culture. The project aim is to investigate how Early Bronze Age (2700-2200 BC) mortuary practices shaped, and were shaped by, emerging regional trade networks and the establishment and negotiation of community identities in the Apuseni mountain region of Romania. The research objectives are: 1) To understand the social factors that made individuals eligible for kinds of mortuary treatment, to ascertain whether eligibility for burial was affected by aspects of social identity; 2) To investigate the intersection of social and bioarchaeological inequalities, and 3) To reconstruct community social interactions. These objectives will be achieved by providing training for the EF in 1) osteobiographical and 2) isotopic analyses, while collecting and analyzing osteoarchaeological data from the site of Rameț-Gugului. MARBAL will contribute to our understanding of the ways in which mortuary practices can be used to shape community and individual identities and dampen or enhance living social inequalities. It will take place at the University of Cambridge where relevant scientific, regional and period specialisms abound.

Keywords: osteoarchaeology,mortuary archaeology,bronze age,metal,social complexity,inequality,romania,europe
Palaeoproteomics to Unleash Studies on Human History (PUSHH)

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,Italy,Germany,Spain,Norway,France,France,United Kingdom,United Kingdom,Denmark
Call: Innovative Training Networks (H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2020-03-01
End date: 2024-08-31
Duration (months): 54.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3901615.16
EU funding (EUR): 3901615.16
Participants: 12
Project status: SIGNED

PUSHH will provide international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary doctoral training to prepare the next generation of palaeoanthropologists, palaeontologists and archaeologists to push knowledge on human biological and cultural evolution forward by using palaeoproteomics. Ancient DNA (aDNA) sequencing revolutionised our knowledge on evolution, migration and admixture of archaic and anatomically modern humans. However, no aDNA older than 0.7 million years has been retrieved yet. Ancient proteins instead survive much longer than aDNA, enabling molecular-based phylogeny beyond the limits of aDNA degradation. They can also be recovered from cultural heritage objects, helping to understand how they were made. Presently though, there are very few specialists that have been trained to analyse ancient proteins, in stark contrast to the study of aDNA. The growing demand of information provided by palaeoproteomics will require highly qualified specialists with a multidisciplinary background in analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, palaeoanthropology, palaeontology and archaeology and PUSHH will build that competence. The PUSHH network aims at: (i) forming, through research-based training, the professional profiles behind tomorrow’s state-of-the-art analysis of ancient proteins from palaeoanthropological, palaeontological and archaeological materials, (ii) consolidating existing constructive interaction across disciplines to focus different expertise and backgrounds into the common aim of advancing palaeoanthropology and archaeology, (iii) stimulating the development of an application-oriented mindset for direct or indirect exploitation of PUSHH R&D activities, through the right set of specific research-related and transferable skills. As a key PUSHH feature, the unique contribution provided by each participating institution will be integrated in a strong partnership to achieve valuable complementary research-specific and widely transferrable professional competence.

Keywords: ancient proteins,ancient protein degradation,protein based binders,dental enamel,mass spectrometry
Tailored Lightweight Sandwich Composites with Multifunctional Properties and Good Designability: From Molecule-design to Structure-properties Relationship (TESCOM)

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: Information Science and Engineering
Countries involved: Spain
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): 172932.48
EU funding (EUR): 172932.48
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

With the increasing demand for energy saving and emission reduction in the transportation industry, the study on lightweight sandwich composites (LSCs) has attracted much attention during the past two decades. However, current LSCs were strongly limited by the properties of lightweight core materials. In this context, a two-step process was designed to prepare fibre reinforced foaming unsaturated polyester composite (FR-FUP) as a novel lightweight core of sandwich composites. The pre-foaming sheet is prepared as the basic component of FUP composites, which make it possible to form the foam core material in situ when preparing the sandwich composites. In this project, aiming at solving some key scientific problems of FR-FUP composite and providing theorical base to the development of new generation LSCs. Based on the targeted molecular design and synthesis of UP polymer matrix, and the modified pre-foaming sheets, the fellow will focus on the advanced FR-FUP composites with high mechanical properties, high flame retardant performance and good designability. The main objectives include: (1) to find an optimal polymer matrix for the two-step molding process of FR-FUP composites by click polymerization; (2) to establish structure-property relationship between tailored UP resin and FR-FUP composites; (3) to prepare multifunctional lightweight composite and expand its application in transportation industry. This proposal presents an interdisciplinary and innovative approach with great significance. The original ideas will bring us bran-new to design and prepare LSCs.

Keywords: sandwich composites,lightweight
Targeting ASTROcytes with cutting-edge EDITING technologies to treat the Alexander disease (ASTRO-EDITING)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Society and Enterprise panel
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Life Sciences
Countries involved: Italy
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2020-07-01
End date: 2022-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 183473.28
EU funding (EUR): 183473.28
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Alexander disease (AxD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by missense mutations in the gene encoding the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the major intermediate filament protein in astrocytes. Accumulation of GFAP aggregates in Rosenthal fibres leads to impairment of proteasomal activity and hyperactivation of the stress response, thus compromising astrocyte functions and altering the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). Currently, this orphan disease lacks a cure. The proposed project aims at providing in vivo proof-of-concept of safety, efficiency and efficacy of a novel and definitive AAV gene therapy approach based on gene editing / base editing strategies targeting GFAP mutational hotspots to recover pathological phenotypes in astrocytes. The candidate expects to outline novel editing platforms for widespread in vivo targeting of CNS astrocytes that could be applied for the treatment of AxD, as proposed in ASTRO-EDITING, and prospectively for disease modelling studies and therapeutic treatments of other neurological and psychiatric disorders by targeting pathological pathways involved in primary astrocyte degeneration or dysfunctional/maladaptive astrogliosis. The proposal addresses the European issue of Horizon 2020, in the social challenge “Health, Demographic Change and Wellbeing” endeavours for the call “Better health and care, economic growth and sustainable health disease”, subject SC1-BMC-04-2018 “Rare Disease European Joint Programme Cofund”. The expertise of the host laboratory, the international environment of OSR and the personalized career development plan will significantly reinforce candidate's competences and knowledge in the gene therapy field, expand his portfolio of therapeutic areas, create a new research niche, and strengthen his organizational, management and interpersonal skills, thus favouring the progressive acquisition of independence as experienced researcher in the scientific community.

Keywords: alexander disease,astrocytes,autosomal dominant neurological disorders,crispr,cas9 system,gene editing,base editing,in vivo gene therapy,adeno associated viral vectors
Plasma efficient nitrogen fixation (PENFIX)

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: Belgium
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2018, 2018)
Start date: 2019-10-01
End date: 2021-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 178320.0
EU funding (EUR): 178320.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Industrial scale nitrogen fixation (NF) via the Haber-Bosch process dominates artificial fertilizer production and at present, enables yield enhancements which nourish over 40 % of the world population. Owing to the exceptional stability of molecular nitrogen’s triple bond the Haber-Bosch process is an energy intensive chemical process which accounts for 1-2 % of the world's energy production, consumes 2-3 % of the global natural gas output and emits more than 300 million tonnes of CO2. In light of an increasing population (and fertilizer demand) coupled with an urgency to reduce CO2 emissions, efforts to find alternative technologies for NF that offer the potential of reduced energy usage while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions have accelerated. Electrically powered plasma processes are considered as a promising alternative for delocalized fertilizer production, based on renewable energy, and more specifically for NO production. To-date, however, plasma designs for NF have not exceeded Haber-Bosch efficiencies. Pulsed powered microwave (MW) generated plasma technology offers some promise in this regard. Pulsing of the discharge power enables strategies which direct energy to primarily heat electrons (’non-thermal’ conditions) providing a far more efficient pathway to molecular bond breakage (and resulting NO production) than thermal effects. Indeed, reports on pulsed powered MW discharges have indicated an opportunity to tune electron energies to maximize molecular vibrational excitation, identified as an optimal route for energy efficiency in NO production. In a novel advance, plasma efficient nitrogen fixation ’PENFIX', proposes to interrogate ’pulsed’ powered atmospheric microwave (MW) plasma for nitric oxide (NO) production using air. Novel reactor designs informed by validated modelling will be of particular focus. Diagnostic and modelling activities will elucidate the fundamental physics while addressing the challenges of future industrial scale deployment.

Keywords: cold atmospheric plasma,non thermal plasma,plasma agriculture,microwave plasma,pulsed plasma,plasma conversion
Gender and Health Inequalities : from embodiment to health care cascade (GENDHI)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Synergy grants
Action type: ERC actions
Countries involved: France
Call: ERC Synergy Grant (ERC-2019-SyG, 2019)
Start date: 2020-07-01
End date: 2027-06-30
Duration (months): 84.0
Total project cost (EUR): 9974447.0
EU funding (EUR): 9974447.0
Participants: 3
Project status: SIGNED

In all European countries, social inequalities in health remain pervasive. Much research has identified a number of social stratifiers of health while others have specified the role of the health care system in contributing to the evolution of health inequalities. However, gender, as a social relation of power between men and women, is rarely considered as a key determinant of health inequalities, and when it is, theoretical frameworks are rarely relevant. Furthermore, while social science studies generally ignore biological processes, sex differences in biomedical research are often interpreted as biologically irreducible. Our objective is to document and explain how gender intersects with other social hierarchies (social class and race/ethnicity) to produce social inequalities in health from early childhood to late adulthood. Adopting a life course perspective, we will examine two complementary research questions 1)"gendered embodied health" or how (un)healthy bodies are socially constructed, and 2) "gendered health care cascade" or how health-seeking behaviours and patterns of care are shaped by gender. Within this framework, we focus on hypertension and myocardial infarction, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and colorectal cancer. Our approach is resolutely multidisciplinary, associating social sciences and epidemiology, in close collaboration with clinicians. We develop triangulation analysis based on (i) secondary quantitative analysis of six large cross-sectional and cohort survey including biological markers and (ii) family monographies, interviews with youth, patients and health professionals and ethnographic observations of medical visits. The multiple working meetings to develop this project has firmed our conviction over the strength, innovative value and feasibility of this multidisciplinary, multi-method and multi-pathology project supported by four experienced researchers who are leaders in their field and internationally recognised.

Keywords: gender,health,inequalities,social classes,race ethnicity,lifecourse,mixed methods,ethnography,socialisation,embodiment,intersectionality
Capacity Building And Raising Awareness In Europe And In Third Countries To Cope With Xylella fastidiosa (CURE-XF)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Research and innovation staff exchange
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Environment and Geosciences
Countries involved: Italy,Iran, Islamic Republic of,Spain,Spain,Italy,Egypt,Belgium,Greece,Tunisia,Greece,Palestine, State of,France,United Kingdom,Lebanon,Morocco,United Kingdom
Call: Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (H2020-MSCA-RISE-2016, 2016)
Start date: 2017-09-01
End date: 2023-06-30
Duration (months): 70.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1777500.0
EU funding (EUR): 1777500.0
Participants: 19
Project status: SIGNED

CURE-FX aims to establish a multidisciplinary research program to answer the urgent need to improve prevention, early detection and control of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf). An appropriate approach to this emergency should include a coordination and multidisciplinary interaction between a plurality of competences and it can be facilitated by a more intense exchange and mobility of researchers.The objectives of CURE-FX are: To exchange the scientific capacities and novelties among the European Countries as well as between EU and third countries, in particular sensitive neighbor countries. To strengthen the knowledge and the know-how on Xf in third countries having intense exchange of plant material with Europe. To raise awareness in relation to Xf. These objectives will be acheived through: Strengthen preventive measures by consolidating expertise and awareness of plant health agencies, decision-makers and relevant stakeholders; Analyze Xf-hosts interaction and epidemiology; Develop advanced diagnostic tools for the detection and characterization of Xf and associated vectors; Consolidate innovative approaches for disease prevention, monitoring and control; Improving pest risk analysis, phytosanitary legislations and contingency measures for a safe plant material trade and Integrating with current platforms for adequate communication and dissemination ensuring an effective knowledge transfer among the various actors involved. The proposal involves partners from the following countries: Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Belgium, UK, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon and Iran. Partner countries selected are differently involved in the study and management of quarantine pests, although each one with a different role, approach and competence. These countries can be divided into two groups: Group 1: countries where the disease is already present (Italy, France, Iran); Group 2: the other countries where the disease is currently absent, but the risk of its introduction is high

Keywords: xylella fastidiosa,invasive pests,eu regulations