Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Tensor Processing on FPGAs for Artificial Neural Networks (TPANN)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Society and Enterprise panel
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Information Science and Engineering
Countries involved: Ireland
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2016, 2016)
Start date: 2017-05-01
End date: 2018-04-30
Duration (months): 12.0
Total project cost (EUR): 93933.0
EU funding (EUR): 93933.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Artificial neural networks have been shown to offer a powerful computing approach to encounter many classification problems as in synthetic vision (e.g. autonomous driving) and artificial intelligence (e.g. AlphaGo). While their implementations are often based on power-hungy CPU- and GPU-installations, first researchers have delivered initial application-specific solutions that demonstrate FPGAs to be a feasible and efficient alternative. This proposal aims at providing a generic reference implementation of ANNs on FPGAs that is tunable towards various application needs by parametrization. Since individual FPGA designs establish enormous costs of entry due to a higher engineering effort on a lower abstration level, an IP core that is available out of the box is a great R&D incentive that enables more researchers and engineers to embrace the emerging efficient heterogeneous computing more quickly and produce innovations and more compact and more efficient products on this basis. Besides this technological advance, this proposal enables a researcher with an enormous experience in mapping computations into FPGA hardware to make a valuable industrial experience in an international context with the major company in this domain. His expertise is ideally complemented with the application experience available at Xilinx who will benefit from opening a new growing market for manufactured FPGA devices. The development of the researcher's skill set is explictly addressed by complementing his academic background with industrial experience and scheduled cooperate trainings. As part of the dissemination activities, his network into the FPGA community is strengthened and approaches towards the ANN community are made.

Keywords: heterogeneous computing,fpga,artificial neural networks,cognitive computing,ip core
Ultra-Cold Nano-Mechanics: from Classical to Quantum Complexity (ULT-NEMS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Condensed matter physics
Panel description: Structure, electronic properties, fluids, nanosciences, biological physics
Countries involved: France,France
Call: ERC Consolidator Grant (ERC-2014-CoG, 2014)
Start date: 2015-11-01
End date: 2021-04-30
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1990574.0
EU funding (EUR): 1990574.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Nano-electro-mechanical devices (NEMS) are extremely small objects that can be actuated and detected by electric means. They are in the first place transducers that can be used as probes for forces down to the molecular level. Top-down fabricated NEMS using conventional microelectronics techniques are simple devices that intimately link mechanical and electrical degrees of freedom. As such, they can be viewed as model systems from basic (linear) harmonic motion up to complex nonlinear dynamics. The most intriguing experimental situation is attained when the devices are cold enough to behave according to the laws of quantum mechanics, instead of classical physics. This leads to a unique approach of the classical-to-quantum crossover with truly macroscopic position-states. Complementarily, at low temperatures the forces sensed by the NEMS arise from materials themselves cold enough to exhibit exotic quantum properties, originating either in the devices’ constitutive amorphous materials and their intrinsic elusive Tunneling Systems, or from their interaction with a sophisticated fluid like superfluid 3He. I propose unique research linking ultra-low temperature physics and nano-mechanics, building on my knowledge of both fields and my experience in superconducting quantum circuits. The research has two identified axes, which aim at pushing both the “sensor” and “model system” aspects of NEMS down to their quantum retrenchments. Macroscopic quantum position-states can be engineered with a hybrid quantum circuit arrangement (a combination of NEMS, microwaves and quantum bit), while topological states of confined superfluid 3He with their elementary excitations can be mechanically probed by dedicated NEMS (measuring friction). The scientific impact of this research is extremely wide, tackling fundamental questions like: what/where is the boundary between quantum and classical worlds, and do Majorana particles (potentially obtained in topological 3He) exist at all?

Keywords: low temperature physics,quantum fluids and solids,quantum mechanics and decoherence,non linear dynamics
The sweetest gender: feminine subjectivities and the gendering of sweets in Barcelona (1650-1800) (SWEET)

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: United Kingdom
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2020-09-01
End date: 2022-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 212933.76
EU funding (EUR): 212933.76
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Held assumptions about an inherent female sweet tooth are long-standing, shaping beliefs, attitudes and eating habits from the early modern era to the present day. This research project investigates the process of feminization of sweet taste as well as feminine subjectivities in the making and eating sweets in Barcelona between 1650 and 1800, a crucial period of globalization and popularization of sugar consumption. By addressing the connection between sweets and female nature, this study aims to examine how cultural meanings of sweet food emerged and evolved in the period when sugar was becoming a mass-consumption commodity in Europe. Firstly, this study explores how the changing culinary tastes and the diffusion of new medical knowledge affected the ways of thinking about ‘sweet food’ as well as the social and economic aspects of the sugar trade. Secondly, it examines the agency of women in the manufacture of sweets in private and public spheres, challenging the guild of confectioners in the city. Finally, it looks at refrescos as specific patterns of consumption of sweets and sociability in which women played a crucial role as civilizing agents in the Spanish Enlightenment. This study is based on a large set of underexplored textual, visual and material sources, making use of the rich cultural heritage preserved in Barcelona. By examining the social, intellectual and economic agency of women, this research seeks to move beyond historiographical narratives dominated by men as central actors in the global history of sugar. This research will change the main focus of the recent scholarly away from the courtly circles and Atlantic colonial trade to a Mediterranean and non-courtly urban contexts, which is underrepresented in the field of the substantial historiography on sugar. Overall, it will provide an original reading of the Spanish Enlightenment and further their incorporation into the current debates on the Global Enlightenment.

Keywords: history of food,history of sugar and sweets
Development of pregnenolone derivatives as allosteric inhibitors of CB1 cannabinoid receptors for the treatment of schizophrenia and psychotic syndromes (CannaPreg)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: ERC actions
Countries involved: France
Call: ERC Proof of Concept Grant (ERC-2014-PoC, 2014)
Start date: 2015-01-01
End date: 2016-06-30
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 150000.0
EU funding (EUR): 150000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Excessive activation of the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1) in the brain by synthetic, endogenous or plant-derived (cannabis sativa) cannabinoids can lead to pathological states, which could be ameliorated by blocking receptor signalling. However, due to the large number of functions involving the CB1 receptor, direct CB1 antagonist drugs induce side effects limiting their therapeutic use. During the ERC-StG funded project, we found that a particular endogenous and labile lipid compound, pregnenolone, acts as an allosteric and signal-specific inhibitor of CB1 receptors in the brain. Thus, stable pregnenolone-derivative drugs have been produced to exploit the therapeutic potential of allosteric inhibition of CB1 receptor signalling, which can be used to decrease pathological over-activation of CB1 receptors. One clear pathological state where over-activation of CB1 receptors plays a key role is schizophrenia and psychotic syndromes. Indeed, cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids can induce psychotic states and excessive CB1 receptor signalling has been proposed to participate in the etiopathogenesis of human schizophrenia. Thus, the present project aims at establishing the innovative and commercial potential of this new class of drugs, stable derivatives of pregnenolone, as allosteric inhibitors of the CB1 receptor for the treatment of psychotic syndromes. The following issues will be addressed: 1. Technical activities will identify the compounds with the best therapeutic potential. 2. Market studies will determine the potential competitiveness of these compounds. 3. Additional industry partnerships will be sought for later stages of commercial development. By covering these essential steps bridging a scientific idea from basic research to therapeutic applications, the present project is fully integrated in the spirit of the ERC PoC program and, if successful, will provide key medical, economical and societal benefits to Europe.

Keywords: allosteric modulation,cb1 cannabinoid receptors,pregnenolone,non metabolizable pregnenolone derivatives nmpds,schizophrenia,psychotic syndromes,therapy,market study
Creating Versatile Metallo-Enzyme Environments for Selective C-H Activation Chemistry: Lignocellulose Deconstruction and Beyond (enzC-Hem)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Synthetic Chemistry and Materials
Panel description: New materials and new synthetic approaches, structure-properties relations, solid state chemistry, molecular architecture, organic chemistry
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2017-STG, 2017)
Start date: 2018-01-01
End date: 2023-12-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1492424.0
EU funding (EUR): 1492424.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

The availability of a versatile catalytic platform to precisely target and functionalize individual C-H bonds in complex organic molecules would revolutionize our synthetic strategies, leading to streamlined routes to high value chemicals and supporting the development of a ‘greener’ chemical industry. Although an impressive range of C-H functionalizations can be achieved with small transition metal complexes, site selectivity is often determined by features of the substrate, and not by the catalyst. A general approach to achieve the more aspirational ‘catalyst controlled’ transformations requires molecular recognition elements within the catalyst which: a) allow precise substrate orientation and b) can be tuned to alter selectivity. In principle, these requirements could be perfectly addressed by protein catalysts which can be readily adapted via laboratory evolution. However, enzyme engineering strategies are currently limited to Nature’s twenty amino acid alphabet, severely limiting the range of metal co-ordination environments, and thus catalytic activities, that are accessible within proteins. In enzC-Hem, I will exploit advanced protein engineering technology available in my laboratory to install ‘chemically programmed’ ligands and/or noble metal co-factors into selected enzyme scaffolds. I will show that the resulting C-H activation catalysts can be systematically optimized via directed evolution with an expanded genetic code using modern ultra-high throughput methods (>100 variants per second), yielding biocatalysts with augmented selectivity/activity profiles. Thus my approach merges the broad range of C-H functionalizations accessible with small molecule catalysts with precise control of selectivity provided by proteins. The biocatalysts developed will address major global challenges in biotechnology and synthetic chemistry, from enhancing lignocellulose derived biofuel production to revealing novel bioactive molecules via late-stage functionalizations.

Keywords: biocatalysis,c h activation,enzyme engineering and evolution
Bio-inspired photonics for enhanced microalgal photosynthesis in biofuels (BioMIC-FUEL)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Global Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Environment and Geosciences
Countries involved: United States,United Kingdom
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-GF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2015, 2015)
Start date: 2017-01-01
End date: 2019-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 251857.8
EU funding (EUR): 251857.8
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Algal biofuels have the potential to provide a sustainable carbon-neutral source to fossil fuels, however the scaling up of algal systems is economically challenging. Here we propose a bio inspired approach to exploiting light-matter interaction by understanding and mimicking the optical properties of corals. We aim to inspire the development of improved photonic materials that can be used to maximise algal growth in order to radically transform the algal biofuel sector. The specific objectives are to 1) explore the in vivo light field, optical properties and photosynthetic efficiency of a range of coral species from different light regimes, 2) understand the nanophotonic and structural properties of corals underlying the optimised light modulation and 3) apply the biophotonic insight to design novel photonic materials for the improved growth of microalgae. The proposal is highly interdisciplinary involving optical and photonic characterisation, photosynthesis research and the fabrication of novel materials. The successful implementation of this project will have a high societal impact, through improving the biofuel sector and working towards carbon-neutral fuel sources.
Advanced Security Trays for World Airports (SECURE_TRAY)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Smart, green and integrated transport
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Italy
Call: Small business innovation research for Transport and Smart Cities Mobility (H2020-SMEINST-1-2016-2017, 2017)
Start date: 2017-05-01
End date: 2017-10-31
Duration (months): 6.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

SECURE_TRAY project aims at expanding into worldwide international airport hubs its advanced, ultra-light, resistant and fully recyclable security trays. The trays are customised according to airport needs and equipped with RFID technology, which ensures better passenger screenings. OneTray has developed not only “the best security tray”, but it has also created a unique business model, that allows to provide these advanced trays to airports for free. The company uses the trays as a marketing and communication media for big international brands, the revenues generated are used to cover production costs and the remaining profit is partly shared with the airports. The project is the result of a 2-year process of product and service research and development. The first generation of trays was made in standard plastic polymers, but they where designed and customized according to airports’ requests. After 12-months of experience, the company realized that a strong progress in the trays’ material composition was necessary to consolidate its presence and to boost its innovative business model. OneTray analysed a large number of materials with a particular focus on a special fabric: the extruded polypropylene braided fabric. This material is used in the production of components subjected to very high levels of stress in different fields, such as racing cars, sports, and anti-mine masks. The result is the current advanced second generation of ultra-light and ultra-resistant trays. The company aims at launching them in all European airports and later in Asia, Middle East and Latin America, thus ensuring better security checks as well as improved travel experience to passengers. OneTray is already collaborating with 18 airports, among them: Rome, Milan, Copenhagen and London City. Now, the goal is to realise a strong scale up of the project, covering 97 airports around the world in 5 years and reaching a turnover of 36 millions Euro within 2021, thus the 25% of the market.

Keywords: airport,security,automation,rfid technology
Green Vehicle Index Project (GVI)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Smart, green and integrated transport
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Austria,Germany,Italy,Italy,Germany,Spain,Spain,Switzerland,Switzerland,Belgium,France,France,Netherlands,United Kingdom,Portugal,United Kingdom
Call: InCo flagship on reduction of transport impact on air quality (H2020-MG-2018-TwoStages, 2018)
Start date: 2019-06-01
End date: 2021-02-28
Duration (months): 21.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2999178.75
EU funding (EUR): 2999178.75
Participants: 21
Project status: CLOSED

The GVI results will empower the consumer and strengthen the demand side. This will be achieved by informing the consumers through the involved (inter)national consumer organisation and the strong link to Euro NCAP. This GVI project will be the catalyst and initiator for a fully-fledged Green NCAP program, which will help consumers, authorities and all other stakeholders to identify if a vehicle truly is clean and energy efficient. GVI’s vision is: ‘The highest standard is attributed to a car that maximises the reduction of its own pollutants and greenhouse gasses and, at the same time, operates at minimised fossil fuel consumption and/or maximised energy efficiency under real-world conditions during its life time.’ The GVI project will independently assess the full environmental performance of a vehicle in the most comprehensive manner. It is of paramount importance that complex test procedures and results are converted into independent, meaningful and comprehensive information for consumers that can easily be understood. - To develop a holistic assessment methodology of a vehicle’s environmental performance over the vehicle’s useful life - including a complete set of test protocols and test procedures with the aim to independently test vehicles and assess the full environmental performance; - To develop an independent rating system based on developed testing protocols, for the assessment of new vehicles’ performance across multiple criteria (real world fuel consumption, noise, cost ); - To validate the overall methodology by conducting real world and laboratory testing and publish results of the 49 most readily available low emitting vehicles in the market; - Improve the administrative and contractual conditions to run the vehicle environmental performance assessment program beyond the project’s duration; - Maximising transparency by making detailed test results available to interested stakeholders to perform their own analysis and to spark competition.

Keywords: greenhouse gas emissions,road transport,green vehicles,clean vehicles,consumer programme,green vehicle index,real driving emissions
Breaking the barrier: How inflammation spreads from skin to joint (BARRIER BREAK)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy
Panel description: The immune system, related disorders and their mechanisms, biology of infectious agents and infection, biological basis of prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, innovative immunological tools and approaches, including therapies
Countries involved: Germany
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2019-STG, 2019)
Start date: 2020-01-01
End date: 2024-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1487231.0
EU funding (EUR): 1487231.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Physical barriers of the body and their immunological dysregulation are connected to a variety of inflammatory diseases and therefore an emerging area of interest in medicine. The gut and its microbiome gained center stage, whereas the skin as large primary immunological barrier to the environment is still less appreciated. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a prototypic inflammatory disease which usually starts with skin lesions, before spreading to the musculoskeletal regions. To date, it is still obscure why the inflammatory process in some patients with psoriasis is restrained to the skin, whereas in other patients it extends to tendons and joints. Moreover, disease spreading to the joints associates with local tissue remodelling as evidenced by new bone formation at the insertion site of tendons into the bones. The molecular and cellular regulation of this “skin-joint axis” leading to development of PsA is still unclear but essential to understand organ communication in inflammatory diseases, the identification of potential biomarkers for early recognition of the disease and the development of preventive treatments. We will take advantage of a new model resembling PsA, which was established in our lab, with the aim of (1) studying disease spreading from the skin to musculoskeletal regions, (2) deciphering the molecular mechanisms that lead to uncontrolled local tissue remodeling, and finally (3) testing a new translational approach to prevent spreading of inflammation and tissue remodelling. We plan to adopt cutting-edge techniques to achieve our goals, which in turn will contribute to a better knowledge of the connection between epithelial surfaces and inflammation.

Keywords: spreading of inflammation