Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Syntax shaped by cognition: transforming theories of syntactic systems through laboratory experiments (SYNCOG)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: The Human Mind and Its Complexity
Panel description: Cognitive science, psychology, linguistics, theoretical philosophy
Countries involved: United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2017-STG, 2017)
Start date: 2018-02-01
End date: 2024-09-30
Duration (months): 80.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1425440.0
EU funding (EUR): 1414300.0
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

Human language is incredibly diverse: languages differ at all levels of linguistic structure from phonetics to syntax. But behind these differences there are intriguing similarities, patterns that reappear across many languages, and others that rarely crop up. A foundational goal of linguistics is to distil a set of principles explaining the shared features of our languages by appealing to properties of the human cognitive and linguistic system. While many such principles have been formulated, throughout the history of the field, little direct behavioural evidence has been offered for them. Indeed, the connection between common features of language systems and cognition is controversial in the broader community of scientists studying language from different perspectives. Longstanding debates center around whether such constraints exist, what features of cognition they might reflect, and if they are specific to language. Recent methodological innovations have carved out a path for progress by allowing linguists to investigate hypothesized constraints on language directly, using laboratory language learning experiments. In phonology, this has led to game-changing advances–expanding the empirical data available, and leading to new theories and models of the phonological grammar and how it is learned. The overarching goal of this project is to jumpstart a parallel transformation in syntax. I will undertake the first large scale experimental investigation of cognitive constraints underlying syntax. The rich body of behavioral data generated will provide evidence for theoretically significant constraints, the cognitive factors they are grounded in, the cognitive domains they apply in, and how they change over development. The data will be used to develop state-of-the-art computational models, galvanizing progress towards a unified account of how cognition shapes core aspects of the world's languages.

Keywords: cognitive science,cognitive biases,syntax,morphology
A novel method for prolonging the melt time in snow and ice through restructuring and electro smog removal (SNOWTECH)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Climate action, environment,  resource efficiency and raw materials
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Austria
Call: Boosting the potential of small businesses in the areas of climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials (H2020-SMEINST-1-2016-2017, 2016)
Start date: 2017-02-01
End date: 2017-04-30
Duration (months): 3.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

ERSO is an Austrian company specialising in the research and development of novel technologies within the energy sector to reduce global energy consumption. Skiing demand has reached almost 400 million visits globally per annum and with over 7000 indoor ice rinks the demand for artificial snow/ice is great. With the rise of global temperatures and the unpredictability of weather conditions the rise in ski resorts limiting the amount of natural snow available, the introduction of artificial snow has been a method of extending the ski season to accommodate further visitors. Some ski resorts in Switzerland, Austria and Italy use artificial snow for 50% or more of their skiing area and the water consumption for this can be up to 20% of an entire regions water usage for a year. Traditional methods of producing artificial snow have a number of disadvantages and environmental effects such as high production costs, short snow lifetime, short temperature range and the damage of the wildlife and fauna. Often, to make good quality snow, water is mixed with either dust or bacteria, of which both can cause damage to the ecosystem when the snow eventually melts. With the huge volumes of water used, the melting process can also lead to instability within the summer season of the ground and can lead to landslides and the destruction of flora. ERSO have identified a business opportunity and have developed technology which restructures the water itself making it more compact and therefore have a longer lifetime which reduces water and energy consumption as well as the environmental effects of artificial snow production. The SnowTech system allows the snow/ice produced to resist melting for up to 30% longer which also means snow can be produced at higher temperatures (up to 2 °C), reduces costs to ~30%. For a ski resort with 10 km of artificial snow slope we can allow savings of up to 1,000,000 L of water, 160,000 kWh of energy and €44,000 in cost solely attributed to electricity.

Keywords: artificial snow,artificial ice,energy efficiency,environment
Mechanistic Studies of NHC Organocatalysis – Quantifying the Reactivity of the Breslow Intermediate (NHC2Breslow)

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: United Kingdom
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2020, 2020)
Start date: 2022-03-01
End date: 2024-02-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 212933.76
EU funding (EUR): 212933.76
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are the most versatile class of organocatalyst, allowing access to a variety of catalytic intermediates for the construction of complex targets from simple starting materials under mild conditions. Despite many individual conceptual advances in this field, it is not understood (or even commonly acknowledged by practitioners) why product distributions of NHC-catalysed processes often differ dramatically with catalyst scaffold or with subtle substituent variation within an NHC-catalyst family. Following the many synthetic innovations over the past decade, future transformative benefits will rely on the careful, quantitative and detailed analysis and understanding of all aspects of reactions mechanisms in order to make informed choice of catalyst for a given transformation, rather then relying on brute force screening. To break from this traditional, time-intensive screening approach and fully realize the potential of NHCs, a quantitative mechanistic understanding is required. Central to this state-of-the-art field is the catalytically competent “Breslow intermediate” (BI) that is regarded as the cornerstone of modern NHC-mediated catalysis. First characterised in 2012, its reactivity is key to a multitude of synthetic transformations. Despite its importance, a quantitative understanding of the behaviour of this transiently formed species has yet to be defined. This proposal will deliver quantitative underpinning knowledge of this key intermediate that will (i) be used to develop a fundamental scale to quantify BI reactivity with a range of electrophilic species and (ii) be applied to answer unresolved mechanistic and chemoselectivity questions in contemporary NHC-based catalysis.

Keywords: n heterocyclic carbene,breslow intermediate,kinetic analysis,cross benzoin reaction
Mitochondrial Dynamics and Local Protein Synthesis in Dendrites (NEUROMITO)

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: Germany
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2014, 2014)
Start date: 2016-01-01
End date: 2017-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 159460.8
EU funding (EUR): 159460.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Neurons are specialized cells with polarized morphology. Efficient function dictates that the molecular events crucial for synaptic communication are not centralized at the cell body but distributed to individual subcellular compartments - dendrites, dendritic spines, axons, presynaptic terminals. Local protein synthesis in dendrites is one such mechanism that plays a significant role in synaptic plasticity and memory. However, little is known on how the high-energy demands of local protein synthesis are met at dendrites and spines.Mitochondria, the 'energy houses' of cells, are found in great abundance in neurons. Mitochondria are associated with: nuclear-encoded messenger RNAs for local translation of great majority of mitochondrial proteins; non-coding RNAs for translational regulation of its protein abundance. To meet the local energy demands of protein synthesis, it is likely that mitochondria compartmentalize at dendritic regions and undergo dynamic changes in their proteome and transcriptome. My research project aims at elucidating the dynamics of mitochondria during high-energy demands of local protein synthesis. I will be performing experiments to examine mitochondrial compartmentalization in dendrites. Since simple fluorescence time-lapse imaging is not sensitive enough to visualize mitochondrial dynamics, I will use state-of-the-art imaging tools available in Dr. Erin Schuman’s lab for my experiments. I will also exploit the special neuron culture platforms, Microfluidic chambers, co-invented in the Schuman lab, for this purpose. In addition, I will be performing proteomic and transcriptomic analysis of mitochondria isolated from somata and neurites. To this end, I will use the shared protein mass spectometry facility of the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research and Biophysics for mitochondrial proteomics and the advanced RNA sequencing techniques employed in the Schuman group for mitochondrial transcriptomics.

Keywords: mitochondria,local protein synthesis,energy,proteomics,transcriptomics,imaging
INcreasing safety in NPPs by Covering gaps in Environmental Fatigue Assessment - focusing on gaps between laboratory data and component SCALE (INCEFA-SCALE)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Euratom
Programme: Nuclear fission and radiation protection
Theme: Nuclear safety
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Spain,Germany,Spain,Lithuania,Korea, Republic of,Switzerland,Belgium,Finland,France,France,Czechia,United Kingdom,United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Call: Ageing phenomena of components and structures and operational issues (NFRP-2019-2020, 2019)
Start date: 2020-10-01
End date: 2025-09-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 6807417.5
EU funding (EUR): 3999999.82
Participants: 17
Project status: SIGNED

The objective is to continue work, advancing ability to predict lifetimes of Nuclear Plant components when subjected to Environmental Assisted Fatigue loading. Over the five years proposed for INCEFA-SCALE, EPRI in the USA is leading a series of component scale environmental fatigue tests. These are expected to advance data availability significantly; however, advances in addressing transferability of laboratory scale tests to real component geometries and loadings will still be constrained by limited test data. This knowledge gap is recognised worldwide as significant. INCEFA-SCALE will generate significantly increased understanding of the transferability of laboratory scale test data to component scale. The project strategy will be (1) the development of comprehensive mechanistic understanding developed through detailed examination of test specimens and MatDB data mining, and (2) testing focussed on particular aspects of component scale cyclic loading. Examples of tests possible include, uniaxial specimens with notches (to address complex loads), membrane tests (to address biaxiality), thermo-mechanical tests (to address thermal cycling and thermal gradient effects), and complex wave tests (to address real plant transient effects). The project will begin by “data mining” to extract maximum understanding from the vast amount of test data within JRC’s MatDB database (from the predecessor INCEFA-PLUS project, and from other external sources such as USNRC, EPRI, MHI and the AdFaM project). In parallel the test program needs will be agreed. Testing will commence after one year and run for 3 years. Finally, the project will deliver guidance on use of laboratory scale data for component scales. Industrial support, is demonstrated by over €3M matching funds and positive endorsements from EPRI, ENEN and NUGENIA. EC support will enable maximum consistency and coordination of testing and assessment.

Keywords: environmental assisted fatigue
Long-term consequences of environmental changes on biodiversity: incorporating life history traits and time dimension when assessing and predicting the loss of functional and phylogenetic complexity. (ENVIRON_CHANGE)

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: Environment and Geosciences
Countries involved: Spain
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2020, 2020)
Start date: 2021-07-01
End date: 2023-07-14
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 160932.48
EU funding (EUR): 160932.48
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Not all species equally respond to environmental changes, and some are better adapted than others to cope with the new challenges. The loss of functional and phylogenetic diversity driven by habitat loss has a great potential to alter ecosystem functioning and reduce stability, and thus impact the long-term sustainability of ecosystem services. Previous assessments on the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss due to human activities commonly adopted a space-for-time substitution approach to quantify the impacts of habitat alteration, but the impacts on ecosystem functions and evolutionary history over time still remains to be uncovered. I propose to advance the knowledge by using a multidisciplinary approach that combines long-term monitoring and survey, niche analysis, GIS tools, phylogenetic comparative analyses and ecological modelling to understand why certain species are better prepared to respond to environmental changes than others, and how the spatiotemporal variation in responses to habitat changes alters the structure of communities in terms of functional and phylogenetic diversity. Building on classic life history theory and modern theoretical and empirical work, I intend to integrate autoecology and community ecology to investigate the causes and long-term consequences of urbanisation and agriculture to the biodiversity of avian communities. The outcomes will provide us a general picture of the impact of land use change on biodiversity, allowing to better guide management decisions, and may also allow us to assess the extent to which functional diversity is more protected in species rich assemblages. I propose to develop this project under the supervision of Professor Daniel Sol, an international reference in life-history theory and responses of organisms to rapid environmental changes. We will work together at the Centre for Ecological Research and Applied Forestries - CREAF, located at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, in Spain.

Keywords: urbanisation,agriculture,habitat change,land use change,niche analysis,functional diversity,birds
Sunni-Shii Relations in the Middle East (SSRIME)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Global Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Social Sciences and Humanities
Countries involved: Italy,United States
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2021-02-01
End date: 2024-01-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 251002.56
EU funding (EUR): 251002.56
Participants: 2
Project status: TERMINATED

SSRIME investigates the entangled history of Sunni-Shii sectarianism in the Middle East by looking at the case study of Iraq under the Baath Party (1968-2003). SSRIME thus seeks to explain the root causes of instability in the Middle East, which has fuelled the refugee crisis, and thus fits key policy objectives of the European Union. It is thus not only of academic interest but has clear policy relevance. The primary research question is under what circumstances does Sunni-Shii conflict occur? SSRIME studies the relationship between the Iraqi state and the Shia, which will also allow us to draw conclusions as to the importance of the 2003 Iraq War for sectarianism. The lessons from this project can also be applied to other countries in the region, in particular to Syria under the Baath party. I will spend two years at Stanford University, most of which will be spent in the Baath Party of Iraq archives. The archives are a unique source when it comes to the modern Middle East, because they are the only publicly accessible archive of any Arab state. They are thus the best archive to study the process of sectarianisation in the modern period. Given that they are in Arabic, only accessible on site, and have not been distributed via microfilms to other institutions, they have not been used extensively yet, and have not been looked at primarily from the angle of relations between Iraq’s main religious communities. My language and research skills will allow me to use the archive to the fullest extent possible. My research project will be the first to combine extensive use of these archives with oral history and fieldwork in Iraq. During two preliminary research trips to Iraq I made important contacts that will facilitate my fieldwork. I have identified possible interviewees, some of whom I will interview outside of Iraq. The return period at Venice will allow me to bring my new skills back to Europe and focus on writing up and disseminating my research findings.

Keywords: islam,middle east,political violence,religion,identity politics,sectarianism,sunni,shia,authoritarianism
Carbon dioxide utilisation as a soft oxidant in alkene production (SOFTOX)

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 Grant (ERC-2015-PoC, 2015)
Start date: 2016-07-01
End date: 2017-06-30
Duration (months): 12.0
Total project cost (EUR): 149380.0
EU funding (EUR): 149380.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The idea is to bring to pre-commercial stage a highly effective, economically feasible catalyst for the production of alkenes, while simultaneously utilizing CO2 as a soft oxidant, developed under the ERC Advanced Grant –‘After the Goldrush’ (ERC-2011-AdG-291319). Initial studies have identified novel catalysts that can be used for formation of propene from propane using CO2 as an oxidant. This has significant societal, environmental and economic benefits, as it makes the commercialisation of the oxidative dehydrogenation process more attractive over the current industrial routes for formation of alkenes, such as steam cracking and steam-activated reforming. The objectives of the project are to apply the principles learnt from the study of the catalytic transformation of alkanes into alkenes to produce a new generation of more stable catalysts that are cost-effective for use in large scale manufacturing processes. From the ERC work it has been discovered that by designing a catalyst for efficient use of CO2 as a mild oxidant for formation of alkenes, overall process efficiency can be increased significantly with a simultaneous decrease of use of precious metals. Thus a promising technological breakthrough has been identified that offers the prospect of selective and efficient catalysts which use cost-effective metals. The two most important alkenes, ethene and propene, are considered as main pillars of the petrochemicals market, since they are the starting point for the production of many chemicals and polymers.

Keywords: catalysis,alkenes,alkanes
Mapping Ancient Polytheisms Cult Epithets as an Interface between Religious Systems and Human Agency (MAP)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: The study of the human past
Panel description: Archaeology, history and memory
Countries involved: France
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2016-ADG, 2016)
Start date: 2017-10-01
End date: 2023-06-30
Duration (months): 69.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2432062.0
EU funding (EUR): 2432062.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Writing the history of ancient religions usually starts with the gods, considered as personifications linked by kinship or affinity. Yet this oversimplified approach overlooks the fact that gods are multifaceted powers, not individuals. MAP proposes to exploit the epithets attributed to the gods as the most efficient indicator of their multiple powers and modes of action, as well as their connection to places where humans interact with them. Epithets identify the god(s) invoked and thus enhance the effectiveness of ritual communication. With the great number of combinations produced by epithets, their entire repertoire results in a highly complex system of divine networks. The volume and complexity of the data is beyond the limits of what traditional methods can handle. Today, thanks to Big Data and Social Network technologies, which deal with large related groups, we can map the divine and understand how human societies modified these ensembles of names and epithets to meet their needs. MAP intends, for the first time, to compile all attestations of divine epithets in context to enable large-scale analyses. It adopts a comparative approach to two areas: the Greek world and the Western Semitic world during the first millennium BC. Methodologically, MAP innovates by linking the systematic compiling of epithets with Social Network Analysis in order to map the groups, links and polarities of the networks that divine epithets reveal, and interprets them in the light of historical dynamics. Understanding the interface between systems and contexts is one of the major gains of MAP. Religion is explored as an area of social experimentation between norms and inventiveness. MAP also revisits the relationship between religious thought and practice, and between polytheistic and monotheistic systems, questioning the relevance of these categories. The results promise considerable advances in our understanding of ancient religions.

Keywords: history of religions,social network analysis