Project acronym AEROSOL
Project Astrochemistry of old stars:direct probing of unique chemical laboratories
Researcher (PI) Leen Katrien Els Decin
Host Institution (HI) KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE9, ERC-2014-CoG
Summary The gas and dust in the interstellar medium (ISM) drive the chemical evolution of galaxies, the formation of stars and planets, and the synthesis of complex prebiotic molecules. The prime birth places for this interstellar material are the winds of evolved (super)giant stars. These winds are unique chemical laboratories, in which a large variety of gas and dust species radially expand away from the star.
Recent progress on the observations of these winds has been impressive thanks to Herschel and ALMA. The next challenge is to unravel the wealth of chemical information contained in these data. This is an ambitious task since (1) a plethora of physical and chemical processes interact in a complex way, (2) laboratory data to interpret these interactions are lacking, and (3) theoretical tools to analyse the data do not meet current needs.
To boost the knowledge of the physics and chemistry characterizing these winds, I propose a world-leading multi-disciplinary project combining (1) high-quality data, (2) novel theoretical wind models, and (3) targeted laboratory experiments. The aim is to pinpoint the dominant chemical pathways, unravel the transition from gas-phase to dust species, elucidate the role of clumps on the overall wind structure, and study the reciprocal effect between various dynamical and chemical phenomena.
Now is the right time for this ambitious project thanks to the availability of (1) high-quality multi-wavelength data, including ALMA and Herschel data of the PI, (2) supercomputers enabling a homogeneous analysis of the data using sophisticated theoretical wind models, and (3) novel laboratory equipment to measure the gas-phase reaction rates of key species.
This project will have far-reaching impact on (1) the field of evolved stars, (2) the understanding of the chemical lifecycle of the ISM, (3) chemical studies of dynamically more complex systems, such as exoplanets, protostars, supernovae etc., and (4) it will guide new instrument development.
Summary
The gas and dust in the interstellar medium (ISM) drive the chemical evolution of galaxies, the formation of stars and planets, and the synthesis of complex prebiotic molecules. The prime birth places for this interstellar material are the winds of evolved (super)giant stars. These winds are unique chemical laboratories, in which a large variety of gas and dust species radially expand away from the star.
Recent progress on the observations of these winds has been impressive thanks to Herschel and ALMA. The next challenge is to unravel the wealth of chemical information contained in these data. This is an ambitious task since (1) a plethora of physical and chemical processes interact in a complex way, (2) laboratory data to interpret these interactions are lacking, and (3) theoretical tools to analyse the data do not meet current needs.
To boost the knowledge of the physics and chemistry characterizing these winds, I propose a world-leading multi-disciplinary project combining (1) high-quality data, (2) novel theoretical wind models, and (3) targeted laboratory experiments. The aim is to pinpoint the dominant chemical pathways, unravel the transition from gas-phase to dust species, elucidate the role of clumps on the overall wind structure, and study the reciprocal effect between various dynamical and chemical phenomena.
Now is the right time for this ambitious project thanks to the availability of (1) high-quality multi-wavelength data, including ALMA and Herschel data of the PI, (2) supercomputers enabling a homogeneous analysis of the data using sophisticated theoretical wind models, and (3) novel laboratory equipment to measure the gas-phase reaction rates of key species.
This project will have far-reaching impact on (1) the field of evolved stars, (2) the understanding of the chemical lifecycle of the ISM, (3) chemical studies of dynamically more complex systems, such as exoplanets, protostars, supernovae etc., and (4) it will guide new instrument development.
Max ERC Funding
2 605 897 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-01-01, End date: 2020-12-31
Project acronym BOSS-WAVES
Project Back-reaction Of Solar plaSma to WAVES
Researcher (PI) Tom VAN DOORSSELAERE
Host Institution (HI) KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE9, ERC-2016-COG
Summary "The solar coronal heating problem is a long-standing astrophysical problem. The slow DC (reconnection) heating models are well developed in detailed 3D numerical simulations. The fast AC (wave) heating mechanisms have traditionally been neglected since there were no wave observations.
Since 2007, we know that the solar atmosphere is filled with transverse waves, but still we have no adequate models (except for my own 1D analytical models) for their dissipation and plasma heating by these waves. We urgently need to know the contribution of these waves to the coronal heating problem.
In BOSS-WAVES, I will innovate the AC wave heating models by utilising novel 3D numerical simulations of propagating transverse waves. From previous results in my team, I know that the inclusion of the back-reaction of the solar plasma is crucial in understanding the energy dissipation: the wave heating leads to chromospheric evaporation and plasma mixing (by the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability).
BOSS-WAVES will bring the AC heating models to the same level of state-of-the-art DC heating models.
The high-risk, high-gain goals are (1) to create a coronal loop heated by waves, starting from an "empty" corona, by evaporating chromospheric material, and (2) to pioneer models for whole active regions heated by transverse waves."
Summary
"The solar coronal heating problem is a long-standing astrophysical problem. The slow DC (reconnection) heating models are well developed in detailed 3D numerical simulations. The fast AC (wave) heating mechanisms have traditionally been neglected since there were no wave observations.
Since 2007, we know that the solar atmosphere is filled with transverse waves, but still we have no adequate models (except for my own 1D analytical models) for their dissipation and plasma heating by these waves. We urgently need to know the contribution of these waves to the coronal heating problem.
In BOSS-WAVES, I will innovate the AC wave heating models by utilising novel 3D numerical simulations of propagating transverse waves. From previous results in my team, I know that the inclusion of the back-reaction of the solar plasma is crucial in understanding the energy dissipation: the wave heating leads to chromospheric evaporation and plasma mixing (by the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability).
BOSS-WAVES will bring the AC heating models to the same level of state-of-the-art DC heating models.
The high-risk, high-gain goals are (1) to create a coronal loop heated by waves, starting from an "empty" corona, by evaporating chromospheric material, and (2) to pioneer models for whole active regions heated by transverse waves."
Max ERC Funding
1 991 960 €
Duration
Start date: 2017-10-01, End date: 2022-09-30
Project acronym DCRIDDLE
Project A novel physiological role for IRE1 and RIDD..., maintaining the balance between tolerance and immunity?
Researcher (PI) Sophie Janssens
Host Institution (HI) VIB
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), LS3, ERC-2018-COG
Summary Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role as gatekeepers of the immune system, coordinating the balance between protective immunity and tolerance to self antigens. What determines the switch between immunogenic versus tolerogenic antigen presentation remains one of the most puzzling questions in immunology. My team recently discovered an unanticipated link between a conserved stress response in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and tolerogenic DC maturation, thereby setting the stage for new insights in this fundamental branch in immunology.
Specifically, we found that one of the branches of the unfolded protein response (UPR), the IRE1/XBP1 signaling axis, is constitutively active in murine dendritic cells (cDC1s), without any signs of an overt UPR gene signature. Based on preliminary data we hypothesize that IRE1 is activated by apoptotic cell uptake, orchestrating a metabolic response from the ER to ensure tolerogenic antigen presentation. This entirely novel physiological function for IRE1 entails a paradigm shift in the UPR field, as it reveals that IRE1’s functions might stretch far from its well-established function induced by chronic ER stress. The aim of my research program is to establish whether IRE1 in DCs is the hitherto illusive switch between tolerogenic and immunogenic maturation. To this end, we will dissect its function in vivo both in steady-state conditions and in conditions of danger (viral infection models). In line with our data, IRE1 has recently been identified as a candidate gene for autoimmune disease based on Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Therefore, I envisage that my research program will not only have a large impact on the field of DC biology and apoptotic cell clearance, but will also yield new insights in diseases like autoimmunity, graft versus host disease or tumor immunology, all associated with disturbed balances between tolerogenic and immunogenic responses.
Summary
Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role as gatekeepers of the immune system, coordinating the balance between protective immunity and tolerance to self antigens. What determines the switch between immunogenic versus tolerogenic antigen presentation remains one of the most puzzling questions in immunology. My team recently discovered an unanticipated link between a conserved stress response in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and tolerogenic DC maturation, thereby setting the stage for new insights in this fundamental branch in immunology.
Specifically, we found that one of the branches of the unfolded protein response (UPR), the IRE1/XBP1 signaling axis, is constitutively active in murine dendritic cells (cDC1s), without any signs of an overt UPR gene signature. Based on preliminary data we hypothesize that IRE1 is activated by apoptotic cell uptake, orchestrating a metabolic response from the ER to ensure tolerogenic antigen presentation. This entirely novel physiological function for IRE1 entails a paradigm shift in the UPR field, as it reveals that IRE1’s functions might stretch far from its well-established function induced by chronic ER stress. The aim of my research program is to establish whether IRE1 in DCs is the hitherto illusive switch between tolerogenic and immunogenic maturation. To this end, we will dissect its function in vivo both in steady-state conditions and in conditions of danger (viral infection models). In line with our data, IRE1 has recently been identified as a candidate gene for autoimmune disease based on Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Therefore, I envisage that my research program will not only have a large impact on the field of DC biology and apoptotic cell clearance, but will also yield new insights in diseases like autoimmunity, graft versus host disease or tumor immunology, all associated with disturbed balances between tolerogenic and immunogenic responses.
Max ERC Funding
1 999 196 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-02-01, End date: 2024-01-31
Project acronym EPIC
Project Earth-like Planet Imaging with Cognitive computing
Researcher (PI) Olivier ABSIL
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITE DE LIEGE
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE9, ERC-2018-COG
Summary One of the most ambitious goals of modern astrophysics is to characterise the physical and chemical properties of rocky planets orbiting in the habitable zone of nearby Sun-like stars. Although the observation of planetary transits could in a few limited cases be used to reach such a goal, it is widely recognised that only direct imaging techniques will enable such a feat on a statistically significant sample of planetary systems. Direct imaging of Earth-like exoplanets is however a formidable challenge due to the huge contrast and minute angular separation between such planets and their host star. The proposed EPIC project aims to enable the direct detection and characterisation of terrestrial planets located in the habitable zone of nearby stars using ground-based high-contrast imaging in the thermal infrared domain. To reach that ambitious goal, the project will focus on two main research directions: (i) the development and implementation of high-contrast imaging techniques and technologies addressing the smallest possible angular separations from bright, nearby stars, and (ii) the adaptation of state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to the problem of image processing in high-contrast imaging. While the ultimate goal of this research can likely only be reached with the advent of giant telescopes such as the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) around 2025, the EPIC project will lay the stepping stones towards that goal and produce several high-impact results along the way, e.g. by re-assessing the occurrence rate of giant planets in direct imaging surveys at the most relevant angular separations (i.e., close to the snow line), by conducting the deepest high-contrast imaging search for rocky planets in the alpha Centauri system, by preparing the scientific exploitation of the ELT, and by providing the first open-source high-contrast image processing toolbox relying on supervised machine learning techniques.
Summary
One of the most ambitious goals of modern astrophysics is to characterise the physical and chemical properties of rocky planets orbiting in the habitable zone of nearby Sun-like stars. Although the observation of planetary transits could in a few limited cases be used to reach such a goal, it is widely recognised that only direct imaging techniques will enable such a feat on a statistically significant sample of planetary systems. Direct imaging of Earth-like exoplanets is however a formidable challenge due to the huge contrast and minute angular separation between such planets and their host star. The proposed EPIC project aims to enable the direct detection and characterisation of terrestrial planets located in the habitable zone of nearby stars using ground-based high-contrast imaging in the thermal infrared domain. To reach that ambitious goal, the project will focus on two main research directions: (i) the development and implementation of high-contrast imaging techniques and technologies addressing the smallest possible angular separations from bright, nearby stars, and (ii) the adaptation of state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to the problem of image processing in high-contrast imaging. While the ultimate goal of this research can likely only be reached with the advent of giant telescopes such as the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) around 2025, the EPIC project will lay the stepping stones towards that goal and produce several high-impact results along the way, e.g. by re-assessing the occurrence rate of giant planets in direct imaging surveys at the most relevant angular separations (i.e., close to the snow line), by conducting the deepest high-contrast imaging search for rocky planets in the alpha Centauri system, by preparing the scientific exploitation of the ELT, and by providing the first open-source high-contrast image processing toolbox relying on supervised machine learning techniques.
Max ERC Funding
2 178 125 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-05-01, End date: 2024-04-30
Project acronym EXPAND
Project Defining the cellular dynamics leading to tissue expansion
Researcher (PI) Cedric Blanpain
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), LS3, ERC-2013-CoG
Summary Stem cells (SCs) ensure the development of the different tissues during morphogenesis, their physiological turnover during adult life and tissue repair after injuries. .
Our lab has recently developed new methods to study by lineage tracing the cellular hierarchy that sustains homeostasis and repair of the epidermis and to identify distinct populations of SCs and progenitors ensuring mammary gland and prostate postnatal development.
While quantitative clonal analysis combined with mathematical modeling has been used recently to decipher the cellular basis of tissue homeostasis, such experimental approaches have never been used so far in mammals to investigate the cellular hierarchy acting during tissue expansion such as postnatal development and tissue repair.
In this project, we will use a multi-disciplinary approach combining mouse genetic lineage tracing and clonal analysis, mathematical modeling, proliferation kinetics, transcriptional profiling, and functional experiments to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating tissue expansion during epithelial development and tissue repair and how the fate of these cells is controlled during this process.
1. We will define the clonal and proliferation dynamics of tissue expansion in the epidermis, the mammary gland and the prostate during postnatal growth and adult tissue regeneration.
2. We will define the clonal and proliferation dynamics of tissue expansion in the adult epidermis following wounding and mechanical force mediated tissue expansion.
3. We will define the mechanisms that regulate the switch from multipotent to unipotent cell fate during development of glandular epithelia.
Defining the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying tissue growth and expansion during development and how these mechanisms differ from tissue regeneration in adult may have important implications for understanding the causes of certain developmental defects and for regenerative medicine.
Summary
Stem cells (SCs) ensure the development of the different tissues during morphogenesis, their physiological turnover during adult life and tissue repair after injuries. .
Our lab has recently developed new methods to study by lineage tracing the cellular hierarchy that sustains homeostasis and repair of the epidermis and to identify distinct populations of SCs and progenitors ensuring mammary gland and prostate postnatal development.
While quantitative clonal analysis combined with mathematical modeling has been used recently to decipher the cellular basis of tissue homeostasis, such experimental approaches have never been used so far in mammals to investigate the cellular hierarchy acting during tissue expansion such as postnatal development and tissue repair.
In this project, we will use a multi-disciplinary approach combining mouse genetic lineage tracing and clonal analysis, mathematical modeling, proliferation kinetics, transcriptional profiling, and functional experiments to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating tissue expansion during epithelial development and tissue repair and how the fate of these cells is controlled during this process.
1. We will define the clonal and proliferation dynamics of tissue expansion in the epidermis, the mammary gland and the prostate during postnatal growth and adult tissue regeneration.
2. We will define the clonal and proliferation dynamics of tissue expansion in the adult epidermis following wounding and mechanical force mediated tissue expansion.
3. We will define the mechanisms that regulate the switch from multipotent to unipotent cell fate during development of glandular epithelia.
Defining the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying tissue growth and expansion during development and how these mechanisms differ from tissue regeneration in adult may have important implications for understanding the causes of certain developmental defects and for regenerative medicine.
Max ERC Funding
2 400 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2014-06-01, End date: 2019-05-31
Project acronym HoloQosmos
Project Holographic Quantum Cosmology
Researcher (PI) Thomas Hertog
Host Institution (HI) KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE9, ERC-2013-CoG
Summary The current theory of cosmic inflation is largely based on classical physics. This undermines its predictivity in a world that is fundamentally quantum mechanical. With this project we will develop a novel approach towards a quantum theory of inflation. We will do this by introducing holographic techniques in cosmology. The notion of holography is the most profound conceptual breakthrough that has emerged form fundamental high-energy physics in recent years. It postulates that (quantum) gravitational systems such as the universe as a whole have a precise `holographic’ description in terms of quantum field theories defined on their boundary. Our aim is to develop a holographic framework for quantum cosmology. We will then apply this to three areas of theoretical cosmology where a quantum approach is of critical importance. First, we will put forward a holographic description of inflation that clarifies its microphysical origin and is rigorously predictive. Using this we will derive the distinct observational signatures of novel, truly holographic models of the early universe where inflation has no description in terms of classical cosmic evolution. Second, we will apply holographic cosmology to improve our understanding of eternal inflation. This is a phase deep into inflation where quantum effects dominate the evolution and affect the universe’s global structure. Finally we will work towards generalizing our holographic models of the primordial universe to include the radiation, matter and vacuum eras. The resulting unification of cosmic history in terms of a single holographic boundary theory may lead to intriguing predictions of correlations between early and late time observables, tying together the universe’s origin with its ultimate fate. Our project has the potential to revolutionize our perspective on cosmology and to further deepen the fruitful interaction between cosmology and high-energy physics.
Summary
The current theory of cosmic inflation is largely based on classical physics. This undermines its predictivity in a world that is fundamentally quantum mechanical. With this project we will develop a novel approach towards a quantum theory of inflation. We will do this by introducing holographic techniques in cosmology. The notion of holography is the most profound conceptual breakthrough that has emerged form fundamental high-energy physics in recent years. It postulates that (quantum) gravitational systems such as the universe as a whole have a precise `holographic’ description in terms of quantum field theories defined on their boundary. Our aim is to develop a holographic framework for quantum cosmology. We will then apply this to three areas of theoretical cosmology where a quantum approach is of critical importance. First, we will put forward a holographic description of inflation that clarifies its microphysical origin and is rigorously predictive. Using this we will derive the distinct observational signatures of novel, truly holographic models of the early universe where inflation has no description in terms of classical cosmic evolution. Second, we will apply holographic cosmology to improve our understanding of eternal inflation. This is a phase deep into inflation where quantum effects dominate the evolution and affect the universe’s global structure. Finally we will work towards generalizing our holographic models of the primordial universe to include the radiation, matter and vacuum eras. The resulting unification of cosmic history in terms of a single holographic boundary theory may lead to intriguing predictions of correlations between early and late time observables, tying together the universe’s origin with its ultimate fate. Our project has the potential to revolutionize our perspective on cosmology and to further deepen the fruitful interaction between cosmology and high-energy physics.
Max ERC Funding
1 995 900 €
Duration
Start date: 2014-08-01, End date: 2019-07-31
Project acronym i-CaD
Project Innovative Catalyst Design for Large-Scale, Sustainable Processes
Researcher (PI) Joris Wilfried Maria Cornelius Thybaut
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT GENT
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE8, ERC-2013-CoG
Summary A systematic and novel, multi-scale model based catalyst design methodology will be developed. The fundamental nature of the models used is unprecedented and will represent a breakthrough compared to the more commonly applied statistical, correlative relationships. The methodology will focus on the intrinsic kinetics of (potentially) large-scale processes for the conversion of renewable feeds into fuels and chemicals. Non-ideal behaviour, caused by mass and heat transfer limitations or particular reactor hydrodynamics, will be explicitly accounted for when simulating or optimizing industrial-scale applications. The selected model reactions are situated in the area of biomass upgrading to fuels and chemicals: fast pyrolysis oil stabilization, glycerol hydrogenolysis and selective oxidation of (bio)ethanol to acetaldehyde.
For the first time, a systematic microkinetic modelling methodology will be developed for oxygenates conversion. In particular, stereochemistry in catalysis will be assessed. Two types of descriptors will be quantified: kinetic descriptors that are catalyst independent and catalyst descriptors that specifically account for the effect of the catalyst properties on the reaction kinetics. The latter will be optimized in terms of reactant conversion, product yield or selectivity. Fundamental relationships will be established between the catalyst descriptors as determined by microkinetic modelling and independently measured catalyst properties or synthesis parameters. These innovative relationships allow providing the desired, rational feedback in from optimal descriptor values towards synthesis parameters for a new catalyst generation. Their fundamental character will guarantee adequate extrapolative properties that can be exploited for the identification of a groundbreaking next catalyst generation.
Summary
A systematic and novel, multi-scale model based catalyst design methodology will be developed. The fundamental nature of the models used is unprecedented and will represent a breakthrough compared to the more commonly applied statistical, correlative relationships. The methodology will focus on the intrinsic kinetics of (potentially) large-scale processes for the conversion of renewable feeds into fuels and chemicals. Non-ideal behaviour, caused by mass and heat transfer limitations or particular reactor hydrodynamics, will be explicitly accounted for when simulating or optimizing industrial-scale applications. The selected model reactions are situated in the area of biomass upgrading to fuels and chemicals: fast pyrolysis oil stabilization, glycerol hydrogenolysis and selective oxidation of (bio)ethanol to acetaldehyde.
For the first time, a systematic microkinetic modelling methodology will be developed for oxygenates conversion. In particular, stereochemistry in catalysis will be assessed. Two types of descriptors will be quantified: kinetic descriptors that are catalyst independent and catalyst descriptors that specifically account for the effect of the catalyst properties on the reaction kinetics. The latter will be optimized in terms of reactant conversion, product yield or selectivity. Fundamental relationships will be established between the catalyst descriptors as determined by microkinetic modelling and independently measured catalyst properties or synthesis parameters. These innovative relationships allow providing the desired, rational feedback in from optimal descriptor values towards synthesis parameters for a new catalyst generation. Their fundamental character will guarantee adequate extrapolative properties that can be exploited for the identification of a groundbreaking next catalyst generation.
Max ERC Funding
1 999 877 €
Duration
Start date: 2014-06-01, End date: 2019-05-31
Project acronym INSITE
Project Development and use of an integrated in silico-in vitro mesofluidics system for tissue engineering
Researcher (PI) Liesbet Laura J GERIS
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITE DE LIEGE
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE8, ERC-2017-COG
Summary Tissue Engineering (TE) refers to the branch of medicine that aims to replace or regenerate functional tissue or organs using man-made living implants. As the field is moving towards more complex TE constructs with sophisticated functionalities, there is a lack of dedicated in vitro devices that allow testing the response of the complex construct as a whole, prior to implantation. Additionally, the knowledge accumulated from mechanistic and empirical in vitro and in vivo studies is often underused in the development of novel constructs due to a lack of integration of all the data in a single, in silico, platform.
The INSITE project aims to address both challenges by developing a new mesofluidics set-up for in vitro testing of TE constructs and by developing dedicated multiscale and multiphysics models that aggregate the available data and use these to design complex constructs and proper mesofluidics settings for in vitro testing. The combination of these in silico and in vitro approaches will lead to an integrated knowledge-rich mesofluidics system that provides an in vivo-like time-varying in vitro environment. The system will emulate the in vivo environment present at the (early) stages of bone regeneration including the vascularization process and the innate immune response. A proof of concept will be delivered for complex TE constructs for large bone defects and infected fractures.
To realize this project, the applicant can draw on her well-published track record and extensive network in the fields of in silico medicine and skeletal TE. If successful, INSITE will generate a shift from in vivo to in vitro work and hence a transformation of the classical R&D pipeline. Using this system will allow for a maximum of relevant in vitro research prior to the in vivo phase, which is highly needed in academia and industry with the increasing ethical (3R), financial and regulatory constraints.
Summary
Tissue Engineering (TE) refers to the branch of medicine that aims to replace or regenerate functional tissue or organs using man-made living implants. As the field is moving towards more complex TE constructs with sophisticated functionalities, there is a lack of dedicated in vitro devices that allow testing the response of the complex construct as a whole, prior to implantation. Additionally, the knowledge accumulated from mechanistic and empirical in vitro and in vivo studies is often underused in the development of novel constructs due to a lack of integration of all the data in a single, in silico, platform.
The INSITE project aims to address both challenges by developing a new mesofluidics set-up for in vitro testing of TE constructs and by developing dedicated multiscale and multiphysics models that aggregate the available data and use these to design complex constructs and proper mesofluidics settings for in vitro testing. The combination of these in silico and in vitro approaches will lead to an integrated knowledge-rich mesofluidics system that provides an in vivo-like time-varying in vitro environment. The system will emulate the in vivo environment present at the (early) stages of bone regeneration including the vascularization process and the innate immune response. A proof of concept will be delivered for complex TE constructs for large bone defects and infected fractures.
To realize this project, the applicant can draw on her well-published track record and extensive network in the fields of in silico medicine and skeletal TE. If successful, INSITE will generate a shift from in vivo to in vitro work and hence a transformation of the classical R&D pipeline. Using this system will allow for a maximum of relevant in vitro research prior to the in vivo phase, which is highly needed in academia and industry with the increasing ethical (3R), financial and regulatory constraints.
Max ERC Funding
2 161 750 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-09-01, End date: 2023-08-31
Project acronym LEGA-C
Project The Physics of Galaxies 7 Gyr Ago
Researcher (PI) Arjen Van der wel
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT GENT
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE9, ERC-2015-CoG
Summary Over the past decade, redshift
surveys and multi-wavelength imaging campaigns have drawn up an
empirical picture of how many stars had formed in which types of
galaxies over the history of the universe. However, we have yet to
unravel the individual pathways along which galaxies evolve, and the
physical processes that drive them. Continuing with the previous
approach -- larger and deeper photometric samples -- is not adequate
to achieve this goal. A change of focus is required.
In this ERC project I will embark on a new way to address the question
of galaxy evolution. I will do so as Principle Investigator of the
recently approved LEGA-C observing program that has been allocated 128
nights of observation time over the next 4 years with ESO's flagship
facility the Very Large Telescope. This new survey will produce for
2500 distant (at z~1) galaxies with, for the first time,
sufficient resolution and S/N to measure ages and chemical
compositions of their stellar populations as well as internal velocity
dispersions and dynamical masses. This will provide an entirely new
physical description of the galaxy population 7 Gyr ago, with which I
will finally be able solve long-standing questions in galaxy formation
that were out of reach before: what is the star-formation history of
individual galaxies, why and how is star-formation ``quenched'' in
many galaxies, and to what extent do galaxies grow subsequently
through merging afterward?
LEGA-C is worldwide the largest spectroscopic survey of distant
galaxies to date, and ERC funding will be absolutely critical in
harvesting this unparallelled database. I am seeking to extend my
research group to realize the scientific potential of this substantial
investment (6.5M Eur) of observational resources by the European
astronomy community. Timing of the execution of the VLT program is
perfectly matched with the timeline of this ERC program.
Summary
Over the past decade, redshift
surveys and multi-wavelength imaging campaigns have drawn up an
empirical picture of how many stars had formed in which types of
galaxies over the history of the universe. However, we have yet to
unravel the individual pathways along which galaxies evolve, and the
physical processes that drive them. Continuing with the previous
approach -- larger and deeper photometric samples -- is not adequate
to achieve this goal. A change of focus is required.
In this ERC project I will embark on a new way to address the question
of galaxy evolution. I will do so as Principle Investigator of the
recently approved LEGA-C observing program that has been allocated 128
nights of observation time over the next 4 years with ESO's flagship
facility the Very Large Telescope. This new survey will produce for
2500 distant (at z~1) galaxies with, for the first time,
sufficient resolution and S/N to measure ages and chemical
compositions of their stellar populations as well as internal velocity
dispersions and dynamical masses. This will provide an entirely new
physical description of the galaxy population 7 Gyr ago, with which I
will finally be able solve long-standing questions in galaxy formation
that were out of reach before: what is the star-formation history of
individual galaxies, why and how is star-formation ``quenched'' in
many galaxies, and to what extent do galaxies grow subsequently
through merging afterward?
LEGA-C is worldwide the largest spectroscopic survey of distant
galaxies to date, and ERC funding will be absolutely critical in
harvesting this unparallelled database. I am seeking to extend my
research group to realize the scientific potential of this substantial
investment (6.5M Eur) of observational resources by the European
astronomy community. Timing of the execution of the VLT program is
perfectly matched with the timeline of this ERC program.
Max ERC Funding
1 884 875 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-04-01, End date: 2021-03-31
Project acronym MOOiRE
Project Mix-in Organic-InOrganic Redox Events for High Energy Batteries
Researcher (PI) Alexandru VLAD
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE8, ERC-2017-COG
Summary The ever-increasing demand for improved electrochemical energy storage technologies has fostered intense, worldwide and interdisciplinary research over the past decade. The field of positive electrode materials remains largely dominated by transition metal compounds in which only the redox of metal cations contributes to the energy storage. The development of new materials and technologies, wherein both anions and cations display reversible, multi-electron redox, is bound to strongly impact this field.
MOOiRÉ will challenge this goal through innovative approaches on Metal Organic Compounds and Frameworks (MOC/Fs) with mix-in many-electron reversible redox of both, transition metal cations and organic ligand anions. Building on our preliminary results MOOiRÉ will adopt an integrated approach. We will combine performance oriented MOC/F molecular design supported by in-operando analytical inspection tools with novel electrode engineering approaches to overcome the limitations and enable efficient electrochemical charge storage. Through this highly interdisciplinary research, MOOiRÉ intends to advance the science and technology of mix-in redox MOC/Fs for next generation batteries, supercapacitors and their hybrids.
MOOiRÉ will also be a major systematic study of the fundamentals of MOC/F-based energy storage systems in view of a practical implementation. The overall impact will extend beyond the energy science community: the developed knowledge, tools and procedures will influence research and development related to porous composite materials, sorption, ion exchange and electrocatalysis. In the context of energy storage, this will be a disruptive development, enabling the use of MOC/Fs electrodes, with superior levels of performance as compared to current technology, at affordable costs and based on novel protocols.
Summary
The ever-increasing demand for improved electrochemical energy storage technologies has fostered intense, worldwide and interdisciplinary research over the past decade. The field of positive electrode materials remains largely dominated by transition metal compounds in which only the redox of metal cations contributes to the energy storage. The development of new materials and technologies, wherein both anions and cations display reversible, multi-electron redox, is bound to strongly impact this field.
MOOiRÉ will challenge this goal through innovative approaches on Metal Organic Compounds and Frameworks (MOC/Fs) with mix-in many-electron reversible redox of both, transition metal cations and organic ligand anions. Building on our preliminary results MOOiRÉ will adopt an integrated approach. We will combine performance oriented MOC/F molecular design supported by in-operando analytical inspection tools with novel electrode engineering approaches to overcome the limitations and enable efficient electrochemical charge storage. Through this highly interdisciplinary research, MOOiRÉ intends to advance the science and technology of mix-in redox MOC/Fs for next generation batteries, supercapacitors and their hybrids.
MOOiRÉ will also be a major systematic study of the fundamentals of MOC/F-based energy storage systems in view of a practical implementation. The overall impact will extend beyond the energy science community: the developed knowledge, tools and procedures will influence research and development related to porous composite materials, sorption, ion exchange and electrocatalysis. In the context of energy storage, this will be a disruptive development, enabling the use of MOC/Fs electrodes, with superior levels of performance as compared to current technology, at affordable costs and based on novel protocols.
Max ERC Funding
1 997 541 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-09-01, End date: 2023-08-31
