Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Gathering organic and hybrid photovoltaics with artificial photosynthesis for Photo-Electro-Chemical production of hydrogen (PHOTOCATH2ODE)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Materials and Synthesis
Countries involved: France
Call:  (ERC-2012-StG_20111012, 2012)
Start date: 2012-12-01
End date: 2017-11-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The future of energy supply depends on innovative breakthroughs regarding the design of efficient systems for the conversion and storage of solar energy. The production of H2 through direct light-driven water-splitting in a Photo-Electro-Chemical (PEC) cell, appears as a promising solution. However such cells need to respond to three main characteristics: sustainability, cost-effectiveness and stability. Fulfilling these requirements raise important scientific questions regarding the elaboration and combination of the best materials able to harvest light and catalyse H2 and O2 evolution. The objective of this project is to design an operating photocathode based on Earth abundant elements for PEC H2 production, answering therefore the sustainability and cost issues. The novelty relies on the approach gathering organic and hybrid photovoltaics with artificial photosynthesis to design new materials and architectures: I will combine and immobilize molecular photosensitizers with bioinspired catalysts on an electrode thanks to electronic junctions. This will allow (i) optimizing light-driven charge separation, (ii) driving electrons from the electrode to the catalyst, (iii) and limiting charge recombination processes. The project is divided into four tasks. The two first tasks are focused on the elaboration of new photoelectrode architectures: In task 1, I propose to engineer a H2-evolving electrode thanks to donor-acceptor dyes immobilized on p-type semi-conductors. In task 2, I propose to implement organic photovoltaics materials in a H2-evolving electrode. The third task focuses on the elaboration of new catalysts, incorporating redox-active (non-innocent) ligands in order to systematically bias electron transfer towards the catalyst. These new catalysts will be implemented on the new photoelectrode architectures. The last task focuses on the ultimate assembly of a PEC cell and on the performance assessments at all steps of the project (photocathodes and full cell).

Keywords: electrocatalysis photocatalysis bioinspired chemistry water splitting
New directions in Bayesian Nonparametrics (N-BNP)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Mathematical foundations
Countries involved: Italy
Call:  (ERC-2012-StG_20111012, 2012)
Start date: 2012-10-01
End date: 2018-09-30
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 957939.2
EU funding (EUR): 957939.2
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

The popularity of Bayesian nonparametric (BNP) inference is rapidly growing within both the academic community and practitioners. Indeed the BNP viewpoint naturally allows for rich and flexible probabilistic modeling and, via conditional (or posterior) distributions, for accurate function estimation, most notably of probability distributions, regression functions and hazard rates. After de Finetti’s theoretical foundation of the BNP paradigm in the ‘30s, the first methodological breakthroughs in the ‘70s, and major theoretical and computational progress in the following 40 years, further significant developments of BNP are nowadays needed for providing successful answers to the practical challenges of the XXI century emerging from diverse applied fields. Therefore, the main objective of the present research project is to introduce and investigate novel methodologies and procedures for BNP inference. The advances will include the development of new types of covariate-dependent random discrete distributions in contexts of partial exchangeability, the derivation of general classes of nonparametric estimators suitable for several prediction problems, the construction of various types of dynamic particle systems and associated diffusion approximations, the frequentist asymptotic validation of the most up-to-date Bayesian procedures. The theoretical investigation will be complemented by the implementation of the obtained results in a variety of applied contexts, among which nonparametric regression, meta-analysis, competing risks, macroeconomic dynamics, population processes with spatial immigration and time-varying mutation rate, credit markets with heterogeneous agents, biodiversity assessment and prediction in Ecology and Genomics. The modern probabilistic techniques needed to address challenging inferential issues explain the interplay between theory and applications which is a major headline of this project and represents one of the distinctive features of BNP.

Keywords: bayesian nonparametrics,dirichlet process,nonparametric bayes inference,nonparametric prior,species sampling model,bayesian asymptotics,completely random measure,predictive distribution.
Hamiltonian PDE's and small divisor problems: a dynamical systems approach. (HAMPDES)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Mathematical foundations
Countries involved: Italy,Italy
Call:  (ERC-2012-StG_20111012, 2012)
Start date: 2012-11-01
End date: 2018-10-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 678000.0
EU funding (EUR): 678000.0
Participants: 3
Project status: CLOSED

A large number of partial differential equations of Physics have the structure of an infinite-dimensional Hamiltonian dynamical system. In this class of equations appear, among others, the Schrödinger equation (NLS), the wave equation (NLW), the Euler equations of hydrodynamics and the numerous models that derive from it. The study of these equations poses some fundamental questions that have inspired an entire research field in the last twenty years: the investigation of the main invariant structures of the phase space of a Hamiltonian system, starting from its stationary, periodic and quasi-periodic orbits. As in the case of finite-dimensional dynamical systems, one of the main problems in this field is linked to the well-known "small divisors problem''. A further difficulty is due to the fact that ''physically'' interesting equations, without outer parameters, are typically resonant and/or contain derivatives in the non-linearity. There are many fundamental open questions in this field. Our main goals are 1) the study of quasi-periodic solutions, in particular for semi-linear and quasi-linear equations. 2)Study of normal forms, both in integrable and non-integrable cases. 3) Applications to hydrodynamics and search of quasi-periodic solutions in water wave problems.4) Study of almost periodic solutions for nonlinear PDEs. 5) quasi-periodic solutions for resonant systems with minimal restrictions on the non-linearity. Together with my group in Naples we already have developed several techniques to approach these problems and we have several ideas of possible innovative approaches, combining Nash-Moser and KAM methods, Normal Form Theory, Para-differential calculus, combinatorial methods.

Keywords: dynamics of pdes,kam theory,normal forms
Ab initio Dynamical Vertex Approximation (ABINITIODGA)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Condensed matter physics
Countries involved: Austria
Call:  (ERC-2012-StG_20111012, 2012)
Start date: 2013-01-01
End date: 2018-07-31
Duration (months): 67.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1491090.0
EU funding (EUR): 1491090.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Some of the most fascinating physical phenomena are experimentally observed in strongly correlated electron systems and, on the theoretical side, only poorly understood hitherto. The aim of the ERC project AbinitioDGA is the development, implementation and application of a new, 21th century method for the ab initio calculation of materials with such strong electronic correlations. AbinitioDGA includes strong electronic correlations on all time and length scales and hence is a big step beyond the state-of-the-art methods, such as the local density approximation, dynamical mean field theory, and the GW approach (Green function G times screened interaction W). It has the potential for an extraordinary high impact not only in the field of computational materials science but also for a better understanding of quantum critical heavy fermion systems, high-temperature superconductors, and transport through nano- and heterostructures. These four physical problems and related materials will be studied within the ERC project, besides the methodological development. On the technical side, AbinitioDGA realizes Hedin's idea to include vertex corrections beyond the GW approximation. All vertex corrections which can be traced back to a fully irreducible local vertex and the bare non-local Coulomb interaction are included. This way, AbinitioDGA does not only contain the GW physics of screened exchange and the strong local correlations of dynamical mean field theory but also non-local correlations beyond on all length scales. Through the latter, AbinitioDGA can prospectively describe phenomena such as quantum criticality, spin-fluctuation mediated superconductivity, and weak localization corrections to the conductivity. Nonetheless, the computational effort is still manageable even for realistic materials calculations, making the considerable effort to implement AbinitioDGA worthwhile.

Keywords: strongly correlated electron systems,dynamical mean field theory,computational materials science,electronic structure calculations,quantum field theory,transition metal oxides
Frontiers of Analytic Number Theory And Selected Topics (FANTAST)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Mathematical foundations
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2012-StG_20111012, 2012)
Start date: 2012-12-01
End date: 2017-11-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 801187.0
EU funding (EUR): 801187.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This proposal sits at the interface of analytic number theory and selected topics, viewed through the prism of Diophantine equations defining higher-dimensional algebraic varieties. A core part of the proposal involves using analytic methods (such as complex analysis, Fourier analysis and additive combinatorics) to tackle a range of problems about Diophantine equations. These include such basic questions as precisely when families of equations admit integer or rational solutions and, furthermore, how ``dense'' these solutions are when they exist. In the reverse direction, a significant component of the proposal is dedicated to established problems in number theory (such as stable cohomology of moduli spaces and uniform spectral gaps for arithmetic lattices) which can be tackled via the successful analysis of intermediary Diophantine equations.

Keywords: diophantine equations,fourier analysis,manin conjecture,hasse principle,weak approximation,algebraic groups,function fields
Implicit Programming (IMPRO)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Computer science and informatics
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call:  (ERC-2012-StG_20111012, 2012)
Start date: 2012-12-01
End date: 2017-11-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1439240.0
EU funding (EUR): 1439240.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

I propose implicit programming, a paradigm for developing reliable software using new programming language specification constructs and tools, supported through the new notion of software synthesis procedures. The paradigm will enable developers to use specifications as executable programming language constructs and will automate some of the program construction tasks to the point where they become feasible for the end users. Implicit programming will increase developer productivity by enabling developers to focus on the desired software functionality instead of worrying about low-level implementation details. Implicit programming will also improve software reliability, because the presence of specifications will make programs easier to analyze. From the algorithmic perspective, I propose a new agenda for research in algorithms for decidable logical theories. An input to such an algorithm is a logical formula (or a boolean-valued programming language expressions). Whereas a decision procedure for satisfiability merely checks whether there exists a satisfying assignment for the formula, we propose to develop synthesis procedures. A synthesis procedure views the input as a relation between inputs and outputs, and produces a function from input variables to output variables. In other words, it transforms a specification into a computable function. We will design synthesis procedures for important classes of formulas motivated by useful programming language fragments. We will use synthesis procedures as a compilation mechanism for declarative programming language constructs, ensuring correctness by construction. To develop practical synthesis procedures we will combine insights from decision procedure research (including the results on SMT solvers), with the research on compiler construction, program analysis, and program transformation. The experience from the rich model toolkit initiative (http://RichModels.org) will help us address these goals.

Keywords: synthesis,smt,decision procedure,verification,specification,formal methods,programming languages,constraint logic programming
Extremal Combinatorics (EC)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Mathematical foundations
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2012-StG_20111012, 2012)
Start date: 2012-10-01
End date: 2018-07-31
Duration (months): 70.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1129918.8
EU funding (EUR): 1129918.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

A typical problem of Extremal Combinatorics is to maximise or minimise a certain parameter given some combinatorial restrictions. This area experienced a remarkable growth in the last few decades, having a wide range of applications that include results in number theory, algebra, geometry, logic, information theory, and theoretical computer science. There are also many practical fields that were greatly influenced by ideas from Extremal Combinatorics such as, for example, analysis of large networks, ranking of web-pages, or shotgun cloning of DNA fragments. The Principal Investigator (PI for short) will work on a number of extremal problems, with the main directions being the Tur\'an function (maximising the size of a hypergraph without some fixed forbidden subgraphs), the Rademacher-Tur\'an problem (minimising the density of F-subgraphs given the edge density), and Ramsey numbers (quantitative bounds on the maximum size of a monochromatic substructure that exists for every colouring). These are fundamental and general questions that go back at least as far as the 1940s but remain wide open despite decades of active attempts. During attacks on these notoriously difficult problems, mathematicians developed a number of powerful general methods. PI will work on extending and sharpening these techniques as well as on finding ways of applying the recently introduced concepts of (hyper)graph limits and flag algebras to concrete extremal problems. Since these concepts deal with some approximation to the studied problem, one important aspect of the project is to develop methods for obtaining exact results from asymptotic calculations (for example, via the stability approach). The support by means of a 5-year research grant will enable PI to consolidate his research and build a group in Extremal Combinatorics.

Keywords: extremal combinatorics,turan function,ramsey numbers,regularity lemma,stability approach,graph limits,flag algebras.
Quantum Interfaces and Open Systems (QIOS)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Fundamental constituents of matter
Countries involved: Denmark
Call:  (ERC-2012-StG_20111012, 2012)
Start date: 2012-10-01
End date: 2017-09-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1431541.8
EU funding (EUR): 1431541.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Researchers have strived to obtain control of a variety of different quantum systems, each characterized by their own distinct advantages: quantum optical systems offer excellent isolation from the environment while solid state systems allow for integrated micro-fabricated devices. At the same time nuclear spins in molecules can remain decoupled from the environment even under rather harsh conditions, and this is the basis of NMR experiments. Given these distinct advantages it is very fruitful to investigate hybrid devices merging the advantages of each of the systems. To do this it is essential to develop quantum interfaces to connect the different systems. By their very nature such quantum interfaces exchange information with their environment and are therefore open quantum systems. In this project I wish to establish a strong theoretical quantum optics group which can guide and inspire the experiments towards breaking new grounds for open quantum systems and making quantum interfaces between distinct physical systems. The objective is to develop concrete proposals for how to experimentally control and exploit the interaction of quantum systems with their surroundings and for how this can be used for quantum interfaces. The work in this project is particularly relevant for applications in quantum information processing, where the current challenge is to take the field from proof-of-principle demonstrations to truly scalable devices. Such challenge demands new interdisciplinary theoretical ideas for hybrid devices. This proposal addresses several key challenges for quantum information processing: scalable multimode quantum repeaters based on hybrid approaches, entanglement enabled quantum metrology, photonic engineering based on surface plasmons, dissipative preparation of entangled states, and phonon engineering for quantum dots. In addition applications towards nuclear spin cooling to improve NMR experiments as well as ultra cold atoms will be explored.

Keywords: theoretical quantum optics. interfacing different quantum systems. open quantum systems. quantum engineering. ultra cold atoms. quantum information. quantum repeaters. light-matter interactions.
Polarization condEnsation for Telecom AppLications (PETAL)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Systems and communication engineering
Countries involved: France
Call:  (ERC-2012-StG_20111012, 2012)
Start date: 2012-10-01
End date: 2017-09-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1452818.0
EU funding (EUR): 1452818.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The aim of the PETAL project is to provide a radically novel approach to polarization control issues and to transform this parameter into an additional fully exploited asset rather than a problem to be avoided. While current opto-electronic technologies are principally based on complex active-feedback loop control and algorithms, the breakthrough idea of PETAL is to explore a new type of phenomenon based on the unexpected ability of light to self-pull, self-trap and self-stabilize its own polarization state. Based on a nonlinear effect occurring in optical fibers, this all-optical, broadband and quasi-instantaneous polarization condensation phenomenon could find many applications in photonics and open up the path to new exciting researches and horizons. In this project, PETAL will first focus on proof-of-principle and theoretical/numerical modeling of the polarization condensation phenomenon before implementing this concept in novel and original optical functions for telecommunication applications. In particular, PETAL will report the first experimental observation of an all-optical self-stabilization and control of signal polarization with an error free transmission. PETAL will also show that polarization condensation could provide optical regeneration or detection of polarization multiplexed signals and could be used to implement ideal polarization beam splitter or simplify current coherent receiver. Based on this novel concept, PETAL will also demonstrate new all-optical functions for signal processing such as optical flip-flop memory, isotropic-like span transmission or polarization-based router. Moreover, PETAL aims to go beyond the polarization issues and will generalize this concept to spatial mode multiplexing applications. Finally, miniaturization and multi-implementation of these novel functions will be carried out in a same device so as to report the first field-trial experiment of such a technology.

Keywords: optical fiber,nonlinear effects,polarization pulling,polarization control,kerr nonlinearity,all-optical processing,chalcogenide fiber