Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Automated Synthesis of Heparin and Chondroitin Libraries for the Preparation of Diverse Carbohydrate Arrays (AUTOHEPARIN)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: ERC Advanced Grant Interdisciplinary Panel
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2009-01-01
End date: 2014-12-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

While heparin, a glacosaminoglycan (GAG) has served as an anticoagulant for more than 60 years, the structure-activity relationship of heparin and chondroitin sulfate for specific interactions with proteins are still poorly understood. It has become evident that defined lengths and sequences or patterns are responsible for binding to a particular protein and modulating its biological activity. Determination of the structure-activity relationships of heparins and chondroitins creates an opportunity to modulate processes underlying viral entry, angiogenesis, kidney diseases and diseases of the central nervous system. The isolation of pure GAGs is extremely tedious and chemical synthesis is often the only means to access defined oligosaccharides. Currently available synthetic methods for the preparation of heparins and chondroitins are time consuming and lack generality. Therefore, it is still impossible to create large collections of GAG oligosaccharides for systematic studies of GAG-protein interactions. The overall goal of the project is the development of all aspects of automated GAG synthesis, the procurement of a large collection of heparin and chondroitin oligosaccharides of 2-10 sugars in length with a linker for ready attachment to microarray surfaces and other tools. These molecular tools will be employed to study the interaction of GAGs with growth factors, chemokines and other proteins. The specific aims include: 1) Synthesis of uronic acid and galactosamine building blocks; 2) Development of a new linker for automated GAG solid phase synthesis; 3) Construction of a new automated oligosaccharide synthesizer; 4) Development of methods for the automated assembly of heparin and chondroitin sulfate oligosaccharides; 5) Synthesis of a collection of defined heparin and chondroitin sulfate oligosaccharides; 6) Construction of synthetic GAG microarrays and SPR; 7) Preparation of GAG dendrimers and quantum dots.

Keywords: chemical synthesis,automated synthesis,carbohydrates,heparin,microarrays
Quantum optics using nanostructures: from many-body physics to quantum information processing (QON)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Condensed matter physics
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2008-11-01
End date: 2013-10-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2300000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2300000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Spins in nanostructures have emerged as a new paradigm for studying quantum optical phenomena in the solid-state. Motivated by potential applications in quantum information processing, the research in this field has focused on isolating a single confined spin from its environment and implementing coherent manipulation. On the other hand, it has been realized that the principal decoherence mechanisms for confined spins, stemming from interactions with nuclear or electron spin reservoirs, are intimately linked to fascinating many-body condensed-matter physics. We propose to use quantum optical techniques to investigate physics of nanostructures in two opposite but equally interesting regimes, where reservoir couplings are either suppressed to facilitate coherent control or enhanced to promote many body effects. The principal focus of our investigation of many-body phenomena will be on the first observation of optical signatures of the Kondo effect arising from exchange coupling between a confined spin and an electron spin reservoir. In addition, we propose to study nonequilibrium dynamics of quantum dot nuclear spins as well as strongly correlated system of interacting polaritons in coupled nano-cavities. To minimize spin decoherence and to implement quantum control, we propose to use nano-cavity assisted optical manipulation of two-electron spin states in double quantum dots; thanks to its resilience against spin decoherence, this system should allow us to realize elementary quantum information tasks such as spin-polarization conversion and spin entanglement. In addition to indium/gallium arsenide based structures, we propose to study semiconducting carbon nanotubes where hyperfine interactions that lead to spin decoherence can be avoided. Our nanotube experiments will focus on understanding the elementary quantum optical properties, with the ultimate goal of demonstrating coherent optical spin manipulation.

Keywords: solid-state quantum optics,quantum information processing,quantum dots
Open intelligent systems for Future Autonomous Vehicles (OFAV)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Computer science and informatics
Countries involved: Italy
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2008-12-01
End date: 2013-10-31
Duration (months): 59.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1751066.54
EU funding (EUR): 1751066.54
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The objective of this proposal is the development of an open architecture for future autonomous vehicles to become a standard platform shared by car makers in the design of next generation intelligent vehicles. It is based on 360 degrees sensorial suite which includes perceptual and decision making modules, with the ultimate goal of providing the vehicle with autonomous driving capabilities and/or supervise the driver's behavior. The perception module also includes vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure subsystems, to increment the vehicle s sensing capabilities. The research is based on the extended know-how and experience of the Principal Investigator s group at the Univ of Parma, which already marked fundamental milestones worldwide in the field of vehicular robotics. Car manufacturers and automotive suppliers are extremely interested in this research stream, but at the same time are very cautious in investing in long term and risky research like this. Besides providing clear advantages on safety for road users, the availability of an open architecture will encourage and make possible the sharing of knowledge between public and private research communities (academic and automotive industry) and thus speed up the design of a standard platform for future vehicles. Further research steps will be eased -and therefore made more effective-thanks to the common and open architectural layer proposed by this project.

Keywords: autonomous vehicles,vehicular robotics,future transportation systems
Development of multi-scale molecular models, force fields and computer software for biomolecular simulation (BIOMOL. SIMULATION)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Physical and Analytical Chemical sciences
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2008-11-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 71.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1320000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1320000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

During the past decades the PI has helped shape the research field of computer simulation of biomolecular systems at the atomic level. He has carried out one of the first molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of proteins, and has since then contributed many different methodological improvements and developed one of the major atomic-level force fields for simulations of proteins, carbohydrates, nucleotides and lipids. Methodology and force field have been implemented in a set of programs called GROMOS (GROningen MOlecular Simulation package), which is currently used in hundreds of academic and industrial research groups from over 50 countries on all continents. It is proposed to develop a next generation of molecular models, force fields, multi-scaling simulation methodology and software for biomolecular simulations which is at least an order of magnitude more accurate in terms of energetics, and which is 1000 times more efficient through the use of coarse-grained molecular models than the currently available software and models.

Keywords: computer simulation biomolecular modelling software development force field for biomolecules
Topology of Moduli Spaces and Strings (TMSS)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Mathematical foundations
Countries involved: Denmark
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2009-01-01
End date: 2013-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1650720.0
EU funding (EUR): 1650720.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project is on the crossroad of three interrelated mathematical subjects, namely (i) The topology of moduli spaces of Riemann surfaces (in a background) (ii) Algebraic K-theory and Topological Cyclic homology with special emphasis to the symplectic algebraic K-theory and its relation to the moduli space of principal polarized abelian varieties (iii) String topology and Homological Conformal Field Theory. It is an important aspect of the project to study the implications of the Madsen-Weiss theorem, about the topological structure of the stable Riemann moduli space, to Gromov-Witten theory in algebraic geometry and to the compactified Jacobian The project will take place at University of Copenhagen in close contact with the newly established research group in Topology

Keywords: topology,moduli spaces,string topology,k-theory
Fundaments and Principles for Measurement and Characterization of 21st Century Science and Engineering Surfaces (SURFUND)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: ERC Advanced Grant Interdisciplinary Panel
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2009-01-01
End date: 2014-12-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1895152.2
EU funding (EUR): 1895152.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This proposed project explores fundaments and principles for surface measurement and characterization for ultra/nano-precision non-Euclidean geometry and deterministic surfaces, which are vital for making possible key areas of 21st century science - pure and applied, engineering and bio-engineering. The research will explore an original integrated measurement and characterization system with two major aspects: (1) Characterization: to develop radical new thinking as to what are the fundamental building blocks of a texture-characterization system and apply that thinking to non-Euclidean and deterministic surfaces. It will explore necessary and sufficient mathematical operations and principles, surface decomposition models, distortion-free representation of texture etc. (2) Measurement: to investigate principles and enabling optical methods to on-line/in-line measurement for ultra/nano-precision non-Euclidean geometry and deterministic surfaces. The fruits of this research project will significantly facilitate surface-manufacturing control and functional performance of surfaces applied in 21st Century Science and Engineering over a wide set of sectors. Examples are surfaces used in optics and target shells in high-power laser-energy systems, optics in new earth/space-based large telescopes (e.g. the 42 m E-ELT telescope), interfaces in fluid-dynamics (energy-efficient jet engines, aircraft fuselages and wings), long-life human-joint implants, microelectronics and MEMS/NEMS devices in nanotechnology applications. The capability to perform surface quantitative measurements and characterization on the above key components does not exist today. This confronts the state-of-the-art in surface-measurement science with regard to new surface characteristics (structured or patterned surfaces), extremity of size (1 m - 2 m), ultra precision (1 in 10^9), quality, complexity of shape (non-Euclidean geometry), or combinations of these aspects.

Keywords: surface measurement and characterization,non-euclidean surfaces,deterministic surfaces
Soil Foundation Structure Systems Beyond Conventional Seismic Failure Thresholds: Application to New or Existing Structures and Monuments (DARE)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Products and process engineering
Countries involved: Greece
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2008-12-01
End date: 2013-10-31
Duration (months): 59.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2399992.0
EU funding (EUR): 2399992.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The main goal of the proposed research is to investigate the possibility of allowing below-ground support systems to respond to strong seismic shaking by going beyond a number of thresholds that would conventionally imply failure and are today forbidden by codes. Such thresholds include : (a) sliding at the soil-foundation interface ; (b) separation and uplifting of a shallow foundation from the soils ; (c) mobilization of bearing capacity failure mechanism for shallow foundations ; (d) structural yielding of pile foundations ; (e) combination of some of the above. Whereas under static loading conditions a slight exceedance of such thresholds leads to failure, the oscillatory nature of seismic shaking will allow such exceedances for a short period of time, with perhaps no detrimental or irreparable consequences. The latter take the form of permanent foundation displacements, rotations, or injuries , which the designer will aspire to confine within rational limits. The motivation and the need for this research has come from : (i) observations of actual behaviour in a variety of earthquakes ; conspicuous examples : the permanent tilting , overturning, and often survival of numerous buildings on extremely soft soil in Adapazari during the Kocaeli 1999 earthquake ; (ii) the foundation design of a number of critical structures (e.g., major bridge pier, air control tower, tall monuments, elevated water tanks,) against large seismic actions ; the disproportionately large overturning moment and/or base shear force of such slender structures can hardly be faced with today s conventional foundation methods, (iii) the need to seismically retrofit and rehabilitate older structures and historical monuments; (iv) structural yielding of pile foundations is now detectable (thanks to technological advances), thus eliminating one of the reasons for avoiding it.

Keywords: earthquake,innovation,unconventional
Mesoscopic Quantum Noise: from few electron statistics to shot noise based photon detection (MEQUANO)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Condensed matter physics
Countries involved: France
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2009-02-01
End date: 2015-01-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1999843.44
EU funding (EUR): 1999843.44
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

We propose innovative approaches to electronic quantum noise going from very fundamental topics addressing the quantum statistics of few electrons transferred through conductors to direct applications with the realization of new types of versatile broadband photon detectors based on photon-assisted shot noise. We will develop electron counting tools which will not only allow to full characterization of electron statistics but also open the way to new quantum interference experiments involving few electrons or fractional charge carriers and will question our understanding of quantum statistics. Generation of few electron bunches will be obtained by the yet never done technique of short voltage pulses whose duration is limited to few action quanta, one quantum for one electron. Detection of electron bunches will be done by an unprecedented technique of cut and probe where carriers are suddenly isolated in the circuit for further sensitive charge detection. Using highly ballistic electron nanostructures such as Graphene, III-V semiconductors with light carriers, Carbone Nanotubes or simply tunnel barriers, we will bring mesoscopic quantum noise effects to higher temperature, energy and frequency range, and thus closer to applications. Inspired by late R. Landauer s saying: the noise IS the signal we will develop totally new detectors based on the universal effect of photon-assisted electron shot noise. These versatile broadband detectors will be used either for on-chip noise detection or for photon radiation detection, possibly including imaging. They will operate above liquid Helium temperature and at THz frequencies although projected operation includes room temperature and far-infrared range as no fundamental limitation is expected. The complete program, balanced between very fundamental quantum issues and applications of quantum effects, will open routes for new quantum investigations and offer to a broad community new applications of mesoscopic effects.

Keywords: quantum noise quantum information quantum detection 2d electron gas graphene
Solar Facilities for the European Research Area (SFERA)

Framework: FP7 — Capacities
Programme: Research Infrastructures
Destination: Support to existing research infrastructures
Action type: Combination of CP & CSA
Countries involved: Spain,Germany,France,Switzerland,Israel,Italy,Germany,France,Portugal,Spain
Call:  (FP7-INFRASTRUCTURES-2008-1, 2008)
Start date: 2009-07-01
End date: 2013-12-31
Duration (months): 54.0
Total project cost (EUR): 9042935.88
EU funding (EUR): 7396804.66
Participants: 12
Project status: CLOSED

Concentrated solar energy is a very promising renewable source of energy. The solar resource in the Mediterranean countries of the EU and in North Africa is huge. The best known application so far is bulk electricity generation through thermodynamic cycles, but other applications have also been demonstrated, such as production of hydrogen and solar fuels, water treatment and research in advanced materials. Europe is a leader in research and development of this technology. Most of the large R&D infrastructures are European and our industry is leading the way in its commercial deployment, now in an early stage. All the most important European R&D infrastructures on concentrated solar energy are participating in this proposal. Five of them, CIEMAT-PSA, DLR, PROMES-CNRS, ETH and PSI were already part of a virtual laboratory consortium known as ‘Sol LAB’, which has initiated several networking activities since its creation in 2004. ENEA and WIS now join the consortium submitting this proposal, thus looking to consolidate a partnership as the reference European Solar Research Laboratory. This proposal concerns three activities: - Networking: Aiming at the creation of a stable framework for co-operation in which resources are shared, common standards developed, duplication of research effort is avoided and interaction with European research, education and industry is encouraged. - Transnational access: Opening the doors of the most relevant R&D infrastructures to interested users, optimizing the use of the facilities and creating critical mass for new research initiatives. - Joint Research: developing common standards and procedures for better consortium performance and development of advanced instrumentation and new RI thus improving the services offered to the user community.

Keywords: concentrated solar energy,solar fuels,renewable energy sources,high temperature process heat,large solar research facilities,standardization,free access,networking
Researchers' Night at the Zurich lakeside - a science festival for all senses (LAKESIDE NIGHT)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Researchers' Night
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-NIGHT-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2008-06-01
End date: 2008-12-31
Duration (months): 7.0
Total project cost (EUR): 288729.0
EU funding (EUR): 110000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The second Researchers’ Night (RN) in Zurich, lakeside night intends to foster and deepen public dialogue on the internationality and variety of research in Switzerland. ETH Zurich aims to design the RN as a recurrent annual mass event outstandingly competing with other “traditional” Friday night activities after it premiered successfully with over 7’000 visitors the first time in 2007. Lakeside night will take place at two central locations in downtown Zurich. The sites of the event are located around the main recreation and amusement centre and can easily be reached by public transportation. Four shuttle boats leaving every 10 minutes will transport passengers to and from the two fairgrounds. During the trip, scientists will entertain the ferry guests with open speeches on themselves and their work. The opening is scheduled for 4pm. 15’000 guests are expected to visit the RN2008 in Zurich on September 26, 2008. The aim of the event is to provide researchers with the possibility to present and promote their exceptional ideas to civilians with different backgrounds and of all age groups in a joyful and easy-going atmosphere blending the best from research and science to attract, fascinate and engage the visitors, ranging from science show, science markets, science workshops, via lounges, the biggest of which the European Lounge, to a special school programme, a photo competition and tombola. Visitors will experience how close their life is connected to the ones’ of top researchers who are just living and working next door and how much they actually enjoy exchanging thoughts and laughs with you - so roll up your sleeves and participate! The project’s concept, plans and implementation are to be carried out by members of ETH Zurich Corporate Communications (CC) and Euresearch Zurich (EUZUR). The two teams combine their knowledge and professional skills to organise the Researchers' Night 2008.

Keywords: researchers' human face and daily lives,celebration,edutainment,raise awareness,science festival