Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Feasibility study on Opto-Magnetic Imaging Spectroscopy for cancer screening (OMIS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Health, demographic change and wellbeing
Theme: Treating and managing disease
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: Clinical research for the validation of biomarkers and/or diagnostic medical devices (H2020-SMEINST-1-2015, 2015)
Start date: 2016-03-01
End date: 2016-08-31
Duration (months): 6.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cancer is among the leading causes of death in the modern world with over 8 million cancer related deaths globally and over 1 million in the EU. The estimated economic costs of this EU social problem in 2009 was over €120 billion with the healthcare costs at 40% of this amount. Early identification of cancers continues as a key priority to reducing loss of life and subsequent treatment costs. Screening for cervical cancer is very effective at controlling the disease, but the costs for the 32 million women involved in EU screening programmes costs approximately €960 million per year. Tumour Trace Limited have developed OMIS, an innovative cancer screening methodology and device which offers a reduction of 75% costs for laboratories and accuracy of over 95%. This technology uses Opto-Magnetic Imaging Spectroscopy (OMIS) to provide an objective cancer diagnosis and offers a step change in accuracy, costs and speed of screening. Current methods are expensive, time consuming and subject to false results as the screening technologies rely on pathology judgements rather than objective molecular biophysical properties that are measured by OMIS. Tumour Trace have validated this technology with several pre-clinical studies for cervical cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer. Tumour Trace have plans to commercialise this technology in cervical cancer screening programmes initially for the UK, Serbia and India; however further market research included in this Phase 1 application is required to support uptake across the wider EU market and to explore the potential impact in other cancer areas. This ground breaking technology will lead to improved clinical decision making and better health outcomes through earlier cancer detections and a reduction of false results; this in turn will contribute to more efficient sustainable healthcare provision.

Keywords: cancer,cancer screening,cancer diagnostics,cervical cancer,oral cancer,colon cancer
Optimal Transport and Stochastic Dynamics (OPTRASTOCH)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Mathematics
Panel description: All areas of mathematics, pure and applied, plus mathematical foundations of computer science, mathematical physics and statistics
Countries involved: Austria
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2016-STG, 2016)
Start date: 2017-02-01
End date: 2022-07-31
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1074590.0
EU funding (EUR): 1074590.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Many important properties of stochastic processes are deeply connected with the underlying geometric structure. The crucial quantity in many applications is a lower bound on the Ricci curvature, which yields powerful applications to concentration of measure, isoperimetry, and convergence to equilibrium. Since many important processes are defined in discrete, infinite-dimensional, or singular spaces, major research activity has been devoted to developing a theory of Ricci curvature beyond the classical Riemannian setting. This led to the powerful theories of Bakry-Émery and Lott-Sturm-Villani, which have been extremely successful in the analysis of geodesic spaces and diffusion processes. Building on our recent work, we will develop a wide research program that allows us to significantly enlarge the scope of these ideas. A) Firstly, we develop a comprehensive theory of curvature-dimension for discrete spaces based on geodesic convexity of entropy functionals along discrete optimal transport. Promising first results suggest that the theory initiated by the PI provides the appropriate framework for obtaining many powerful results from geometric analysis in the discrete setting. B) Secondly, we analyse discrete stochastic dynamics using methods from optimal transport. We focus on non-reversible Markov processes, which requires a significant extension of the existing gradient flow theory, and develop new methods for proving convergence of discrete stochastic dynamics. C) Thirdly, we develop an optimal transport approach to the analysis of quantum Markov processes. We will perform a thorough investigation of noncommutative optimal transport, we aim for geometric and functional inequalities in quantum probability, and apply the results to the analysis of quantum Markov processes. The project extends the scope of optimal transport methods significantly and makes a fundamental contribution to the conceptual understanding of discrete curvature.

Keywords: optimal transport,gradient flows,ricci curvature,markov chains,quantum probability
Speech-sound Processing in Infant Development and Evolution (SPIDE)

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: Spain
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2015, 2015)
Start date: 2016-05-01
End date: 2018-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 158121.6
EU funding (EUR): 158121.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

What are the uniquely human mechanisms of language acquisition that enable infants to start discovering the words and structures of their native language by the end of their first year? Language is undoubtedly a specifically human function, but it is crucial to disentangle between human-specific vs. general-processing skills that allow language acquisition. This project aims at exploring the developmental and evolutionary origins of one of the features of speech processing: the ability to assign specific functional roles to the different categories of sounds composing speech. Indeed, there is a Consonant/Vowel functional asymmetry in the world's languages as well as in speech processing, whereby consonants better fit the requirements of lexical processing (e.g. when writing abbreviations we tend to remove vowels and keep consonants to avoid compromising meaning, as in txt msgng), while vowels are better targets for syntax-related processes. It remains unknown where this "division of labour" comes from: uniquely human predisposition playing a role in early syntax and lexical acquisition, or consequence of the asymmetry present in the input? In this work we will conduct experiments in infants as well as in rats, to test the hypothesis that the C/V asymmetry : (1) is not the by-product of the physical differences between vowels and consonants, (2) plays a significant role in early language acquisition; (3) derives from more general perceptual biases shared with other species. This interdisciplinary project will use both behavioral and neuroimaging measures in infants and rats to investigate the origins of the C/V asymmetry in language acquisition and evolution.

Keywords: language acquisition,speech processing mechanisms,learning mechanisms,comparative spyvhology,infant studies,animal studies,behavior,brain imaging
Shining through the Galaxy: dark matter signals versus astrophysical backgrounds (DMsky)

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: United Kingdom
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2015, 2015)
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 183454.8
EU funding (EUR): 183454.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The nature of dark matter (DM) is one of the greatest mysteries in modern physics. It is well established to constitute 26% of the total energy-matter of the universe, to drive the motion of stars and galaxies, and to have shaped the universe as we observe it today. We know how DM interacts gravitationally with standard matter, but what we do not yet understand are its nature and particle properties. A general prediction of theoretical DM models is that dark matter particles self-interact producing high-energy photons and charged particles at rates detectable by current ground- and space-based telescopes. Discovering such a signal would allow us to study the particle properties of DM for the very first time. In a recent exciting development, an anomalous emission in the gamma rays coming from the centre of our Galaxy has been measured, the so-called Galactic centre GeV excess: this could be the very first signature of the presence of DM there. My project will carry out definitive tests of this putative first non-gravitational signature of the DM particle nature by studying the gamma-ray sky. Firstly, I will improve the sensitivity and reliability of searches for DM in the inner region of the Galaxy - one of the most promising targets - thanks to novel analysis methods. The unprecedented accuracy of the data available requires theory to provide robust predictions for the DM distribution in the Galaxy, which are currently missing. I will remedy this by using the most recent simulations of galaxy formation to predict the DM induced signal. My project will considerably boost astroparticle physics research towards the identification of the much-sought after DM by developing new methods for gamma-ray data analysis and for DM models testing. Owing to the designed program, I will bring new expertise to the Imperial College Astrophysics Group and use this experience to grow into a senior researcher.

Keywords: astroparticle physics,astrophysics,particle phenomenology,dark matter
Personalized Cancer Therapy by Model-based Optimal Robust Control Algorithm (Tamed Cancer)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Systems and communication engineering
Panel description: Electrical, electronic, communication, optical and systems engineering
Countries involved: Hungary
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2015-STG, 2015)
Start date: 2016-07-01
End date: 2021-10-31
Duration (months): 64.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1015900.0
EU funding (EUR): 917925.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Imagine if tumor growth would be reduced and then kept in a minimal and safe volume in an automated manner and in a personalized way, i.e. cancer drug would be injected using a continuous therapy improving the patient’s quality of life. By control engineering approaches it is possible to create model-based strategies for health problems. Artificial pancreas is an adequate example for this, where by continuous glucose measurement device and insulin pump it is possible to improve diabetes treatment. Gaining expertise from this problem, the current proposal focuses on taming the cancer by developing an engineering-based medical therapy. The interdisciplinary approach focuses on modern robust control algorithm development in order to stop the angiogenesis process (i.e. vascular system development) of the tumor; hence, to stop tumor growth, maintaining it in a minimal, “tamed” form. This breakthrough concept could revitalize cancer treatment. It is the right time to do it as some investigations regarding tumor growth modeling have been already done; now, it should be refined by model identification tools and validated on animal trials. The benefit of robust control was already demonstrated in artificial pancreas; hence, it could be adapted to cancer research. The result could end with a personalized healthcare approach for drug-delivery in cancer, improving quality of life, optimizing drug infusion and minimizing treatment costs. This interdisciplinary approach combines control engineering with mathematics, computer science and medical sciences. As a result, the model-based robust control approach envisage refining the currently existing tumor growth modeling aspects, design an optimal control algorithm and extend it by robust control theory to guarantee its general applicability. Based on our research background, validation will be done first in a manually controlled way, but then in an automatic mode to propose it for further human investigations.

Keywords: modern robust control,lpv model,model identification,targeted molecular therapy,antiangiogenic therapy
BIOengineered grafts for Cartilage Healing In Patients (BIO-CHIP) (BIO-CHIP)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Health, demographic change and wellbeing
Theme: Treating and managing disease
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Germany,Germany,Italy,Germany,Croatia,Switzerland,Switzerland,France
Call: Clinical research on regenerative medicine (H2020-PHC-2015-single-stage_RTD, 2015)
Start date: 2015-11-01
End date: 2020-10-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5108273.75
EU funding (EUR): 3051836.25
Participants: 13
Project status: CLOSED

Spontaneous healing of articular cartilage injuries is poor and untreated defects predispose to osteoarthritis. Current therapies, including innovative autologous cell-based treatments, cannot predictably and reproducibly restore cartilage structure and function. BIOCHIP will carry out a multicenter, prospective phase II clinical trial to treat knee cartilage injuries using engineered grafts based on autologous nasal chondrocytes (NC). As compared to typically employed articular chondrocytes, NC have a higher and more reproducible capacity to generate mature cartilage tissues. Importantly, molecular/mechanical characterization, large size animal studies and a phase I trial carried out by BIOCHIP partners have already shown the compatibility of NC upon implantation in a joint, with promising preliminary clinical results. BIO-CHIP’s specific objectives are: (1) To test the hypothesis that the maturation of NC-based cartilage grafts improves the clinical efficacy in the treatment of cartilage lesions (108 patients will be recruited to reach statistical significance) (2) To extend the range of clinical indications of NC-based grafts to so far untreatable pre-osteoarthritic lesions (‘kissing’ cartilage lesions in a sheep model) BIO-CHIP capitalizes on clinical experience of 4 reference centers for cartilage surgery, on established GMP manufacturing capacity and on preparation for commercial exploitation by a strong orthopedic device company. Demonstration of therapeutic efficacy of the new treatment will address a large clinical need (over 2 million cartilage defects/year worldwide), improve quality of life (reduce pain & disability in the young, delay prosthetic implants in the elderly), exploit a commercial opportunity (prospected revenues of up to 130 million €/year) and reduce healthcare costs (estimated 12,000€ healthcare savings/procedure). BIO-CHIP will consolidate the currently leading role of Europe in the development of cell-based cartilage regeneration strate

Keywords: cartilage regeneration,clinical trial,tissue engineering,cell based therapy
Entrepreneurs, Firms and the Macroeconomy (MacroEntrepreneurs)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Individuals, Markets and Organisations
Panel description: Economics, finance and management
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2018-STG, 2018)
Start date: 2018-12-01
End date: 2024-05-31
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1202014.0
EU funding (EUR): 1202014.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

New micro-level data reveals enormous heterogeneity across firms in terms of their growth and survival. Young firms are the engines of aggregate job creation and productivity growth even though most startups fail or do not grow. Therefore, only a small share of high-growth firms generates the documented macroeconomic gains. Despite the aggregate importance, we know very little about why firm performance is so heterogeneous, whether these differences are predictable based on characteristics of business founders (entrepreneurs), and how choices of different entrepreneurs to start firms shape, and are shaped by, macroeconomic conditions. This research agenda studies the nexus of entrepreneurs, firms and the macroeconomy. First, I will estimate to what extent firm growth and survival are predictable from the time of entry and whether characteristics of business founders help explain such patterns. To do so, I will use detailed micro-level data from four countries and adopt a methodology not yet used in this context. Second, I will build a new macroeconomic model of firm dynamics in which business growth and survival profiles are shaped by heterogeneous entrepreneurs in accordance with the empirical evidence. While the link between heterogeneity of firms and their founders is absent in existing research, without it we cannot study current key policy questions. How does rising income and wealth inequality impact the macroeconomy by affecting choices to start new firms? How can policy promote the founding of high-growth firms, which are less plentiful in Europe compared to the U.S.? What general equilibrium feedback effects do such policies have on workers? The large degree of firm and founder heterogeneity makes both the empirical and theoretical parts of this agenda very challenging. At the same time, the importance of a better understanding of firm growth for further academic research and for economic policy makes this proposal particularly high-return.

Keywords: firm heterogeneity,dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models
Integrated silicon photonics for Cardiovascular Disease monitoring (InSiDe)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Information and Communication Technologies
Action type: Innovation actions
Partnership: Photonics (cPPP)
Countries involved: Ireland,Italy,Belgium,Belgium,Belgium,France,Czechia,Netherlands,United Kingdom
Call: Application driven Photonics components (H2020-ICT-2019-2, 2019)
Start date: 2020-01-01
End date: 2023-12-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5841350.0
EU funding (EUR): 4948385.0
Participants: 10
Project status: SIGNED

The rationale for Medtronic and partners to propose the InSiDe project is the unmet need of the medical community for reliable, non-invasive, cheap and easy-to-use tools able to identify and characterize different stages of cardiovascular diseases. Solving this need ensures the early adoption of the appropriate therapies, dramatically reduces healthcare costs and importantly, improves patient outcome. In fact, monitoring arterial stiffness by measurement of the aortic pulse wave velocity has been demonstrated to be a crucial need for the management of hypertensive patients and it is recommended in the European Society of Cardiology Guidelines. In addition, the early identification of arterial stenosis and cardiac contraction abnormalities can be used to drive earlier therapy adoption and to improve patient’s response in cardiac (valvular) disease. Building on the realizations of the successful CARDIS (H2020-ICT-644798) project, the objective of InSiDe is to accelerate access to a new diagnostic device, based on silicon photonics technology, able to monitor cardiovascular diseases and to prove its efficacy in driving a timely therapy institution and its related follow-up. We will: -Develop an efficient miniaturized laser Doppler interferometer supported by a manufacturable package with integrated imaging optics and by electronics for control of the laser interferometer with onboard near-real time signal processing capability. -Develop algorithms for translation of the interferometer signals to beat-to-beat measurement results relevant for monitoring and diagnosis of selected cardiovascular parameters. -Prove the device efficacy in multiple clinical feasibility studies inside and outside the consortium. -Outline a path to industrialization and manufacturability. In this way InSiDe will realize a low-cost handheld, robust diagnostic tool, manufacturable in high-volumes. The diagnostic tool gives immediate results for physician’s interpretation.

Keywords: monitoring,cardiovascular disease,screening,pulse wave velocity,arterial stiffness,arterial stenosis,silicon photonics,manufacturability,industrialization,risk stratification,non contact
Levitated Nanoparticles for Technology and Quantum Nanophysics: New frontiers in physics at the nanoscale. (LeviTeQ)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Fundamental constituents of matter
Panel description: Particle, nuclear, plasma, atomic, molecular, gas, and optical physics
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2018-STG, 2018)
Start date: 2019-02-01
End date: 2025-01-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1498018.0
EU funding (EUR): 1498018.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Technology is continuously miniaturizing. As it reaches the nanoscale we face unique challenges, such as managing thermal. From the other direction, advances in the quantum physics of a few atoms, ions, and solid-state qubits mean that we increasingly wish to scale up quantum systems, or interface them with nanoscale devices. Opto- and electro-mechanical (NEMS and MEMS) devices have been controlled at the quantum level in recent years, an amazing advance allowing even entanglement between light and mechanical motion. However, all such systems are plagued by unavoidable environmental contact, and energy dissipation through strain, limiting the potential of mechanical devices to participate in both classical and quantum technologies. By levitating the mechanical element, these problems are overcome. LEVITEQ will, for the first time, cool the motion and rotation of tailor-made silicon particles, enabling full quantum level control. This ultra-low dissipation system offers exquisite force sensitivity, by driving the rotation of a levitated nanorod. LEVITEQ will pioneer the control of nanoparticles by electronic circuits, allowing simple technological integration in a room temperature environment. This all-electrical system will challenge existing quartz crystal oscillator technology. LEVITEQ will explore new regimes of physics, by working in extreme vacuum, elucidating thermodynamics on the nanoscale. This research will pave the way for a levitated quantum object acting as a node in a quantum network, for coherent signal storage and conversion.

Keywords: optomechanics,optical trapping