Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Fagoterapia Lab platform for selection and production of taylor-made phage therapy based on AI to fight the global crisis of antibiotic resistance. (FLASH-AI)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Innovative Europe
Programme: The European Innovation Council (EIC)
Theme: EIC Accelerator
Destination: Other destinations
Action type: EIC actions
Countries involved: Italy
Call: EIC Accelerator 2024 - Short application (HORIZON-EIC-2024-ACCELERATOR-01, 2024)
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Antibiotic resistance poses a major threat to global health and food security, presenting a unique challenge for humanity. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes it as one of the top three public health threats of the 21st century, with antimicrobial resistance now being a leading cause of death worldwide. Each year, approximately 1.3 Mn deaths occur due to infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In the European Union alone, it is responsible for around 35K deaths annually. The impact of antibiotic resistance extends beyond mortality, affecting the global economy as well. Prolonged illnesses result in longer hospital stays, increased reliance on expensive medicines, and higher healthcare costs, creating financial burdens for those affected. FL has developed FLASH-AI (Fagoterapia Lab platform for Selecting and producing pHage therapy based on AI), which revolutionizes the selection and production of tailor-made antibacterial therapy. This platform addresses the urgent problem of antibiotic resistance by enabling the rapid formulation of personalized therapeutic cocktails to treat cure difficult-to-treat and antibiotic-resistant infections. FL's approach is unique in its personalized perspective, utilizing artificial intelligence to select phages specific to each patient's isolated bacterial strain. The end-to-end integrated procedure of the FLASH-AI platform ensures a smooth and efficient process, from pathogen isolation to drug production, delivery, and clinical follow-up. By significantly reducing selection time and providing high product safety, FLASH-AI holds great potential to transform the field of phage therapy. For the planned EIC project, FL is seeking €8.5M funding from the EIC (€2.5M of Grant and €6.0M of equity) on a total funding need of 15.5 M€, in order to proceed with technological developments and clinical validation in line with thorough regulatory compliance and to conduct commercial activities to promote FLASH-AI.

Keywords: personalized treatment health related biotechnology artificial intelligence
Reconstructing 200 years of genetic history in European wolves (FENRIR)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Postdoctoral Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Environment and Geosciences
Countries involved: Denmark
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2022 (HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01, 2022)
Start date: 2024-08-12
End date: 2026-08-11
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 214934.4
EU funding (EUR): 214934.4
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Wolves are an important apex predator species, and their conservation in Europe has been a key concern since their population collapse at the beginning of the 20th century. Increases of wolf population numbers in recent decades provides a positive sign for the viability of this species moving forward, but has also led to the re-emergence of wolf-human conflicts. Thus, maintaining the genetic health and biodiversity of this important natural predator species, whilst minimizing such conflicts remains critical across Europe. In this project, I will investigate the population dynamics and changing genetic makeup of European wolves over the past 200 years. By utilizing a comprehensive next-generation-sequence database of modern (n=927) and historical (n=586) genomes, I aim to implement complex, state-of-the-art analyses to model the fine-scale demographic history, genetic health and dog introgression of European wolves in recent times. By working at the cross section of population genomics, ancient DNA and conservation, this project will provide critical insights into the effects of recent population history events on the genetic makeup of this important predator species. Broad dissemination of the findings of this project to the scientific community, conservation groups and the general public will directly assist in designing targeted management strategies to preserve the biodiversity of European wolves moving into the future. By utilizing one of the largest genomic datasets for a wild animal species to date, the novel methodologies applied in this project will provide a blueprint for future conservation genetics studies in other species.

Keywords: computational biology,imputation,european wolves,ancient dna,demographic history reconstruction
Immune mechanisms of experience induced brain plasticity: the contribution of brain resident T cells (ENRICH T-BRAIN)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System
Panel description: Nervous system development, homeostasis and ageing , nervous system  function and dysfunction , systems neuroscience  and modelling , biological basis of cognitive processes and of behaviour, neurological and mental disorders – In humans and all other organisms
Countries involved: Belgium
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2024-STG, 2024)
Start date: 2025-01-01
End date: 2029-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1499650.0
EU funding (EUR): 1499650.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

T cells are part of the adaptive immune response. Breaking the dogma of the brain immune privilege I demonstrated the presence of T cells in the healthy brain. In the mouse brain they regulate neuronal morphology and behavior. Surprisingly, brain T cells respond and proliferate upon exposure to an enriched environment (EE), suggesting a connection between neural activity and brain T cells. EE involves motoric, sensory and social stimulation. Exposure of rodents to EE increases neurogenesis, enhances learning and memory, with proven beneficial effect in neuropathology. How brain T cells can respond to EE and eventually modify the brain is unknown. I hypothesize that upon EE, T cells adapt their molecular profile and acquire an immunomodulatory phenotype to support the changes occurring in the brain. My overarching goal is to understand how EE modulates immune-brain interactions and to harness emerging discoveries to develop novel therapeutic interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders, that mimic the beneficial effects of EE. Currently, research into brain functions of T cells is limited by absence of research tools to deplete T cells in the brain only. The proposed project will overcome these limitations by developing a novel gene therapy approach for depleting brain T cells . First, I will investigate how EE influences brain immunity. Then I will take the opposite approach, investigating whether and how brain immune cells act as a necessary mediator of EE-induced brain plasticity, making use of the new nanobody-based tool to deplete brain T cells. These complementary approaches will allow me to mechanistically decipher how experience influences interactions between the brain and the immune system. Finally, using the Fragile X mouse model of Autism, I will translate the knowledge gained from brain resident T cells into impactful proof-of-concepts for treating neurological diseases and mimicking the benefits of environmental enrichment through immunotherapy

Keywords: brain resident t cells,microglia,brain plasticity,fraglie x syndrome,gene therapy
The Role of Binary-Stripped Stars: from Atomic Scales to Cosmic Dawn (2SStars)

Framework: Horizon Europe — 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: Austria
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2025-STG, 2025)
Start date: 2026-09-01
End date: 2031-08-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1499948.0
EU funding (EUR): 1499948.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

A third of all massive stars are predicted to lose their hydrogen-rich envelopes through interaction with a binary companion star, leaving the helium core exposed. These stripped stars are thought to be the main progenitors of hydrogen-poor core collapse supernovae, to constitute two necessary steps in the formation of merging neutron stars, and to provide so copious amounts of hard ionizing radiation that they contributed to cosmic reionization. Despite their importance, it took over half a century until we last year confirmed their predicted existence with observations. This means that theoretical models that previously had few to no observational benchmarks now face reality. 2SStars is designed to challenge theory with observation, while adressing the questions (1) What is the role of stripped stars in binary star evolution? and (2) How can stripped stars be used to understand different parts of astrophysics? We will study the stripped star binaries in detail to obtain measures for example for stellar winds, mass transfer efficiency and X-ray emission. We will also venture beyond binary evolution and use stripped stars as laboratories to investigate both how magnetism and rotation operate in stellar interiors and what the source of the enigmatic He II emission observed in galaxies across redshifts is. To fully exploit the new discovery, 2SStars is constructed as a symbiosis of observations and theory, for which we will use and develop modern codes of binary stellar evolution, hot star atmospheres, nebular spectra, and stellar populations. With upcoming space missions in both the ultraviolet (UVEX) and milli-Hz gravitational wave regime (LISA), and new survey telescopes (VRO/LSST, WFIRST, 4MOST) and ongoing gravitational wave detections (LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA), a large fraction of the future science hinges on our understanding of binary evolution. 2SStars will provide the long-needed constraints and new theoretical models by making use of our newest type of star.

Keywords: binary stellar evolution,binary interaction products,helium stars,ionizing radiation,hot star atmospheres,stellar populations and spectra
Twinning to develop ELTE's research and innovation capacity in quantum reservoir computing (QUEST)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area
Programme: Widening participation and spreading excellence
Theme: Improved access to Excellence
Destination: Improved access to Excellence
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Panel: Physics
Countries involved: Hungary,Sweden,Luxembourg,United Kingdom,Finland
Call: Twinning Bottom-Up (HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-02, 2023)
Start date: 2024-09-01
End date: 2027-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1287560.71
EU funding (EUR): 1218775.0
Participants: 6
Project status: SIGNED

QUEST's primary goal is to amplify the scientific prowess and innovative capabilities of Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem (ELTE) alongside its esteemed Twinning partners: Linköpings universitet, Loughborough University, Aalto University and Intelligentsia Consultants Sarl. They collectively aim to create a quantum reservoir computing (QRC) system leveraging silicon carbide (SiC) defect qubits. Over three years, QUEST plans to roll out a research and innovation strategy centered on five core objectives, each associated with eight interrelated work packages. Objective 1 is geared towards pioneering research to construct a QRC system based on SiC defect qubits. This avant-garde technology could potentially enhance computational speed and diminish power usage by over 100 times compared to traditional machine learning models. Objective 2 emphasizes knowledge-sharing between ELTE's seasoned researchers and the Twinning partners, facilitated via short-term staff exchanges, seminars, and training sessions, all complementing the research from Objective 1. Objective 3 focuses on nurturing the career aspirations of early-stage researchers associated with both ELTE and the Twinning entities. They propose strategies like brief and intermediate exchanges, workshops, summer training sessions, and a collaborative PhD scheme. Objective 4 aims to refine ELTE's administrative and managerial proficiency for European R&D initiatives. Specifically, this entails enhancing the expertise of ELTE’s Education Support Office and Research Support Office in aspects like project management, proposal drafting, intellectual property management, and scientific communication concerning European R&D funding programmes. Objective 5 is dedicated to bolstering the research stature and academic credibility of ELTE and its Twinning counterparts. This will be achieved through extensive communication, outreach, and dissemination efforts.

Keywords: quantum reservoir computing,qrc,reservoir computing,qr,qubits,defect based qubits,silicon carbide,sic
Organic seed and plant breeding to accelerate sustainable and diverse food systems in Europe (LIVESEEDING)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Programme: Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment
Theme: Bio-Environment
Destination: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Action type: Innovation actions
Countries involved: Belgium,Netherlands,Portugal,Italy,Germany,Greece,France,Romania,Slovenia,Spain,Poland,Switzerland,United Kingdom,Hungary,Croatia,Sweden
Call: Fostering organic crop breeding (HORIZON-CL6-2021-BIODIV-01, 2021)
Start date: 2022-10-01
End date: 2026-09-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5078490.23
EU funding (EUR): 4683630.24
Participants: 37
Project status: SIGNED

LIVESEEDING contributes to the upscaling of organic production in Europe through (i) improving availability of organic plant reproductive material of organic cultivars (Organic Heterogeneous Material, Organic Varieties, landraces) of a large range of crops, bred for improved diversity and adaptation to local conditions, and (ii) strengthening and diversifying the organic seed sector informed by market demands. LIVESEEDING contributes to the transition towards environmentally-friendly, climate-neutral, healthy and fair food systems through further developing (i) cultivars suited for organic and low external input production, (ii) novel governance models linking breeders with value chain actors and citizens with local food production, and (iii) awareness around the importance of biodiversity for our food and health. LIVESEEDING focuses on the main drivers for (i) the supply and demand of organic seed and cultivars, (ii) the supply and demand of food products derived from them, and (iii) enabling frameworks and roadmaps through active policy dialogue with national and European authorities and policymakers by providing science-based evidence and best practice solutions to achieve 100% organic seed. LIVESEEDING addresses the topics in a holistic multi-actor, multi-stakeholder participatory approach involving organic and public research institutes (with proven competencies in breeding, seed multiplication and health, socio-economics, extension and outreach), variety examination offices, private breeders and seed companies, organic production and civil society associations. Additional stakeholders along the value chain are involved in the local Living Labs (LLs) and the established networks of organic breeders (ECO-PB), seed savers (ECLLD) and Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP). 15 European countries cover the different pedoclimatic zones and socio-economic contexts, including countries with a low level of development in organic seed and breeding in East and South Europe

Keywords: cultivar testing,organic seed,organic heterogeneous material,organic variety,food policy,value chain
Second Order Perovskite Memristor Chip for Neuromorphic Computing (SPECIFIC)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Postdoctoral Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Physics
Countries involved: Spain
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 (HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01, 2024)
Start date: 2025-04-01
End date: 2027-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 209914.56
EU funding (EUR): 209914.56
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

The rising demand for complex computing in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data processing, presents a major energy challenge. In this regard, traditional silicon-based computing systems, based on the Von Neumann architecture, are becoming increasingly inefficient in terms of energy consumption. This makes it inevitable to find alternative solutions for developing noble energy efficient computing devices. Neuromorphic device which emulates the brain’s neural activities, offers a path to low energy computation. However, state-of-the-art neuromorphic devices mimic only first-order synaptic behavior, such as simple time-dependent plasticity. While the advancements are impressive, but these devices lack the ability to emulate more complex higher-order synaptic functions, such as multi-synaptic plasticity or history-dependent memory. These advanced functions are crucial for handling intricate tasks for example, decision-making, pattern recognition, and reasoning in AI. SPECIFIC aims to overcome this barrier by leveraging the properties of vacancy-ordered perovskites, which will positively contribute to the development of next-generation high-order memristors. To do so, we will exploit the tunability of perovskite materials to modulate defects, transport, and interfaces, which will be tailored to achieve second-order logic in potentially scalable bio-realistic devices. SPECIFIC seeks to establish guidelines for designing second-order memristors, integrating timing- and rate-based correlations for advanced neuromorphic computing tasks. These goals align with the European Green Deal’s goal of reducing carbon emissions, as the energy-efficient devices developed will contribute to the EU’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, this cutting-edge project will significantly enhance the fellow's expertise in materials science, device physics and neuromorphic technology, positioning her at the forefront of next-generation computing research.

Keywords: neuromorphic device,memristors,halide perovskites,energy efficient computing
Leveraging Single-Cell and spatial multi-Omics to unravel the molecular interPlay bEtween Botrytis cinerea and strawbERRY flowers and fruit (SCOPE-BERRY)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Postdoctoral Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Life Sciences
Countries involved: Belgium
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 (HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01, 2024)
Start date: 2026-02-01
End date: 2028-01-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 216240.0
EU funding (EUR): 216240.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Botrytis cinerea, a necrotrophic fungus that causes grey mold, poses a significant pre- and post-harvest threat to 1.2 million tonnes of strawberry produced annually in the EU. This pathogen can establish quiescent, asymptomatic infections in strawberry flowers and unripe fruit, which progress to symptomatic infections as the fruit ripens. Despite its importance, the biological and environmental factors that regulate the onset and termination of B. cinerea quiescence remain poorly understood. In this study, I propose an interdisciplinary approach combining microscopy, molecular biology, and transcriptomics to unravel mechanisms driving quiescent infections and host susceptibility in the B. cinerea-strawberry pathosystem. First, I will use confocal fluorescence microscopy to track B. cinerea infection in strawberry flowers and fruit, visualizing the pathogen’s entry and transition from quiescence to necrotrophic disease. Building on these observations, I will apply single-nucleus and spatial RNA sequencing to profile the transcriptomes of both the pathogen and host at cellular resolution during key phases of infection. The resulting data will be integrated and analyzed using cutting-edge bioinformatic tools to explore cellular diversity in both organisms and identify the host's transcriptional responses during infection, providing new insights into the molecular pathways governing the complex B. cinerea-strawberry interaction. This research pioneers the use of single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomics to study host-pathogen interactions, overcoming challenges in detecting and profiling invading pathogens at the single-cell level, and application to non-model plant species. It leverages my expertise in plant genetics, the host lab’s specialty in molecular interactions, and collaborators’ proficiency in single-cell technology and microscopy, creating a powerful professional network that will drive the success of the project and support my career growth.