Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Signal transduction and allosteric modulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: from ion channel electrophysiology to atomic 3D structures (DYNACOTINE)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions
Panel description: Molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biophysics, synthetic and chemical biology, drug design, innovative methods and modelling
Countries involved: France
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2017-ADG, 2017)
Start date: 2019-01-01
End date: 2024-12-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2282105.0
EU funding (EUR): 2282105.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate neuronal synaptic transmission and modulation. They contribute to higher brain functions such as cognition and reward and are important drug targets. Recent studies have revealed that these acetylcholine-gated ion channels display an unanticipated conformational plasticity, adopting multiple allosteric states that shape the time course of their electrophysiological response. To date, a single nAChR structure has been solved at high resolution, and our understanding of the conformational transitions remains so far elusive. To address this challenge, we propose to develop a top-down approach starting from the study of the conformational transitions of nAChRs functionally expressed in cells, and then dissecting the molecular mechanisms on purified proteins. In WP1, we will develop an innovative fluorescence quenching approach to follow the protein motions concomitant with channel opening at the cell membrane. In WP2, we will further exploit this technique on purified proteins, to study the role/requirement of lipids, and their pharmacological crosstalk with allosteric modulators acting at the transmembrane domain. In WP3, the gained knowledge will open original routes to solve 3D structures of nAChRs, in novel conformations and in complex with allosteric modulators. The research will be centered on the major brain nAChRs, primarily the homomeric α7 and also the heteromeric α4β2 nAChRs that are major physiological players and key potential therapeutic targets. This multidisciplinary project combines electrophysiology, fluorescence, pharmacology, membrane protein biochemistry and structural biology, together with in silico modeling, molecular dynamics and ligand docking. The results will provide fundamental insights into the allosteric mechanisms underlying both nAChR function and its modulation by allosteric modulators that hold promises in therapeutics.

Keywords: ligand gated ion channel,pharmacology,allostery
Scaling Methods for Discrete and Continuous Optimization (ScaleOpt)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Computer science and informatics
Panel description: Informatics and information systems, computer science, scientific computing, intelligent systems
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2017-STG, 2017)
Start date: 2018-01-01
End date: 2023-06-30
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1488674.14
EU funding (EUR): 1488674.14
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

One of the most important open questions in optimization is to find a strongly polynomial algorithm for linear programming. The proposed project aims to tackle this problem by combining novel techniques from two different domains: discrete optimization and continuous optimization. We expect to contribute to exciting recent developments on the interface of these two fields. We use and develop new variants of the classical scaling technique. From the discrete optimization side, recent work of the PI on generalized flows extends classical network flow theory and opens up new domains for strongly polynomial computability beyond integer constraint matrices. We will apply this novel scaling technique to obtain strongly polynomial algorithms for broad classes of linear programs. From the continuous optimization side, we aim to build the theory of geometric rescaling algorithms for linear and convex optimization. This approach combines first-order methods with geometric rescaling techniques to obtain a new family of polynomial-time algorithms. We expect to devise variants efficient in theory and in practice, which we will use in a wide range of applications. Our discrete and continuous techniques will have important applications in submodular function minimization. We will develop new, efficient algorithms for the general problem as well as for specific applications in areas such as machine learning and computer vision. In summary, the project will develop novel approaches for some of the most fundamental optimization problems. It will change the landscape of strongly polynomial computability, and make substantial progress towards finding a strongly polynomial algorithm for linear programming.

Keywords: linear programming,strongly polynomial algorithms,network optimization,first order methods,submodular functions
A new smart city climate infrastructure with a capacity for reducing air pollution equivalent to 275 normal trees (MossTree)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Climate action, environment,  resource efficiency and raw materials
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Germany
Call: Boosting the potential of small businesses in the areas of climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials (H2020-SMEINST-1-2016-2017, 2017)
Start date: 2017-06-01
End date: 2017-08-31
Duration (months): 3.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Air Pollution is the world’s worst environmental health risk: 7 million people die every year as a result of air pollution exposure. 2 billion children live in areas where outdoor air pollution exceeds the established thresholds. From an economic point of view, the costs derived from health impacts and mortality from air pollution are increasing every year: in Europe the overall annual economic cost is estimated at €1,200 billion. Current strategies for improving air quality focuses in control mechanisms but they do not tackle directly the problem of eliminating the pollutants present in the air. The MossTree is a 4 meter-high 3m-wide and 60cm deep, freestanding unit, which contains combi planting of specific moss cultures and vascular plants that eat particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide and ozone – together offsetting 240 t CO2e/ year. The construction contains smart sensors collecting environmental as well as climatic data, to regulate and control the unit and ensure that the moss culture survives. Thus, the MossTree has the same effect as 275 normal urban trees, but requires 99% less space and 90% less investment. Every MossTree has a capacity to clean the air in a proximity of up to 50m. Thanks to solar panels and rain water retention systems, the unit requires less than 10 hours of maintenance per year. Furthermore, our solution allows digital and visual information transmission through e.g. WiFi, iBeacon and NFC for the purpose of sponsored messages and advertising. Finally, thanks to the sensors incorporated that permanently monitor the air quality the tree will become an important smart city climate infrastructure. After having successfully commercialized the first version of our solution in 9 different cities worldwide, the new version of the MossTree will allow us to obtain a cumulative revenue of €200 million in the period 2019-2021, open new offices in other UE countries and Asia, and create up to 100 new positions.

Keywords: green,wall,cities,vegetable
EU-India Innovation Center (EU-India InnoCenter)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Europe in a changing world - inclusive, innovative and reflective societies
Theme: Innovative societies
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: India,Germany,Serbia,Lithuania,Netherlands,Netherlands
Call: Centres/Networks of European research and innovation (H2020-SC6-GOVERNANCE-2020, 2020)
Start date: 2021-01-01
End date: 2023-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2994250.0
EU funding (EUR): 2994250.0
Participants: 8
Project status: SIGNED

The challenge of transferring innovation from Europe to India has been a thorn in the side of establishing European presence in third countries and strengthening its position as a science, technology and innovation leader. Europe must take the lead in stimulating and enabling Europe-India interactions and mobilising the ecosystems to build bridges between the regions. The EU-India InnoCenter is brought to life to extend the network of centres in the world's most dynamic, innovative subcontinent by connecting and supporting European researchers and entrepreneurs to launch and expand their activities in India. • The long-term strategic objective of the EU-India InnoCenter is to sustainably contribute to the establishment of Europe as a science, technology and innovation leader in India. • The direct objective of the EU-India InnoCenter is to build a centre in India that will, in close cooperation with local technology and innovation structures, guide European innovators on their journey to soft-landing in India, stimulate constructive co-creation, build an ecosystem of stakeholders, and bolster a two-way technology and knowledge transfer. The project will support European startups and SMEs to enter India’s market with: • 35 internationalization bootcamps to consider India for expansion; • 920 hours of expert consultations to prepare localization strategies; • 8 vertical-specific market immersion programmes to find the first clients and partners; • 5 batches of a 3-month programme to help European technologies adapt and scale to the Indian market; • Network of 30000+ Indian innovators through the consortium partners’ coworking hubs in nine major Indian cities. The consortium comprises leading startup support organizations covering most of Europe and India with a proven record of bringing top-class internationalization support, business consulting, investment advice and readiness, acceleration, market immersion services to the market.

Keywords: acceleration,scaling,internationalization,india,networks,technology transfer,product adaptation,market entry
Clinical validation of retinal oximetry as a biomarker (RETOXY)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Health, demographic change and wellbeing
Theme: Treating and managing disease
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Iceland
Call: Clinical research for the validation of biomarkers and/or diagnostic medical devices (H2020-SMEINST-1-2014, 2014)
Start date: 2015-05-01
End date: 2015-10-31
Duration (months): 6.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Disturbance in oxygenation of the retina of the eye is believed to be involved in many sight-threatening diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Oxymap ehf (SME) has developed an oximeter to measure retinal oxygenation. The oximeter is already used by over 20 research groups and the results of small-scale studies indicate that the oximeter can measure disturbed oxygenation in various common and serious eye diseases. The Oxymap oximeter is currently only useable for research and the aim of the phase 1 and 2 projects is to validate oximetry for clinical use. This will allow earlier intervention and better monitoring of disease progress, benefiting individual patients. Due to the high prevalence and severity of the diseases, societal and economic gains are also considerable. Moving retinal oximetry from being a research tool only to being a validated clinical biomarker will also create a much larger market for Oxymap. The phase 1 project will yield a feasibility report, including a business plan. The project will lay the foundation for later uptake of retinal oximetry in clinical practise and the concurrent successful commercialisation.

Keywords: retina,blindness,vision,oxygen,oximetry,diabetes,diabetic retinopathy
Global material flows and demand-supply forecasting for mineral strategies (MinFuture)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Climate action, environment,  resource efficiency and raw materials
Theme: Ensuring the sustainable supply of non-energy and non-agricultural raw materials
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Austria,Spain,Australia,Austria,Germany,Germany,Norway,Poland,France,Czechia,United States,Denmark,United Kingdom,Japan,United Kingdom
Call: Raw materials international co-operation (H2020-SC5-2016-OneStageB, 2016)
Start date: 2016-12-01
End date: 2018-11-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1162835.0
EU funding (EUR): 999710.0
Participants: 18
Project status: CLOSED

Global demand for minerals is growing rapidly, driven by rapid population growth, urbanisation and an increasingly diverse range of technical applications. Global material supply chains linking the extraction, transport and processing stages of raw materials have become increasingly complex and today involve multiple players and product components. An interactive platform that provides transparency about existing approaches and information gaps concerning global material flows is needed to understand these global supply chains; developing this capability is critical for maintaining competitiveness in the European economy. Against this backdrop, the proposed MinFuture project aims to identify, integrate, and develop expertise for global material flow analysis and scenario modelling. Specific activities include: • the analysis of barriers and gateways for delivering more transparent and interoperable materials information • the assessment of existing model approaches for global material flow analysis, including the demand- supply forecasting methods • the delivery of a ‘common methodology’ which integrates mineral data, information and knowledge across national boundaries and between governmental and non-governmental organisations; • the development of recommendations for a roadmap to implement the ‘common methodology’ at international level; • the creation of a web-portal to provide a central access point for material flow information, including links to existing data sources, models, tools and analysis; MinFuture brings together 16 international partners from across universities, public organisations and companies, to deliver new insight, strategic intelligence and a clear roadmap for enabling effective access to global material information.

Keywords: global material flows and supply,material flows and stocks,mineral strategies,system analysis,waste,primary and secondary resources,resource classification,demand and supply forecasting
Novel sensor based soil-plant-climate control system for European smart farming (SenSOP-II)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Climate action, environment,  resource efficiency and raw materials
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Germany
Call: Boosting the potential of small businesses for eco-innovation and a sustainable supply of raw materials (H2020-SMEINST-1-2015, 2015)
Start date: 2016-04-01
End date: 2016-09-30
Duration (months): 6.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

New tools have to be developed to mitigate emissions of greenhouse gases and adapt to impacts of climate change with respect to the interfaces of water, land use and biodiversity due to water saving techniques, technology development of innovative mapping and plant growth monitoring systems. SenSOP-II aims are to provide this tool for advanced smart farming operations and water and energy saving techniques. SenSOP-II optimises irrigation, fertilizer- and pesticide application and soil treatment focused on grapes, hop plants, fruits and vegetables and extensive wheat production areas affected by global temperature increase. SenSOP-II also monitors vitality, growth and qualities of cultural plants/ crops and measures applied. The SenSOP-II approach is based beside others on the experiences and expert knowledge of a national funded R&D project for a trial agricultural company (2012-2014; patent application DE102013012793). Since 2014 SenSOP-II solution has been demonstrated successfully in the field. The engineering design of SenSOP-II is an innovative solution based on a Three-Layer approach with soil-plant-climate based sensors, simulation software tools embedded in a web-based server structure. The user design of SenSOP-II is a lowcost, easy-to-use and industry independent software tool that is accessible to end-users through internet client devices. Key market is the wine producing sector in Europe. Wine regions outside Germany will be covered by our prospective contracted strategic system partners. Further system openness to new applications, techniques and data sources ensures continuous improvement of SenSOP-II approach within the system partner network to boost SenSOP-II innovation solution and to create jobs and turnover for each participated SME on an European scale.

Keywords: environmental sensors,modelling,soils,soil plant climate system
The End of the Journey: The Late Pleistocene-Early Holocene Colonisation of South America (LASTJOURNEY)

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: Germany,Colombia,Denmark,United Kingdom,Brazil
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2018-ADG, 2018)
Start date: 2019-10-01
End date: 2025-09-30
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2498590.0
EU funding (EUR): 1787090.0
Participants: 6
Project status: SIGNED

Understanding the human journey of global colonisation is the history of modern humanity and the development of the diverse characteristics of peoples and cultures around the world. This five-year interdisciplinary project will investigate the peopling of South America, the last continental terra incognita (other than Antarctica) to be colonised by humans, constituting a virtually unprecedented migration of modern humans across richly diverse, empty landscapes during the Late Pleistocene-Early Holocene transition. Situated at the geographical gateway to the continent, the project will investigate one of the most momentous demographic dispersals of our species into the diverse environments of north-western South America, encompassing coasts, savannahs and lowland, Sub Andean and Andean tropical forests. This process took place amidst one of the most significant climatic, environmental, and subsistence regime shifts in human history, which contributed to the extinction of megafauna, plant domestication, and today’s remarkable diversity of indigenous South American groups. Despite its geographical importance and a wealth of archaeological and palaeoecological data across its diverse environments, north-western South America has only been given cursory consideration to understand processes of human dispersion. This project will redress this imbalance by applying an innovative interdisciplinary approach that integrates state-of-art archaeology, archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, palaeoclimatology, palaeoecology, ancient environmental DNA and isotope studies. The results will provide a global comparative perspective to the study of Late Pleistocene human colonisations, hunter-gatherer adaptations, the demise of megafauna and the beginning of plant cultivation and domestication. The results of the project have broader implications not only for archaeology but also for geography, palaeoclimate, palaeoecology, and molecular biology.

Keywords: human colonisation,late pleistocene,archaeology,palaeoclimate,palaeoecology,molecular biology,lithic studies,megafauna,south america,andes,amazon
Machine Learning Frontiers in Precision Medicine (MLFPM2018)

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: Information Science and Engineering
Countries involved: Germany,Spain,Estonia,Germany,Germany,Israel,Spain,Belgium,Sweden,Switzerland,France,United Kingdom
Call: Innovative Training Networks (H2020-MSCA-ITN-2018, 2018)
Start date: 2019-01-01
End date: 2024-03-31
Duration (months): 63.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3618387.06
EU funding (EUR): 3618387.06
Participants: 18
Project status: SIGNED

Healthcare is entering the digital era: More and more patient data, from the molecular level of genome sequences to the level of image phenotypes and health history, are available in digital form. Exploring this big health data promises to reveal new insights into disease mechanisms and therapy outcomes. Ultimately, the goal is to exploit these insights for Precision Medicine, which hopes to offer personalized preventive care and therapy selection for each patient. A technology with transformational potential in analysing this health data is Machine Learning. Machine Learning strives to discover new knowledge in form of statistical dependencies in large datasets. Mining health data is, however, not a simple direct application of established machine learning techniques. On the contrary, the emerging population-scale and ultra-high dimensionality of health data creates the need to develop Machine Learning algorithms that can successfully operate at this scale. Overcoming these frontiers in Machine Learning is key to making the vision of Precision Medicine a reality. To meet this challenge, Europe urgently needs a new generation of scientists with knowledge in both machine learning and in health data analysis, who are extremely rare at a global scale. Our ETN’s goal is to close this gap, by bringing together leading European research institutes in Machine Learning and Statistical Genetics, both from the private and public sector, to train 14 early stage researchers. These scientists will help to shape the future of this important topic and increase Europe’s competitiveness in this domain, which will have severe academic and industrial impact in the future and has the potential to shape the healthcare and high tech sector in Europe in the 21st century.

Keywords: machine learning,data science,personalized medicine,precision medicine