Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Maskless Surface morphing by Holographic Hyper Lithography (HyperMaSH)

Framework: Horizon Europe — 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: Italy
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2024-STG, 2024)
Start date: 2024-12-01
End date: 2029-11-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1620500.0
EU funding (EUR): 1620500.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Photonics, the science of harnessing light, has the potential to revolutionize many sectors of the society. The envisioned transition from electronics to photonic technologies requires advanced and miniaturized optical devices. Planar optical components, realized as micro- and nanoscale structured surfaces, are at the forefront of this transition. However, their fabrication by traditional methods is still a barrier to their widespread use in applications. A photolithographic process that fully exploits the multiple degrees of freedom of the light is part of the solution. HyperMaSH will introduce a radically new concept for surface photopatterning of advanced planar optical components: the Vector-Time-Color Hyper Lithography. I will define a multi-dimensional space of lithographic parameters, where the intensity pattern, the polarization distribution, the time evolution, and the wavelength of a holographic light field are simultaneously and synergically engineered. For HyperMaSH’s approach, I will leverage the peculiar vectorial and reversible photoresponse of azobenzene-containing materials in combination with Jones matrix holography and digital holographic microscopy. The result will be the dynamical and reversible manipulation of the surface morphology on micro and nano spatial scale. Operating diffractive optical components and metasurfaces will be directly produced without any of the post-exposure processes of the standard photolithography. I will realize a paradigm shift by developing an unprecedented direct and high-resolution patterning method with significantly reduced environmental impact and energy consumption. Results will have far-reaching implications beyond the fabrication of planar optical components to be used either directly or as reusable masters for surface templating. HyperMaSH envisions a general lithographic method for functional surfaces and contributes to the understanding of the complex light-matter interactions occuring in azomaterials.

Keywords: planar optical elements digital holographic photolithography dynamic structured light direct surface patterning azobenzene containing materials super resolution lithography reconfigurable flat optics
Quantum NOIse evading measurement for gravitational WAve detectors (QNOIWA)

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: Physics
Countries involved: Denmark
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2021 (HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01, 2021)
Start date: 2023-03-01
End date: 2025-02-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 214934.4
EU funding (EUR): 214934.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Worldwide efforts are undertaken today towards improving the detection of gravitational waves (GW). The detection of these waves allows to deepen our understanding of the Universe, its composition, and its creation. Today, environmental or technical sources of noise of GW detectors are well controlled. As a result, the strain sensitivity of most GW detectors is fundamentally limited by quantum noise throughout most of their detection bandwidth. In particular, one effect called the quantum back action (QBA) is dominant typically below 100Hz, while shot noise dominates at higher frequencies. One common solution to beat the fundamental quantum limit is to use squeezed light, but this technique is only effective within a relatively narrow frequency band. For broadband detection, it is necessary to impose a frequency-dependent tailoring of the squeezed light source, an expensive solution which requires the construction of large scale (hundreds of meters) Fabry-Pero cavities. In this research project, we propose the experimental investigation of an alternative solution for beating both shot noise (high frequency) and QBA (low frequency) simultaneously. The technique relies on the macroscopic entanglement of the GW detector and an atomic spin ensemble which behaves as a negative-mass oscillator. By probing both systems using a non-degenerate entangled source of light, it becomes possible to beat the quantum limit over a large spectral bandwidth. We intend to build a compact proof-of-principle setup which would serve as a prototype for applications in existing large scale GW detection systems, as well as in the upcoming Einstein Telescope due in 2035. We believe it is competitive with state-of-the-art techniques currently implemented on GW detectors, with nevertheless a great advantage in price, compactness and versatility of integration. If successful, our project could significantly contribute to the next generation of GW detectors.

Keywords: gravitational waves,quantum noise,quantum back action,interferometry
Infant verbal Memory in Development: a window for understanding language constraints and brain plasticity from birth (IN-MIND)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: The Human Mind and Its Compl exity
Panel description: Cognitive science, psychology, linguistics
Countries involved: Italy
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2021-STG, 2021)
Start date: 2022-09-01
End date: 2027-08-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1499798.75
EU funding (EUR): 1499798.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Although infants perform more poorly than adults on many cognitive tasks, they are more competent language learners. Newborns must have access to an exceptional processing system where bits of the -inherently transient- speech signal remain encoded to build knowledge of the language around them. Memory, the ability to hold information in mind that is no longer present in the environment, is one of the most important components of this machinery. As yet, however, what characterizes the first cognitive and neural architectures of memory and if (and to what extent) these mechanisms constraint human language remain largely unexplained. IN-MIND proposes a fresh perspective that particularly emphasizes the study of verbal long-term and working memories as a journey in its development during infancy. The project aims to provide new insights into: i) how memories are formed at birth and sometimes stored for longer periods through the reorganization of neuronal circuits, ii) how infants’ verbal memory capacities and limits vary as their brain evolves in the first months of life, iii) when verbal working memory capacities emerge and whether they account for concurrent and later language outcomes, and iv) to what extent memory measured in the laboratory relates to how language is implemented in the real world. I will address these issues using an innovative and multimodal approach that combines experiments with behavioral techniques, wearable neuroimaging, polysomnography, and naturalistic recording in newborns, typically developing infants and infants at-risk for language impairments. The outcomes of this research may lay the foundation for identifying vulnerabilities in verbal memory capacities as well as the temporal windows in which eventual interventions might be more effective. From a theoretical perspective, IN-MIND will inform debates regarding the origins of human language, by contributing to a more complete description of what makes an infant brain language-ready.

Keywords: memory development,language acquisition
Improving Bees' Resilience to Stressors by Restoring Harmony and Balance (BETTER-B)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Programme: Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment
Theme: Bio-Environment
Destination: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Belgium,Netherlands,Germany,Denmark,Portugal,Poland,Sweden,Romania,Spain,Italy,Norway,France,Switzerland,United Kingdom
Call: Resilient beekeeping (HORIZON-CL6-2022-BIODIV-02-two-stage, 2022)
Start date: 2023-06-01
End date: 2027-05-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5703323.75
EU funding (EUR): 5703323.75
Participants: 18
Project status: SIGNED

The overall aim of this 4-year BETTER-B project is to improve the resilience of beekeeping to abiotic stresses such as climate change, habitat loss and hazardous chemicals. Honey bee colonies are often poorly adapted to cope with these stresses, in no small part due to modern beekeeping practices. The key to resilient beekeeping is to harness the power of nature to restore harmony and balance inside the honey bee colony and between the colony and the environment, both of which have been disturbed by human activities. We believe that the path to harmony and balance is shown by Darwinian colonies: abandoned colonies and feral colonies that have survived in the wild. However, such colonies usually lack many favorable characteristics that are important in modern beekeeping. The solution here is to understand the processes and mechanisms that apply in nature and to adapt modern beekeeping practices and decision making accordingly, and when appropriate using the benefits of advanced technologies. This is what BETTER-B stands for. The implementation of this new approach in apicultural management will be done in close collaboration with the actors involved. The restoration of harmony and balance must take place on three levels: the environment, the honey bee and beekeeping practices.

Keywords: pollinator carrying capacity competition with wild pollinator target site mutations adaptation to climate genetic diversity heat resistance in hive thermoregulation darwinian selection
Acceleration programme empowering women-led deep tech startups in Widening Area countries (EmpoWOMEN)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Innovative Europe
Programme: The European Innovation Council (EIC)
Theme: other EIC
Destination: Other destinations
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Spain,Ukraine,Belgium,Estonia,Latvia,Slovakia,Georgia,Croatia,Tunisia,Moldova, Republic of,Bulgaria
Call: Enhancing synergies between the EIC and Startup Europe (HORIZON-EIC-2022-STARTUPEU-01, 2022)
Start date: 2023-11-01
End date: 2025-10-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2000000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2000000.0
Participants: 12
Project status: SIGNED

Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in our economies and societies. New businesses help bring innovations to the market, create the bulk of new net jobs and are an engine of productivity growth. Unfortunately, women remain substantially under-represented as entrepreneurs and are a rarity in Europe. While they represent more than half the population, women account for less than a third of entrepreneurs. Such under-representation of women is not only a matter of inequality. In the deep tech area, which represents more than a quarter of Europe’s start-up ecosystem and is now valued at €700b, women obtain only 10% of patent applications in the EU, and less than 15% of start-ups are founded or co-founded by women. Despite the efforts by the EC, widening area startups are still underrepresented in initiatives like Women TechEU. EmpoWOMEN TechEU was born to overcome the obstacles of digital and deep tech innovations led by women and improve equality in the entrepreneurship deep tech domain. EmpoWOMEN TechEU will offer a unique programme for scaling up women-led companies from the Widening Area. The main objective of the project will be to create an exclusive support programme for female founders and entrepreneurs leading deep tech startups from widening-area countries to grow into tomorrow’s female tech leaders and put women at the forefront of deep tech in Europe. We will run a programme in two open calls that will provide a unique acceleration programme, free-equity funding, prizes and vouchers for services for 25 selected women-led companies operating in the deep tech sector. Sploro, Tech Ukraine, Business Angels Europe and Startup Wise Guys, all together with 8 startup associations from the widening area will run this innovative programme which will be the first to support deep tech women-led companies including an acceleration service by SWG, events attendance & investment readiness with direct training from Business Angels and connections with actual VCs.

Keywords: deep tech,women,startups,cascade funding,vouchers,startup europe
A PRECISION MEDICINE TRIAL LEVERAGING BLOOD-BASED TUMOR GENOMICS TO OPTIMIZE TREATMENT IN OPERABLE STAGE III AND HIGH-RISK STAGE II COLON CANCER PATIENTS - THE SAGITTARIUS TRIAL (Sagittarius)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Programme: Mission
Theme: Cancer
Destination: Cancer
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Italy,Spain,Belgium,Estonia,Germany
Call: Pragmatic clinical trials to optimise treatments for patients with refractory cancers (HORIZON-MISS-2022-CANCER-01, 2022)
Start date: 2023-07-01
End date: 2028-06-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5999764.58
EU funding (EUR): 5999764.58
Participants: 9
Project status: SIGNED

SAGITTARIUS aim to optimize the clinical management of locoregional stage II high-risk/stage III colon cancer (LRCC). Approximately half of all LRCC patients relapse within two years from time of curative surgery because of imaging-undetectable micro-metastatic residual disease (MMRD). Given the lack of reliable predictors of individual risk, LRCC patients are treated with a one-fits-all adjuvant chemotherapy. This gunshot approach results in either over- or under-treatment. Measuring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the patients’ bloodstream can diagnose MMRD. Retrospective studies show that ctDNA detection after surgery predicts cancer recurrence with high sensitivity and specificity. SAGITTARIUS will deploy a ctDNA assay to detect the absence, presence, or persistence of MMRD in individual patients. The diagnosis of MMRD will guide and personalize therapeutic interventions. SAGITTARIUS is a pragmatic trial whereby real-world patients are treated in two parallel trials based on their MMRD status and the genomic landscape of their tumors. ctDNA positive patients are randomized to conventional or personalized targeted therapy. ctDNA negative patients are randomized to a physician-driven therapy or a Wait&See strategy. The efficacy and effectiveness of this potentially ground-breaking new strategy of care will be measured via multiple outcomes, including safety and time to events variables, patient-reported outcome measures, and health-economics evaluation. Since colon cancer deaths are usually associated with metastases rather than local disease, MMRD will also reclassify how this disease is perceived by clinicians. This new prism will allow for treatment to be better matched against the tumor biology, also allowing for better monitoring – via ctDNA – to assess disease evolution in each patient, minimizing harm and maximizing the odds of cure. This action is part of the Cancer Mission cluster of projects on ‘Diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: personalised care personalised adjuvant therapy quality of life cost effectiveness circulating tumor dna liquid biopsy colon cancer
Facing Inequalities and democratic challenges through Co-production in Cities (Fairville)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Programme: Culture, creativity and inclusive society
Theme: Culture, creativity and inclusive society
Destination: Innovative Research on Democracy and Governance
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: France,Egypt,Germany,Belgium,Greece,United Kingdom,Romania,Italy,Senegal
Call: The impact of inequalities on democracy (HORIZON-CL2-2022-DEMOCRACY-01, 2022)
Start date: 2023-01-01
End date: 2026-12-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2623816.75
EU funding (EUR): 2623816.75
Participants: 19
Project status: SIGNED

If the link between inequalities and declining levels of trust in the political institutions of democracy in Europe has already been shown, the various ways in which both citizens and institutions are trying to face these inequalities and (re)build a sustainable common future remain somewhat under-documented. Indeed, this lacuna becomes even more pronounced when one considers those attempts that go beyond conventional forms of state-led participation. Responding to this gap, the aim of Fairville is to both document and propose pilot models of urban intervention that engage local academics, -authorities, -community-based organisations, -residents and -users in the collective improvement of deprived urban neighbourhoods via a deepening of resident and user participation in new and existing democratic processes. The idea that urban policies should not be made "for" populations but rather “with" them is a potentially profound engine of social transformation and empowerment. However, the realisation of such co-production processes is often marked by epistemic inequalities and unequal power relations. Cognisant of this issue, the Fairville pilot cases all place an emphasis on exploring the ways in which academic researchers, local communities and local authority representatives can work together to reduce the power and information asymmetries that exist between them. Clustered around three major themes - environmental inequalities, inequalities related to housing and urban planning and inequalities related to climate risks – and ranging from co-diagnosis to co-planning and intervention, the pilots will be carried out as action research and include the implementation of observation, capitalisation and co-evaluation mechanisms. The results of these pilot cases will be widely disseminated to the institutions and citizens concerned and we will work collectively to encourage policy transfer and outreach.

Keywords: environmental inequalities risks housing and planning inequalities urban regeneration community driven planning participatory democracy co production urban studies
Revealing the Hidden Mechanism of Room Temperature Relaxation in Glasses (RELAX)

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: Information Science and Engineering
Countries involved: Denmark
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2021 (HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01, 2021)
Start date: 2023-01-01
End date: 2024-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 230774.4
EU funding (EUR): 230774.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Glassmakers have known since ancient times that rapid cooling of a viscous liquid makes it stop flowing and transition into a solid glass state. Glasses are not in thermodynamic equilibrium and consequently their properties change over time as the structure relaxes toward a lower energy state. At room temperature (RT), the glass state is believed to be frozen and remain almost forever (>10^10 years). However, recent stain measurements on aluminosilicate glasses have shown that the dynamics are not fully arrested at RT. That is, RT relaxation occurs and leads to changes in glass volume and enthalpy, thus challenging the current consensus on glass relaxation. In this project, we will decipher the linkage between structure and RT relaxation in selected glasses with different types of chemical bonding. The aim is to reveal the hidden structural mechanism behind RT relaxation. To this end, we will first elucidate the composition dependence of RT relaxation modes and subject the glasses to varying degree of relaxation to identify the crossover temperature of relaxation modes. Then the structural evolution associated with relaxation will be tracked and the corresponding atomic configurations will be constructed. Finally, we will perform rigidity and energy landscape analyses to reveal the connection between glass network topology and propensity toward RT relaxation. The project builds on complementary expertise of the fellow applicant (structure characterization, atomistic simulations) and supervisor (relaxation, glass science). Together with the research and training environment provided by the host organization (Aalborg University, Denmark), this will ensure the achievement of this timely and innovative project as well as the dissemination and exploitation of the expected results. The research outputs will deepen our understanding of glass relaxation. The fellow applicant will emerge from the project with new skills, and the capability to launch his own research group.

Keywords: glasses,relaxation,structure property relation,md simulations
Fast gated superconducting nanowire camera for multi-functional optical tomograph (fastMOT)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Innovative Europe
Programme: The European Innovation Council (EIC)
Theme: EIC Pathfinder
Destination: Open to supporting projects in all areas of science, technology,...
Action type: EIC actions
Countries involved: Netherlands,Spain,Italy,Belgium,United Kingdom,Germany
Call: EIC Pathfinder Open 2022 (HORIZON-EIC-2022-PATHFINDEROPEN-01, 2022)
Start date: 2023-04-01
End date: 2027-03-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2495508.75
EU funding (EUR): 2495508.5
Participants: 7
Project status: SIGNED

Traditionally, monitoring of organs and deep body functional imaging is done by ultrasound, X-Rays (incl CT), PET or MRI. These techniques only allow for very limited measurements of functionality, usually combined with exogenous and radioactive agents. In this project we propose an innovative light sensing solution, a fast gated, ultra-high quantum efficiency single-photon sensor, to enable multi-functional deep body imaging with diffuse optics. The new type of sensor is based on superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors, that have shown to be ultra-fast and highly efficient. However, until now the active area and number of pixels has been limited to micrometers diameter and tens of pixels. We propose the combination of two new readout techniques, optical gating and charge coupling, to overcome this limit and scale to 10,000 pixels and millimeter diameter. In addition we will develop new strategies for performing TD-NIRS and TD-SCOS to use this new light sensor optimally with Monte-Carlo simulations. We will implement the new light sensor in an optical tomograph and achieve a 100x improvement of SNR compared to using existing light sensors. With our proposed Multifunctional Optical Tomograph we will be able to image deep organ and optical structures and monitor functions including oxygenation, haemodynamics, perfusion and metabolism

Keywords: biophotonics,near infrared spectroscopy,superconducting nanowire single photon detector,diffuse optics,neuroimaging