Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Detection of bio-signatures in space research using a new and innovative measurement technique based on laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry (BioTec)

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: Netherlands
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): 177598.8
EU funding (EUR): 177598.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Detection of bio-signatures on planetary objects are of high interest for science and society. Mars is one of the most promising target in our Solar System to find traces of life. Several missions are planned in the future by, e.g., NASA and ESA to find bio-signatures on Mars. Unfortunately, since the first Viking landing on Mars in the 1970s the quest for finding bio-signatures remains unresolved. Therefore, the development of new measurement concepts for the detection of bio-signatures is of high importance for future space missions to Mars. The aim of BioTec is to provide a new and innovative measurement technique for the detection of bio-molecules based on laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry (LIMS). Knowledge from various science disciplines, ranging from astrobiology to the development of space instrumentation, is required for a successful realisation of BioTec. First, laboratory techniques will be learned to analyse Mars analogues for their bio-molecule content. These have been collected from different Mars analogue field sites on Earth. This will i) provide insights into the pros and cons of current collecting strategies and ii) further define the best Mars analogues. Next, a field trip to the Atacama Desert, Chile (most representative Mars analogue site on Earth) is planned. The previously conducted analyses will define the sampling strategy, which in turn will allow me to collect the most promising Mars analogues from the Atacama Desert. These are subsequently analysed using laboratory techniques. Using expertise gained from these Mars analogues, a simple and robust measurement protocol shall be developed using the LIMS system. This includes testing of i) laser parameters for desorption of amino acids and ii) coatings to minimise the fragmentation pattern of desorbed bio-molecules. Finally, the best Mars analogues from the first task, together with Mars analogue samples collected from the Atacama Desert will be analysed using the LIMS system.

Keywords: astrobiology,space research,space exploration,mars,bio signatures,bio molecules,laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry,field study,mars analogue
Artificial Tissue Actuators by the 3D Printing of Responsive Hydrogels (DLCHHB)

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: Chemistry
Countries involved: United States,United Kingdom
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-GF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2014, 2014)
Start date: 2015-07-01
End date: 2017-12-31
Duration (months): 30.0
Total project cost (EUR): 226825.2
EU funding (EUR): 226825.2
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

This proposal describes the 3D printing of hydrogel droplet networks to prepare artificial tissue-like materials that demonstrate stimulus-responsive chemo-mechanical actuation. A recent breakthrough by Prof. Bayley’s research group has enabled the 3D printing of self-supporting droplet networks which can be functionalised to allow rapid electrical and molecular communication along a specific path. As a result of this, an opportunity now exists to prepare tissue-like materials that can perform mechanical work in response to external stimuli. By printing biocompatible and responsive polymer hydrogels into droplet networks, artificial muscles will be prepared that display specific and well-defined motion. The resulting technology will be of great importance for a variety of biomaterial applications, with future European Union (EU) industrial growth as well as the public ultimately benefiting from progress in this area. This proposal is inherently multi- and interdisciplinary, involving aspects of synthetic chemistry, polymer chemistry, materials science, chemical biology and biophysics. The different expertise of Prof. Hawker, University of California, Santa Barbara (hydrogels, responsive polymers and biocompatible materials), and Prof. Bayley, University of Oxford (3D printing of artificial tissue, lipid bilayers and membrane proteins), are ideally suited for the successful completion of the proposed research objectives. Due to his prior experience and track record, the experienced researcher, Dr. Lunn, will be able to effectively drive the progression and dissemination of the proposed research. Ultimately, this project will allow one of the United Kingdom's top young researchers to spend time at one of the highest ranked materials research institutes in the world, and transfer the knowledge back to the EU via the University of Oxford. After the fellowship, Dr. Lunn will use the knowledge and skills acquired to obtain an independent academic position within the EU.

Keywords: hydrogels,responsive polymers,lipid bilayers,3d printing
Automated Remote Foetal Monitoring (ARFM)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Innovation in SMEs
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: France
Call: SME instrument (H2020-SMEInst-2018-2020-1, 2018)
Start date: 2019-02-01
End date: 2019-07-31
Duration (months): 6.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

With 2.7 million new-born infants and 0.3 million pregnant women who died in 2015 , making pregnancy safer is a public health priority worldwide, and in Europe in particular. It is estimated that 70% of neonatal deaths may be avoided . Even though, foetal monitoring with cardiotocographs (CTG) is the medical reference since 1968, it remains unsatisfactory with problems related to CTGs observed in 25% of foetal deaths. Moreover, antenatal hospitalisation for expecting mother considered to be “at-risk” is costly, and will grow with the increased number of at-risk pregnancies. There is an urgent medical need to improve foetal monitoring while addressing healthcare cost issue, but cardiotocographs has showed no major innovation since its creation in the 60’s. CTGs are still difficult to place for some patients, not always reliable (especially in case of foetal moves), and require medical staff nearby for data acquisition. To answer to this unsatisfactory observation, a complementary team constituted of obstetricians, medical imaging engineers and an expert in innovation decided to create Nateo Healthcare and develop a disruptive CTG. Nateo Healthcare’s CTG will be the first CTG allowing patient self-monitoring at home with a high standard of care, thanks to an automated detection of foetal heart rate (FHR), a discrimination of FHR from maternal environment, a mobile and connected device, associated to a telemedicine platform. Fœtal well-being monitoring will be improved, enhancing neonatal outcomes (deaths, sequelae). At-home monitoring will also generate a 50% decrease of healthcare cost related to at-risk pregnancies. With a prototype ongoing, Nateo Healthcare now accelerates its development to reach the market quickly, in a market monopolised by multinational companies, and achieve a leader position in remote monitoring for pregnancy. Nateo Heathcare’s total turnover is expected to exceed 100 M € by 2030 and to create several hundred of direct and indirect jobs.

Keywords: cardiotocograph,signal processing,foetal well being,ultrasound sensors
Experimentally Validated DNS and LES Approaches for Fuel Injection, Mixing and Combustion of Dual-Fuel Engines (EDEM)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Innovative Training Networks (ITN)-European Industrial Doctorates
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Information Science and Engineering
Countries involved: Germany,Germany,Italy,Austria,Germany,Sweden,France,United Kingdom,United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Call: Innovative Training Networks (H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2019-09-01
End date: 2024-02-29
Duration (months): 54.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4148517.6
EU funding (EUR): 4148517.5999999996
Participants: 10
Project status: SIGNED

Economical, geopolitical and social trends, apart from the well-posed environmental concerns, are possible to precipitate legislative actions for the partial substitution of Diesel by cleaner fuels in the imminent future. Besides, the already stringiest emission legislation referring to Diesel engines, e.g. EURO VI or Tier IV standards, in Europe and in the US, have boosted industrial interest on the development of IC engines capable of handling both liquid/gaseous fuel mixtures. The combustion process in these, so-called, dual-fuel engines comprises the compression ignition of Diesel fuel injected in a homogenized gaseous (or liquid) fuel/air mixture. The underlying cause is that at dual-fuel combustion, most Diesel fuel is burned in premixed combustion and, thus, soot formation is less. Furthermore, depending on the carbon content of the primary gaseous (or liquid) fuel, dual fuel operation mode can lead to significant decrease in CO2 emission. Hence, natural gas or methane constitute ideal candidates among hydrocarbons. The aim of this project, in line with European and international policies in this area, is to develop and validate DNS/LES methodologies for fuel injection, mixing and combustion processes relevant to conditions and fuels combustion strategies realised in dual-fuel engines. Furthermore, to apply the newly derived models to the design of more efficient engines and to estimate the environmental impact of the proposed concept. Related to MSCA agenda, the project will create a unique opportunity for joint industry-academia PhD training to the fellows in world leading multinational industries. This will equip them with skills, knowledge and knowhow that will not only enhance their future careers but propose solutions to global problems and thus, serve the well-being of the society as a whole.

Keywords: fuel injection,dual fuel engines
Wear traces on Basalt Tools: an Experimental case for archaeological interpretation (BaTEx)

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: Belgium
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2020, 2020)
Start date: 2022-10-01
End date: 2024-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 178320.0
EU funding (EUR): 178320.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Basalt is one of the most common raw materials used for tool manufacture in many prehistoric sites. As a result, it is often the most important-and sometimes the only- source of information about the life and behaviour of early hominins. While studies related to the other aspects (i.e. knapping processes, tool variability) of these assemblages progress, systematic studies on how and what basalt tools were used for remain inexistent. This seriously limits the behavioural, evolutionary and cognitive interpretations of basalt assemblages. BaTEx aims to fill in this existing void by providing the necessary methodological framework using multiple macro- and microscopic techniques and experimentation to permit the functional analysis of basalt tools, and by understanding past exploitation strategies of basalt, its functional significance and its interaction with other raw materials at specific archaeological sites where basalt is important. To achieve this, the project will focus on: 1) Systematic experimentation for developing a reference collection; 2) Adaptation of standardized use-wear analytical methods to basalt; 3) Blind test to assess the robustness of the experimental corpus; 4) Evaluation of the impact of taphonomic processes on trace preservation; 5) Test the potential of use-wear quantification on basalt using surface morphometry and spatial analysis of rough surfaces; and 6) Use the experimental results in archaeological case-studies by means of a traceological study on a selection of archaeological tools hereby demonstrating the validity and the potential of the method. The expected impact of the project is that it will provide functional data on basalt tools allowing, for the first time, to fully study and interpret human activities at key archaeological sites and to properly address technological issues, subsistence patterns and even behavioural and cognitive aspects of basalt assemblages, which cannot yet be faced in the current stage of research.

Keywords: basalt,stone tool use wear,post depositional modification,microscopy,wear quantification,experimental archaeology,pleistocene
QUantum advantage via non-linear BOSon Sampling (QU-BOSS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Fundamental constituents of matter
Panel description: Particle, nuclear, plasma, atomic, molecular, gas, and optical physics
Countries involved: Italy,Portugal
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2019-ADG, 2019)
Start date: 2020-08-01
End date: 2026-07-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2875000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2305000.0
Participants: 3
Project status: SIGNED

After decades of progress in quantum information science, it is widely expected that in the next few years the field will start to yield practical applications in quantum chemistry, materials and pharmaceutical research, information security, and finance. For these applications to pan out, a crucial intermediate goal is to reach the quantum advantage regime, where quantum devices experimentally outperform classical computers in some computational task. The Boson Sampling problem is an example of a task that is computationally hard for classical computers, but which can be solved with a specialized quantum device using single photons interfering in a multimode linear interferometer. The aim of QU-BOSS is to experimentally push towards the quantum advantage regime with integrated photonic technology. The key innovative ingredient is the introduction of non-linearities acting at the single photon level embedded within the Boson Sampling interferometer. We plan to provide an experimental research breakthrough along three main directions, including both “hardware” and “software” components. First, we will use complementary approaches to map out how the addition of non-linearity boosts the device ́s complexity, making it harder to simulate classically. We will use different approaches to implement these devices with hybrid integrated quantum photonics, a versatile and flexible route to the manipulation of high-dimensional quantum photonic states. Finally, we will deploy the developed technology to implement two different architectures demonstrating quantum machine learning: a hybrid model of quantum computation and an optical quantum neural network. QU- BOSS aims to position integrated photonics into the NISQ (noisy, intermediate-scale quantum) era, opening up truly new scientific horizons at the frontier of quantum information, quantum control, machine learning and integrated photonics.

Keywords: integrated quantum photonics,single photon sources,reconfigurable circuits,boson sampling,quantum machine learning,quantum networks,machine learning enhanced quantum information
Quantitative super-resolution optical fluctuation and phase microscopy for structural and functional imaging of Parkinson's disease (funcSOFI-PD)

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: 2017-04-01
End date: 2019-07-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 175419.6
EU funding (EUR): 175419.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The changing demographic is one of the greatest challenges in Europe. With an expected 25% of the population over 65 by 2030, the incidence of neurodegenerative age-linked diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s is likely to increase. They severely impact quality of life and to date, therapies can only treat the symptoms. Oligomerization and aggregation of the protein α-synuclein is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. Still, the underlying molecular mechanism of cellular dysfunction due to toxic forms of this protein remains unclear. Most studies aiming to uncover α-synuclein induced neurodegeneration in vivo are using indirect biochemical detection methods. Bridging neurobiology and life science with advanced microscopy and image analysis allows the direct monitoring of Parkinson compromised primary hippocampal neurons. I will combine multi-color 3D super-resolution optical fluctuation imaging with quantitative phase tomography in a multi-plane microscope, to allow structural and fast functional imaging. This innovative imaging concept is used (1) to elucidate α-synuclein aggregation at the cell membrane and in the cytosol and (2) to uncover the induced cytoskeleton alterations. Ultimately, molecule-specific readout will be complemented by (3) label-free, quantitative phase imaging of membrane dynamics and overall cell morphology at up to 100Hz. I am a biophysicist with a specialization in single molecule spectroscopy and my previous work on photon statistics has led to several high quality publications. This fellowship expands my quantitative microscopy expertise to 3D imaging while enlarging my biologocal scope to neurodegenerative diseases. I will extend my competences by managing the project, following complementary skills courses, and organizing public outreach activities. While performing interdisciplinary research on neurodegenerative disease, I will develop an independent research profile to further enhance the European research landscape.

Keywords: super resolution microscopy
Identification of DNA-Protein-Crosslink Repair Factors (DNAProteinCrossRep)

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: Denmark
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2017, 2017)
Start date: 2018-06-01
End date: 2021-04-18
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 212194.8
EU funding (EUR): 212194.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

DNA damage can cause mutations and genome instability and is therefore the underlying cause of many pathologies including neurodegeneration and cancer. To maintain genome integrity, cells are equipped with sophisticated pathways for efficient repair of the broad spectrum of lesions that frequently arise in cellular DNA. By now, most DNA repair pathways are well understood. However, dedicated mechanisms for the repair of DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs) have only been discovered very recently and are still poorly described. This is mainly due to a lack of approaches for specifically generating DPCs. My host lab has established a cell-based system that facilitates, for the first time, the induction of genome-wide yet defined DPCs. With this system at hand, I propose a project to identify and characterise cellular responses to DPCs in both human cells and in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). I will utilize the newly established system in a CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-wide screen to identify new DPC repair factors, and subsequently characterise their roles in promoting genome stability. I will strengthen the physiological relevance of my findings by studying orthologues of selected factors in C. elegans, in order to gain insights into their tissue specificity and roles in development and organismal fitness. By combining the host lab’s strong standing within the DNA repair field and formidable know-how in the area of cell-based studies of DNA damage repair pathways with my expertise in DNA damage research in C. elegans, I will be in a unique position to critically advance our knowlegde about DPC repair. Considering that DPCs are generated by many anti-cancer drugs, it is particularly important to illuminate the underlying repair mechanisms to improve current treatment strategies. This timely and interdisciplinary project will greatly enhance my scientific and transferrable skills required to realize my long-term goal of becoming an independent group leader.

Keywords: dna protein crosslinks dpcs,dna damage signalling,dna repair
AutonoMous self powered miniAturized iNtelligent sensor for environmental sensing anD asset tracking in smArt IoT environments (AMANDA)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Information and Communication Technologies
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Switzerland,Belgium,Croatia,Greece,Netherlands,United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Call: Electronic Smart Systems (ESS) (H2020-ICT-2018-2, 2018)
Start date: 2019-01-01
End date: 2022-09-30
Duration (months): 45.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3999625.0
EU funding (EUR): 3999625.0
Participants: 8
Project status: CLOSED

The AMANDA project aims to stretch the limits of Electronic Smart Systems’ (ESS) autonomy (in terms of energy, decision making & maintenance-free lifetime extension) and miniaturization (by applying high aspect ratio design architecture). Its ultimate goal is to develop and validate a cost-attractive next generation Autonomous Smart Sensing Card (ASSC) that will serve multi-sensorial IoT applications for smart living and working environments. More specifically, AMANDA ambitiously seeks to further strengthen the partners’ technological excellence by delivering the ASSC’s: energy autonomy booster (PV energy harvester, power management electronics and rechargeable storage); connectivity and tracking sub-system; processing unit (built-in intelligence); multi-sensing adaptable sub-system (CO2 sensor, imaging sensor, capacitive sensor, temperature sensor as well as additional off-the-self/ close-to-commercialisation sensors); and the encapsulation & packaging sub-system for high manufacturability. Furthermore, security by design mechanisms will be employed to ensure low vulnerability, user and device authentication, intrusion prevention & detection, and overall enhanced cyber-secure operation. 3 versions of the ASSC are anticipated (indoor, outdoor and wearable) that may be interconnected (swarm capabilities) and managed over the cloud. AMANDA’s ASSC will be validated at versatile use scenarios for applications in the context of smart cities (air quality monitoring through fleets of vehicles and asset tracking and surveillance/ object and people detection), smart homes (indoor air quality and comfort), smart workplaces (indoor comfort, occupancy & productivity) and industrial environments (health, safety and/or environmental monitoring during inspection activities). 8 partners (3 research & 5 industry) from 6 European countries will jointly undertake the proposed research and will deliver the envisaged technological breakthroughs to strengthen European leaderships in ESS.

Keywords: miniaturization,autonomous,smart sensing card,sensing technologies,pv energy harvester,edge intelligence,rechargeable battery,power management electronics,smart cities,smart homes