Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Beyond Biopolymers: Protein-Sized Aromatic Amide Functional Foldamers (A2F2)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Materials and Synthesis
Countries involved: France
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-06-01
End date: 2018-05-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2496216.0
EU funding (EUR): 2496216.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Nature has evolved ultimate chemical functions based on controlling and altering conformation of its molecular machinery. Prominent examples include enzyme catalysis and information storage/duplication in nucleic acids. These achievements are based on large and complex yet remarkably defined structures obtained through folding of polymeric chains and a subtle interplay of non-covalent forces. Nature uses a limited set of building blocks – e.g. twenty amino-acids and four nucleobases – with specific abilities to impart well-defined folds. In the last decade, chemists have discovered foldamers: non-natural oligomers and polymers also prone to adopt folded structures. The emergence of foldamers has far reaching implications. A new major long term prospect is open to chemistry: the de novo synthesis of artificial objects resembling biopolymers in terms of their size, complexity, and efficiency at achieving defined functions, yet having chemical structures beyond the reach of biopolymers amenable to new properties and functions. The PI of this project has shown internationally recognized leadership in the development of a class of foldamers, aromatic oligoamides, whose features arguably make them the most suitable candidates to systematically explore what folded structures beyond biopolymers give access to. This project aims at developing methods to allow the routine fabrication of 20-40 units long aromatic oligoamide foldamers (6-15 kDa) designed to fold into artificial molecular containers having engineerable cavities and surfaces for molecular recognition of organic substrates, in particular large peptides and saccharides, polymers, and proteins. The methodology rests on modelling based design, multistep organic synthesis of heterocyclic monomers and their assembly into long sequences, structural elucidation using, among other techniques, x-ray crystallography, and the physico-chemical characterization of molecular recognition events.

Keywords: foldamers,molecular recognition,encapsulation,molecular design
Invariant Representations for High-Dimensional Signal Classifications (INVARIANTCLASS)

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: France
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-03-01
End date: 2019-02-28
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2316000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2316000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Considerable amounts of high-dimensional signals are continuously being acquired, whether audio, images, videos, or specialized signals for example in geophysics or medicine. Automatic classification and retrieval is strongly needed to analyze and access these massive data sets, but current algorithms often produce too many errors. For high-dimensional signals, supervised classification algorithms are typically applied to reduced ``feature vectors''. These feature representations are specialized for each signal modality, for example speech, music, images, videos or seismic signals. This proposal aims at unifying these approaches to improve classification performances, by developing a general mathematical and algorithmic framework to optimize representations for classification. Classification errors result from representations which are not sufficiently informative or which maintain too much variability. The central challenge is to understand how to construct stable, informative invariants, while facing progressively more complex sources of variability. The first task concentrates on invariants to the action of finite groups including translations, rotations and scalings, while preserving stability to deformations. The second task addresses unsupervised representation learning from training data. The third task explores stable representations of invariant geometric signal structures, which is an outstanding problem.These challenges involve building new mathematical tools in harmonic and wavelet analysis, geometry and statistics, in close interaction with numerical algorithms. Classification applications to audio, images, video signals or geophysical signals are expected to serve as a basis for groundbreaking technological advances.

Keywords: classification,computer vision,invariants,lie groups,stochastic processes,wavelets
Combinatorial methods in noncommutative ring theory. (COIMBRA)

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: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-06-01
End date: 2018-05-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1406551.0
EU funding (EUR): 1406551.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

As noted by T Y Lam in his book, A first course in noncommutative rings, noncommutative ring theory is a fertile meeting ground for group theory (group rings), representation theory (modules), functional analysis (operator algebras), Lie theory (enveloping algebras), algebraic geometry (finitely generated algebras, differential operators), noncommutative algebraic geometry (graded domains), arithmetic (orders, Brauer groups), universal algebra (co-homology of rings, projective modules) and quantum physics (quantum matrices). As such, noncommutative ring theory is an area which has the potential to produce developments in many areas and in an efficient manner. The main aim of the project is to develop methods which could be applicable not only in ring theory but also in other areas, and then apply them to solve several important open questions in mathematics. The Principal Investigator, along with two PhD students and two post doctorates, propose to: study basic open questions on infinite dimensional associative noncommutative algebras; pool their expertise so as to tackle problems from a number of related areas of mathematics using noncommutative ring theory, and develop new approaches to existing problems that will benefit future researchers. A part of our methodology would be to first improve (in some cases) Bergman's Diamond Lemma, and then apply it to several open problems. The Diamond Lemma gives bases for the algebras defined by given sets of relations. In general, it is very difficult to determine if the algebra given by a concrete set of relations is non-trivial or infinite dimensional. Our approach is to introduce smaller rings, which we will call platinum rings. The next step would then be to apply the Diamond Lemma to the platinum ring instead of the original rings. Such results would have many applications in group theory, noncommutative projective geometry, nonassociative algebras and no doubt other areas as well.
Non Equilibrium Dynamics and Relaxation in Many Body Quantum Systems (QUANTUMRELAX)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Fundamental constituents of matter
Countries involved: Austria
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-06-01
End date: 2018-12-31
Duration (months): 67.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2025400.0
EU funding (EUR): 2025400.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Relaxation processes in many-body quantum systems arise in many diverse areas of physics ranging from inflation in the early universe to the emergence of classical properties in complex quantum systems. Ultracold atoms provide a unique opportunity for studying non-equilibrium quantum systems in the laboratory. The coherent quantum evolution can be observed on experimentally accessible timescales and the tunability in interaction, temperature and dimensionality allows the realization of a multitude of different relevant physical situations. Through building specific model systems we propose to study a wide variety of non-equilibrium quantum dynamics under conditions ranging from weakly interacting to strongly correlated, from weakly disturbed to quantum turbulent and search for universal properties in non-equilibrium quantum evolution. We address questions of de-coherence in a split many-body system and the concomitant emergence of classical properties. We will study the fate of the highly entangled quantum states that are created when a system in its excited state decays. Systems with instabilities and controlled quenches will give us insight into the creation of defects and excitations. We will experiment with bosons, fermions and mixtures, and take advantage of the rich internal structure of the atoms. Our systems will also be observed when interacting with ‘baths’, which can be internal or external with controlled coupling and can be engineered from simple thermal to squeezed, from large to mesoscopic with non-Markovian properties. Our ultimate goal is insight into the answers to fundamental questions: What does it take for an isolated many-body quantum system with a set of conserved quantities to relax to an equilibrium state? Which universal properties and scaling laws govern its evolution? Can classical physics and thermodynamics emerge from quantum physics through the dynamics of complex many-body systems?
Stochasticity in Spatially Extended Deterministic Systems and via Homogenization of Deterministic Fast-Slow Systems (STOCHEXTHOMOG)

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: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-06-01
End date: 2018-09-30
Duration (months): 64.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1577880.0
EU funding (EUR): 1577880.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Ergodic theory is the analysis of probabilistic or statistical aspects of deterministic systems. Roughly speaking, deterministic systems are those that evolve without any randomness. Nevertheless, the probabilistic approach is appropriate since specific trajectories are unpredictable in “chaotic” systems. At the other extreme, stochastic systems evolve in a random manner by assumption. One of the main topics of this proposal is to investigate how separation of time scales can cause a fast-slow deterministic system to converge to a stochastic differential equation (SDE). This is called homogenization; the fast variables are averaged out and the limiting SDE is generally of much lower dimension than the original system. The focus is mainly on situations where the SDE limit is driven by Brownian motion, but SDEs driven by stable Lévy processes are also of interest. Homogenization is reasonably well-understood when the underlying fast-slow system is itself stochastic. However there are very few results for deterministic fast-slow systems. The aim is to make homogenization rigorous in a very general setting, and as a byproduct to determine how the stochastic integrals in the SDE are to be interpreted. A second main topic is to explore the idea that anomalous diffusion in the form of a superdiffusive Lévy process arises naturally in odd dimensions but not in even dimensions. The context is pattern formation in spatially extended systems with Euclidean symmetry, and this dichotomy can be seen as an extension of the classical Huygens principle that sound waves propagate in odd but not even dimensions. For anisotropic systems (where there are translation symmetries only), the situation is simpler: chaotic dynamics leads to Brownian motion and weakly chaotic dynamics (of intermittent type) leads to a Lévy process. However in the isotropic case (rotations and translations), anomalous diffusion is suppressed in even dimensions in favour of Brownian motion.

Keywords: ergodic theory,stochastic differential equations,homogenization,spatially extended systems,anomalous diffusion,convergence to brownian motion,stable levy processes
Dirac Materials (DM)

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: Sweden
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-04-01
End date: 2018-03-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1700000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1700000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The elegant Dirac equation, describing the linear dispersion (energy/momentum) relation of electrons at relativistic speeds, has profound consequences such as the prediction of antiparticles, reflection less tunneling (Klein paradox) and others. Recent discovery of graphene and topological insulators (TI) highlights the scientific importance and technological promise of materials with “relativistic Dirac dispersion" of electrons for functional materials and device applications with novel functionalities. One might use term ‘Dirac materials’ to encompass a subset of (materials) systems in which the low energy phase space for fermion excitations is reduced compared to conventional band structure predictions (i.e. point or lines of nodes vs. full Fermi Surface). Dirac materials are characterized by universal low energy properties due to presence of the nodal excitations. It is this reduction of phase space due to additional symmetries that can be turned on and off that opens a new door to functionality of Dirac materials. We propose to use the sensitivity of nodes in the electron spectrum of Dirac materials to induce controlled modifications of the Dirac points/lines via band structure engineering in artificial structures and via inelastic scattering processes with controlled doping. Proposed research will expand our theoretical understanding and guide design of materials and engineered geometries that allow tunable energy profiles of Dirac carriers.

Keywords: impurity states,quantum corrals,stm,engineered electronic states,inelastic tunneling
In-situ experiments on the chemical composition of high altitude aerosols and clouds in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (EXCATRO)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Earth system science
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-03-01
End date: 2019-02-28
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2748500.0
EU funding (EUR): 2748500.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Clouds and aerosols are the most important component of the global climate system, but the least understood. The general goal of EXCATRO is to enhance the understanding of TROPICAL clouds/aerosols at high altitudes, and in particular to quantify the ORGANIC and ANTHROPOGENIC contributions. This is of fundamental importance for the global climate and ozone chemistry since (1) the highest solar energy input occurs in the tropics, (2) the fastest (convective) transport of trace substances and pollutants from the ground towards the stratosphere takes place here, and (3) the highest tropical clouds largely control how much water vapor and aerosols enter the global stratosphere. Most of the processes and effects of tropical high clouds/aerosols critically depend on the chemical composition of individual particles. As very few direct in-situ measurements are available, I propose with EXCATRO: (1) to devise state-of-the-art in-situ instrumentation for the study of cloud/aerosol particle chemical composition from the Russian high altitude aircraft M-55 "Geophysica", and (2) to perform research flights within the Indian Monsoon and other tropical regions. In-situ, online-remote-controlled aerosol particle mass spectrometers as well as specific particle collection devices will allow measurements inside tropical (cirrus) clouds and aerosols as high as 20 km so as to gain essential insight into the processes underlying their origin, the formation of the stratospheric aerosol and of precipitation. Major emphasis is placed on the ORGANIC content of the measured aerosol, its sources and anthropogenic fraction, in particular from ground releases in the Indian Monsoon region and Southeast Asia. The in-situ data will provide key input for the numerical simulation of clouds, and satellite product verification. EXCATRO will thus provide knowledge crucial to gaining a full picture of the role of clouds and aerosols in influencing the planet's atmospheric chemistry and climate.

Keywords: atmospheric chemistry,climate change,tropical clouds,tropical ut/ls,tropical transition layer,stratospheric aerosols
Creating Co-Adaptive Human-Computer Partnerships (CREATIV)

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: France
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-06-01
End date: 2019-05-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2458996.0
EU funding (EUR): 2458996.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

CREATIV explores how the concept of co-adaptation can revolutionize the design and use of interactive software. Co-adaptation is the parallel phenomenon in which users both adapt their behavior to the system’s constraints, learning its power and idiosyncrasies, and appropriate the system for their own needs, often using it in ways unintended by the system designer. A key insight in designing for co-adaptation is that we can encapsulate interactions and treat them as first class objects, called interaction instruments This lets us focus on the specific characteristics of how human users express their intentions, both learning from and controlling the system. By making instruments co-adaptive, we can radically change how people use interactive systems, providing incrementally learnable paths that offer users greater expressive power and mastery of their technology. The project offers theoretical, technical and empirical contributions. CREATIV will develop a novel architecture and generative principles for creating co-adaptive instruments. The multi-disciplinary design team includes computer scientists, social scientists and designers as well as ‘extreme users’, creative professionals who push the limits of their technology. Using participatory design techniques, we will articulate the design space for co-adaptive instruments and build a series of prototypes. Evaluation activities include qualitative and quantitative studies, in the lab and in the field, to test hypotheses and assess the success of the prototypes. The initial goal of the CREATIV project is to fundamentally improve the learning and expressive capabilities of advanced users of creative software, offering significantly enhanced methods for expressing and exploring their ideas. The ultimate goal is to radically transform interactive systems for everyone by creating a powerful and flexible partnership between human users and interactive technology.

Keywords: co-adaptive systems,instrumental interaction,participatory design.
Near-Field Spectroscopic Imaging of the Assembly and Working of Nanosheets of Catalytic Porous Materials (NANOINSPECTION)

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: Netherlands
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-04-01
End date: 2018-03-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The pressing need for a more sustainable society has sparked intensive research efforts in search for novel materials with controlled structure, porosity and functionalities. Such porous materials may combine high catalytic activity and selectivity with a long-term stability in the conversion of renewable (e.g. biomass) and non-renewable feedstock when producing future transportation fuels and chemicals. Rational design and optimization of the catalytic properties of these materials is one of the keys for the transition from a fossil fuels based society to a sustainable society. Useful porous catalytic solids are still largely discovered through a combination of trial-and-error, serendipity and high-throughput testing, mainly because not much is known about the molecular details of their formation and working. Such knowledge is needed to tailor these porous solids towards optimal functioning. My goal is to obtain fundamental insights in the formation and catalytic functioning of crystalline porous materials. Nano-sized sheets of porous materials will be constructed as model systems amenable to nano-spectroscopic research. We will explore Tip Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Scanning Near-Field X-ray Microscopy as novel analytical tools in combination with a specially designed high-pressure/high-temperature in-situ Atomic Force Microscopy cell. In this way, Raman and X-ray spectra can be obtained at the nanoscale of e.g. a growing metal organic framework nanosheet. The novel tools and models will be used to study the chemistry of synthesis, self-assembly and catalysis. We will address catalyst stability by investigating catalyst corrosion in the presence of various polar molecules (water, alcohols, organic acids). It is expected that the new insights will make it possible to determine proper synthesis and reaction conditions leading to the assembly of improved catalytic porous materials, optimized for selective conversion of carbohydrates and lignin-related compounds.

Keywords: in situ spectroscopy,zeolite chemistry,atomic force microscopy,vibrational spectroscopy and synchrotron-based techniques