The mathematical analysis of collective dynamics has experienced a prominent growth in the last years leading to new frontiers with cutting-edge fields in physics, biology and social sciences (e.g. complex networks, active matter or crowd dynamics). The deep breakthrough is that unveiling self-organization in a large group of agents can be tackled using strong mathematical methods from nonlinear and nonlocal PDEs, like harmonic analysis, energy methods, optimal transport and fluid mechanics. HICODY aims to go beyond the classical restrictive case of pairwise interactions. Indeed, recent advances in neural networks suggest that higher-order interactions are often needed to properly shape collective dynamics. Classical techniques break down in this setting, thus requiring innovative methods. This proposal is divided into three blocks. The first one aims to derive the rigorous kinetic and fluid-type PDEs of statistical mechanics from the underlying microscopic description to represent higher-order interactions at larger scales. Besides, the formation of patterns from multiple interactions will be analyzed in several examples of velocity alignment and synchronization dynamics. The other blocks integrate an interdisciplinary approach which combines analytical and computational tools to face the demanding technical level in two innovative applications: neuroscience and developmental biology. First, novel activity patterns will be explored in large ensembles of neurons with multiple interactions; second, a new PDE for filopodia-mediated morphogenesis will be rigorously derived supported by empirical evidence, contrarily to Turing’s theory based on free diffusion. As an evidence of the researcher capabilities, he has pioneered techniques to derive hydrodynamic and mean field limits in flocking and synchronization models with pairwise singular interactions. The project will be developed alongside his supervisor, who is expert in nonlinear PDEs and mathematical biology.

GOLDENIMPACT aims to understand the social impact of gold technology implementation in all sectors of society and surpass outdated traditional narratives that solely understand gold as a consolidator of elite power. Hence, the project targets the study of gold production by 1) characterising existent technological traditions, 2) understanding the social consequences of metal cross-craft interactions affecting gold production, and 3) evaluating the extent and degree of novelty of the structural changes necessary to sustain gold production. Iberia was selected as case study (3100-1500 BC) for being an archaeologically rich area with an autochthonous development of metallurgy, and outside of the traditional research loci of ancient gold technology in Eurasia. To accomplish these objectives, this project uses a radically interdisciplinary methodology that combines knowledge from archaeology, anthropology and geology, with computational tools (R, QGIS) and materials science techniques (optical microscopy, pXRF, ICP-MS) to analyse selected gold items and deposits. As a result, it will be possible to reverse engineering and socially contextualise ancient gold production strategies and explore the links between technological and social change from a previously overlooked perspective (i.e. gold production). This will contribute to re-signify gold as a symbol of the achievements of non-elite people, and ultimately generate a more balanced narrative within the European history of technology, taking into account all society sectors and Europe’s Eastern periphery.

The efficient use of chemical fertilizers is essential to face the Sustainable Development Goal-2: Zero Hunger. Specifically, phosphorous-fertilizers are mainly produced by mining the non-renewable phosphate rock (PR), with both inefficient production and application processes causing dramatic environmental damages. A new European fertilizer regulation encourages the development of new strategies driving to a P-circular economy. Phosphate could be recovered from both waste/eutrophicated water to produce P-fertilizers. However, the prevailing recovery rates cannot satisfy the whole P-demand. Thus, novel methods for a more sustainable production of P-fertilizers are also urgently needed. Zirconium-based Metal-Organic Frameworks (Zr-MOFs) are porous crystalline materials easy to functionalize showing large surface areas, water stability and a strong affinity to phosphate. Hence, they could act as promising P-recovery adsorbents. Besides, they have recently proved to promote the dissolution of highly stable minerals. Thus, they could enhance the dissolution of PR under milder condition, mitigating the environmental risks of PR-mining. Unfortunately, Zr-MOFs are usually prepared using toxic organic solvents, limiting their industrial progress. The project entitled “Metal-Organic Frameworks as multifunctional materials toward P-sustainability” (PSust-MOF) addresses the greener production Zr-MOFs with controlled particle features by using water as solvent. The main features determining both P-recovery process and promotion of apatite dissolution (main component of PR), will be identified. This knowledge will enable the design of advanced Zr-MOF materials which will be tested, for P-recovery or PR-dissolution, under real conditions. It is expected that the results of the project will not only have a strong impact on P-sustainability. Given the wide-range of applications of MOFs, the greener design of Zr-MOFs will also favour their industrial progress in multiple fields.

In modern agriculture, the extensive use of traditional pesticides requires a reevaluation to address the dual challenge of increasing food demand and sustainability. Historically, copper-based fungicides have been crucial in pest management, aiding farmers in the control of fungal or bacterial diseases across a wide range of crops. Additionally, evolving EU regulations are imposing stricter limits on copper-based pesticides use, driven by health and environmental concerns linked to Cu accumulation and in line with the European Green Deal aim of reducing pesticide usage by 50% by 2030. This presents a significant challenge to farmers who must simultaneously manage pests and respect restrictions, especially in vulnerable regions and crops. Currently, few viable alternatives for reformulating Cu-based pesticides are available. ECOFUN proposes a new material based on bioinspired and biocompatible nanoparticles engineered to incorporate copper, with the aim to deliver a more efficient and sustainable fungicide. Moreover, ECOFUN will comprehensively address the efficacy, efficiency, and toxicity of the material through in vitro and in vivo experiments, including field tests. The overarching goal is to reduce copper concentration by a minimum of 50% compared to commercial counterparts. The objectives include the synthesis of the new material and its comprehensive characterization, encompassing the study of Cu release in water, soil, and foliar adherence. Fungicidal activity will be assessed in vitro against three different fungi commonly treated with copper-based fungicides, alongside with cytotoxicity evaluations on target cells. Subsequently, in vivo experiments in field and under controlled conditions, will be performed to validate product efficiency and will involve measuring residue levels in fruits and soil and impacts on harvest. This proposal enables the development of a novel pesticide class using the same technology, owing to the broad-spectrum action of copper.