The presence of biogenic amines (BA) (histamine, putrescine, cadaverine, etc) is usual in fermented beverages such as wine. Due to the toxicity of these BA, some countries have established recommendations concerning the maximum levels allowed in wines. Taking account the difficulty of controlling the production of BA during winemaking, the removal of them from finished wines avoiding the modification of the chemical composition related with the wine quality is a great challenge considering the complexity of the wine chemical composition and its organoleptic characteristics. This multidisciplinary project (AMINE_REMOVAL) presents an innovative approach based on the design of functionalized mesoporous materials (according with the size of biogenic amines) with specific functional groups on the surface to remove selectively biogenic amines from wine with a minimum effect on its organoleptic characteristics. This project includes the synthesis of materials, a deep study of the effects of the materials in synthetic and real wines at chemical and sensorial level, and the application to real wines in a pilot-scale plant. AMINE_REMOVAL represents an important step in the strategy to tackle the problem of the presence of biogenic amines in wine. Thus, obtaining a suitable method to remove the amines from wines will have a great impact not only on the quality of the wines, but also on the possibility to establish a maximum concentration of biogenic amines in wines by the European Union in its food security policies in order to protect the consumer. This project fits in one of the society challenges of the European 2020 strategies (food safety and quality, productive and sustainable farming, sustainability of natural resources, marine and maritime research).

Subduction mega-earthquakes are among the most destructive events on Earth. When affecting very densely populated areas these earthquakes may cause extensive human losses and severe damages, as for the 2011 M9.0 Tohoku-Oki event (Japan). According to the ‘asperity model’, a mega-earthquake may occur when regions of the fault that are potentially seismic (i.e., asperities) interact and synchronize failing together. But understanding the physical conditions that are responsible for such synchronization still remains enigmatic. AspSync proposes to tackle this problem using a multidisciplinary approach that combines analog modelling with geodynamics and statistics. AspSync proposes to develop a 3D mechanical prototype that reproduces the convergent margin features, including interplate earthquakes. This model will feature laterally (i.e., in trench parallel direction) heterogeneous frictional behavior mimicking the asperities that characterize the plate interface. Tuning the physical and frictional properties of asperities, AspSync will systematically test the role of their dimensions, distance, geometry and strength in the synchronization process, unlocking the possibility to infer the physical conditions that lead to the triggering of mega-earthquakes. AspSync will then link the experimental results with ‘real Earth conditions’, studying the feedbacks between geodynamical properties of convergent margins and interplate seismicity aiming to identify the physical conditions that promote mega-earthquakes triggering. AspSync will update and analyze the existing database of global physical properties of subduction zones and interplate seismicity developed at UM2 applying robust statistics (e.g., multi-parametric pattern recognition analysis; analysis of temporal series) to quantitatively estimate cause-effect relationships between geodynamical and seismic parameters.

This study focuses on the genesis of metamorphic domes and gives fundamental insights on the thermo-mechanical behavior of the deep crust and its relationship with the upper crust. This understanding is essential in order to decipher transfers of mass and heat within the crust and related economic issues and seismic hazards. This project is original as it establishes a strong multidisciplinary synergy between field studies, quantitative petrochronology and numerical modelling. The candidate will spend the outgoing phase at the School of Geosciences in Sydney (Australia) and the return phase at Géosciences Montpellier (GM), University of Montpellier (UM, France). Dr Cenki-Tok is associate professor, well versed into naturalistic approaches. Benefiting from an intensive training in numerical modelling by A/Prof P. Rey at U Sydney will allow her to gather a unique combination of competences both naturalistic and numerical. Sydney is internationally recognised for geodata synthesis assimilating the wealth of geological and geophysical big data into a 4D Earth model. The return phase and knowledge transfer to GM will be supervised by Dr. D. Arcay. The complementary skills acquired during this GF will make her an ideal candidate for a Professorship in Europe. A special attention will be paid to disseminate our results to a large audience, using the various means well established at UM. A scientific workshop will be organised in the Montagne Noire dome (France) in order to bring together a multidisciplinary group of geoscientists. This highlight will significantly contribute to the international recognition of UM. Finally, UM has a long-standing experience in the management of European projects, funded research and training grants. The assistance of the academic, technical and administrative staff of the host institutions will assure a complete support of the applicant to successfully carry out her training and research.