Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Photoacoustic instrument for quantification of photosynthesis and health of corals and aquatic plants (ECHOGREEN)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (ERC-2011-PoC, 2011)
Start date: 2012-04-01
End date: 2013-09-30
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 166443.56
EU funding (EUR): 149983.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

EchoGreen is an innovative photoacoustics based instrument designed to determine the health status of aquatic plants and corals in response to environmental change and stress. The method is very sensitive to changes in the efficiency of photosynthesis of alga or other aquatic plants. It represents a new class, hitherto unavailable, of laboratory and handheld submersible instruments. EchoGreen’s novel technology was invented to enable the activities of the ERC funded CoralWarm because no other technology could reliably and accurately evaluate the effects of ocean warming and acidification on the future of corals and coral reefs. EchoGreen will enable timely detection of the deterioration of reef communities and the destabilization of any marine and aquatic ecosystems. The wellness of coral reefs is crucial for sustaining tourism, fishing and human activity in more than 50 tropical countries. EchoGreen is also most suited for early warning of contamination-caused deterioration of drinking water in lakes, rivers and reservoirs by following the health status of aquatic plants. By using EchoGreen, the algal conversion of solar energy into biofuel can be optimized, and so can algal culturing for pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. The proposed project includes activities aiming at bringing EchoGreen to the market. Commercialisation activities include market analysis, financial and business planning, legal workup, IPR protection and contracting with manufacturers and investors. The project also covers the finalisation of the development of a submersible prototype, a user friendly interface, and testing and validation. This innovative technology embedded in EchoGreen will find a market with coastal authorities responsible for monitoring of algal and coral populations, marine labs and nature reserves, water supply authorities, industry mass culturing algae for the production of biodiesel and fine chemicals, and installations based on high-rate-algal sewage treatment system

Keywords: 249930
Molecular bases of human excitatory neurotransmitter transport across the plasma membrane (HEAATS)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Molecular and Structural Biology and Biochemistry
Countries involved: France
Call:  (ERC-2012-StG_20111109, 2012)
Start date: 2012-11-01
End date: 2017-10-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1684040.0
EU funding (EUR): 1684040.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The paramount importance of human membrane proteins for life contrasts with the lack of understanding of their molecular mechanisms of function and pharmacology. This project focuses on the molecular mechanisms of one of the most important and medically relevant families of neurotransmitter membrane transporters in the brain, the Human Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter (hEAAT) family. Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and its extracellular concentration is mainly regulated by the hEAATs, which pump the transmitter into the cytoplasm of cells. This role is essential to neurological processes like memory, cognition, and learning. Importantly, glutamate can also be a potent neurotoxin and the deregulation of its extracellular levels is associated to numerous neurodegenerative and mental disorders. We aim to characterize the molecular function and pharmacology of the hEAATs using a broad multidisciplinary biophysical approach to obtain and integrate structural, energetic and dynamic information on these human membrane proteins. We will develop new methods to obtain for the first time the hEAATs in pure and stable form for rigorous biophysical analysis and generate a library of new selective compounds with pharmaceutical potential that target the transporters. This knowledge will be essential to gain a complete understanding of hEAATs function and to design new therapeutic and pharmacological strategies to alleviate the impact of common neuropathologies. Finally, the methods that we will develop for the hEAATs could be applied to other families of human membrane proteins and will help to bring our knowledge on membrane proteins to the human level.

Keywords: eukaryotic membrane transporters,alternating access model
Replacement and Original Magnet Engineering Options (ROMEO)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Integration
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Slovenia,Germany,France,Austria,Ireland,Austria,Germany,Germany,France,Germany,Switzerland,Germany
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2012-SMALL-6, 2012)
Start date: 2012-12-01
End date: 2015-11-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5477788.2
EU funding (EUR): 3978306.0
Participants: 14
Project status: CLOSED

Permanent magnets are vital components in an enormous number of domestic and industrial devices, and they are particularly crucial within the rapidly-developing renewable energy sector, where the motors for electric vehicles and the generators in wind turbines require strong magnets with the ability to operate at temperatures well over 100°C. Currently, these magnets are based on the rare earth elements neodymium and dysprosium, which are predominantly mined in China (>95%). Exports are being restricting as a result of an expanding domestic market and a policy of relocating magnet manufacturing to China, thereby multiplying the costs of raw materials for magnet manufacturers in Europe. The rare-earth crisis is particularly critical for heavy rare earths such as dysprosium that are currently required to assure the high temperature performance of the magnets. In accordance with EU objectives to remove, or greatly reduce, the need for heavy rare earths in permanent magnets, ROMEO will first research and develop several novel microstructural-engineering strategies that will dramatically improve the properties of magnets based purely on light rare earths elements, especially the coercivity, which will enable them to be used for applications above 100°C. ROMEO’s second ambitious goal is to develop a totally rare-earth-free magnet; aiming to drastically reduce Europe’s dependence on Chinese imports while shifting emphasis in magnet manufacturing from a raw-materials-dependent business to one that is essentially knowledge-based, and flourishing in Europe. The ROMEO consortium assembles the best European academic expertise in permanent magnetism together with world-leading magnet manufacturers and European companies who are eager to exploit these newly developed materials, especially within the “green energy” sector, while external advisory board members in the USA and Japan bring special expertise and global reach to the ROMEO consortium.

Keywords: permanent magnet,rare earth,heavy rare earth,substitution,recycling,grain boundary,coercivity,nanotechnology,green technology,magnetics.
Direct ElectroChemical Oxidation Reaction of Ethanol: optimization of the catalyst/support assembly for high temperature operation (DECORE) (DECORE)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Italy,Germany,Denmark,Spain,Austria
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2012-SMALL-6, 2012)
Start date: 2013-01-01
End date: 2016-12-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3070020.54
EU funding (EUR): 2341664.0
Participants: 9
Project status: CLOSED

The main general goal of DECORE is to achieve the fundamental knowledge needed for the development of a fuel cell (FC) electrode, which can operate efficiently (both in terms of activity and selectivity) as the anode of a direct ethanol (EOH) FC (DEFC) in the temperature range between 150-200 °C (intermediate-T). Such a technology is still lacking in the market. The choice for EOH as an alternative energy source is well founded on the abundance of bioethanol, and on the relatively simpler storage and use with respect to other energy carriers. The intermediate-T is required for an efficient and selective total conversion of EOH to CO2, so exploiting the maximum number of electrons in the DEFC. DECORE will explore the use of fully innovative supports (based on titanium oxycarbide, TiOxCy) and nano-catalysts (based on group 6 metal carbides, MCx, M=Mo,W), which have never been tested in literature as anodes for DEFCs. The new support is expected to be more durable than standard carbon supports at the targeted temperature. The innovative nano-catalysts would be noble-metal free, so reducing Europe’s reliance on imported precious metals. To tailor the needed materials, the active role of the support and nano-catalyst will be studied at atomic level. Demonstrating an activity of such nano-catalyst/support assembly at intermediate-T would open a novel route where DEFCs with strongly reduced production costs would have an impact on a fast industrialisation. The power range for the envisioned application is of the order of hundreds of Watts, i.e. the so called distributed generation, having an impact for devices such as weather stations, medical devices, signal units, auxiliary power units, gas sensors and security cameras. By the end of the project, a bench-top single DEFC operating at intermediate-T will be built and tested.

Keywords: direct ethanol fuel cell (defc),noble-metal-free catalysts,high temperature innovative tioxcy support,surface science approach,model systems,high-area nanostructured samples,dft theory
Specificity in the ubiquitin system (UBSPECIFIC)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Molecular and Structural Biology and Biochemistry
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2012-StG_20111109, 2012)
Start date: 2012-10-01
End date: 2017-09-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1480285.0
EU funding (EUR): 1480285.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Protein ubiquitination is an important posttranslational modification that regulates virtually all cellular processes. Its versatility arises from the ability of ubiquitin to form eight structurally and functionally distinct polymeric chains. It is clear that all chain types exist in cells. The two chain types that have been studied in detail have distinct, non-overlapping cellular functions. A lack of tools has hindered progress to define roles of the remaining ‘atypical’ ubiquitin chains. The objective of my laboratory is to understand specificity in the ubiquitin system, and to reveal the cellular roles of atypical ubiquitin chains. To achieve this aim, we have to define the cellular machineries that assemble atypical ubiquitin chains specifically (AIM 1). Our recent advances in enzymatic and chemical biology synthesis have made all chain types available, enabling structural and biophysical characterisation of all ubiquitin polymers (AIM 2). We will use the newly generated atypical ubiquitin chains to identify and characterise linkage-specific ubiquitin binding proteins, using mass-spectrometry. This will reveal the receptors of atypical chains in cells, as well as novel ubiquitin binding domains (AIM 3). Access to all linkage types further allows comprehensive analysis of specificity in the ubiquitin system for the first time. We recently discovered that the Ovarian Tumour (OTU) family of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) comprises specific members for each linkage-type. OTU domain DUBs hence represent a great starting point to understand mechanism of linkage specificity and to define substrates modified with atypical chains in cells (AIM 4). Finally, studying cellular functions of linkage-specific OTU DUBs will uncover novel physiological roles of atypical chains (AIM 5). We are only beginning to understand the full potential of ubiquitin in cellular regulation. Our studies on atypical ubiquitination will contribute to these exciting emerging areas of research.

Keywords: ubiquitin,atypical ubiquitin chains,deubiquitinating enzymes,e2 enzyme,e3 enzyme,ubiquitin binding domain,mass spectrometry
Novel tools to read and write the epigenetic code in inflammation (FWGDEKKER)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Diagnostic tools, therapies and public health
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call:  (ERC-2012-StG_20111109, 2012)
Start date: 2012-12-01
End date: 2017-11-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as, for example, asthma, afflict millions of people worldwide. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms that drive inflammation remain poorly understood. Enzymes play a crucial regulatory role in inflammation and represent potential drug targets. Nevertheless, the activities of these enzymes are poorly studied due to a lack of convenient tools for modulation and detection. The importance of this issue is demonstrated by my previous work on small molecule probes for protein palmitoylation. It becomes increasingly clear that the slow advance in the development of chemistry-based methods to study enzyme activity in its physiological context delays drug discovery. To address this problem further, I will develop novel detection methods and small molecule inhibitors to study inflammatory signal transduction pathways. Protein acetylations at lysine residues have a broad regulatory scope. Acetylations of histones form a major part of the histone code for epigenetic regulation of gene-transcription. In addition, reversible acetylations of non-histone proteins proved to be crucial for regulation of nuclear factor kB (NF kB) mediated gene transcription. I aim to study the role of acetylations of histones and other proteins in NF kB mediated gene transcription. Firstly, I will develop a novel bioorthogonal ligation strategy for chemical labeling of protein acetylation in cells (aim 1) by employing the oxidative Heck reaction. Secondly, I will be the first to systematically investigate changes in protein acetylation in response to activation of the NF kB pathway using a proteomics strategy (aim 2). Thirdly, I will develop small molecule inhibitors of acetyltransferases and study their impact on acetylations that regulate the NF kB signaling pathway (aim 3). Ultimately, these newly developed detection methods and small molecule inhibitors open up opportunities for drug discovery aimed at epigenetic regulation of NF kB mediated inflammation.

Keywords: bioorthagonal ligation proteomic profiling post translational modifications acetylation histone acetyltransferases small molecule inhibitors
Taking in-situ controlled nanomaterials manufacturing to market (DEVICE)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2011-PoC, 2011)
Start date: 2012-09-01
End date: 2014-02-28
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 165694.21
EU funding (EUR): 147744.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Applications of nanomaterials are based on concepts relying on the structural control of materials at the nanometre scale because at the nanometre scale properties denied to larger, bulk objects can be unlocked. However, technologies based on nanomaterials will only be successful if we are able to systematically control production processes and nanomaterials’ morphologies. Hence, in the last 20 years much effort was dedicated towards understanding nanomaterials’ formation and scaling-up production techniques from a laboratory to industrial scale. Yet, there are still many technical barriers preventing further progress in this area of research. These include the in-situ control of production processes employed for the generation of dedicated nanomaterials possessing tailored properties. We have followed a multidisciplinary approach of existing knowledge in nano-scale processing combined with state-of-the-art production techniques, and in-situ characterisation techniques, to create more efficient nanomaterials manufacturing techniques suitable for up-scaling. For this we have developed a prototype in-situ online control system which we have filed for a patent and aim to bring to market. With the ERC PoC we plan to carry out detailed analysis and develop a refined system suitable for an even wider range of industrial partners. Bringing such device together with an integrated approach will enable new applications of dedicated nanomaterials to be developed in the fields of energy saving and nano-composite materials in aerospace or medical applications.

Keywords: 240500
Modelling properties, interactions, toxicity and environmental behaviour of engineered nanoparticles (NANOPUZZLES)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Poland,Italy,Greece,United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2012-SMALL-6, 2012)
Start date: 2013-01-01
End date: 2015-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1169800.0
EU funding (EUR): 976810.0
Participants: 5
Project status: CLOSED

Nanotechnology is rapidly expanding. However, some types of engineered nanoparticles can be toxic for living organisms and exhibit negative impact on the environment. Thus, the design of new nanomaterials must be supported by a rigorous risk analysis. Following the recommendations by the EU REACH system and regarding ethical aspects, the risk assessment procedures should be performed with possible reduction of living animal use. The main objective of the NanoPuzzles project is to create new computational methods for comprehensive modelling the relationships between the structure, properties, molecular interactions and toxicity of engineered nanoparticles. The methods will be based on the Quantitative Structure - Activity Relationship approach, chemical category formation and read-across techniques. Those methods have been widely used in risk assessment of other groups of priority chemicals. But, because of some specific reasons, they can not be applied directly to nanoparticles. We will be developing novel methods within four complimentary areas ("puzzles"), namely: (i) evaluation of physico-chemical and toxicological data available for nanoparticles (NanoDATA), (ii) developing novel descriptors of nanoparticles' structure (NanoDESC), (iii) investigating interactions of nanoparticles with biological systems (NanoINTER), and (iv) quantitative structure - activity relationships modelling (NanoQSAR). Developed methods will be tested and verified for their technical viability by the collaborating industry representative. By implementing the NanoPuzzles methods, extensive animal testing would be significantly reduced. Moreover, the project will deliver the basis for categorising nanoparticles based on potential exposure, phys-chem, structural and toxicological properties. To maximise its impact, the project is going to cooperate with ModNanoTox, NanoTransKinetics, NanoSafety Cluster and NanoMedicine ETP.

Keywords: nanodescriptors,quantitative structure - activity relationship,nanoqsar,computational toxicology
Self-Healing Thermal Barrier Coatings (SAMBA)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Materials
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Netherlands,Germany,United Kingdom,France,Italy,Switzerland,Sweden,Netherlands,Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2012-SMALL-6, 2012)
Start date: 2013-03-01
End date: 2017-02-28
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4282132.36
EU funding (EUR): 3170516.0
Participants: 9
Project status: CLOSED

This project deals with the creation of a new, unique self-healing thermal barrier coating (TBC) for turbines and other thermally loaded structures in order to realize a significant extension of the lifetime of critical high-temperature components. The concept is based on novel Al2O3 coated Mo-Si particles embedded in the TBC layer, typically consisting of yttria-stabilised zirconia. As the current TBCs do not exhibit any self-repair, the new self-healing TBC will offer a reduction of the number of TBC replacements during an engine lifetime and enhance the reliability of the critical components. Ceramic thermal barrier coatings are applied on the most critical parts of engines, because it enhances the engine efficiency by allowing higher operation temperatures, which saves fuel and thus reduces CO2 emissions. Furthermore, it protects the high-tech structural components against severe high-temperature corrosion and consequently extends the lifetime of these components. The primary goal of this project is to realize and optimize the self-healing capacity of thermal barrier coatings with Mo-Si based dispersed particles for application in aero engines and industrial gas turbine engines to prolong the lifetime of their components. This will be achieved through a combined theoretical, experimental and modelling approach of a new, innovative self-healing concept. Upon local fracture of the TBC, these particles fill the crack initially with a glassy phase that subsequently reacts with the matrix to form a load bearing crystalline ceramic phase. This prospective self-healing concept can be exploited to other high temperature structural ceramics as well. The approach as formulated in this proposal has the potential to initiate a new school to design durable high temperature ceramic systems. The project is structured around interrelated work packages, each with clearly defined tasks and deliverables. The project as a whole will span the technology readiness levels (TRLs) 1-5.

Keywords: self-healing,ceramic,thermal barrier coating,gas turbine engines,lifetime and failure analysis,plasma spraying,3d x-ray tomography,thermography,fracture mechanical modelling,high-temp oxydation