Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Microwave Quantum Photonics for Quantum Technology and Fundamental Physics (QPHOTON)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Condensed Matter Physics
Panel description: Structure, electronic properties, fluids, nanosciences, biological physics
Countries involved: Sweden
Call: ERC CONSOLIDATOR GRANTS (ERC-2022-COG, 2022)
Start date: 2023-07-01
End date: 2028-06-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2533247.5
EU funding (EUR): 2533247.5
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

With the proposed research programme we plan to pioneer a platform that provides experimental access to the statistics of the microwave photons, thus opening up single-photon experiments in solid-state quantum devices. Microwave photons play a major role throughout all solid-state quantum technology architectures, including superconducting qubits as well as charge and spin qubits in semiconductors, where they are used for control, coupling and readout. However, the particle nature of the photons and in particular their statistical properties remain unexplored. The main roadblock here is the lack of suitable microwave photodetectors for performing continuous photon counting at high quantum conversion efficiency. We will create sensors probing the timing between two photons with time resolution better than the time–uncertainty Heisenberg limit of the individual photons. Thereby we will create novel measurement tools applicable throughout the quantum technology field. In particular, the photon counting developed in this research programme will open up the avenue to implement quantum computing based on so-called boson sampling with superconducting circuits, combining two key requirements for practical quantum computing: the programmability of the superconducting circuits and the stronger quantum advantage of quantum processors based on boson sampling. Beyond enabling these new measurement capabilities, on the fundamental side we generate unique experimental insights. The interplay between correlated bosonic and fermionic states — e.g., on how the bosonic particle statistics of the photons map onto the fermionic ones of the electrons — is likely to spur new experimental activities around many-body physics. Furthermore, the detection timing resolution beyond the Heisenberg limit will also shed light on the still unknown physics question on how measurements really work and act in the quantum physics domain.
SHADES of conservation: prediction of colour fading in artworks (SHADES)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Studies of Cultures and Arts
Panel description: Social anthropology, studies of cultur es, stud ies of arts
Countries involved: Italy
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2025-STG, 2025)
Start date: 2026-06-01
End date: 2031-05-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1300000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1300000.0
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

Colour in art is more than mere decoration; it is a vital element of human expression and cultural heritage. Polychrome artworks offer profound insights into historical practices, societal values, and technological advancements across different cultures. Yet, these colours are highly susceptible to deterioration, particularly when exposed to light. Photo-degradation is a complex process and remains unpredictable today, causing irreversible changes that result in fading and alteration of hues. This not only compromises the aesthetic and material integrity of the artefacts but also impedes our ability to fully comprehend the artist’s original vision and poses significant challenges for preserving these invaluable treasures. SHADES introduces an innovative method for detecting and predicting colour fading before it becomes visible to the naked eye. This approach utilises Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) to capture lifetime signal shifts, allowing us to address the inherent unpredictability of photo-degradation. By analysing mock-ups created with traditional recipes for common polychrome layers (binder, dye, and varnish) and subjecting them to controlled exposure to mono- and polychromatic light, we aim to: i) identify the unique 'fingerprint' of each material; ii) monitor signal shifts indicative of photo-degradation; and iii) develop a predictive model to detect colour changes before they are perceptible. By integrating various disciplines, SHADES is set to revolutionise the field of material degradation and conservation. The project will yield accurate predictive models and advanced techniques for preserving polychrome artworks, addressing colour fading before it becomes visible. Its impact extends beyond conservation and restoration, influencing museum exhibitions where light management is critical and advancing material science, ensuring the enduring vibrancy and historical integrity of these priceless artworks.

Keywords: polychrome artworks fluorescence lifetime colour fading heritage science conservation science organic dyes organic binders
Molecular Spins for Quantum Technology (MSpin)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Fundamental Constituents of Matter
Panel description: Particle, nuclear, plasma, atomic, molecular, gas, and optical physics
Countries involved: Germany
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2022-STG, 2022)
Start date: 2023-05-01
End date: 2028-04-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1893184.0
EU funding (EUR): 1893184.0
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

Defect spins in solids provide a promising platform to realize a range of quantum technologies. Recent advances demonstrated their basic functionalities as quantum network nodes. Yet, the realization of a real-scale quantum network requires solving outstanding challenges posed by the inhomogeneity of elementary systems and decoherence from environmental couplings. MSpin aims to tackle these challenges employing a bottom-up route. A single molecule sets a compact, nanoscopic stage to house an array of nuclear spins in atomically defined configurations. Accessing and controlling these spins will uncover the tremendous potential of molecules for quantum technology. Moreover, the toolbox of organic chemistry allows producing identical molecules at large scales and fine-tuning their intrinsic and extrinsic environments. With MSpin, I will push the frontiers of single-molecule spectroscopy, single-spin control, and cavity quantum electrodynamics to fully exploit the potential of molecules for quantum technology. The overarching goals are: i) Detect and control single nuclear spins in a molecule and demonstrate for the first time a molecular quantum register; ii) Achieve robust nuclear quantum memory hosted in a molecule through deterministic switching of hyperfine coupling, and by harnessing the decoherence-free subspace provided by nuclear spin pairs; iii) Realize an efficient molecule-photon interface through strong-coupling to a Fabry-Pérot microcavity and demonstrate the first molecule-photon entanglement. The success of MSpin will open an exciting new field on controlling and exploiting spin-photon, spin-spin interactions at the sub-molecular scale. The experimental mastery of these interactions developed through this proposal, will not only shine new lights on spins in molecular physics and chemistry, but also foster an intriguing range of applications in quantum communication, computation, and sensors with unprecedented, sub-molecular resolution.

Keywords: orangic dye molecules,cavity quantum electrodynamics,nuclear spins,photon spin interface
SUstainable Photo-ElectRochemical VALorization of flue gases (SUPERVAL)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Innovative Europe
Programme: The European Innovation Council (EIC)
Theme: EIC Pathfinder
Destination: Challenges
Action type: EIC actions
Countries involved: Spain,Italy,Germany,Netherlands,Denmark
Call: EIC Pathfinder Challenge: Carbon dioxide and Nitrogen management and valorisation (HORIZON-EIC-2022-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01, 2022)
Start date: 2023-11-01
End date: 2026-10-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3571708.75
EU funding (EUR): 3571708.75
Participants: 9
Project status: SIGNED

In the road to sustainability, the treatment of post-combustion emissions is still far from being techno-economically viable. On one end, the low concentration of CO2 in these streams, precludes the use of current carbon capture (CC) technologies. On the other end, even if CC were successfully implemented, there are not plausible final uses, maybe except geological long-term storage. Our ambitious proposal aims to investigate the viability of a technology able to tackle these challenges at once. Our SUPERVAL technology will develop scientific solutions from low-cost, non-critical raw materials and processes, with the added value of removing/valorizing the NOx contaminants from flue gas. We propose to design and realize an autonomous, solar-powered installation able to capture harmful emissions from flue gas, and valorize them as commodities for the chemical industry, using water as sacrificial source of electrons and protons. The CO2 will be transformed into an organic, energy-rich molecule (formate). The NOx will be also captured and transformed, in combination with N2, into ammonia using the hydrogen obtained in the CO2 co-electrolysis processes. This integrated effort will offer the comprehensive capture and valorization of carbon and nitrogen components in post-combustion emissions, thus limiting pollutants and resulting in added-value chemicals. The corresponding techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment studies will help to shape the components and performance of SUPERVAL as a useful technological advancement in the search for zero net emissions.

Keywords: road to zero emissions,post combustion capture,flue gas,ccu,ammonia,lca
Developing circular pathways for a EU low-carbon transition (CircEUlar)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Programme: Climate, Energy and Mobility
Theme: Climate
Destination: Climate sciences and responses for the transformation towards climate neutrality
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Austria,Italy,Germany,Norway,Switzerland,Netherlands,United Kingdom,Portugal
Call: Modelling the role of the circular economy for climate change mitigation (HORIZON-CL5-2021-D1-01, 2021)
Start date: 2022-09-01
End date: 2026-08-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4937622.25
EU funding (EUR): 4937621.5
Participants: 12
Project status: SIGNED

The CircEUlar project aims to understand the dynamics and levers for societal transformation towards a net-zero emission circular economy. CircEUlar will develop new modelling approaches for analysing circularity from a systems perspective accounting for: 1) dematerialisation and the transition to a service-based economy to limit material stock growth; 2) lifetime extension of material stocks through repair, maintenance, reuse; 3) waste treatment and material recycling. CircEUlar’s approach will be comprehensive, combining new data and modelling of economy-wide material stocks and flows, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and industrial value chains across interlinked sectors, with deep-dive analysis of mobility and buildings as material-intensive demand sectors. These two focus areas have large material stocks, potential for circular transformation, and strong dependence on both circular consumption and production practices. CircEUlar will also focus on digitalisation as a potential enabler of dematerialisation and supply chain circularity. CircEUlar integrates multiple fields of data, knowledge and expertise including: 1) empirical analysis of firm and consumer propensities towards circular economy measures; 2) industry input on process-level innovations and circular economy business models; 3) modelling analysis of economy-wide material stocks and flows, and policy levers of change towards societal transformation. CircEUlar will integrate new insights on circular economy potentials and impacts into EU and global modelling frameworks for: 1) analysing alternative pathways to net-zero GHG emissions; 2) testing effective policy levers for both circular production and consumption. 3) assessing outcomes for climate, environment, economy and society, in line with European Green Deal objectives.

Keywords: circular economy,integrated assessment models,industrial ecology models,service demand models,empirical analysis,consumption practices,business models,co design,stakeholder engagement
Integrating Novel matERials with scalable processes for safer and recyclAble Li-ioN baTteries (INERRANT)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Programme: Climate, Energy and Mobility
Theme: Energy
Destination: Cross-sectoral solutions for the climate transition
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Partnership: Batteries (co-programmed)
Countries involved: Greece,Czechia,Ireland,Germany,Austria,France,United States
Call: New Approaches to Develop Enhanced Safety Materials for Gen 3 Li-Ion Batteries for Mobility Applications (Batt4EU Partnership) (HORIZON-CL5-2023-D2-02, 2023)
Start date: 2024-05-01
End date: 2027-04-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4433848.75
EU funding (EUR): 4433848.75
Participants: 13
Project status: SIGNED

INERRANT aims to drive genuine advancements for safe-and-sustainable-by-design materials, and eco-friendly processes, to ensure the economical and widespread utilization of safer LIBs tailored for the expanding electromobility applications in our modern society. To realize this, INERRANT is formulating a holistic approach to enhance safety performance, extend cyclability and operational lifespan, and improve fast charging, all while maintaining cost-effectiveness, energy, and power density, and avoiding dependence on Critical Raw Materials. The pivotal S&T challenges encompass: development of functional materials, design sustainable recycling processes and understanding of pertinent interfacial phenomena and degradation mechanisms. The project addresses current challenges for LIBs components related to (i) novel (nano)materials combinations for anodes and cathodes; (ii) smart-functioning separators; (iii) stimuli responsive electrolyte formulations; (iv) novel sustainable recycling processes to improve the purity of recovered materials. Novel electrochemical characterization methods and operando spectroscopies, both at the materials and component level, will be utilized. This includes the establishment of a metrological framework for traceable calibrations and the integration of machine learning methodologies for swift and early LIB cell aging predictions. Adopting fabrication methods that are inherently scalable, built upon existing pilot lines and proven safety testing, will facilitate a swift progression to Gigafactory-relevant scales. INERRANT will present a compelling business case and clear exploitation strategy, rooted in the consortium’s strategic insight, guaranteeing effective technology commercialization. This approach will support the economical and eco-friendly production of LIB cells and systems, tailored for e-mobility applications. INERRANT comprises a consortium of 11 partners from the European Commission and one associated partner from the USA.

Keywords: novel graphite and laser grown graphene si siox anodes ni rich and lmfp cathodes separators shear thickening electrolytes fast charging pilot lines gigafactory scale libs for e mobility
Quantum-mechanical modeling of the dissociation of hydrogen bonds (QM Modeling H-Bond)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Postdoctoral Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Physics
Countries involved: Germany
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023 (HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01, 2023)
Start date: 2024-10-01
End date: 2026-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173847.36
EU funding (EUR): 173847.36
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Hydrogen bonds are everywhere in nature, and they are important in many fields of science. Well-known examples come from biology (helix structure, protein folding, enzyme docking), chemistry (solvation, structure and properties of water), and atmospheric science (nucleation and growth of aerosols). Today, the spectroscopic features of hydrogen bonds are relatively well understood, but much less is known about the associated ultrafast dynamics. The theoretical models that are used to understand and design present ultrafast experiments are often based on classical or semi-classical approximations to describe the movement of the nuclei. With the recent advances in both theory and ultrafast imaging techniques, we believe that the time is ripe for a full quantum mechanical picture of hydrogen-bond dissociation. A quantum mechanical picture of hydrogen bond dissociation will contribute to the basic understanding of chemical, biological, and atmospheric processes. In this project, I will perform a comprehensive quantum mechanical study of the hydrogen-bond dissociation dynamics of a small hydrogen-bound complex, pyrrole-H2O. The calculations will be performed in a reduced-dimensional framework, for which the central hypothesis is that certain vibrations dictate the dissociation process while other vibrations serve as spectators. The dissociation process will be initiated through an infrared excitation that provides just enough energy to dissociate the complex, but not enough energy to initiate other unwanted processes. We will establish how the reaction mechanisms for hydrogen-bond dissociation manifest themselves in the ongoing ultrafast dynamics experiments performed in the Controlled Molecule Imaging (CMI) group. The calculations will be tailored to design and simulate realistic experiments, and to facilitate the analysis of the experimental results.

Keywords: computational chemistry
Focused Targeting of Inhaled Magnetic Aerosols for Lung Cancer (AEROTARG)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: ERC actions
Countries involved: Israel
Call: ERC PROOF OF CONCEPT GRANTS2 (ERC-2022-POC2, 2022)
Start date: 2023-06-01
End date: 2024-11-30
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 150000.0
EU funding (EUR): 150000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The pulmonary tract is an attractive route for direct treatments of lung diseases. Yet, our ability to confine the deposition of inhalation aerosols to specific lung regions, and notably local airways, remains still widely beyond reach with common inhalation therapy. It has been hypothesized that by coupling magnetic particles to inhaled therapeutics the ability to locally target airway sites can be substantially improved. Yet, virtually all practical implementations to date have come short of delivering efficient localized airway targeting. Here, we demonstrate an engineered inhalation framework to leverage magnetically-loaded aerosols for airway targeting in the presence of a custom-designed external magnetic field. By coupling the delivery of a short pulsed bolus of sub-micron (~500 nm diameter) droplet aerosols, laden with super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION), with a custom ventilation machine that tracks the volume of air inhaled past the bolus, focused targeting can be maximized during a breath-hold manoeuvre. Our aerosol inhalation platform allows for the first time to deposit inhaled particles to specific airway sites while minimizing superfluous deposition across the respiratory track. This represents a dramatic effort to augment the targeting efficiency (i.e. deposition ratio between targeted and untargeted aerosols). Our first application of focus is aimed at lung cancer. We aim to achieve point targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics directly to lung tumours and lesions through inhalation, thus increasing effective doses and dramatically reducing side effects, in particular relative to detrimental systemic toxicity. AEROTARG embodies a significant paradigm shift in drug delivery modalities aimed for lung cancer therapy.
Morphomolecular diagnostics of head and neck cancer (LEAN)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: ERC actions
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: ERC PROOF OF CONCEPT GRANTS (ERC-2025-POC, 2025)
Start date: 2025-11-01
End date: 2027-04-30
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 150000.0
EU funding (EUR): 150000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Head and neck cancers (HNC) represent a significant global health burden and have poor survival rates when diagnosed at advanced stages. Early detection at precancerous or early cancer stages is the most effective strategy to reduce mortality, improve patient outcomes and save healthcare expenses. However, current endoscopic approaches are limited in their ability to provide accurate diagnosis, monitoring and timely intervention. Building upon patented ERC research, the LEAN project addresses this critical clinical gap by exploring the commercial application of a ground-breaking multi-modal endoscopic platform that integrates Raman spectroscopy with optical coherence tomography (OCT) within a single miniaturised (<2.2 mm) fibre-based probe. This innovative combination harnesses the unparalleled molecular specificity of Raman spectroscopy alongside the high-resolution morphological imaging capabilities of OCT, offering clinicians a powerful new tool for real-time, non-invasive detection, grading and staging of HNC. Here we will optimise and refine the fabrication process and develop a rigorous quality and manufacturing system (QMS) design file. These advancements will ensure safety and scalable assembly for prospective clinical trials. The project will also leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to synergistically fuse Raman and OCT datasets, enabling the creation of robust algorithms capable of delivering real-time probabilistic diagnosis of precancer and cancer. LEAN lays the groundwork for exploitation of our innovation by outlining a project that will enable translation of our device into humans to ultimately change the current clinical pathway for H&N patients. These activities pave for the for clinical trials and will provide an entry point in the broader market for label-free minimally invasive diagnostics.