Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Physical Aspects of the Evolution of Biological Complexity (BIOCOMPLEX)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Condensed matter physics
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2009-AdG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-01-01
End date: 2015-12-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

One of the most fundamental issues in evolutionary biology is the nature of transitions from single cell organisms to multicellular ones, with accompanying cellular differentiation and specialization. Not surprisingly for microscopic life in fluid environments, many of the relevant physical considerations involve diffusion, mixing, and sensing, for the efficient exchange of nutrients and metabolites with the environment is one of the most basic features of life. This proposal describes a combination of experimental and theoretical research aimed at some of the key mysteries surrounding transport and sensing by and in complex, multicellular organisms, and the implications of those findings for the explanation of driving forces behind transitions to multicellularity. There are two main components of the research. The first involves studies of single and multicellular algae which serves as model systems for allometric scaling laws in evolution. Of particular importance are the synchronization dynamics of the eukaryotic flagella that provide motility, enhance nutrient transport, and allow phototaxis in these organisms. The second thrust involves investigation of the ubiquitous phenomenon of cytoplasmic streaming in aquatic and terrestrial plants. Despite decades of research, there is no clear consensus on the metabolic role of this persistent circulation of the fluid contents of cell. Building on recent theoretical developmnts we will study its implications for internal transport and mixing, homeostasis, and development in large cells. In each case, state-of-the art experimental methods from physics, fluid dynamics, and cell biology will be used in combination with advanced theoretical methods for the study of the stochastic nonlinear PDEs that form the natural description of these systems.

Keywords: multicellularity,flagella,transport,mixing,elasticity,biological synchronization
Terahertz Optoelectronics - from the Science of Cascades to Applications (TOSCA)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Systems and communication engineering
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2009-AdG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-04-01
End date: 2015-03-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2491989.0
EU funding (EUR): 2491989.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Over the last 10 years, research in the terahertz (THz) frequency region of the electromagnetic spectrum has grown dramatically. The most significant development has been the demonstration of the first THz frequency quantum cascade laser (QCL) in 2002 by my EC FP-V consortium, WANTED. These advances have been accompanied by an equally important industrial applications-pull, with exploitation envisaged in the pharmaceutical and security sectors, for medical imaging and atmospheric sensing, and for high frequency electronics and communications. Yet, the enormous potential of the THz range has still to be unlocked, principally as there remains a lack of versatile, compact THz systems. My vision here is to address this, creating a step-change in the exploitation of THz technology. I will develop the patterning of periodic and aperiodic grating structures both lithographically, and for the first time, electronically, to engineer the photonic properties of THz QCLs. I will demonstrate the use of surface acoustic waves to modulate QCLs piezoelectrically, creating dynamically tunable sources. A continuous wave system-on-a-chip based on a QCL source, waveguide and integrated solid state detectors will be developed, together with an on-chip continuous-wave THz interferometer, and proven in the study of low-dimensional, nanostructured systems. I will develop a compact fibre-coupled broadband THz system, based on 1.55µm fs-laser excitation of photoconductive antennae. Investigations into the fundamental science underlying THz QCLs will include magnetic field gain measurements of THz QCLs to probe the role of non-Markovian transport in superlattice optoelectronic structures. This programme, comprising the symbiotic development of THz engineering and science, will be unique internationally and will open new opportunities and directions in the study and exploitation of THz frequency electronics and photonics.

Keywords: terahertz,quantum cascade lasers,time-domain spectroscopy,high-frequency electronics,imaging and spectroscopy,nanotechnology.
Magnetic Molecules and Hybrid Materials for Molecular Spintronics (SPINMOL)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Materials and Synthesis
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (ERC-2009-AdG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-03-01
End date: 2015-02-28
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1679700.0
EU funding (EUR): 1679700.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In this project we intend to design new magnetic molecules and new classes of magnetic molecular materials which, conveniently nanostructured, can be of interest in molecular spintronics, quantum computing and, in general, in nanomagnetism. The project pretends to cover either the development of molecule-based materials with interesting spintronic properties (molecule-based spintronics), as well as the design and study of magnetic molecules of interest in unimolecular spintronics and quantum computing. The objectives will be the following: - Use of molecule-based magnets for the preparation of multilayered spintronic structures (molecular spin valves) - Design of molecule-based magnetic materials exhibiting multifunctional properties (ferromagnetic superconductors, magnetic multilayers and magnetic/conducting multilayers) - Nanopatterning of magnetic nanostructures on surfaces via a molecular approach. - Chemical control of quantum spin dynamics and decoherence in single-molecule magnets based on magnetic polyoxometalates with the aim of developing qu-bits based on these inorganic molecules. - Positioning and addressing magnetic polyoxometalates on surfaces. An unconventional strategy of this project is the use of purely inorganic building blocks, as well as of inorganic magnetic molecules to design these magnetic materials, instead of using metal-organic molecular systems. This purely inorganic molecular building-block approach will benefit from the robustness of this kind of molecules and materials. Another characteristic feature of this project is the combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches for the processing of the molecules / materials. Thus, the project will exploit the advantage of using lithographic techniques (high throughput, easy scalability, etc.) in combination with the chemical bottom-up design of the molecular system, for the nanopatterning of the materials and the positioning of the molecules on surfaces with nanoscale accuracy.

Keywords: molecular spintronics,quantum computing,multifunctional molecular materials,molecular nanomagnets,molecular magnetism
Structure and Function: The Development and Application of Novel Ex- and In-situ NMR Approaches to Study Lithium Ion Batteries and Fuel Cell Membranes (LIBNMR)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Materials and Synthesis
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2009-AdG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-04-01
End date: 2015-03-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1918270.0
EU funding (EUR): 1918270.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Two new research programs will be established at Cambridge University: 1. Lithium ion batteries (LIBs). New positive and negative electrode materials are required for a range of LIB applications, which are lighter, have higher capacities, and can be operated at higher rates. To this end, I will establish a joint synthesis and characterization program, aimed at understanding how LIB-materials function and sometimes fail, in order to provide the fundamental insight required to design the next generation of LIBs. In particular we will use NMR spectroscopy, with other relevant characterization tools, including pair distribution function analysis, to investigate structure and Li dynamics. The specific objectives are (i) to develop novel in situ NMR techniques to investigate LIBs under realistic operating conditions, including the very high rates required for batteries for transportation. (ii) Utilize these methodologies to investigate a wide range of electrode systems, including conversion reactions, doped phosphates and composite electrodes. 2. Electrolytes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. This smaller program will investigate both oxygen and proton transport in ceramic materials, focusing on doped perovskites. Identification of the differences between the local structures of the ions that contribute to the ionic conductivity, and those that remain trapped in the lattice, represents a challenge for many experimental structural probes. Our objectives are to use NMR techniques to determine local structure and motion, in order to identify (i) how doping controls structure and (ii) the conduction mechanisms responsible for ionic conductivity. For the proton conductors, we will determine mechanisms for proton incorporation and investigate proton mobility in the bulk/grain boundaries.

Keywords: lithium ion batteries,solid state nmr,solid state electrolytes,in situ measurements,ionic conduction
Bioinorganic Chemistry for the Design of New Medicines (BIOINCMED)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Materials and Synthesis
Countries involved: United Kingdom,United Kingdom,Czechia,Germany
Call:  (ERC-2009-AdG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-07-01
End date: 2015-12-31
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1565397.0
EU funding (EUR): 1565397.0
Participants: 4
Project status: CLOSED

Bioinorganic chemistry is a rapidly expanding area of research, but the potential for the therapeutic application of metal complexes is highly underdeveloped. The basic principles required to guide the development of metal-containing therapeutic agents are lacking, despite the unique therapeutic opportunities which they offer. It is the goal of the proposed research to establish basic principles of medicinal coordination chemistry of metals that will allow the rational screening of future metallopharmaceuticals. We propose to utilize the power of inorganic chemistry to provide new knowledge of and new approaches for intervention in biological systems. This will be based on improved understanding of reactions of metal complexes under physiological conditions, on improving the specificity of their interactions, and gaining control over the potential toxicity of synthetic metal complexes. The research programme is highly interdisciplinary involving chemistry, physics, biology and pharmacology, with potential for the discovery of truly novel medicines, especially for the treatment of diseases and conditions which are currently intractable, such as cancer. The challenging and ambitious goals of the present work involve transition metal complexes with novel chemical and biochemical mechanisms of action. They will contain novel features which allow them (i) to be selectively activated by light in cells, or (ii) to be activated by a structural transition, or (ii) exhibit catalytic activity in cells. This ground-breaking research potentially has a very high impact and is based on recent discoveries in the applicant s laboratory. A feature of the programme is the use of state-of-the-art-and-beyond methodology to advance knowledge of medicinal metal coordination chemistry.

Keywords: bioinorganic chemistry,metal complexes,medicinal inorganic chemistry,metallodrugs
Quantum Optics in Wavelength Scale Structures (QUOWSS)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Fundamental constituents of matter
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2009-AdG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-02-01
End date: 2015-01-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In this project I will investigate the interaction between quantum light and matter in optical structures that are at or below the wavelength scale. Such devices could provide unprecedented performance in the storage of data, the switching of light and the generation of light of tailored properties. I will address this topic through the study of 2-level systems (quantum dots, N-V centres, atoms), and non-linear materials (Ç(2) ,Ç(3) ) in various nanoscale dielectric and conducting structures. This will include: &quot; quasi 1D systems such as pillar microcavities, &quot; 2D systems such as microstructured fibres and suspended waveguide photonic bandgap cavities &quot; 3D systems such as single particle assembled 3D nano-cavities I will design suitable systems using the wide suite of electromagnetic modelling softwares available in my group. This will also involve the inclusion of the allowed modes and their interaction with single two-level quantum systems and non-linear materials.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Exercise in Type 1 Diabetes (IMMEEDIA)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Research Staff Exchange Scheme
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Italy,Sweden,Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IRSES, 2009)
Start date: 2010-07-01
End date: 2014-06-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 583200.0
EU funding (EUR): 399600.0
Participants: 5
Project status: CLOSED

Diabetes is a major metabolic disease with huge costs for healthcare system throughout the EU and worldwide. Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM) is a chronic condition in which pancreas produces little or no insulin, believed to result from a disorder of immunoregulation. For decades it has been known that regular aerobic exercise improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients, reducing insulin requirements. Traditionally, physical exercise has been promoted in type 2 diabetes, where insulin action is deficient in the context of insulin resistance and/or inappropriate insulin secretion. However, even in T1DM, in the dysregulation of immune system function, beta-cell toxicity is mediated by a complex interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation, for which exercise could be protective. Preliminary observations in fact indicate that regularly exercising T1DM-subjects have lower autoimmunity markers at an early stage of the disease. We want to ascertain the effect of moderate regular exercise as the most convenient measure to avoid the onset/worsening of T1DM. To verify whether exercise is capable of countering the T1DM-autoimmune process directed against beta-cells of the pancreatic islets, a multi-centric study will include: a) administration of a tailored exercise training program in different cohorts of T1DM-subjects; b) in-vivo animal experiments in which gain/loss-function models will be challenged with exercise; c) cell studies to analyse the exercise effects on signal transduction pathways and cytokine responses; d) metabolic profiling and metabolomic studies concerning the multicomponent analysis of biological fluids, tissue and cell extracts. Our consortium, through this multi-approach strategy, will reveal how exercise may exert a potent immunomodulatory effect, reducing the autoimmune response that in T1DM attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells.

Keywords: type 1 diabetes,exercise,autoimmunity,glucose metabolism
Recognition of hemi-methylated DNA by UHRF1 (DNA-UHRF1 BINDING)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-02-01
End date: 2014-01-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cytosine methylation of CpG dinucleotide sequence is an epigenetic mark on the DNA that regulates gene expression, chromatin structure, and genome stability. Patterns of DNA methylation propagate with fidelity greater than 99% and their stable inheritance for more than 80 cell divisions. This robustness is essential as evidenced by the observation that cancer cells commonly exhibit aberrant methylation patterns. Inheritance and maintenance of methylation patterns are mediated by Dnmt1 during chromosome replication and repair. A crucial step in this process is the ability to distinguish hemi-methylated from either unmethylated or symmetrically di-methylated CpG sequences. Recently, it was shown that the protein UHRF1 recruits Dnmt1 to hemi-methylated CpG sites. The interaction between UHRF1 and hemi-methylated DNA involves the flipping of the methylcytosine out of the DNA helix as revealed by three different crystal structures. Using molecular dynamics simulations, the proposed research is aimed at answering the following questions: (I) What is the energetic basis that allows UHRF1 to discriminate between binding to hemi-methylated DNA versus binding to unmethylated or symmetrically di-methylated DNA? In particular, a disfavored binding to unmethylated DNA can arise due to a cavity at the location of the 'missing' methyl group. Half of the atoms surrounding this cavity are hydrophilic with potential of forming hydrogen bonds. Whether this space is taken up by a water molecule or whether it is 'dry' and the consequences on the UHRF1-DNA binding constant, will be investigated. (II) What is the flip-out mechanism of hemi-methylated methylcytosine? Does UHRF1 play an active role in the flipping event? The process of methylating the target cytosine on the complementary strand by Dnmt1 also involves base flipping. How does the flipped methylcytosine, interacting with UHRF1, influence the barrier and propensity for flipping the target cytosine to be methylated?

Keywords: computational chemistry,structural biology,molecular biophysics
Biomolecular Electronics and Electrocatalysis (BIOMOLECTRONIC)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Research Staff Exchange Scheme
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom,Ireland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IRSES, 2009)
Start date: 2011-03-01
End date: 2015-02-28
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 158400.0
EU funding (EUR): 158400.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

The objective of the joint exchange programme BIOMOLECTRONIC (Biomolecular Electronics and Electrocatalysis) is to strengthen existing scientific collaboration between two EU partners and a third country (Argentina) partner in the field of biomolecular electronics and electrocatalysis. The topic of research is the multidisciplinary approach to study strategies of electrode surface modification with redox molecules and redox biomolecules integrated in electronic and electrocatalytic devices with applications in the areas of molecular electronics (molecular transistors), integrated biosensors and electrocatalysis in biofuel cells. The programme encompases the synthesis of novel redox molecular systems, strategies for surface modification, theoretical modelling and use of electrochemistry and surface vibrational spectroscopy (Surface enhanced Raman –SERS- ; Surface enhanced Resonant Raman –SERRS and Polarization Modulation Infrared Reflection Absorption spectroscopy-PM-IRRAS). The exchange programme consists of short visits of four senior researchers in each other partner group to provide a lecture course for students and staff, three 12 month exchanges of postdoctoral fellows with special skills and experience to be complemented in the partners group with their own specific developments, and exchange of six PhD students who will benefit both from the scientific and cultural exchange in the other partners group.

Keywords: electrode,electron transfer,electrocatalysis,osmium,laccase,raman,pm-irras,oxygen,molecular electronics
Aerosol and Cloud Influence on global surface UV irradiance retrieved from satellite sensors (ACI-UV)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Greece
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-06-01
End date: 2013-05-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Ultraviolet (UV) solar radiation has a broad range of effects concerning life on Earth. It influences not only human beings, but also plants and animals. Furthermore, it causes degradation of materials and functions as a driver of atmospheric chemistry. In order to study the UV related effects and their implications thoroughly; accurate information is needed on UV radiation intensities over the globe. The main overall scientific goal of this project is to search for improvements in estimating surface UV from satellite measurements (AURA/OMI, EUMETSAT/O3MSAF) and thus to decrease the uncertainty related to the globally available surface UV data, which is of importance and interest for a wide discipline of UV related studies. The above goal is planned to be achieved through the integration of measurements from different satellite sensors, which is likely the most feasible strategy for improving on the uncertainties related to UV radiation data. Major step of the project is to link aerosol and cloud retrievals from various (mainly A-Train) satellite sensors and also global scale modeling initiatives (AeroCom) with solar UV satellite retrievals, through the quantification of their effects on solar radiation reaching the earth’s surface. In addition, to increase the UV data end users, with emphasis on the Atmospheric chemistry research community introducing global products of photolysis frequencies of O¬zone and NO2. Using UV irradiance satellite/products, a modified method will be proposed for the retrieval of such parameters in a global scale. All, results will be validated against available quality assured ground-based measurements. Through this project the applicant aims to transfer the substantial experience in satellite-based instruments, global monitoring of atmospheric parameters and also ground-based atmospheric information analysis, from the Finnish Meteorological Institute to his new host institute (National Observatory of Athens, Greece).

Keywords: uv radiation (climate change),aerosols (climate change),atmospheric physics (climate change),atmospheric chemistry (climate change),remote sensing (climate change)