Acronym: aCCuracy

Name: Turning gold standard quantum chemistry into a routine simulation tool: predictive properties for large molecular systems

Call: ERC-2022-STG

Cordis Link: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101076972

Duration: 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2028

Funded under: European Research Council

Project objectives:
We propose comprehensive theoretical method development targeting a long-standing dilemma in molecular
quantum simulations between controllable predictive power and affordable computational time. While the
outstanding reliability of quantum chemistry’s gold standard model is repeatedly corroborated against experiments,
its traditional form is limited to the size of an amino acid molecule. By exploiting the short-range nature
of leading interaction contributions, a handful of groups, including ours, have recently extended the reach of
such quantitative energy computations up to a few hundred atoms. However, these state-of-the-art models are
still too demanding and are not at all equipped to compute experimentally relevant dynamic, spectroscopic, and
thermodynamic molecular properties.

Thus, to break down these barriers, we will further accelerate our cutting-edge gold standard methods up
to few 1000 atoms via concerted theoretical and algorithmic developments, and high-performance software
design. Additionally, we will take into account biochemical, crystal, and solvent environment effects via
cost-efficient embedding models. For the first time, we will also derive and implement practical approaches to
compute static and dynamic observable properties for large molecules at the gold standard level. The exceptional
capabilities of the new methods will enable us to study challenging chemical processes
of practical importance which are not accessible with chemical accuracy for any current lower-cost alternative.
We aim at modeling and understanding intricate covalent- and non-covalent interactions governing supramolecular
and protein-ligand binding as well as the mechanism of organo-, organometallic, surface, and enzyme catalytic
reactions.

Once successful, this project we will deliver groundbreaking and open access tools for the systematically
improvable and predictive quantum simulation of large molecules in realistic conditions and environments.

BME’s role: n/a

BME Team: Nagy Péter, Gyevi-Nagy László, Csóka József, Samu Gyula, Szabó Péter Bernát, Lőrincz Balázs 

Acronym: SECURED

Name: Scaling Up secure Processing, Anonymization and generation of Health Data for EU cross border collaborative research and Innovation

Call: HORIZON-HLTH-2022-IND-13-02 – Scaling up multi-party computation, data anonymisation techniques, and synthetic data generation

Cordis Link: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101095717

Duration: 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2025

Funded under: Health

Project objectives: The overall goal of the SECURED project is to scale up multiparty computation, data anonymization and synthetic data generation, by increasing efficiency and improving security, with a focus on private and unbiased artificial intelligence and data analytics, health-related data and data hubs, and cross-border cooperation. The project will address the limitations that are currently preventing the widespread use of secure multiparty computation and effective anonymization, namely: the limited practical capabilities of current cryptographic schemes for secure multi-party computation protocols, and their performance; the lack of well understood and standardized data anonymization methods for health data; the absence of dynamic and on demand services for generating synthetic data; the complex and ad-hoc nature of current federation protocols for machine learning and AI-based data analytics; the lack of support for health technology providers to implement privacy enhancing technologies, in particular SMEs.

Acronym: IGNITE

Name: Integrated GermaNIum quanTum tEchnology

Call: HORIZON-CL4-2021-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-30 – Investing in new emerging quantum computing technologies (RIA)

Cordis Link: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101069515

Duration: 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2025

Funded under: Digital, Industry and Space

Project objectives: Spin qubits in germanium have resulted in the most advanced semiconductor quantum processor. Within five years of development, germanium qubits are established as a highly promising candidate for large-scale quantum computing. Germanium is a standard semiconductor manufacturing material and germanium qubits are the only semiconductor qubits that are defined exclusively by transistor-based structures and has enabled to demonstrate a universal quantum gate set [Hen20]. This is highly promising for scalability and adoption by leading semiconductor technology. A revolution in the growth of strained germanium sparked a remarkable development which led to the first germanium quantum dot, germanium qubit, two-qubit logic in germanium, four-qubit logic in a two-dimensional array, and operation of a 16 quantum dot array. This program brings together all the partners that enabled these developments to form a consortium with leading scientists and industry, to fulfil the promise of germanium quantum technology, by scaling the number of qubits, by designing architectures allowing to advance beyond 1000s of qubits, and by experimentally implementing a computational task that can provide a quantum advantage. The key objective of Integrated Germanium Quantum Technology (IGNITE) is thus to demonstrate that germanium defines a compelling platform for quantum computation with excellent qubits operating in a scalable network. We therefore focus on four key components to demonstrate its success.

BME’s role: BME will do theory research in the project, providing expertise and research capabilities in the field of semiconductor spin qubits, semiconductor physics, and quantum information.

BME Team: András Pályi (team leader), János Asbóth, György Frank, Dávid Pataki, Ákos Budai, Aritra Sen, Kolok Baksa

Acronym: ONCHIPS

Name: On-chip integration of quantum electronics and photonics

Call: HORIZON-CL4-2021-DIGITAL-EMERGING-02-16 – Basic Science for Quantum Technologies (RIA)

Cordis Link: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101080022

Duration: 1 October 2022 – 30 September 2026

Funded under: Digital, Industry and Space

Project objectives: A major roadblock for silicon-based optoelectronics and its quantum applications is that conventional cubic silicon has an indirect band gap, and hence it is optically inactive. ONCHIPS will capitalize on a recent breakthrough from within its consortium: growth and optical characterization of a revolutionary new material: hexagonal germanium-silicon (hex-GeSi), which is a silicon-based, optically active, direct-bandgap semiconductor. Building on this discovery, ONCHIPS’ key objectives are as follows:          
(1) We will for the first time grow advanced hex-GeSi heterostructures for quantum technology applications.    
(2) We will realise spin qubits in quantum dots in hex-GeSi.        
(3) We will create spin-photon interfaces in hex-GeSi, made possible by the direct bandgap of the material.
(4) We will build single-photon detectors for wavelengths beyond 2 micrometers, optimized for emission from hex-GeSi.                
This project is well aligned with the scope of the call, and will foster the integration of electronic and optoelectronic functionalities based on a silicon-based direct-bandgap semiconductor, using a combination of facilities and expertise that is available only in Europe. 

BME’s role: BME will do theory research in the project, providing expertise and research capabilities in the field of semiconductor spin qubits, semiconductor physics, and quantum information.

BME Team: András Pályi (team leader), János Asbóth, György Frank, Dávid Pataki, Ákos Budai, Aritra Sen, Kolok Baksa

Acronym: ReNEW

Name: Resilience-centric Smart, Green, Networked EU Inland Waterways

Call: HORIZON-CL5-2021-D6-01-09 – Climate resilient and environmentally sustainable transport infrastructure, with a focus on inland waterways

Cordis Link: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101069682

Duration: 1 September 2022 – 31 August 2025

Funded under: Climate, Energy and Mobility

Project objectives: ReNEW represents a multidisciplinary group composed of 24 participants from 11 countries of the European Union capable of playing a key role in supporting the transition of IWT to smart, green, sustainable and climate-resilient sector. To achieve this, the project will build on previous results, will capitalise on cooperation opportunities with ongoing projects and initiatives and will deliver:
1. An interdisciplinary IWT Resilience and Sustainability decision-support framework incorporating innovative models for IWT infrastructure networking interdependencies linking to probabilistic risk and safety analyses and resilience quantification   
(Resilience Index), supporting the identification of short- and long-term measures that enhance resilience utilising SOA building blocks from Reference Projects              
2. Targeted innovative infrastructure resilience and sustainability solutions building on autonomy developments and maturing green energy options;               
3. A Green Resilient IWT Dataspace and generic Digital Twin providing primarily data sharing between infrastructure monitoring, RIS and traffic management and emergency systems and climate solutions;
4. Four Living Labs designed to provide exemplars from a) LLs focusing on integrated IW and hinterland infrastructure [Gent-urban, Douro- corridor, Netherlands – EU network perspectives] and a LL addressing specifically inland waterway resilience;           
5. ReNEW Outreach and Upscale activities designed to maximise impact pathways.

Acronym:  IPPT_TWINN

Name: REINFORCING THE SCIENTIFIC EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION CAPACITY IN POLYMER PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES OF THE FACULTY OF POLYMER TECHNOLOGY

Call: HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03-01 – Twinning

Cordis Link:  https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101079051

Duration: 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2025

Funded under: Widening participation and spreading excellence

Project objectives: Global annual consumption of plastics is expected to increase from the current 368 million tons (2019) to 1.1 billion tons in 2050. However, this growth also presents some problems, such as the increasing amount of plastic waste and a rise in CO₂ emissions. One of the ways to tackle these problems is to produce more durable products and to use processing technologies that generate less waste. The IPPT_TWINN project addresses both methods, as more durable products can be manufactured through a better understanding of processing methods and waste can be reduced through the application of new technologies and better waste management.
The main objective of IPPT_TWINN is to increase the knowledge of polymer processing at FTPO. This will be achieved both through joint scientific work with 4 partners from 4 EU countries, covering several advanced processing techniques and through the organization of a series of events such as workshops, summer schools, expert visits, etc.

BME’s role:  The Polymer Engineering Department of BME, as one of the leading polymer research institutes in the Central and Eastern European region, has significant experience in the research and development of polymer materials and processing technologies. The department’s main tasks in the IPPT_TWINN project based on this expertise are knowledge exchange with consortium members, the organization and management of knowledge exchange programs, and a leading role in the research topics related to the grant. These research topics include the investigation and modeling of adhesive bonding at the interface of products produced by injection overmolding and with hybrid technologies, and the study of self-healing effects that can be achieved with the use of various materials.

The project’s position and background within the institution’s research and grant strategy: The long-term strategy of the Department of Polymer Technology at BME involves participation in international competitions and the deepening of international relationships while exploring new points of connection. The IPPT_TWINN project presents an exceptional opportunity to achieve this long-term goal by aiding in the strengthening of relations with international research and industrial partners, as well as exploring new opportunities for grants and common points of connection. The IPPT_TWINN project continues the collaborative work initiated in 2020 within the framework of the Polyflip project with the Slovenian partner institution.

Project leader’s quote: “The IPPT_TWINN project is not just a consortium collaboration, but the coordinated knowledge force brought forth by the BME Department of Polymer Engineering and its outstanding partners. Our task extends beyond mere knowledge sharing; it involves charting new paths for mutual development.”

BME Team:  Dr. Kovács József Gábor, Pinke Balázs Gábor, Dr. Suplicz András, Dr. Szabó Ferenc, Dr. Török Dániel, Dr. Zink Béla

Acronym: QuMicro

Name: Quantum Microwave Detection with Diamond Spins

Call: HORIZON-EIC-2021-PATHFINDEROPEN-01-01 – EIC Pathfinder Open 2021

Cordis Link: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101046911

Duration: 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2025

Funded under: The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Project objectives: Microwave detection is one of the most widely spread technologies in our society, spanning across areas as diverse as telecommunications, computers, radio-astronomy, navigation and air traffic control, spectroscopy, and medical diagnostics. In this proposal we address emerging and advanced MW applications that start from the same basis – a need for ultrasensitive detection with a high spectral resolution, and, in addition, requesting portable integrated instruments. Emerging quantum technology devices acting as sensors can lead to a major breakthrough in the application field through high sensitivity and frequency resolution. In QuMicro, we propose to develop a quantum technology for the next generation of microwave detection devices, surpassing the capabilities of all currently available methods. The devices will enable the rapid measurement of the frequency, amplitude, and phase of microwave fields. We will achieve extremely fast (nanosecond-scale) transient detection, a broad detection range spanning tens of gigahertz, and parts-per-million frequency resolution with ultrahigh sensitivity. The QuMicro system is based on a novel detection scheme and on the pioneering innovation concept of photoelectrically detected magnetic resonance with nitrogen-vacancy colour centre qubits in diamond, as a highly performant platform for microwave signal detection at room temperature. 

BME’s role: BME will lead Work Package 2 to design and prepare materials and optical microstructures. In particular, BME quantum materials simulation team will work to optimize the electrical readout of the nitrogen-vacancy quantum sensor device and also search for alternative spin centers in diamond for such application. Furthermore, BME will furthermore contribute with their expertise on the design and realization of fast optical scanners.

BME Team: Ádám Gali, Gábor Erdei, Pál Koppa, Pál Maák

Acronym: e-DIPLOMA

Name: Electronic, Didactic and Innovative Platform for Learning based On Multimedia Assets

Call: HORIZON-CL2-2021-TRANSFORMATIONS-01-05 – Integration of emerging new technologies into education and training

Cordis Link: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101061424

Duration: 1 September 2022 – 31 August 2025

Funded under: Culture, creativity and inclusive society

Project objectives: Distance learning has become a great ally in the current Pandemic situation. The e-DIPLOMA project will establish the e-learning in an upper quality level in a three years’ research project, posing the use of Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning/Deep Learning), Interactive Technologies, chatbots and gamification in a newly designed e-learning platform. This project will use techniques and technologies previously proven successfully in the broadcasting, gaming, and eSports industries. They will be adapted to the educational world developing innovative learning practices. A co-creation methodology will be used to include the main educational actors (teachers, educators, pupils, families, course providers and policy makers) and their social relationships. Inclusiveness, accessibility and sustainability will also be taken into account.

BME’s role: 

BME Team: László Szirmay-Kalos, László Szécsi, Viktória Burkus, Attila Ádám Kárpáti

Acronym: PLOTO

Name: Deployment and Assessment of Predictive modelling, environmentally sustainable and emerging digital technologies and tools for improving the resilience of IWW against Climate change and other extremes

Call: HORIZON-CL5-2021-D6-01-09 – Climate resilient and environmentally sustainable transport infrastructure, with a focus on inland waterways

Cordis Link: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101069941

Duration:  1 September 2022 – 28 February 2026

Funded under: Climate, Energy and Mobility

Project objectives: PLOTO aims at increasing the resilience of the Inland WaterWays (IWW) infrastructures and the connected land- infrastructures, thus ensuring reliable network availability under unfavourable conditions, such as extreme weather, accidents and other kind of hazards. Our main target is to combine downscaled climate change scenarios (applied to IWW infrastructures) with simulation tools and actual data, so as to provide the relevant authorities and their operators with an integrated tool able to support more effective management of their infrastructures at strategic and operational levels.

BME’s role: participates in all WPs and leads Task 2.1: End-user needs and good practices analysis of adaptation and mitigation measures and Task 4.4 IWW Resilience Framework. The PLOTO integrated platform and its tools will be validated in three case studies in Belgium, Romania, and Hungary. BME coordinates the Hungarian case study. BME’s main tasks are as follows: situation analysis; consultancy activity; survey of user requirements; discussion on and elaboration of adaptation and mitigation measures, socio-economic studies, and innovative business solutions; demonstration and validation; dissemination and exploitation of project results.

BME Team: Csaba Csiszár, Dávid Földes, Bálint Csonka

Acronym:  PowerizeD

Name: Digitalization of Power Electronic Applications within Key Technology Value Chains

Call: HORIZON-KDT-JU-2021-1-IA

Cordis Link: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101096387

Duration:  1 January 2023 – 31 December 2025

Funded under:  Key Digital Technologies Joint Undertaking

Project objectives:  The overarching goal of PowerizeD is to develop breakthrough technologies of digitalized and intelligent power electronics, in order to enable sustainable and resilient energy generation, transmission and applications. PowerizeD enhances the level of mechanical and electrical integration of new driver circuits into power electronics and allows for the first time common optimization of all power switch functionalities. Regarding data sharing along the value chain, PowerizeD drives the novel approach of Federated Learning as a methodical approach to an intrinsically encrypted transfer of confidential and proprietary data. Also new is the usage of detailed electrical physical models in digital twins of real time digitally monitored and controlled power electronic devices. Unlike other projects focusing on competence and technology with limited effort on demonstration, this project will start from vital societal needs, by identifying and analysing the key generic technology challenges from broad application scopes. A major effort will be spent on cross-domain research and innovation. The developed technologies will be demonstrated and evaluated via a large number of universally applicable results. To realize this ambition, a large project consortium will incorporate the needed competencies and resources along the whole value chain. 

BME’s role:  Thermal conductivity measurements of new materials used in thermal management solutions, design for thermal testability (DfTT), study and modelling of structural degradation of device packages by means of structure-function during aging tests; contributions to digitalized development workflows, contribution to standardization activities (in terms of thermal testing standards). 

BME Team:  Andras Poppe (team leader), Ferenc Ender, Gusztav Hantos, Janos Hegedus, Gyorgy Bognar

Acronym: CHIRON

Name: The role of the non-canonical death receptor signalling in cancer and immune cells

Call: HORIZON-MSCA-2022-SE-01

Cordis Link: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101130240

Duration: 1 October 2023 – 30 September 2027

Funded under: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Project objectives: Immune surveillance refers to the ability of the immune system to efficiently induce cell death (apoptosis) in aberrant cells during the early stages of tumour development. This induction of cell death involves the binding of the death ligand TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) to its death receptors (DRs) DR4 and DR5 on the target cell. However, tumour cells can escape this immune surveillance by switching the signalling downstream of DRs from the canonical pro-apoptotic signal towards a survival signal. Previous work from CHIRON partners highlights that this non-canonical DR-signalling regulates both tumour cell behaviour and immune cell functions, demonstrating its central role in understanding the tumour microenvironment. Yet, many aspects of the DR-signalling pathways remain unresolved, hampering the exploitation for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. CHIRON will address these gaps via its main scientific aims: (i) to develop novel small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) to inhibit non-canonical DR-signalling (WP1), (ii) to identify new DR4- and DR5-binding partners within tumour and immune cells (WP2), and (iii) to gain a mechanistic understanding of the role of the non-canonical DR-signalling pathway in immune cells and cancer types (WP3). To achieve this, the CHIRON consortium combines the multidisciplinary and complementary expertise and resources of six academic and three private sector partners to (i) generate novel knowledge and innovative tools, (ii) strengthen an efficient network of knowledge exchange for further innovative synergies, and (iii) develop the expertise of early-stage and experienced researchers through excellent training. The outputs of the research will (i) develop novel tools to sensitise tumour cells for TRAIL-induced cell death, (ii) guide future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to utilize and modulate DR-signalling, and (iii) train the expertise necessary to turn such knowledge into innovative services and products.

BME’s role: As one of the beneficiaries, the BME role is to develop novel small molecule inhibitors to inhibit the non-canonical DR-signalling pathway, and to investigate molecular delineation of the non-canonical DR-signalling pathway. Further role of BME is teaching & training, and knowledge transfer by secondments and specific training sessions.

Essential contributions of BME to CHIRON: organic chemistry; retrosynthesis; compound synthesis and optimization; synthetic accessibility evaluation of potential compounds.

BME Team: Dr. Erika Bálint, Dr. Béla Mátravölgyi, Dr. Nóra Popovics-Tóth, Bettina Rávai, Máté János Orosz