Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Probing topological valley currents by angular layer alignment in van der Waals heterostructures (TWISTRONICS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Condensed matter physics
Panel description: Structure, electronic properties, fluids, nanosciences, biological physics
Countries involved: France
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2019-STG, 2019)
Start date: 2020-01-01
End date: 2025-12-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1499543.0
EU funding (EUR): 1499543.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

The relative angular alignment between the stacked 2D layers of a van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure can dramatically alter its fundamental properties. A striking example is the recent observation of strongly correlated states and intrinsic superconductivity in twisted bilayer graphene. Another remarkable effect of angular layer alignment predicted for certain vdW heterostructures is the emergence of phases of matter with non-trivial topological properties, where charge carriers flow without dissipation, being protected against perturbations. In graphene aligned with boron nitride (BN), such a phase has been predicted, with topological protection linked not to the spin, as commonly observed, but rather to the valley degree of freedom. However, due to the scarcity of experimental tools to demonstrate this topological protection, or tune the transition between topologically trivial and non-trivial phases, the few experimental observations available remain inconclusive. The objective of TWISTRONICS is to contribute, with fundamental concepts, to future advancements of valleytronics, where the control over the valley degree of freedom is used for technological developments including quantum technologies. To reach this goal I propose a novel approach using dynamically rotatable heterostructures, combined with Berry curvature and real-space supercurrents distribution measurements, to tune and investigate the topological phases driven by crystal alignment on graphene/BN structures. This powerful triad will allow a rigorous investigation of the valley electronic states and phase transitions of this system, answering two important questions: i) What are the characteristics, origin and topology of the valley currents previously measured in graphene/BN aligned structures; and ii) how the valley currents and electron topology can be controlled by crystal axes alignment. This will trace a practical route to investigate and design topological phases in other vdW structures.

Keywords: graphene,topological currents,angle control in van der waals heterostructures
Stringy geometry: quantum corrections and the fate of string compactifications from spacetime and the worldsheet (StringyGeometry)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Global Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Physics
Countries involved: France,United States
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2018, 2018)
Start date: 2020-09-01
End date: 2024-08-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 257619.84
EU funding (EUR): 257619.84
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

This project uses newly developed geometric structures to understand quantum corrections in string theory from both a worldsheet and spacetime perspective. The major goal is to prove that supergravity solutions with flux can be quantum corrected to give consistent string compactifications. I will also investigate whether these new geometric structures can shed light on strongly coupled heterotic worldsheet models. I will do this by combining my experience with the mathematics that underlies flux compactifications with insights from supergravity and worldsheet methods. This will greatly expand my knowledge in both physics and mathematics and bring me into close working relationships with researchers at the University of Chicago and Sorbonne Universite. The key difference between my approach and existing work is the use of newly developed techniques in differential geometry that provide a unified framework for analysing flux compactifications - in particular, generalisations of G-structures within generalised geometry. The proposed research tackles a fundamental problem: we do not know whether the many supergravity solutions used in phenomenology or AdS/CFT define honest string theory solutions. One output of this project will be a natural language for stringy corrections - this has applications in formal aspects of string theory and phenomenology, including moduli stabilisation, finding new non-Kahler heterotic solutions and the existence of de Sitter vacua. Progress on any one of these would be an valuable contribution to the most important problems in the field, ensuring the ongoing international competitiveness of theoretical physics in the EU. The proposed research is interdisciplinary due to considerable overlap with differential geometry and conformal field theory. The proposal includes plans for transfer of knowledge between the applicant and the host institutions, acquisition of new knowledge areas, professional development and outreach.

Keywords: string theory,flux compactifications,differential geometry,quantum corrections,generalized geometry,supergravity,heterotic worldsheet
Disrupting the rail maintenance sector thanks to the most cost-efficient solution to auscultate railways overhead lines reducing costs up to 80% (tCat)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Smart, green and integrated transport
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Spain
Call: Small business innovation research for Transport and Smart Cities Mobility (H2020-SMEINST-2-2016-2017, 2017)
Start date: 2017-07-01
End date: 2019-12-31
Duration (months): 30.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1948500.0
EU funding (EUR): 1363950.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

On average, the rail sector spends 39,600 EUR per kilometre of track on rail infrastructure maintenance, which accounts for 38% of total operating expenses. For the rail sector it is crucial to reduce OPEX costs to increase its competitiveness. tCat workstation is an innovative rail trolley that will contribute to drastically reduce maintenance costs related to overhead line equipment. tCat integrates, among other sensors, two laser distance meters (Competitors only use one laser) having lower and higher accuracy and being moved, in correlation, at respectively higher and lower speed. Thanks to its on-board technology tCat is able to automatically and accurately detect any overhead line elements and measure track geometric parameters. In addition, tCat allows on-site data processing including BIM predictive maintenance services offered through SaaS model and therefore immediate maintenance actions can be taken during walking inspections, which will reduce infrastructure downtime. As result, thanks to tCat the overhead line maintenance processes will be performed between 5 and 6 times faster reducing costs up to 80%. This makes tCat a disruptive and unique solution in terms of cost savings and preventive maintenance operations. In this project, the current prototype will be evolved and adapted to main markets and infrastructure characteristics. Evolved tCat models will be tested and demonstrated by some of the largest rail infrastructure operators in the EU and USA (Network Rail and ADIF). Our estimation is that 5 years after the launch of the product (estimated by Q4 of 2019) we will have captured about 12-14% of the EU market and 10% of USA market, becoming one of the main solutions used to perform installation, electrification and maintenance works in railways. Most important investment evaluation data are: By 2023, the company will have created more than 25 jobs and get profitability indicators as IRR 77%, NPV 2,8M€, payback time 3 years.

Keywords: rail,catenary,overhead line,predictive maintenance,automatic measurement
Democratic Secrecy: A Philosophical Study of the Role of Secrecy in Democratic Politics (DEMSEC)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems
Panel description: Political science, international relations, law
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2014-STG, 2014)
Start date: 2015-08-01
End date: 2021-05-31
Duration (months): 70.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1075109.0
EU funding (EUR): 1075109.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Transparency in politics is the mantra of democratic governance. Should state secrecy, such as classified intelligence programs or closed-door political bargaining be abolished? Despite its revered status, many feel that complete transparency would undermine effective functioning of governments. Take the public responses to the Wikileaks disclosures: many of the disclosures were assessed favorably, but few people defended the idea of total transparency that inspired them. If both complete secrecy and complete transparency are to be rejected, what ratio of secrecy and transparency in politics should we seek? Democratic theory leaves this question unanswered: no systematic assessment of the role of secrecy in a democracy is available. This project solves this problem. By employing the tools of analytic political philosophy, social choice and game theory, we develop a theory of democratic secrecy centred around three theses: 1. Secrecy in exercising executive and legislative power can be democratically authorized; 2. Secrecy protects the integrity of democratic decision-making processes; 3. Balancing secrecy and transparency is an exercise in balancing the values underlying democratic authority and democratic decision-making mechanisms. The results of this philosophical study set a new course in democratic theory by demonstrating that democratic governance requires less openness than traditionally assumed. To complement the theory, criteria for political accountability for wielding political secrets and criteria for assessing responsibility for their unauthorized disclosure are designed. Our results have practical relevance: understanding when and why secrecy is morally acceptable may change the policy approach to transparency provisions, and provide a better fit between the “public right to know” and the needs of governments. Scholars from Poland and the Netherlands assess the use of governmental secrecy in these two, respectively old and new, EU member states.

Keywords: political philosophy,secrecy,transparency,democracy,legitimacy,collective decision making,executive power,legislative power,unauthorized disclosures,leaks,the media
SANCUS: analysis software scheme of uniform statistical sampling, audit and defence processes (SANCUS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Information and Communication Technologies
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Cyprus,Greece,Greece,Greece,Belgium,Bulgaria,France,France,Netherlands,United Kingdom,Luxembourg
Call: Building blocks for resilience in evolving ICT systems (H2020-SU-ICT-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2020-09-01
End date: 2023-11-30
Duration (months): 39.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4999731.25
EU funding (EUR): 4999731.0
Participants: 16
Project status: SIGNED

The project involves 15 Partners from 8 European countries, and aims to design and develop an analySis software scheme of uNiform statistiCal sampling, aUdit and defence proceSses (SANCUS – an Roman god of trust). The main idea draws on formalising the logic of expressing (for the first time) the notions of cyber security and digital privacy by means of final formulas and fuse them into optimisation strategies to acquire the truly optimum defence recommendation in dynamic manner, i.e., with respect to the runtime changes of the telecommunications network environment. In this respect, SANCUS will dimension new inclusive Key Performance Indicator metric, namely, the security-vs-privacy-vs-reliability efficiency trade-off, for measuring the system network cybersecurity and privacy performance explicitly, flexibly, automatically and agnostically. To realise the heterogeneity of the security and privacy levels across the system network and its supply chain, the proposed scheme sits on six efficient engines, namely, FiV, CiV, SiD, AcE, MiU and GiO, which combine unique modelling of the Internet of Things units, cuttingedge methods for automated firmware and software validation and verification, and innovative Artificial Intelligence driven game techniques for the automated optimisation of the control and trust of digital services. Extended evaluations of the project outcomes are also considered by means of developing contemporary network testbed prototype built on latest 5G and cloud-native system setting and running three pilot use cases for examining the scheme performance across Firmware, Virtualisation and Management software layers. The SANCUS scheme will be delivered as integrated software suite and it is expected to revolutionise the European research and development efforts, in and out, the cybersecurity regime. All outcomes are planned to be audited and disseminated extensively.

Keywords: automated firmware risk assessment,automated open source software security assessment,efficient 5g,iot network protection,holistic cybersecurity kpi measure,dynamic cybersecurity optimisatio
The control stack for the quantum revolution (Qblox)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Innovation in SMEs
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call: SME instrument (H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020-3, 2020)
Start date: 2021-03-01
End date: 2023-11-30
Duration (months): 33.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3545625.0
EU funding (EUR): 2481937.5
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Qblox is a spin-out from Delft-based QuTech, one of Europe’s leading quantum technology hubs. We are the world’s first provider of integrated quantum control stacks. Our prototypes can control up to 20 qubits from a single compact, cost-effective and ultra-low latency device. Our technology is currently being integrated and tested by world leaders in quantum technology like Intel, QuTech, the Peng Cheng Laboratory in Shenzhen and the University of Technology Sydney. Our goal is to develop the Supercluster—a modular 1,600 qubit quantum control stack with error correction capabilities. This will allow our customers in the quantum hardware sector to focus on core product development and accelerate their path towards quantum advantage. This ambitious project relies on Qblox’s core innovations: (1) our proprietary SYNQ protocol that synchronises system control with nanosecond precision, (2) our proprietary LINQ protocol that distributes information across the system in less than 200 ns, (3) ultra-low noise pulse generators (4x lower than the best alternative), and (4) a unique error decoding hardware module. In the next two years, we will deliver 5 to 20-qubit control stacks to companies and research centres developing quantum computers. We have achieved early market traction and gained interest from tech giants— Amazon, Alibaba, Intel—quantum start-ups—IQM, Oxford Quantum Circuits, Qilimanjaro—and research institutions—QuTech, University of Tokyo, TNO. From 2023, we will offer our fully modular solution with error-correction capabilities. These control stacks will be at the heart of the quantum computers that will propel quantum computing into one of the most revolutionary technologies of the 21st century.

Keywords: quantum computing,quantum advantage,applied physics,signal processing,key enabling technologies
Chip-Scale Self-Referenced Optical Frequency Comb Sources (REFOCUS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — 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: Denmark
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2019-STG, 2019)
Start date: 2020-01-01
End date: 2024-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1487597.0
EU funding (EUR): 1487597.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

As a Nobel-honored technology, optical frequency combs, which consist of equidistant spectral lines, have revolutionized applications in time-keeping, and metrology as they offer unprecedented precision in frequency via self-referencing. However, conventional frequency comb systems have been confined to laboratories due to the cost, size, and power requirements of their components. This project aims to develop a chip-scale optical frequency comb source that can be self-referenced. Key components to realize self-referencing are comb generators and frequency doublers. However, it is challenging to integrate both functionalities on the same chip as they typically rely on different nonlinear processes and thus different material platforms. Another major challenge in the system miniaturization is how to achieve ultra-efficient comb generation and frequency doubling to enable on-chip comb pumping and self-referencing beat note detection, respectively. In this project, we will circumvent the multi-material issue by developing both comb generator and frequency doubler based on the same nonlinear material: aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs). This material exhibits both strong cubic and quadratic nonlinearities which can be utilized for comb generation and frequency doubling, respectively. Ultra-efficient comb generation will be realized by developing ultra-high-quality-factor microresonators and employing new comb generation methods combining cubic and quadratic nonlinearities while highly-efficient frequency doubling will be achieved by adaptively-controlling the phase-matching condition. We will also develop heterogeneous integration technologies to bridge the nonlinear devices with on-chip laser sources and detectors by using intermediate silicon nitride circuits. Successful miniaturization of a self-referenced frequency comb source will enable applications like LIDAR, coherent communications, chemical sensing, medical imaging, and precision metrology.

Keywords: integrated optics,nonlinear optics,optical frequency comb,nanofabrication
Translating Hybrid Imaging for Interventions: Intra-operative Guidance and Evaluation using 2D and 3D Interventional X-ray Scintigraphy Imaging (IXSI3D)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases
Panel description: Medical technologies and tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases, therapeutic approaches and interventions, pharmacology, preventative medicine, epidemiology and public health, digital medicine
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call: ERC Consolidator Grant (ERC-2014-CoG, 2014)
Start date: 2015-12-01
End date: 2021-11-30
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1999000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1999000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

I propose to research, build and evaluate Interventional X-ray and Scintigraphy Imaging (IXSI). This will provide for the first time real-time, multimodality imaging during medical interventions by combining live x-ray and live nuclear imaging simultaneously from an identical viewpoint. The hybrid x-ray/nuclear imaging device will enable surgeons and interventional radiologists to exploit the power of molecular imaging in the operating theatre and intervention room through i) live guidance using 2D imaging and ii) 3D quantitative evaluation (IXSI3D). Systems, like the successful PET/CT and SPECT/CT, have revolutionized diagnostic medical imaging; however they acquire x-ray (anatomical information) and nuclear images (molecular information) in sequence. Our new technology brings live, hybrid imaging to operations and interventions. This will have a broad and powerful impact, particularly in oncological applications, including internal radiotherapy, tumor resection and biopsies. For combined X-ray/nuclear imaging, an x-ray tube, an x-ray detector and a gamma camera with collimator are required. Our concept relies on placing these three elements in one line, thus enabling imaging of the same field-of-view. However, straight-forward combination of these elements would block the line of views. Inspired by how eyes see around the nose, I invented a gamma camera geometry that sees around the x-ray tube. I have created a prototype, and using a provisional set-up based on this novel concept (patent pending), I have demonstrated IXSI’s basic principles. This proposal describes the quantum leap in medical imaging: clinical realization of IXSI for guidance, and the development of IXSI3D that enables intra-operative quantitative evaluation. I will develop algorithms and hardware, build a mobile system and prove it’s potential in a clinical research protocol. This will be the start of a new era in image-guided intervention.

Keywords: nuclear medicine physics x ray imaging physics interventional imaging physics
3D glyco-engineered models to address the role of glycosylation in gastric cancer clinical management (GlycoModels)

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: Portugal
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2016, 2016)
Start date: 2017-05-01
End date: 2019-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 148635.6
EU funding (EUR): 148635.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Gastric cancer is an important health problem, being the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death. Its late diagnosis accompanied with a bad prognosis keeps this malignancy among the most deadly. After generations of cancer therapy based on chemical drugs causing severe side effects and limited efficiency, cancer treatment undergoes a paradigm shift towards targeted therapy, employing both monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinase activity, as the most promising tool for the years to come. However, there are numerous patients that do not respond to these novel treatments due to mutations in downstream signalling pathways or to undefined molecular mechanisms. Protein glycosylation has been shown to modulate cellular receptor functions and alter antibody binding affinities and therefore foreshadows to play a major role in cancer therapy resistance. The GlycoModels project aims to identify glycan alterations on cell receptors that lead to targeted therapy resistance of gastric tumours. Using cutting-edge gene editing techniques, gastric cancer cell lines will be glyco-engineered to express hallmark glycan epitopes and applied in 3D-culture systems as advanced models mimicking the tumour microenvironment. These 3D-GlycoModels will display differential response to treatment with the most promising targeted therapy agents for key cell receptors (HER2, VEGFR, MET and RON) involved in growth, progression, and spread of cancer. In-depth analysis of the GlycoModels, covering glycan characterisation of the cell receptors, disclosing activated signalling pathways, and transcriptomics will unveil our understanding on driving mechanisms in therapy resistance and the glycosylation patterns involved. The structural validation of these glycoforms in human samples will deliver new biomarkers to be used in personalised therapy selection and thus, improve the outcome of advanced gastric cancer patients.

Keywords: glycosylation,genetic engineering,3d cell model,tyrosine kinase receptor and signalling