Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Targeted Experiment to Reconcile Increased Freshwater with Increased Convection (TERIFIC)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Earth system science
Panel description: Physical geography, geology, geophysics, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, climatology, cryology, ecology, global environmental change, biogeochemical cycles, natural resources management
Countries involved: Germany,United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2018-STG, 2018)
Start date: 2018-11-01
End date: 2025-10-31
Duration (months): 84.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1999909.0
EU funding (EUR): 715149.11
Participants: 3
Project status: SIGNED

The ocean Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) is responsible for poleward heat transport, and deep storage of heat and carbon. Climate models generally predict that a slowdown of the MOC will occur this century, with dramatic regional and global climate changes, but how the slowdown will occur is subject to debate. It is widely recognised that convection -- the downward limb of the MOC -- is sensitive to freshwater fluxes, and recent investigations have suggested that the increased melt from the Greenland Ice Sheet has already reduced convection. Yet in 2015, convection returned, and was anomalously strong. Despite the expectation that the MOC is sensitive to freshwater forcing, we do not understand the processes by which freshwater inputs influence the MOC. The two key gaps in our understanding are: how freshwater reaches the regions of deep convection, and the relative importance of freshwater to convection and restratification. Numerical simulations give conflicting results on freshwater pathways, and convective parameterisations neglect small-scale restratifying processes. Traditional observational approaches cannot capture the spatial and temporal variability of these processes without inordinate cost. TERIFIC addresses these gaps in understanding through new observations, leveraging recent advances in small-scale electronics to deploy large numbers of mini-drifters on the shelves of Greenland, and employing subsurface and surface autonomous platforms to characterise the balance of processes controlling convection and restratification. The analysis of these observations will answer fundamental questions about how freshwater reaches and affects the regions of deep convection, and enable a critical ground truth of numerical simulations of these processes for climate models.

Keywords: deep convection,meridional overturning circulation,freshwater fluxes,greenland ice sheet,autonomous underwater vehicles,ocean surface drifters
Investigating the molecular mechanisms of translational reprogramming during cellular stress (mRNAstress)

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: Switzerland
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2018, 2018)
Start date: 2020-08-01
End date: 2022-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 191149.44
EU funding (EUR): 191149.44
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cells are frequently exposed to stress conditions, which can disrupt cellular homeostasis and result in cell death. To minimize the damage and adapt to the stress condition, eukaryotic cells employ a highly conserved signaling pathway, the integrated stress response, which integrates a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic stress signals to reprogram mRNA translation. Consequently, translation of most mRNAs is inhibited to conserve energy, while a select group of stress-related mRNAs is preferentially translated to promote recovery and restore homeostasis. This preferential translation of stress-related mRNAs depends on special sequence elements called upstream open reading frames (uORF), but the molecular mechanisms behind this process remain largely unclear. To investigate the translational reprogramming during cellular stress, I will exploit recent advances in single-molecule imaging of mRNA translation in living human cells. First, to understand how uORFs facilitate the preferential translation of stress-related transcripts in stressed cells, I will apply single-molecule imaging of mRNA translation to measure the translational dynamics at different start codons of uORF-containing reporter mRNAs. Next, I will test how the translational reprogramming is affected by the formation of stress-inducible ribonucleoprotein granules (stress granules). To this end, I will combine the single-molecule imaging of mRNA translation with imaging and optogenetic manipulation of stress granules. Last, to complement the single-molecule imaging approach, the same reporter mRNAs will be subjected to proximity-dependent labelling assays in order to identify novel factors that facilitate stress-induced translation. Together, this project will provide important insights into the regulation of mRNA translation during cellular stress. This will also expand our understanding of pathological conditions that involve misregulation of the integrated stress response.

Keywords: mrna translation,cellular stress,single molecule imaging,live cell imaging
Synapse formation and maturity through planar cell polarity pathway (SynPCP)

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: France
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2016, 2016)
Start date: 2018-03-01
End date: 2020-04-13
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173076.0
EU funding (EUR): 173076.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

SynPCP is a MSCA-IF-EF project in Neuroscience aimed at deciphering spatiotemporal mechanisms controlled by the planar cell polarity (PCP) protein Scribble (Scrib) in spine during specification and morpho-fonctional plasticity that depend on the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton and trans-synaptic adhesions. Growing evidences suggest that PCP signaling is fundamental for neuronal development mechanisms, including dendrite morphogenesis and synaptogenesis. PCP signaling defects have been linked to a number of human neuropathies such as autism. Because of its subcellular compartment localization and interaction with actin, we hypothesize that Scrib nanoscale organization within the spine could control cytoskeleton and/or adhesion dynamics. To address this, I plan to study the coupling or interplay between Scrib-dependent signaling and the assembly of actin cytoskeleton macromolecular complexes and its connection to cadherin-adhesion molecules using biochemistry, biophysics and 3D super-resolution optical microscopy techniques, in normal and pathological conditions. This project will provide novel conceptual insights into the nanoscale segregation of PCP proteins in spines and how individual PCP proteins control the actin cytoskeleton to build functional synapses. This project will offer a multilevel and interdisciplinary approach to understand the consequences of mutations of PCP signaling at the nanoscale, cellular and physiological levels, on the establishment, maturation and function of the basic functional unit of neuronal integration in the complex circuit of the hippocampus: the dendritic spine. SynPCP will be setup at the Bordeaux Neurocampus which is well known for its contribution to synapse development and brain function. This project offers a scientific and training program critical for my career but also for the general understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the normal and pathological brain.

Keywords: planar cell polarity,actin dynamics,spine morphology,synaptogenesis
Engineering epithelial shape and mechanics: from synthetic morphogenesis to biohybrid devices (EpiFold)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Products and processes engineering
Panel description: Product and process design, chemical, civil, environmental, mechanical, vehicle engineering, energy processes and relevant computational methods
Countries involved: Spain
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2019-ADG, 2019)
Start date: 2021-01-01
End date: 2025-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2499470.0
EU funding (EUR): 2499470.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

All surfaces of our body, both internal and external, are covered by thin cellular layers called epithelia. Epithelia are responsible for fundamental physiological functions such as morphogenesis, compartmentalization, filtration, transport, environmental sensing and protection against pathogens. These functions are determined by the three-dimensional (3D) shape and mechanics of epithelia. However, how mechanical processes such as deformation, growth, remodeling and flow combine to enable functional 3D structures is largely unknown. Here we propose technological and conceptual advances to unveil the engineering principles that govern epithelial shape and mechanics in 3D, and to apply these principles towards the design of a new generation of biohybrid devices. By combining micropatterning, microfluidics, optogenetics and mechanical engineering we will implement an experimental platform to (1) sculpt epithelia of controlled geometry, (2) map the stress and strain tensors and luminal pressure, and (3) control these variables from the subcellular to the tissue levels. We will use this technology to engineer the elementary building blocks of epithelial morphogenesis and to reverse-engineer the shape and mechanics of intestinal organoids. We will then apply these engineering principles to build biohybrid devices based on micropatterned 3D epithelia actuated through optogenetic and mechanical control. We expect this project to enable, for the first time, full experimental access to the 3D mechanics of epithelial tissues, and to unveil the mechanical principles by which these tissues adopt and sustain their shape. Finally, our project will set the stage for a new generation of biohybrid optomechanical devices. By harnessing the capability of 3D epithelia to sense and respond to chemical and mechanical stimuli, to self-power and self-repair, and to secrete, filter, digest and transport molecules, these devices will hold unique potential to power functions in soft robots.

Keywords: epithelia,mechanobiology,mechanotransduction,cell mechanics,micropatterning,biomechanics,biohybrid devices
Impulsive Flows - beyond velocity and acceleration (ImpulsiveFlows)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Products and processes engineering
Panel description: Product and process design, chemical, civil, environmental, mechanical, vehicle engineering, energy processes and relevant computational methods
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2019-ADG, 2019)
Start date: 2020-12-01
End date: 2025-11-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2499567.5
EU funding (EUR): 2499567.5
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

My goal is to investigate impulsive flows that occur both in nature and technological applications, where fluid is accelerated due to sudden motion of an object or boundary, which leads to an additional instationary drag or lift forces. This project will shed new light on the understanding of the fundamental properties and flow physics of these impulsive flows. Theoretical concepts that are used today, do not go much beyond those laid down almost 100 years ago. With today’s level of technology and experimental tools I will be able to break new ground in the understanding of these flow phenomena that are very challenging both experimentally and numerically. First, a novel-concept flow facility will be built, based on a high performance robotic arm; this robot arm can move and rotate various objects in a water-filled tank along prescribed trajectories with known acceleration and rotation. The fluid motion is measured using tomographic particle image velocimetry (PIV), of which the measurement volume can move along with the objects using auxiliary robot arms. New PIV approaches will be developed that measure fluid acceleration varied within the short times of these impulsive motions. Then a systematic investigation is performed on various impulsive flows where the rate of acceleration and rotation rate can be varied, in order to find new and improved relationships between the measured hydrodynamic force histories and relevant flow quantities, such as velocity, acceleration, and rotation rate, and the time scales at which these phenomena occur. These will represent real-life impulsive flows. Experimental approaches and results will be used to validate numerical methods. The results of this investigation will fill gaps in our knowledge of impulsive flows, and give more accurate estimates of hydrodynamic forces. This will improve the prediction of structural loads and reduce failure and discomfort, with impact on aeronautics, wind energy, maritime and offshore technology.

Keywords: experimental fluid mechanics,unsteady hydrodynamic forces,fluid structure interaction
ACTINIDE BOND properties in gas, liquid and solid state (THE ACTINIDE BOND)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Synthetic Chemistry and Materials
Panel description: New materials and new synthetic approaches, structure-properties relations, solid state chemistry, molecular architecture, organic chemistry
Countries involved: Germany
Call: ERC CONSOLIDATOR GRANTS (ERC-2020-COG, 2020)
Start date: 2021-02-01
End date: 2026-01-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1999915.0
EU funding (EUR): 1999915.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Understanding the electronic structure and chemical bonding properties of the early actinide (An) elements (Th-Cm) poses a great challenge and frontier in fundamental chemistry and physics. I aim to clarify the link between covalency and strength of the chemical bond of the early An elements from Th to Cm in gas, liquid and solid state materials - combining innovative high challenge experimental setups, advanced synchrotron based spectroscopy methods and state-of-the-art quantum chemical computations. In-situ structural studies of radioactive/radiotoxic gaseous and liquid An materials, combining soft and hard X-ray scattering and absorption methods (RIXS/HR-XANES) to probe An metal centres and their ligands, have not yet been performed at any synchrotron light source in the world. The RIXS and HR-XANES methods probe the occupied and unoccupied parts of the valence band with extraordinary energy resolution and, when combined for the metal and the ligand, unique information on the chemical bond can be obtained. I will gain a deep understanding of the An bond formation mechanisms and will develop spectroscopy methodologies with high potential for a breakthrough in efforts, e.g., to select ligands and An materials with specific characteristics. Ligands and materials with tailored properties are needed for separation of An elements from chemically similar lanthanides or for developing advanced pharmaceutical compounds for targeted cancer treatment. A deep insight into the An electronic structures is also essential for developing innovative spent nuclear fuel matrices and to understand actinide environmental behaviour e.g. in contaminated sites. The new spectroscopy approaches are also expected to boost the advances of quantum chemical theoretical methods. Those are most challenged by the An atoms due to their large number of valence electrons and prevailing influence of relativistic effects in their electronic structure behaviour.

Keywords: actinides,x ray absorption,emission spectroscopy,covalency of the chemical bond
ASESSMENT AND INITIAL STEPS FOR THE EXPLOITATION OF A SIMULATION SOFTWARE FOR THE STUDY AND MITIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF FLOODS ON CONSTRUCTIONS AND LANDSCAPE (FLOODSAFE)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: ERC actions
Countries involved: Spain
Call: ERC Proof of Concept Grant (ERC-2014-PoC, 2014)
Start date: 2015-07-01
End date: 2016-06-30
Duration (months): 12.0
Total project cost (EUR): 149856.0
EU funding (EUR): 149856.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In the FLOODSAFE PoC we will explore the industrial applicability and potential for commercialization of the computational technology developed in the SAFECON Advanced Grant project for the study and mitigation of the effect of floods on constructions and landscape. The SAFECON technology will help engineers to the enhanced design, building and maintenance of new protective constructions under extreme floods, as well as for the surveillance, risk management and monitoring of existing constructions and landscape in flooding situations. The FLOODSAFE PoC will greatly help move the SAFECON software technology towards the initial steps of an innovation process leading to a new software for study of particulate mudflows and their interaction with constructions and landscape with the ultimate aim of ensuring the safety of existing and new civil infrastructures and the environment during floods. In FLOODSAFE we will test the SAFECON software for solving practical cases of the effect of floods on constructions and landscape, define end user requirements, identify market needs, select potential users and define the roadmap for transfer and commercial exploitation of the software.

Keywords: computational mechanics,safety of constructions,water hazards,fluid soil structure interactions
Simulation tool development for a composite manufacturing process default prediction integrated into a quality control system (SimCoDeQ)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Smart, green and integrated transport
Theme: Public-private partnerships
Destination: Clean Sky 2
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Partnership: CS2 (Art-187)
Countries involved: Germany,United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Call: Simulation tool development for a composite manufacturing process default prediction integrated into a quality control system (H2020-CS2-CFP01-2014-01, 2014)
Start date: 2016-01-01
End date: 2019-04-30
Duration (months): 40.0
Total project cost (EUR): 694088.75
EU funding (EUR): 694088.5
Participants: 3
Project status: CLOSED

Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) involves moderate pressure resin injection of a dry preform placed in sealed rigid tooling. Fast and effective processing requires correct placement of the reinforcement to avoid defects and potential race tracking, appropriate selection of inlet and outlet locations, and careful control of flow speeds to minimise porosity and dry regions; furthermore, suitable cure conditions are needed to avoid under-cure, or exothermic effects that generate excessive residual stresses and final part distortions. Today, finite element simulation is regularly used to design injection processes and cure. However, purely predictive simulation suffers from issues related to uncertainty and variability in material state and numerous process variables. Online monitoring of resin flow in tests and stochastic simulations to understand effects of material and model variability on flow processes could be two methods to enhance fidelity of numerical simulation models. The proposed project integrates three approaches to provide a unified integrated simulation tool combining predictive modelling, variability propagation and process monitoring. Input utilises material data and models to be developed with physical resin sensor results, from which process outcomes, conditional on material and process variables, are determined. The proposed work develops this concept for the three stages of RTM processing; namely, preforming, injection and cure. The overall concept will be implemented on a pilot RTM line and then transferred to the Topic Manager’s manufacturing site, where it will be used for trials. The project combines two universities with specialist knowledge in fabric mechanical and permeability modelling, resin test and modelling and numerical simulation of RTM processes and final part distortion. One industrial partner collaborates on industrial RTM and flow monitoring.

Keywords: composites,simulation,quality control,imperfections,liquid resin infusion
Decision supporting tools for implementation of cost-efficient railway noise abatement measures (DESTINATE)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Smart, green and integrated transport
Theme: Public-private partnerships
Destination: European rail initiative
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Partnership: Shift2Rail (Art-187)
Countries involved: Germany,Spain,Germany,Switzerland,Poland,Netherlands,Netherlands,United Kingdom
Call: Noise reduction methodologies (H2020-S2RJU-OC-2015-01-2, 2015)
Start date: 2016-11-01
End date: 2018-10-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1271812.5
EU funding (EUR): 999312.5
Participants: 9
Project status: CLOSED

DESTINATE aims to develop tools and methodologies for railway noise simulation and cost-benefit analysis of mitigation actions of interior and exterior noise. For accurate noise prediction it is essential to characterize the structure-borne and airborne sound sources accurately in order to create valid input for sound prediction simulation models. The calculated interior and exterior noise can be auralised and visualised in a studio to evaluate the sound quality and sound comfort of potential mitigation measures in the vehicle design process. Auralisation and visualisation of noise can be used to assess the annoyance reduction of a given measure. Thus human perception is adequately taken into account. For decision-making the cost of different design options is a very important parameter. DESTINATE aims to further develop cost effectiveness prediction and thus create the foundation for powerful tools to support decision-making on noise & vibration mitigation measures.