Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Ultra-Short Pulse laser Resonators IN the Terahertz (SPRINT)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Systems and communication engineering
Panel description: Electrical, electronic, communication, optical and systems engineering
Countries involved: Italy
Call: ERC Consolidator Grant (ERC-2015-CoG, 2015)
Start date: 2016-09-01
End date: 2023-06-30
Duration (months): 82.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1990011.0
EU funding (EUR): 1990011.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Ultra-short light pulses with large instantaneous intensities can probe light-matter interaction phenomena, capture snapshots of molecular dynamics and drive high-speed communications. In a semiconductor laser, mode-locking is the primary way to generate ultrafast signals. Despite the intriguing perspectives, operation at Terahertz (THz) frequencies is facing fundamental limitations: engineering "ultrafast" THz semiconductor lasers from scratch or finding an integrated technology to shorten THz light pulses are currently two demanding routes. SPRINT aims to innovatively combine the groundbreaking quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology with graphene, to develop a new generation of passive mode-locked THz photonic laser resonators, combined with unexplored electronic nanodetectors for ultrafast THz sensing and imaging. To achieve these ambitious objectives, the versatile quantum design of QCLs will be exploited to engineer the laser gain spectrum on purpose. Resonators of unusual symmetry and shape, like photonic quasi-crystals or random patterns, will be implemented, offering the flexibility to control and guide photons and the lithographic capability to embed miniaturized intra-cavity passive components to probe and modulate light. Graphene, owing to its gapless nature and ultrafast, gating-tunable carrier dynamic, will lead to a major breakthrough: integration in the THz QCL cavity will allow superbly manipulating its functionalities. Antenna-coupled quantum-dot nanowires will be also devised to sense and probe ultra-short THz pulses. The project will target radically new concepts and interdisciplinary approaches encompassing unconventional THz QCL micro-resonators, graphene and polaritonic THz saturable absorbers, non-linear ultra-low dimensional detection architectures. Pushing forward the understanding of ultrafast dynamics in complex THz electronic and photonic systems, SPRINT prospects new directions and long-term impacts on fundamental and applied science.
Upscale and optimisation of an olive wastewater treatment photobioreactor (PBR) coupled to algae biomass valorisation as biofertilizer and treated water reuse (algaPLUS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Climate action, environment,  resource efficiency and raw materials
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Spain
Call: Boosting the potential of small businesses for eco-innovation and a sustainable supply of raw materials (H2020-SMEINST-1-2014, 2014)
Start date: 2015-05-01
End date: 2015-09-30
Duration (months): 5.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Olive oil production uses considerable volumes of water (50L/100kg olives) in European Mediterranean countries where this resource is scarce (Spain, Italy and Greece). The processes used by this sector leads to significant wastewater containing phenols and polyphenols. The EU Legal Framework sets the need of an efficient solution that reduces water use, improves water quality and recycle the waste produced. However the benefit margin of olive oil producers is very low, making production without support uneconomic for farmers. As yet, there are no cost- effective techniques/ technologies for combating this negative environmental impact of this sector. BIOT has coordinated two projects within the FP7 SME instrument programme to respond to the need of olive oil producers by offering an optimised biotechnological recycling solution for olive washing wastewater using photobioreactors (PBR). The technical viability of the process in industrial end use conditions has been sufficiently demonstrated in these two past projects: algatec+ treats olive washing water efficiently so that treated water complies with wastewater legislation, and treated water can be reused. Now, there are still two techno-economic challenges in order to put our product in the market that will be tacked during an eventual SME instrument Phase 2. Reduce the impact of the seasonal nature of this industry on the treatment process that (larger PBR system and increased operation costs of the treatment. Therefore, BIOT objective in this proposal is to determine the techno-economic feasibility of transforming algatec+ in a closed-loop system by including two auxiliary services: (1) Open pond pre-treatment and (2) algae biomass valorisation as biofertiliser for the own olive fields. The former will be done by the optimisation of the population of microorganism currently treating wastewater to be later used (after harvesting) as a slow-release biofertiliser.

Keywords: wastewater,algae,olive oil,biofertilizer,water reuse
Mind and Time: Investigation of the Temporal Traits of Human-Machine Convergence (TIMESTORM)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)
Theme: EIC Pathfinder
Destination: Emerging themes and communities
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Germany,Greece,France,Netherlands,United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Call: Knowing, doing, being: cognition beyond problem solving (H2020-FETPROACT-2014, 2014)
Start date: 2015-01-01
End date: 2018-06-30
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2892500.0
EU funding (EUR): 2892500.0
Participants: 7
Project status: CLOSED

Contemporary research endeavours aim at equipping artificial systems with human-like cognitive skills, in an attempt to promote their intelligence beyond repetitive task accomplishment. However, despite the crucial role that the sense of time has in human cognition, both in perception and action, the capacity of artificial agents to experience the flow of time remains largely unexplored. The inability of existing systems to perceive time constrains their potential understanding of the inherent temporal characteristics of the dynamic world, which in turn acts as an obstacle to their symbiosis with humans. Time perception is without doubt, not an optional extra, but a necessity for the development of truly autonomous, cognitive machines. TIMESTORM aims at bridging this fundamental gap by shifting the focus of human-machine confluence to the temporal, short- and long-term aspects of symbiotic interaction. The integrative pursuit of research and technological developments in time perception will contribute significantly to ongoing efforts in deciphering the relevant brain circuitry and will also give rise to innovative implementations of artifacts with profoundly enhanced cognitive capacities. Equipping artificial agents with temporal cognition establishes a new framework for the investigation and integration of knowing, doing, and being in artificial systems. The proposed research will study the principles of time processing in the human brain and their replication in-silico, adopting a multidisciplinary research approach that involves developmental studies, brain imaging, computational modelling and embodied experiments. By investigating artificial temporal cognition, TIMESTORM inaugurates a novel research field in cognitive systems with the potential to contribute to the advent of next generation intelligent systems, significantly promoting the seamless integration of artificial agents in human societies.

Keywords: artificial sense of time,embodied temporal cognition,entimed human robot interaction,computational modeling of time perception and processing
Mechanistic Studies of Catalytic Activity in Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Reaction by Operando Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Coupled with Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry (ESRS-EMS for CO2RR)

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: Chemistry
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2021-01-01
End date: 2022-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 224933.76
EU funding (EUR): 224933.76
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Wide-spread application of fossil fuels by humankind during a few past decades has resulted in increased concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in atmosphere from approximately 270 to more than 400 ppm during the past 200 years. The increased CO2 level in atmosphere causes unprecedented raise of the earth’s temperature and acidification of the oceans. Therefore, there is an urge to reduce the devastating consequences of global warming, as highlighted in the global summit on climate change (Paris Agreement) as well as the European Commission. Replacing the conventional fossil fuels with renewable sources of energy has been recognized as one of the crucial actions in this regard. Accordingly, conversion of CO2 into other carbonaceous fuels may decrease the CO2 concentration in atmosphere, while producing a renewable source of energy. Electrochemical reduction of CO2 provides high environmental compatibility and adaptability with renewable forms of energies like wind and solar. Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to fuels reverses the combustion, facilitating the storage of electricity by CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to form valued hydrocarbons and oxygenates. Despite the recent progresses in catalysts design, the complex mechanism leading to formation of a mixture of 16 different products on various surfaces is not thoroughly understood. New operando spectroscopic techniques are required to illustrate the underneath reaction mechanism through tracing the intermediates species. Accordingly, the objective of this project is to develop an operando technique by coupling surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (ESRS) with electrochemical mass spectrometry (EMS) for CO2RR mechanistic studies. The obtained insights from this study will determine the mechanism of catalytic activity in CO2RR, leading toward the rational design of new catalysts with improved activity and selectivity toward formation of C2+ products which can be directly used as fuel.

Keywords: operando spectroscopy,surface enhanced raman spectroscopy,carbon dioxide co2 reduction reaction,electrochatalysis,electrochemical mass spectrometry,mechanistic study
Nanoscale organisation of axo-axonic synapses along the axon initial segment of cortical pyramidal neurons in health and disease. (Nano-axo-syn)

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: Life Sciences
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2020-05-01
End date: 2022-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 212933.76
EU funding (EUR): 212933.76
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Neurons in the brain have extensive dendritic arbours that receive thousands of synaptic inputs all along it. The transformation of all these inputs to an output in a single neuron occurs through the integration of synaptic events and the generation of an action potential (AP) at the axon initial segment (AIS). The AIS, therefore, is the site that controls neuronal output by gating the generation of APs. It has been recently shown that this neuronal compartment can be reorganized following a change in neuronal activity and that this structural plasticity is associated with a change in neuronal excitability. In addition, the AIS of pyramidal neurons is innervated by a specific type of inhibitory interneuron, a Chandelier cell, that forms axo-axonic connections specifically with it. Therefore, the AIS can be seen as a short stretch of axon that brings together molecules critical for AP initiation (e.g. - voltage-gated channels) and synaptic proteins essential for the local modulation of excitability. The interplay between these two compartments at the nanoscale level is not known. At classical excitatory and inhibitory synapses, the nanoscale molecular organisation of synaptic proteins has been shown to be a key factor in modulating the efficiency of synaptic transmission between neurons. However, the precise molecular organisation of axo-axonic synapses is still poorly understood, as is its role in regulating neuronal output. We propose to decipher this organisation in mouse brain slices using the state-of-the-art super-resolution microscopy combined with electrophysiology. Once the nanoscopic arrangement elucidated, we will study how it is modified during activity-dependent forms of plasticity and how this, in turn, leads to changes in neuronal excitability. Finally, we will establish how this neuronal output hub is organized in a mouse model of schizophrenia in which synaptic transmission between pyramidal neurons and Chandelier cells is altered.

Keywords: chandelier cells,axo axonic synapses,axon initial segment,neuronal output,molecular organisation,super resolution microscopy,schizophrenia
Automated Linear Parameter-Varying Modeling and Control Synthesis for Nonlinear Complex Systems (APROCS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Systems and communication engineering
Panel description: Electrical, electronic, communication, optical and systems engineering
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2016-STG, 2016)
Start date: 2017-09-01
End date: 2023-03-31
Duration (months): 67.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1493561.0
EU funding (EUR): 1493561.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Linear Parameter-Varying (LPV) systems are flexible mathematical models capable of representing Nonlinear (NL)/Time-Varying (TV) dynamical behaviors of complex physical systems (e.g., wafer scanners, car engines, chemical reactors), often encountered in engineering, via a linear structure. The LPV framework provides computationally efficient and robust approaches to synthesize digital controllers that can ensure desired operation of such systems - making it attractive to (i) high-tech mechatronic, (ii) automotive and (iii) chemical-process applications. Such a framework is important to meet with the increasing operational demands of systems in these industrial sectors and to realize future technological targets. However, recent studies have shown that, to fully exploit the potential of the LPV framework, a number of limiting factors of the underlying theory ask a for serious innovation, as currently it is not understood how to (1) automate exact and low-complexity LPV modeling of real-world applications and how to refine uncertain aspects of these models efficiently by the help of measured data, (2) incorporate control objectives directly into modeling and to develop model reduction approaches for control, and (3) how to see modeling & control synthesis as a unified, closed-loop system synthesis approach directly oriented for the underlying NL/TV system. Furthermore, due to the increasingly cyber-physical nature of applications, (4) control synthesis is needed in a plug & play fashion, where if sub-systems are modified or exchanged, then the control design and the model of the whole system are only incrementally updated. This project aims to surmount Challenges (1)-(4) by establishing an innovative revolution of the LPV framework supported by a software suite and extensive empirical studies on real-world industrial applications; with a potential to ensure a leading role of technological innovation of the EU in the high-impact industrial sectors (i)-(iii).

Keywords: linear parameter varying systems,nonlinear systems,control synthesis,data driven modeling
SUpporting acceptance of automated VEhicle (SUaaVE)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Smart, green and integrated transport
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Germany,Spain,Spain,Italy,Spain,France,France,France,France,Netherlands
Call: Driver behaviour and acceptance of connected, cooperative and automated transport (H2020-MG-2018-TwoStages, 2018)
Start date: 2019-05-01
End date: 2022-10-31
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3894782.5
EU funding (EUR): 3894782.5
Participants: 15
Project status: CLOSED

While the deployment of connected automated vehicle (CAV) turns into reality, its acceptance has been called into question. Societal issues regarding public acceptance, user awareness and ethics, therefore, become priority concerns. The approach based on the technology push, jeopardizes social viability of innovative technology like CAV, as it creates a gap between the well-thought technical reliability and public acceptance. SUaaVE will solve this gap by leaning on a Human-Driven Design (HDD) approach, enhancing synergies social science, human factors research and automotive market by means of an iterative process of assessment, co-design and prototyping. Participatory process will involve above 4.000 users (passengers, traditional and future drivers, VRU) and 100 experts and stakeholders along the project. The main outcomes will be: (1) A new paradigm of automation: ALFRED -Automation Level Four+ Reliable Empathic Driver-, that will “colour the decision-making processes of the CAV with human emotions” with: (a) EMpathY Unit to understand the emotional and cognitive state of the passenger, while taking into account society ethical principles; and (b) an Adaptive, Cognitive and Emotional Interface with a set of services (vehicle dynamics, ambient and postural comfort) to enjoy the ride and enhance passenger experience. (2) An immersive Virtual Human Centred Design (V-HCD) platform, allowing the simulation of CAV focused on Human factors to assess their acceptance and speed up market deployment. (3) Guidelines to support Public Authorities, representing a breakthrough in the public acceptance of future CAVs for both the society and, in particular, for all road users. SUaaVE partners will exploit ALFRED and V-HCD platform. Moreover, SUaaVE will contribute to generate new business models based on: 1) exploitation of personal data where the user is the owner and decide how to exploit it, and 2) new adaptive services to user status in real time.

Keywords: connected automated vehicle,human driven design,cognitive and emotional model,acceptance,situational awareness,artificial intelligence
INTERNATIONAL MERSİN SCIENCE NIGHT (MERSCIN)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European researchers' Night
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Countries involved: Austria,Türkiye,Türkiye,Türkiye,Türkiye,Türkiye,Türkiye,Türkiye,Türkiye,Türkiye,Türkiye,Türkiye
Call: European Researchers' Night (H2020-MSCA-NIGHT-2018, 2018)
Start date: 2018-06-01
End date: 2019-11-30
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 186875.0
EU funding (EUR): 186875.0
Participants: 16
Project status: CLOSED

The MERSCIN (International Mersin Science Night) project proposal sets out to host a European Researchers’ Night in the Turkish Mediterranean coastal city of Mersin. Sixteen participating organisations will take part - one Austrian and fifteen Turkish together with the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders comprising high level officials, universities and public figures. The main aims of the proposal are to increase public awareness about science and the work of researchers and to bridge the gap between scientists and the general public, to actively promote science and research as a vitally important and rewarding career path for the young generations participating and to instill greater environmental awareness in citizens and impart the need to protect dwindling local habitats from the ongoing mass urbanisation whilst also convincing the participating stakeholders of the same issues. Ultimately through hosting this event we would aim to create a platform formed by strong public opinion gained from the increase of awareness during the event, towards pressurising local governmental bodies towards the establishment of a Science Centre. The objectives will be achieved by exposing a large cross section of the public and in particularly schoolchildren and youths to a rich diversity of disciplines in science and by creating a festival spirit amongst participants. Because the European Researchers’ Night is a huge annual event in many European cities attendees will feel the excitement of being able to take part in this multi-national NIGHT, especially providing motivation for the young generations to become involved in science. The ability to host a Researchers’ Night event in Mersin would provide a range of benefits to this rapidly developing city which in recent years has seen a large population increase through immigration from easter Turkish cities and Syria.

Keywords: international,science,public,researchers,night,mersin,turkey
Warning and Mitigation Technologies for Travelling Ionospheric Disturbances Effects (TechTIDE)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Space
Theme: Enabling European competitiveness, non-dependence and innovation of the European space sector
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Spain,Germany,Germany,Germany,Spain,South Africa,Cyprus,Belgium,Bulgaria,Greece,France,France,Czechia
Call: Space Weather (H2020-COMPET-2017, 2017)
Start date: 2017-11-01
End date: 2020-07-31
Duration (months): 33.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1579000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1579000.0
Participants: 13
Project status: CLOSED

Travelling Ionospheric Disturbances (TIDs) constitute a threat for operational systems for which the ionosphere is an essential part (i.e., radio systems) or for which the ionosphere is fundamentally a nuisance (i.e. GNSS based systems and applications). The overarching objective of TechTIDE is to design and test new viable TID impact mitigation strategies for the technologies affected by the TIDs and in close collaboration with operators of these technologies, to demonstrate the added value of the proposed mitigation techniques which are based on TechTIDE products. To achieve this main goal, it is necessary to address the following specific objectives: i. Improve understanding regarding the physical processes resulting in the formation of TIDs, and consequently to identify the drivers in the interplanetary medium, the magnetosphere and the atmosphere; ii. Define the impact of the TIDs on the space based navigation systems (mainly EGNOS services and N-RTK) and on ground-based HF communication and geolocation systems; iii. Develop improved methodologies, based on consortium partners’ algorithms, suitable to support for the first time the direct,real-time identification and tracking of TIDs over wide world regions; iv. Establish an operational system to issue warnings of the occurrence of TIDs over the region extending from Europe to South Africa, to estimate the parameters that specify the TID characteristics and the inferred perturbation, and provide all additional geophysical information to the users to help them assess the risks and to develop mitigation techniques, tailored to their applications; v. Work systematically with potential users to assess the functionality, reliability and efficiency of the TechTIDE services paving the way to its systematic exploitation from users and to its sustainable operation.

Keywords: travelling ionospheric disturbances,egnos,n rtk,hf communications,hf geolocation