Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Intraplate Earthquakes: the signature of the static fatigue of continents (IQuake)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Earth System Science
Panel description: Physical geography, geo logy, geophysics, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, climatology, cryology, ecology, global environmental change, biogeochemical cycles, natural resources management
Countries involved: France
Call: ERC CONSOLIDATOR GRANTS (ERC-2023-COG, 2023)
Start date: 2024-09-01
End date: 2029-08-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1999434.0
EU funding (EUR): 1999434.0
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

While most earthquakes occur near plate boundaries, where the relative motion of tectonic plates is accommodated by slip on active faults, rare and unexpected but destructive earthquakes also occur in Stable Continental Regions. In SCRs, although we do not know why, earthquakes occur everywhere, they cluster, are of all magnitudes and are modulated by surface loads. However, no tectonic, secular strain can be detected and we do not know the origin of the elastic stress fueling these seismic events. Current hypothesis suggests that SCRs are stable reservoirs of elastic stress in which earthquakes can tap to break the crust. However, although tremendous work has been conducted to seismically characterize these regions, existing catalogs are not dense enough to explore potential physical mechanisms. I propose to test the following hypothesis: these rare albeit potentially destructive earthquakes are the result of the static fatigue of continents under stress left by previous phases of deformation in the geological history of a region. I will leverage the latest developments in artificial intelligence to grow the densest and largest global catalog of earthquakes in SCRs from seismological and InSAR data (WP1). I will develop a tool to predict realistic time series of surface loads affecting the crust (WP2). I will implement static fatigue in the form of brittle creep in a numerical model (WP3) to test whether continents are effectively failing today under paleo-stress left by fossil plate boundaries perturbed by todays' modulations of crustal stress, comparing model outcomes with data collected in WP1. This interdisciplinary project combining seismology, geodesy, machine learning and numerical modeling will allow to (1) grow a physical understanding of the seismogenic behavior of SCRs, (2) tune estimates of seismogenic potential (and eventually hazard) for any given SCR (3) test whether a changing climate will affect the seismogenic potential of SCRs in the future.

Keywords: stable continental regions,earthquakes,insar,gnss,rock mechanics
Magneto-Acoustic Waves in Complex Spin Systems (MAWiCS)

Framework: Horizon Europe — 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: Germany
Call: ERC CONSOLIDATOR GRANTS (ERC-2021-COG, 2021)
Start date: 2022-10-01
End date: 2027-09-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1999406.0
EU funding (EUR): 1999406.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Spintronic devices perform information storage and processing based on the spin degree of freedom. Materials with complex magnetic order, such as ferrimagnets, antiferromagnets and chiral magnets are promising candidates for next-generation spintronic devices with ultrafast speed, enhanced robustness and unique functionalities. However, several fundamental obstacles prevent their efficient control with established approaches based on magnetic fields and electrical currents. MAWiCS will overcome these obstacles by introducing the magneto-acoustic control of magnetization in these complex spin systems. The advantage of MAWiCS’ approach is based on the following hypotheses: Microwave frequency phonons can excite and control antiferromagnetic spin waves and magnetic skyrmions lattices with high efficiency. The uniaxial magnetic anisotropy induced by magneto-acoustic interactions can be used for full modulation of antiferromagnetic resonance frequencies. Magneto-acoustic waves can propagate in topologically protected skyrmion lattice edge-states with reduced magnetic damping. MAWiCS will develop innovative experimental approaches to take advantage of symmetry, topology and exchange-enhancement effects for highly efficient control of spin dynamics in complex spin systems. Consequently, MAWiCS’ results will allow for the first time to: 1) Generate nanoscale spin waves from acoustic pulses in ferrimagnets and antiferromagnets. 2) Control skyrmions by acoustic lattices and realize nanoscale topological acoustics 3) Excite and detect antiferromagnetic spin waves by acoustic two-tone modulation MAWiCS’ results will pave the way for the technological realization of magneto-acoustic spintronic devices, enable antiferromagnetic magnonics and realize topological magnon transport. Ultimately, MAWiCS will thus pioneer a new class of information technology concepts that do not only offer increased performance but also novel functionalities.

Keywords: antiferromagnets,magnetic skyrmions,spin waves,magneto acoustic,surface acoustic wave,magnonics
Beyond Representative Volume Elements for Random Heterogeneous Materials (BeyondRVE)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Materials Engineering
Panel description: Advanced materials development: performance enhancement, modelling, large -scale preparation, modification, tailoring, optimisation, novel  and combined use of materials, etc.
Countries involved: Germany
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2021-STG, 2021)
Start date: 2022-07-01
End date: 2027-06-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1499651.0
EU funding (EUR): 1499651.0
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

As a result of the production process, many industrially relevant materials show a heterogeneity of their composition on a lower scale, leading to an uncertainty in their material properties. Traditionally, computational multiscale methods are built around the concept of Representative Volume Element (RVE), which seeks deterministic effective properties on cells which are sufficiently large. However, the concept of RVE is both too crude and too restrictive for today’s engineering requirements. The RVE concept is too crude because of its insensitivity to the material randomness, which is crucial for assessing the reliability of structures. The RVE concept is too restrictive because representative volumes need to be truly gigantic for certain multiscale materials, e.g., long-fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFTs), precluding a computational treatment in reasonable time. BeyondRVE introduces and studies microstructure-uncertainty quantifying volume elements (μQVEs), which account for the dispersion of the effective properties on cells of finite size. Me and my team will build up a groundbreaking multiscale methodology, taking into account the latest neural-network technology and screening the spurious boundary layers which arise for digital volume images of microstructures. Methodologically, BeyondRVE intends to provide a novel microscale solver which combines the efficiency of regular-grid methods and the accuracy of boundary-conforming meshes as well as fast and precise microstructure-generation tools for a variety of heterogeneous and composite materials. Within BeyondRVE, these complementary pieces of simulation technology will be developed in an integrated and interdisciplinary fashion. Upon completion, a significant boost for the nonlinear mechanics of heterogeneous materials and lightweight design is expected, providing multiscale methods with more expressive results in shorter time for larger classes of materials with higher complexity.

Keywords: computational homgenization micromechanics representative volume element long fiber reinforced thermoplastics advanced high strength steels uncertainty quantification
Engineering wide band-gap LOW-DImensional systems for advanced perovskite optoelectronics (ELOW-DI)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Materials Engineering
Panel description: Advanced materials development: performance enhancement, modelling, large -scale preparation, modification, tailoring, optimisation, novel  and combined use of materials, etc.
Countries involved: Italy
Call: ERC CONSOLIDATOR GRANTS (ERC-2024-COG, 2024)
Start date: 2025-09-01
End date: 2030-08-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1991250.0
EU funding (EUR): 1991250.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Engineering new solutions for powering smart portable devices is key to sustain billion-scale connected objects and to provide a greener alternative to batteries. Indoor Photovoltaics (PVs) - with a projected market of $850 million by 2023 - relying on conversion of visible indoor light- can sustain this challenge, capitalizing on the development of flexible, semi-transparent, colored and easily integrated energy generation devices. Despite the urgency and the large market potential, current PV technologies mostly fail, leveraging on rigid and bulky systems fabricated by energy-intensive processes (i.e. Silicon PVs) or on carbon-based technologies not yet in the market for their insufficient durability. Hybrid perovskites with wide band gap (2eV), with their easy tunability, structural flexibility, and lightweight, hold the potential for a transformative solution in visible PVs. However, lower efficiency compared to low-band gap ones, reliance on toxic elements and insufficient stability hamper their scaling up. ELOW-DI faces this challenge by engineering the perovskite dimensionality as the key variable to unlock device instability while allowing for efficient visible light conversion. This will be obtained i) by developing intrinsically stable low-dimensional perovskites (LDPs) – leveraging on non-toxic elements and stable hydrophobic units and 2) by controlling material nucleation and consequent thin film morphology to obtain vertically oriented crystalline nanopillars, essential to ensure efficient charge extraction in the device while reducing unwanted recombination. Upon the demonstration of the proof of concept on lab-scale, research will be moved to a completely new direction by engineering large area devices while ensuring the scalability of the nanoscale material properties. ELOW-DI is timely, and it will generate the new multidisciplinary knowledge – from material to device engineering- which is now needed for the next-gen of indoor PV solutions.

Keywords: material engineering solar cell engineering device scaling up hybrid perovskites
The holistic understanding of superconductivity in moiré quantum materials (STMoire)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Condensed Matter Physics
Panel description: Structure, electronic properties, fluids, nanosciences, biological physics
Countries involved: Spain
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2025-STG, 2025)
Start date: 2026-02-01
End date: 2031-01-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2444163.75
EU funding (EUR): 2444163.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Moiré materials are a unique platform to study novel quantum phenomena. Their exotic properties, resulting from electron interactions, present an opportunity to develop novel fundamental knowledge and innovative technologies. Moiré superlattices arise when atomically thin layers are slightly misaligned. Their hybridization creates flat bands – states where electrons have zero kinetic energy. As a consequence, interactions between them dominate the physics. This means that the material’s properties cannot be understood in terms of the individual electrons but as a collective phase that all belong to. Superconductivity, correlated insulators and topology have been reported, but their nature and interplay remain unknown. A great limitation in the field is the lack of microscopic information and the disparity in experimental results that arise from sample inhomogeneity. In this context, local probes are key to unravel the true ground state. STMoiré aims to understand the quantum phases that emerge in magic-angle twisted graphene. STMoiré will explore the unconventional superconducting mechanism and the interplay between correlated phases through an experimental strategy that independently and complementary addresses these open questions. I will do so by means of low-temperature Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Spectroscopy. STMoiré will benefit from my unique expertise in moiré physics and device fabrication to develop an experimental approach beyond the state-of-the-art that combines high-quality sample engineering, ultra-high-energy resolution and atomically-resolved measurements. The goal is to explore the nature of superconductivity and develop a holistic understanding of the phase diagram. This will significantly contribute to condensed matter physics by deepening our knowledge of superconductivity in a new correlated material, expanding the current understanding, and potentially revealing a novel form of superconductivity.

Keywords: stm,moir,twisted graphene,superconductivity,flat bands
PeRsonalised treatmEnts and pain manaGEmeNt for rEpaiR of Aged bone Tissue wIth quantum mOlecular resoNance (Regeneration)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Staff Exchanges
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Information Science and Engineering
Countries involved: Greece,Italy,France,Switzerland
Call: MSCA Staff Exchanges 2022 (HORIZON-MSCA-2022-SE-01, 2022)
Start date: 2023-10-01
End date: 2027-09-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 922628.57
EU funding (EUR): 745200.0
Participants: 7
Project status: SIGNED

REGENERATION aims to (i) build a multidisciplinary research network involving experts of technical and medical disciplines to merge their expertise and exploit possible synergies for the development of reliable and sustainable in vitro cell models of healthy and aged bone tissue treated with or without QMR (Quantum Molecular Resonance) and (ii) train a cohort of scientists and technologists in exploiting the model features to increase knowledge on the effects of aging on bone biology and mechanobiology, and on bone response to QMR, to leverage the use of cell models in clinics and basic/industrial research labs. Bone aging reduces the quality of life of the elderly and puts social and economic burden on society. Aging bones fail more easily when challenged mechanically or with toxicants or pollutants, and respond differently to drugs than healthy bone. To personalize therapies and enable better preventive care for the elderly it is essential to develop reliable and sustainable in vitro models of aged bone tissue alternative to animal tests which often fail to capture human-specific features. REGENERATION will involve 7 participants from 4 countries (Italy, France, Greece and Switzerland) and with 3 academic partners and 4 SMEs. The networking activities planned in REGENERATION will generate new knowledge about the mechanisms of bone growth, regeneration and aging, about drug and technologies development for bone pathologies and will study the effect of QMR stimuli in cell proliferation, differentiation and trasfection by in vitro and computational models.

Keywords: quantum molecular resonance,bioreactors,cell culture,modelling,bone tissue
Creation of modular cell factory for the production of high value chemicals towards Null-pollution (Null-ution)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Postdoctoral Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Life Sciences
Countries involved: Sweden
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2021 (HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01, 2021)
Start date: 2023-09-01
End date: 2025-10-31
Duration (months): 26.0
Total project cost (EUR): 222727.68
EU funding (EUR): 222727.68
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Towards a better future with less pollution, better life quality for humans, animals and plants and more sustainable high-value chemicals under a modular biological system. Microorganisms (Clostridium sp.) will be the driving force, and carbon dioxide (CO2) will be the fuel required to grow and produce the high-value chemicals. The modularity will allow the same organism to act as a multi-product factory, based on the benefit and requirements. We aim to select the Clostridium sp. based on their ability to capture CO2. Enzymes involved in CO2 metabolism will be subjected to improvement; either the same enzymes will be mutated or substituted by a better biocatalyst from the natural inventory. Once satisfactory CO2 utilization/organism growth levels are achieved, designed constructs targeting specific pathways will be transformed into the recombinant organism to validate their modularity. We have selected bioplastic and butanol as the target model products. Consequently, new genes will be assembled into a single plasmid and subsequently transformed into the microorganism. The product levels and efficiency of the new system will be evaluated.

Keywords: utilizing synthetic biology and systems biology to create an adaptive microorganism capable of using carbon dioxide and producing industrially relevant high value chemicals
SOURCE AND TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE OF AIRBORNE PARTICLES IN AFRICAN MEGACITY (SO-TOX)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area
Programme: Widening participation and spreading excellence
Theme: Attracting and mobilising the best talents
Destination: Attracting and mobilising the best talents
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Environment and Geosciences
Countries involved: Portugal,Angola
Call: Fostering balanced brain circulation – ERA Fellowships (HORIZON-WIDERA-2022-TALENTS-04, 2022)
Start date: 2024-02-14
End date: 2026-02-13
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 172618.56
EU funding (EUR): 172618.56
Participants: 3
Project status: CLOSED

African countries are home to some of the world’s most polluted cities, where bad air quality is the most potent risk factor for mortality. However, they are nearly unrepresented in the research on air pollution levels and health impacts. Without adequate knowledge of air quality and mitigating the sources of pollution, the problem will only get worse given Africa’s expected population boom. This project through a holistic framework involves a strong exposure-health linked dual-component in the profile of PM to understand the current status of air pollution in Luanda (Angola). It aims to answer the following 3 main questions as; What causes air pollution? What are the effects? What are the possible solutions to tackle it? The project will focus on two different levels, source identification through receptor model techniques, and in-vitro assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic properties of the PM to link physicochemical characteristics of air pollution to health risks. The first source profiling and toxicological screening of air pollution in Africa (Luanda) will contribute to understanding the causes of poor health and defining regional and national policies aiming at improving wellbeing in Luanda and other African cities with similar problems, making them more resilient and sustainable. This will represent a chance to review/adopt legislation, propose source-oriented cost-effective control strategies, and lay the foundations for a future measurement network. This proposal includes both the transfer of knowledge to the host institution and the training of the candidate in new advanced techniques. The project will have a strong connection with the recent World Health Assembly resolution, which has set actions to address air pollution and its health risks in Africa as a priority

Keywords: airborne particles,source apportionment,health effects,capacity building
Using senolytic agents to suppress the toxicity of chemotherapy (CHEMOPROTECT)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: ERC actions
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call: ERC PROOF OF CONCEPT GRANTS (ERC-2024-POC, 2024)
Start date: 2025-03-01
End date: 2026-08-31
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 150000.0
EU funding (EUR): 150000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Many of the clinically used cancer chemotherapies have considerable short-term side effects, including fatigue, bone marrow suppression, nausea, diarrhea, and hair loss. Long-term side effects include cognitive impairment, organ dysfunction, and even secondary cancers. A body of evidence indicates that senescent cells induced by chemotherapy in non-cancerous tissues play a major part in these toxicities of chemotherapy. As part of the SENCAN grant, we have developed a cocktail of two drugs that is efficient in killing senescent cancer cells. This so-called senolytic cocktail synergizes strongly with chemotherapy in eradicating tumors in experimental animals. The senolytic cocktail acts independently of the genetic context of the cancer, thus demonstrating superior efficacy compared to other senolytic agents, which are context-dependent. We will test in this proof-of-concept grant whether this cocktail can also reduce the side effects of cancer chemotherapy by eliminating the senescent cells from non-cancerous tissues in mice. We use transgenic mice that carry a reporter gene that is activated in senescent cells and hence, tissues become luminescent when non-tumor-bearing animals are treated with chemotherapy. In pilot experiments, we have seen suppression of the luminescent signal when mice are treated with our senolytic cocktail post-chemotherapy. In this application, we plan to investigate the effect of the senolytic cocktail on vital organs that are often affected by chemotherapy: the bone marrow, the heart, and muscle (fatigue). If successful, the case for use of the senolytic cocktail in combination with cancer chemotherapy would become even stronger: not only have we already shown that the cocktail synergizes with chemotherapy in eradicating tumors in vivo in SENCAN, but the present work may also support the notion that the senolytic cocktail can suppress the toxicities that are invariably associated with cancer chemotherapy treatment.