Project acronym 2D–SYNETRA
Project Two-dimensional colloidal nanostructures - Synthesis and electrical transport
Researcher (PI) Christian Klinke
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAET HAMBURG
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE4, ERC-2012-StG_20111012
Summary We propose to develop truly two-dimensional continuous materials and two-dimensional monolayer films composed of individual nanocrystals by the comparatively fast, inexpensive, and scalable colloidal synthesis method. The materials’ properties will be studied in detail, especially regarding their (photo-) electrical transport. This will allow developing new types of device structures, such as Coulomb blockade and field enhancement based transistors.
Recently, we demonstrated the possibility to synthesize in a controlled manner truly two-dimensional colloidal nanostructures. We will investigate their formation mechanism, synthesize further materials as “nanosheets”, develop methodologies to tune their geometrical properties, and study their (photo-) electrical properties.
Furthermore, we will use the Langmuir-Blodgett method to deposit highly ordered monolayers of monodisperse nanoparticles. Such structures show interesting transport properties governed by Coulomb blockade effects known from individual nanoparticles. This leads to semiconductor-like behavior in metal nanoparticle films. The understanding of the electric transport in such “multi-tunnel devices” is still very limited. Thus, we will investigate this concept in detail and take it to its limits. Beside improvement of quality and exchange of material we will tune the nanoparticles’ size and shape in order to gain a deeper understanding of the electrical properties of supercrystallographic assemblies. Furthermore, we will develop device concepts for diode and transistor structures which take into account the novel properties of the low-dimensional assemblies.
Nanosheets and monolayers of nanoparticles truly follow the principle of building devices by the bottom-up approach and allow electric transport measurements in a 2D regime. Highly ordered nanomaterial systems possess easy and reliably to manipulate electronic properties what make them interesting for future (inexpensive) electronic devices.
Summary
We propose to develop truly two-dimensional continuous materials and two-dimensional monolayer films composed of individual nanocrystals by the comparatively fast, inexpensive, and scalable colloidal synthesis method. The materials’ properties will be studied in detail, especially regarding their (photo-) electrical transport. This will allow developing new types of device structures, such as Coulomb blockade and field enhancement based transistors.
Recently, we demonstrated the possibility to synthesize in a controlled manner truly two-dimensional colloidal nanostructures. We will investigate their formation mechanism, synthesize further materials as “nanosheets”, develop methodologies to tune their geometrical properties, and study their (photo-) electrical properties.
Furthermore, we will use the Langmuir-Blodgett method to deposit highly ordered monolayers of monodisperse nanoparticles. Such structures show interesting transport properties governed by Coulomb blockade effects known from individual nanoparticles. This leads to semiconductor-like behavior in metal nanoparticle films. The understanding of the electric transport in such “multi-tunnel devices” is still very limited. Thus, we will investigate this concept in detail and take it to its limits. Beside improvement of quality and exchange of material we will tune the nanoparticles’ size and shape in order to gain a deeper understanding of the electrical properties of supercrystallographic assemblies. Furthermore, we will develop device concepts for diode and transistor structures which take into account the novel properties of the low-dimensional assemblies.
Nanosheets and monolayers of nanoparticles truly follow the principle of building devices by the bottom-up approach and allow electric transport measurements in a 2D regime. Highly ordered nanomaterial systems possess easy and reliably to manipulate electronic properties what make them interesting for future (inexpensive) electronic devices.
Max ERC Funding
1 497 200 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-02-01, End date: 2019-01-31
Project acronym ANGLE
Project Accelerated design and discovery of novel molecular materials via global lattice energy minimisation
Researcher (PI) Graeme Matthew Day
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE4, ERC-2012-StG_20111012
Summary The goal of crystal engineering is the design of functional crystalline materials in which the arrangement of basic structural building blocks imparts desired properties. The engineering of organic molecular crystals has, to date, relied largely on empirical rules governing the intermolecular association of functional groups in the solid state. However, many materials properties depend intricately on the complete crystal structure, i.e. the unit cell, space group and atomic positions, which cannot be predicted solely using such rules. Therefore, the development of computational methods for crystal structure prediction (CSP) from first principles has been a goal of computational chemistry that could significantly accelerate the design of new materials. It is only recently that the necessary advances in the modelling of intermolecular interactions and developments in algorithms for identifying all relevant crystal structures have come together to provide predictive methods that are becoming reliable and affordable on a timescale that could usefully complement an experimental research programme. The principle aim of the proposed work is to establish the use of state-of-the-art crystal structure prediction methods as a means of guiding the discovery and design of novel molecular materials.
This research proposal both continues the development of the computational methods for CSP and, by developing a computational framework for screening of potential molecules, develops the application of these methods for materials design. The areas on which we will focus are organic molecular semiconductors with high charge carrier mobilities and, building on our recently published results in Nature [1], the development of porous organic molecular materials. The project will both deliver novel materials, as well as improvements in the reliability of computational methods that will find widespread applications in materials chemistry.
[1] Nature 2011, 474, 367-371.
Summary
The goal of crystal engineering is the design of functional crystalline materials in which the arrangement of basic structural building blocks imparts desired properties. The engineering of organic molecular crystals has, to date, relied largely on empirical rules governing the intermolecular association of functional groups in the solid state. However, many materials properties depend intricately on the complete crystal structure, i.e. the unit cell, space group and atomic positions, which cannot be predicted solely using such rules. Therefore, the development of computational methods for crystal structure prediction (CSP) from first principles has been a goal of computational chemistry that could significantly accelerate the design of new materials. It is only recently that the necessary advances in the modelling of intermolecular interactions and developments in algorithms for identifying all relevant crystal structures have come together to provide predictive methods that are becoming reliable and affordable on a timescale that could usefully complement an experimental research programme. The principle aim of the proposed work is to establish the use of state-of-the-art crystal structure prediction methods as a means of guiding the discovery and design of novel molecular materials.
This research proposal both continues the development of the computational methods for CSP and, by developing a computational framework for screening of potential molecules, develops the application of these methods for materials design. The areas on which we will focus are organic molecular semiconductors with high charge carrier mobilities and, building on our recently published results in Nature [1], the development of porous organic molecular materials. The project will both deliver novel materials, as well as improvements in the reliability of computational methods that will find widespread applications in materials chemistry.
[1] Nature 2011, 474, 367-371.
Max ERC Funding
1 499 906 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-10-01, End date: 2017-09-30
Project acronym APHIDHOST
Project Molecular determinants of aphid host range
Researcher (PI) Jorunn Indra Berit Bos
Host Institution (HI) THE JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS9, ERC-2012-StG_20111109
Summary Many aphid species are restricted to one or few host plants, while some aphids, many of which are of agricultural importance, can infest a wide range of plant species. An important observation is that aphids spend a considerable time on nonhost species, where they probe the leaf tissue and secrete saliva, but for unknown reasons are unable to ingest phloem sap. This suggest that aphids, like plant pathogens, interact with nonhost plants at the molecular level, but potentially are not successful in suppressing plant defenses and/or releasing nutrients. To date, however, the plant cellular changes and the involvement of immune response, such as ETI and PTI, in aphid-host and -nonhost interactions remain elusive. The aim of the proposed project is to gain insight into the level of cellular host reprogramming that takes place during aphid-host interactions, the cellular processes involved in aphid nonhost resistance, and the role of aphid effectors in determining host range. We will compare interactions of two economically important aphid species, Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) and Rhopalosiphum padi (bird cherry oat aphid), with host and nonhost plants. We will investigate local changes in plant cellular processes during aphid-host and -nonhost interactions using microscopy and biochemistry approaches. We will apply a comparative transcriptomics approach and functional assays to identify aphid effectors as potential determinants of host range. Herein we will specifically looks for aphids-species specific effectors and those that are expressed in specific host interactions. To gain insight into molecular mechanisms of effector activities we will identify host targets and investigate the contribution of effector-target interactions to host range. The expected outcomes of the project will, in the long term, contribute to the development of novel strategies to control infestations by aphids and potentially other pests and pathogens, thereby improving food security.
Summary
Many aphid species are restricted to one or few host plants, while some aphids, many of which are of agricultural importance, can infest a wide range of plant species. An important observation is that aphids spend a considerable time on nonhost species, where they probe the leaf tissue and secrete saliva, but for unknown reasons are unable to ingest phloem sap. This suggest that aphids, like plant pathogens, interact with nonhost plants at the molecular level, but potentially are not successful in suppressing plant defenses and/or releasing nutrients. To date, however, the plant cellular changes and the involvement of immune response, such as ETI and PTI, in aphid-host and -nonhost interactions remain elusive. The aim of the proposed project is to gain insight into the level of cellular host reprogramming that takes place during aphid-host interactions, the cellular processes involved in aphid nonhost resistance, and the role of aphid effectors in determining host range. We will compare interactions of two economically important aphid species, Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) and Rhopalosiphum padi (bird cherry oat aphid), with host and nonhost plants. We will investigate local changes in plant cellular processes during aphid-host and -nonhost interactions using microscopy and biochemistry approaches. We will apply a comparative transcriptomics approach and functional assays to identify aphid effectors as potential determinants of host range. Herein we will specifically looks for aphids-species specific effectors and those that are expressed in specific host interactions. To gain insight into molecular mechanisms of effector activities we will identify host targets and investigate the contribution of effector-target interactions to host range. The expected outcomes of the project will, in the long term, contribute to the development of novel strategies to control infestations by aphids and potentially other pests and pathogens, thereby improving food security.
Max ERC Funding
1 463 840 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-02-01, End date: 2018-10-31
Project acronym ASES
Project "Advancing computational chemistry with new accurate, robust and scalable electronic structure methods"
Researcher (PI) Hans-Joachim Werner
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAET STUTTGART
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE4, ERC-2012-ADG_20120216
Summary "The objective of this proposal is to tackle two of the greatest challenges in quantum chemistry: (i) extending the applicability of highly accurate wave function methods to large molecular systems, and (ii) developing accurate and robust multi-reference methods that can be used for studying important but very difficult problems in transition metal chemistry, catalysis, and photochemistry. Solutions to these problems have now come within reach due to three advances we recently reported: first, the steep scaling of the computational cost with molecular size can be reduced to linear by exploiting the short-range character of electron correlation (local correlation methods). Second, the accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of these local correlation methods can be strongly improved by new tensor decomposition approaches and the inclusion of terms depending explicitly on the inter-electronic distances (F12 methods). Third, the development of highly complex electronic structure theories can be greatly facilitated and accelerated by new automated tensor network evaluation techniques. We are certain that by combining and generalizing these advances the long-standing problems (i) and (ii) can be solved. We will focus especially on highly scalable algorithms in order to use massively parallel computer systems efficiently. For linear-scaling methods this means that the size of the molecules that can be treated in a fixed time will grow linearly with the number of available processors. We will furthermore explore new multi-reference ansätze and implement analytical energy gradients and response properties for local methods. Hybrid and embedding methods to account for solvent and environment effects will also be investigated. It is our priority to make our new methods as easy to use, robust, and widely applicable as possible. We believe that they will open entirely new horizons for innumerable applications in chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science."
Summary
"The objective of this proposal is to tackle two of the greatest challenges in quantum chemistry: (i) extending the applicability of highly accurate wave function methods to large molecular systems, and (ii) developing accurate and robust multi-reference methods that can be used for studying important but very difficult problems in transition metal chemistry, catalysis, and photochemistry. Solutions to these problems have now come within reach due to three advances we recently reported: first, the steep scaling of the computational cost with molecular size can be reduced to linear by exploiting the short-range character of electron correlation (local correlation methods). Second, the accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of these local correlation methods can be strongly improved by new tensor decomposition approaches and the inclusion of terms depending explicitly on the inter-electronic distances (F12 methods). Third, the development of highly complex electronic structure theories can be greatly facilitated and accelerated by new automated tensor network evaluation techniques. We are certain that by combining and generalizing these advances the long-standing problems (i) and (ii) can be solved. We will focus especially on highly scalable algorithms in order to use massively parallel computer systems efficiently. For linear-scaling methods this means that the size of the molecules that can be treated in a fixed time will grow linearly with the number of available processors. We will furthermore explore new multi-reference ansätze and implement analytical energy gradients and response properties for local methods. Hybrid and embedding methods to account for solvent and environment effects will also be investigated. It is our priority to make our new methods as easy to use, robust, and widely applicable as possible. We believe that they will open entirely new horizons for innumerable applications in chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science."
Max ERC Funding
2 454 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-02-01, End date: 2018-01-31
Project acronym CPFTMW
Project New Applications of Broadband Rotational Spectroscopy
Researcher (PI) Nicholas Walker
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE4, ERC-2012-StG_20111012
Summary "The recent invention of the chirped-pulse, Fourier transform microwave (CP-FTMW) spectrometer will allow application of rotational spectroscopy to a greatly expanded range of challenges over the next decade. The proposed work will apply the state-of-the-art CP-FTMW spectrometer at the University of Bristol to major themes in both fundamental and applied research. Palladium, platinum and nickel catalysts are of central importance in synthetic chemistry and the industrial production of chemicals. The microwave spectra of Mn...(C2H4), Mn...(C2H2), Mn-CCH and Mn-CH2 (M= Ni, Pd or Pt, n=1-3) will be measured to characterise structural and other changes induced in C2H4 and C2H2 by attachment to these metals. The results will inform understanding of the mechanisms of catalysis. The role and function of metal ions will be another major theme of the programme. Infrared-microwave (IR-MW) double resonance will be used to determine structures for (H2O)n...MCl and (H2O)n...MF (where M=Cu, Ag or Au and n=1-6) to gain insight into the interactions that govern solvation shell formation. Copper ions have biological significance and govern the conformations adopted by proteins that include amyloid B-peptide, the production of which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cytochrome C oxidase which is important for respiration. IR-MW double resonance will be used to probe the structure of complexes where the ionic copper atom of a copper chloride molecule coordinates to glycine, imidazole, alanine, histidine and cysteine, respectively. The proposed work will provide precise data for modelling of interactions in protein active sites. Finally, technical innovations will be implemented to support applications of the instrument in chemical analysis. A GC-CP-FTMW (GC=gas chromatography) instrument will be constructed to allow analysis of the composition of wine and fruit juice with the aim of establishing CP-FTMW spectroscopy as a useful tool for commercial applications."
Summary
"The recent invention of the chirped-pulse, Fourier transform microwave (CP-FTMW) spectrometer will allow application of rotational spectroscopy to a greatly expanded range of challenges over the next decade. The proposed work will apply the state-of-the-art CP-FTMW spectrometer at the University of Bristol to major themes in both fundamental and applied research. Palladium, platinum and nickel catalysts are of central importance in synthetic chemistry and the industrial production of chemicals. The microwave spectra of Mn...(C2H4), Mn...(C2H2), Mn-CCH and Mn-CH2 (M= Ni, Pd or Pt, n=1-3) will be measured to characterise structural and other changes induced in C2H4 and C2H2 by attachment to these metals. The results will inform understanding of the mechanisms of catalysis. The role and function of metal ions will be another major theme of the programme. Infrared-microwave (IR-MW) double resonance will be used to determine structures for (H2O)n...MCl and (H2O)n...MF (where M=Cu, Ag or Au and n=1-6) to gain insight into the interactions that govern solvation shell formation. Copper ions have biological significance and govern the conformations adopted by proteins that include amyloid B-peptide, the production of which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cytochrome C oxidase which is important for respiration. IR-MW double resonance will be used to probe the structure of complexes where the ionic copper atom of a copper chloride molecule coordinates to glycine, imidazole, alanine, histidine and cysteine, respectively. The proposed work will provide precise data for modelling of interactions in protein active sites. Finally, technical innovations will be implemented to support applications of the instrument in chemical analysis. A GC-CP-FTMW (GC=gas chromatography) instrument will be constructed to allow analysis of the composition of wine and fruit juice with the aim of establishing CP-FTMW spectroscopy as a useful tool for commercial applications."
Max ERC Funding
1 497 862 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-11-01, End date: 2017-10-31
Project acronym DMEA
Project The Dynamics of Migration and Economic Adjustment
Researcher (PI) Christian Dustmann
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), SH1, ERC-2012-ADG_20120411
Summary The research proposed here is concerned with the dynamics of immigrant impacts and the process of economic adaptation in receiving societies. The immigration process is inherently dynamic: many new immigrants return home within a short time; and those that remain undergo a long term series of investments and behavioural changes that gradually alter the way that they interact with the economy of the receiving country. Moreover, in the longer run the presence of immigrants affects the choices of firms over new technology investments, and the choices of native workers over schooling and occupations. Thus simple static frameworks provide an incomplete and even potentially misleading perspective for understanding modern immigration patterns. The point of departure for this proposed research is the recognition that we need to reformulate the analysis of immigrant impacts in a fully dynamic framework, acknowledging the inter-temporal choices of immigrants, firms, and native workers and the ways that these three groups of agents interact over a longer horizon. Our approach involves treating immigration as a dynamic shock, where the dynamics relates to the different agents involved: immigrants, who change their position in the native skill distribution over time as a result of their life-cycle decisions; firms, who react by adjusting their technologies, product mix, and their involvement with institutions and regulatory environment; and native workers, who adjust by changing their career plans. Our work will combine highly innovative theoretical perspectives with state-of-the-art empirical analyses exploiting unique policy experiments and exceptional data sources, merging longitudinal administrative population data with data from firm and individual surveys. This agenda will enable us to construct a comprehensive picture of the adjustment process in response to immigration and open new horizons for future research on the impact of immigration in a dynamic framework.
Summary
The research proposed here is concerned with the dynamics of immigrant impacts and the process of economic adaptation in receiving societies. The immigration process is inherently dynamic: many new immigrants return home within a short time; and those that remain undergo a long term series of investments and behavioural changes that gradually alter the way that they interact with the economy of the receiving country. Moreover, in the longer run the presence of immigrants affects the choices of firms over new technology investments, and the choices of native workers over schooling and occupations. Thus simple static frameworks provide an incomplete and even potentially misleading perspective for understanding modern immigration patterns. The point of departure for this proposed research is the recognition that we need to reformulate the analysis of immigrant impacts in a fully dynamic framework, acknowledging the inter-temporal choices of immigrants, firms, and native workers and the ways that these three groups of agents interact over a longer horizon. Our approach involves treating immigration as a dynamic shock, where the dynamics relates to the different agents involved: immigrants, who change their position in the native skill distribution over time as a result of their life-cycle decisions; firms, who react by adjusting their technologies, product mix, and their involvement with institutions and regulatory environment; and native workers, who adjust by changing their career plans. Our work will combine highly innovative theoretical perspectives with state-of-the-art empirical analyses exploiting unique policy experiments and exceptional data sources, merging longitudinal administrative population data with data from firm and individual surveys. This agenda will enable us to construct a comprehensive picture of the adjustment process in response to immigration and open new horizons for future research on the impact of immigration in a dynamic framework.
Max ERC Funding
1 129 428 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-06-01, End date: 2018-05-31
Project acronym EN-LUMINATE
Project Enhancing and Tuning Electroluminescence with Nanoantennas
Researcher (PI) Jana Zaumseil
Host Institution (HI) RUPRECHT-KARLS-UNIVERSITAET HEIDELBERG
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE4, ERC-2012-StG_20111012
Summary "Being able to enhance and tune the interaction of a light wave with a molecule or nanoparticle on a fundamental level opens up an exciting range of applications such as more efficient solar cells, more sensitive photon detectors and brighter emitters for lighting applications. Nanoplasmonics promises to offer this level of control. Taking the current knowledge on nanoantennas a step further we will integrate them in organic and carbon-nanotube light-emitting devices to improve and tune their emission in unprecedented ways. As our testing platform we will use light-emitting field-effect transistors (LEFETs). Their planar structure, where the light emission zone can be positioned at any point allows for easy and controlled incorporation of plasmonic structures without interfering with charge transport. LEFETs can be made from a wide range of semiconducting materials. We will apply nanoantennas in LEFETs to 1) Enhance electroluminescence of high mobility organic semiconductors 2) Tune excitation decay and transition selection rules in organic semiconductors and 3) Enhance photo- and electroluminescence of single-walled carbon nanotubes. All of these materials offer high carrier mobilities and therefore high currents but have very low fluorescence efficiencies that can be improved substantially by nanoantennas. We will study the influence of nanoantennas on the fundamental emission properties of these different types of emitters. At the same time we will improve their efficiency in light-emitting devices and thus enable new and innovative applications."
Summary
"Being able to enhance and tune the interaction of a light wave with a molecule or nanoparticle on a fundamental level opens up an exciting range of applications such as more efficient solar cells, more sensitive photon detectors and brighter emitters for lighting applications. Nanoplasmonics promises to offer this level of control. Taking the current knowledge on nanoantennas a step further we will integrate them in organic and carbon-nanotube light-emitting devices to improve and tune their emission in unprecedented ways. As our testing platform we will use light-emitting field-effect transistors (LEFETs). Their planar structure, where the light emission zone can be positioned at any point allows for easy and controlled incorporation of plasmonic structures without interfering with charge transport. LEFETs can be made from a wide range of semiconducting materials. We will apply nanoantennas in LEFETs to 1) Enhance electroluminescence of high mobility organic semiconductors 2) Tune excitation decay and transition selection rules in organic semiconductors and 3) Enhance photo- and electroluminescence of single-walled carbon nanotubes. All of these materials offer high carrier mobilities and therefore high currents but have very low fluorescence efficiencies that can be improved substantially by nanoantennas. We will study the influence of nanoantennas on the fundamental emission properties of these different types of emitters. At the same time we will improve their efficiency in light-emitting devices and thus enable new and innovative applications."
Max ERC Funding
1 496 684 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-12-01, End date: 2017-11-30
Project acronym EVOBREED
Project Evolutionary strategy for plant breeding
Researcher (PI) Jerzy Paszkowski
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), LS9, ERC-2012-ADG_20120314
Summary "Large proportions of eukaryotic genomes consist of transposable elements (TEs), predominantly of retrotransposons. They are generally considered as intra-chromosomal parasites. However, their periodical activity bursts influenced organization of host genomes and contributed to beneficial traits. Remarkably, number of transposon generated phenotypic innovations was subsequently selected by humans during plant domestication and breeding. Therefore, retrotransposons could be also considered as attractive endogenous source of genetic variation. Unfortunately so far there is no experimental/technological means to exploit this potential in a controlled fashion.
Recently my laboratory revealed surprisingly selective epigenetic, environmental and developmental mechanisms controlling retrotransposition in Arabidopsis. Here, I intend to build on this knowledge and establish well controlled retrotransposition system a crop plant to liberate its innate genetic diversity buried in silenced TEs.
To achieve this, I propose a stepwise strategy with the following three objectives:
1. Deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms and environmental cues controlling retrotransposition in Arabidopsis thaliana and use this model plant to develop universal methodology for detection of retrotransposition.
2. Transfer the knowledge and methodologies to non model plant. I propose to use Arabidopsis lyrata as close relative of A. thaliana, however with 50% enlarged genome due to expansion of retrotransposon populations.
3. Using methodologies and experimental conditions developed for A. thaliana and A. lyrata we will apply them to maize where we can also take advantage of genetic resources (mutants in epigenetic regulation) in conjunction with responses to selected abiotic stresses.
If the progress towards above listed objectives was swift, I will initiate collaboration with a corn breeding company to create EVOBREED generated population for evaluation of its phenotypic diversity."
Summary
"Large proportions of eukaryotic genomes consist of transposable elements (TEs), predominantly of retrotransposons. They are generally considered as intra-chromosomal parasites. However, their periodical activity bursts influenced organization of host genomes and contributed to beneficial traits. Remarkably, number of transposon generated phenotypic innovations was subsequently selected by humans during plant domestication and breeding. Therefore, retrotransposons could be also considered as attractive endogenous source of genetic variation. Unfortunately so far there is no experimental/technological means to exploit this potential in a controlled fashion.
Recently my laboratory revealed surprisingly selective epigenetic, environmental and developmental mechanisms controlling retrotransposition in Arabidopsis. Here, I intend to build on this knowledge and establish well controlled retrotransposition system a crop plant to liberate its innate genetic diversity buried in silenced TEs.
To achieve this, I propose a stepwise strategy with the following three objectives:
1. Deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms and environmental cues controlling retrotransposition in Arabidopsis thaliana and use this model plant to develop universal methodology for detection of retrotransposition.
2. Transfer the knowledge and methodologies to non model plant. I propose to use Arabidopsis lyrata as close relative of A. thaliana, however with 50% enlarged genome due to expansion of retrotransposon populations.
3. Using methodologies and experimental conditions developed for A. thaliana and A. lyrata we will apply them to maize where we can also take advantage of genetic resources (mutants in epigenetic regulation) in conjunction with responses to selected abiotic stresses.
If the progress towards above listed objectives was swift, I will initiate collaboration with a corn breeding company to create EVOBREED generated population for evaluation of its phenotypic diversity."
Max ERC Funding
2 497 062 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-10-01, End date: 2018-09-30
Project acronym FIN
Project Theory of Fundamental Interactions at the Nanoscale
Researcher (PI) Elena Besley (Bichoutskaia)
Host Institution (HI) THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE4, ERC-2012-StG_20111012
Summary At the heart of this multi-disciplinary research project lie two emerging prominent theoretical models developed by the applicant in the past 12 months, which underpin the fundamental interactions taking place at the nanometre scale. In 2010, the applicant proposed a general solution to the fundamental problem of the attraction between like-charged dielectric nanoparticles. This is the first time a comprehensive solution to this problem has been presented, and it has the potential to transform our understanding of how charged nanoparticles interact in the gas phase and solutions.
Studies of nanoparticles have opened new avenues for exploration of the principles that underpin the transition from the gas phase to the solid state. The capability of nanoparticles to modify their shape in order to minimize the free energy leads to structure modifications that can be observed on a time scale accessible by electron microscopy techniques. A unique computational methodology has been developed by the applicant, which has an advantage over the state-of-the-art image simulation techniques in its ability to simulate the dynamics of structural transformations under the influence of the electron beam.
The proposed core theoretical frameworks are central tools of the project. Their fundamental nature offers solutions to problems across wide-ranging disciplines. The models will be advanced during the project and introduced to the experts in the application areas in order to find solutions to a number of common problems, which to date remain un-solved. The application areas, which will be addressed, include the electrostatic charging of pharmaceutical powders during manufacture and handling; the charge scavenging in the formation of solar systems; self-assembly of charged nanoparticles in solutions; proton transfer in biological molecules; structure-property correlations of nanomaterials; and design of innovative oxidation catalysts using inorganic polyoxometalates.
Summary
At the heart of this multi-disciplinary research project lie two emerging prominent theoretical models developed by the applicant in the past 12 months, which underpin the fundamental interactions taking place at the nanometre scale. In 2010, the applicant proposed a general solution to the fundamental problem of the attraction between like-charged dielectric nanoparticles. This is the first time a comprehensive solution to this problem has been presented, and it has the potential to transform our understanding of how charged nanoparticles interact in the gas phase and solutions.
Studies of nanoparticles have opened new avenues for exploration of the principles that underpin the transition from the gas phase to the solid state. The capability of nanoparticles to modify their shape in order to minimize the free energy leads to structure modifications that can be observed on a time scale accessible by electron microscopy techniques. A unique computational methodology has been developed by the applicant, which has an advantage over the state-of-the-art image simulation techniques in its ability to simulate the dynamics of structural transformations under the influence of the electron beam.
The proposed core theoretical frameworks are central tools of the project. Their fundamental nature offers solutions to problems across wide-ranging disciplines. The models will be advanced during the project and introduced to the experts in the application areas in order to find solutions to a number of common problems, which to date remain un-solved. The application areas, which will be addressed, include the electrostatic charging of pharmaceutical powders during manufacture and handling; the charge scavenging in the formation of solar systems; self-assembly of charged nanoparticles in solutions; proton transfer in biological molecules; structure-property correlations of nanomaterials; and design of innovative oxidation catalysts using inorganic polyoxometalates.
Max ERC Funding
1 400 341 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-01-01, End date: 2018-06-30
Project acronym GENDERMACRO
Project Gender Differences: A Macroeconomic Perspective
Researcher (PI) Michèle Tertilt
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAET MANNHEIM
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), SH1, ERC-2012-StG_20111124
Summary Throughout history and in most societies, women and men have been specializing in different parts of the economy. Empirical evidence shows that women and men differ in a number of dimensions. However, gender differences are largely ignored in macroeconomic models. The starting point for my research is the hypothesis that gender roles and the interaction between men and women have an important impact on aggregate outcomes. To analyze this hypothesis, I build dynamic macro style models with explicit gender differences. The emphasis is on non-cooperative models of spousal interactions. Using game theory to model family behavior allows the analysis of topics for which cooperation in the family seems questionable (e.g. domestic violence). I will introduce these new models of spousal interaction into macroeconomic models and study a series of applied research questions. (i) Political Economy of Laws to Protect Women: Why were laws that restricted female labor force participation introduced in the beginning of the 20th century and what led to their eventual abolishment? (ii) Domestic Violence over the Business Cycle: Does domestic violence fluctuate over the business cycle? Taking domestic violence into account, what is the cost of business cycles? (iii) Fertility Distribution by Gender: To what extent do fertility outcomes differ for men and women? (iv) Footbinding in China: What was the economic role of footbinding and why has it disappeared over time? (v) Optimal Taxation with Families: How do optimal taxation results change when gender differences are explicitly taken into account? (vi) Female Empowerment as Development Policy: Is giving money to women a good development policy? (vii) Women and HIV: What policies should be implemented to reduce the spread of HIV in Africa?
Summary
Throughout history and in most societies, women and men have been specializing in different parts of the economy. Empirical evidence shows that women and men differ in a number of dimensions. However, gender differences are largely ignored in macroeconomic models. The starting point for my research is the hypothesis that gender roles and the interaction between men and women have an important impact on aggregate outcomes. To analyze this hypothesis, I build dynamic macro style models with explicit gender differences. The emphasis is on non-cooperative models of spousal interactions. Using game theory to model family behavior allows the analysis of topics for which cooperation in the family seems questionable (e.g. domestic violence). I will introduce these new models of spousal interaction into macroeconomic models and study a series of applied research questions. (i) Political Economy of Laws to Protect Women: Why were laws that restricted female labor force participation introduced in the beginning of the 20th century and what led to their eventual abolishment? (ii) Domestic Violence over the Business Cycle: Does domestic violence fluctuate over the business cycle? Taking domestic violence into account, what is the cost of business cycles? (iii) Fertility Distribution by Gender: To what extent do fertility outcomes differ for men and women? (iv) Footbinding in China: What was the economic role of footbinding and why has it disappeared over time? (v) Optimal Taxation with Families: How do optimal taxation results change when gender differences are explicitly taken into account? (vi) Female Empowerment as Development Policy: Is giving money to women a good development policy? (vii) Women and HIV: What policies should be implemented to reduce the spread of HIV in Africa?
Max ERC Funding
1 133 302 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-02-01, End date: 2019-01-31
