The geometric objects that can be perceived by our senses are curves and surfaces. Submanifolds provide a natural generalization for higher dimensions of these objects. The focus of this project is on totally geodesic submanifolds and isoparametric hypersurfaces, intriguing classes of submanifolds with connections to various mathematical areas, often studied using differential geometric, algebraic, or topological methods. The aim of this project is to investigate the interplay of totally geodesic submanifolds with Riemannian holonomy and isoparametric hypersurfaces with certain geometric flows, with the ultimate goal of obtaining results of both intrinsic and extrinsic nature. Specifically, we intend to complete the classifications of totally geodesic submanifolds in symmetric spaces and of homogeneous hypersurfaces in exceptional symmetric spaces. We will also use certain classes of isoparametric hypersurfaces in combination with maximum principles to try to prove an Alexandrov-type theorem in the complex hyperbolic space and long-time existence for the hypersymplectic flow. To develop this project, the Experienced Researcher will join the Geometric Analysis team at ULB in Brussels, under the supervision of one of its main researchers, Joel Fine. The host group has extensive experience in the study of manifolds with special holonomy and geometric flows, using techniques from PDE theory. The training strategy of this project involves assimilating these techniques. Moreover, the ER has experience in the classical theory of submanifolds in symmetric spaces, as evidenced by his contributions to the field. The combination of both backgrounds is essential for developing this proposal. Finally, this MSCA fellowship will enhance the convergence of distinct research fields and collaborative networks, generate synergy with the research performed by the Supervisor, diversify the fellow’s mathematical knowledge, and establish him as an independent researcher.

Finding a CURE for 35 Million individuals living with HIV/AIDS is one of the great global health challenges of the 21st century. The major obstacle to HIV eradication is the persistence of latent HIV cellular reservoirs, where the integrated viral genome is transcriptionally silenced but replication-competent and can escape both Anti-Retroviral Therapy and Immune Responses. The development of novel strategies aimed at eliminating these reservoirs have become paramount in HIV research, if we want to achieve an HIV/AIDS CURE. To accelerate the State of the Art in HIV CURE research in Europe, our EU4HIVCURE consortium brings together an intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration between 3 Universities, 3 Hospitals, 1 International Research Organisation from 4 European countries and 1 University from Canada. Our aim is to dissect the intricate mechanisms controlling HIV-1 latency and identify new druggable targets to develop novel latency-reversing strategies and eradicate persistent viral reservoirs by forcing HIV-1 gene expression. To facilitate continuum for translation to the clinic, we have developed an operational framework, which maximises exchange of knowledge and expertise via secondements, networking and training activities.

To better constrain the long-term response of Earth's climate system to continuing greenhouse gas emissions, it is essential to turn to the past. A key advance would be to understand the shift in Earth's climate response to orbital forcing during the 'Mid-Pleistocene transition' [MPT, 900,000 (900 kyr) to 1.2 million years (1.2 Myr) ago], when a dominant 40 kyr cyclicity gave way to the current 100 kyr period. It is critical to understand the role of forcing factors and especially of greenhouse gases in this transition. Unravelling such key linkages between the carbon cycle, ice sheets, atmosphere and ocean behaviour is vital, assisting society to design an effective mitigation and adaptation strategy for climate change. Only ice cores contain direct and quantitative information about past climate forcing and atmospheric responses. However, the longest (EPICA) ice core record available to date covers only the last 800 kyr. The RIA Topic LC-CLA-08-2018 empowers the European ice core community to perform such an oldest ice core drilling and the project 'Beyond EPICA' is taking on this unique challenge and opportunity. The overarching scientific objective driving 'Beyond EPICA' is to obtain quantitative, high-resolution ice- core information on climate and environmental changes over the last 1.5 Myr. The cause and effect relationship that led to the enigmatic MPT change in the climate system is not understood yet, as important information on global changes in the climate system is still missing. Most of this information, including the phasing of these changes in the Earth System can only be derived from a continuous ice core from Antarctica covering the last 1.5 Myr. This proposal uses the planning derived during the recent BE-OI CSA, and offers an excellent team (the only team globally that could at present accept the challenge of the call), underpinned by excellent infrastructure and capacity, and is currently ensuring it has an excellent location for the core.