Neuromorphic computing uses networks of artificial neurons highly interconnected by artificial synapses to perform vast data processing tasks with unmatched efficiency, as needed, for instance, for pattern recognition or autonomous driving tasks. The synaptic connections play a paramount role to create better hardware realizations of these networks. However, it is very complex to realize large interconnectivity by electronic circuitry. COSPIN overcomes this connectivity constraint by using the eigen-excitations of the magnetic system - the spin waves - to connect state-of-the-art artificial neurons based on spintronic auto-oscillators. COSPIN’S main goal is to create and experimentally validate innovative physical building blocks for a novel nano-scaled, all-spintronic network structure which incorporates all necessary properties for neuromorphic computing including high nonlinearity, interconnectivity and reprogrammability. By design, COSPIN works at the boundary between oscillator-based computing and wave-based computing. It uses interference, frequency-multiplexing, and time-modulation techniques as well as spin-wave amplification to significantly increase the connectivity between neurons. Reprogramming of the network is implemented by a direct physical link to magnetic memory solutions as well as by reconfiguring spin-wave circuits. By using coherent wave interference and nonlinear wave interaction, COSPIN paves the way for novel coupling phenomena for complex artificial neural networks far beyond the state-of-the-art of current hardware realizations. Using cutting-edge micromagnetic simulations enhanced by inverse design methods, the artificial networks will be designed and tested prior to their nano-fabrication. Experimental investigations will be mainly carried out using micro-focus Brillouin light scattering. This allows for local investigation of the individual neurons and synapses, and significantly simplifies the interpretation of the network dynamics.

Spintronic devices perform information storage and processing based on the spin degree of freedom. Materials with complex magnetic order, such as ferrimagnets, antiferromagnets and chiral magnets are promising candidates for next-generation spintronic devices with ultrafast speed, enhanced robustness and unique functionalities. However, several fundamental obstacles prevent their efficient control with established approaches based on magnetic fields and electrical currents. MAWiCS will overcome these obstacles by introducing the magneto-acoustic control of magnetization in these complex spin systems. The advantage of MAWiCS’ approach is based on the following hypotheses: Microwave frequency phonons can excite and control antiferromagnetic spin waves and magnetic skyrmions lattices with high efficiency. The uniaxial magnetic anisotropy induced by magneto-acoustic interactions can be used for full modulation of antiferromagnetic resonance frequencies. Magneto-acoustic waves can propagate in topologically protected skyrmion lattice edge-states with reduced magnetic damping. MAWiCS will develop innovative experimental approaches to take advantage of symmetry, topology and exchange-enhancement effects for highly efficient control of spin dynamics in complex spin systems. Consequently, MAWiCS’ results will allow for the first time to: 1) Generate nanoscale spin waves from acoustic pulses in ferrimagnets and antiferromagnets. 2) Control skyrmions by acoustic lattices and realize nanoscale topological acoustics 3) Excite and detect antiferromagnetic spin waves by acoustic two-tone modulation MAWiCS’ results will pave the way for the technological realization of magneto-acoustic spintronic devices, enable antiferromagnetic magnonics and realize topological magnon transport. Ultimately, MAWiCS will thus pioneer a new class of information technology concepts that do not only offer increased performance but also novel functionalities.

The year 2022 was a year of catastrophic extreme climatic events at an unprecedented scale. Rivers around the globe drying up, China's extreme heat wave, extreme floods in Pakistan and in the United States, are clear examples of a climate change scenario that is expected to be more and more pervasive in the next years. Despite evidence of the increase in frequency and intensity of extreme events, the effects of the extreme oscillations between droughts and floods on streams carbon cycling are still uncertain. Alpine streams are important contributors of inland water carbon and changes that occur in alpine streams can profoundly alter downstream reaches affecting the global carbon budget and in turn exacerbate climate impact in the future. PeriCarb, EFA aims at understanding how periphyton biofilms community composition changes due to extreme flow change events and the reduction in the recovery time for the microbial community between events. It will link biofilm changes in community composition to changes in carbon cycling and in greenhouse emissions. By linking microbial ecology and carbon biogeochemistry changes in alpine streams PeriCarb will inform on the impact of climate change on global carbon budgets. PeriCarb will constitute a multidisciplinary project joining the applicant's previous experience with the excellence of the host institution and a group of established collaborators. It will provide advances for the field of carbon biogeochemistry and allow the applicant to return to Europe to establish as a researcher.

In eukaryotic cells, many proteins are produced next to the organelles where they function, demonstrating a link between translation and protein targeting. The mechanisms of this connection are mostly unknown. In this proposal, I bring together the fields of translation regulation and organelle biogenesis to find this out. I approach the problem with a powerful combination of functional genomics and cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET). First, I want to create a quantitative map of proximal translation next to all the organelles and their sub-domains. Using high-throughput imaging, I will determine localizations of all the mRNAs and their dependence on translation. I will also map the positions and orientations of ribosomes next to all the membranes using proximity labelling and direct quantification of native ribosomes with cryo-ET. Beyond mapping, I want to understand how this local translation map is adapted to different conditions. Using high-throughput screening, I will determine what global and local factors establish and regulate proximal translation at each organelle. Finally, I will investigate the role proximal translation plays in essential organelle functions and get mechanistic insights into how local regulators help to carry it out. When completed, the project will overturn the binary view of either Sec61-coupled translation on the ER surface vs. free cytosolic translation of all the other organellar proteins. Instead, I will uncover a holistic picture of multiple proximal translation locales with distinct regulation. I aim to discover new connections between the two fundamental processes of protein synthesis and organelle biogenesis and thus make a ground-breaking advance in the understanding of how cells coordinate their architecture and functions.

This project aims to advance the field of neuromorphic computing by exploiting novel non-stationary dynamics in spin torque nano-oscillator, called here chiral non-stationary magnonic auto-oscillators. The core innovation lies in the numerical and experimental demonstration of time-modulated electric current (TMEC) stimulation combined with secondary stimuli to induce robust nonlinear excitations capable of sustaining neuromorphic computations. Key features such as short-term memory, echo-state properties and strong non-linear responses are achieved in the GHz frequency range, specifically targeting skyrmion and vortex textures. The project will focus on optimising CNMA for analogue neural networks by exploring time-dependent stimulation, improving energy efficiency and computational speed. A crucial part of the research will be a close collaboration with the renowned group at the University of Kaiserslautern, where I will receive specialised training in advanced experimental techniques for magnetoresistive and spectral analysis. This will be cross validated with micromagnetic simulations, combining the expertise of the fellow and the host group. The success of the project is also guaranteed by international cooperation with renowned research centres providing samples. Towards the end of the project, we will numerically demonstrate the scalability of the CNMA system by coupling multiple CNMAs via spin waves in a ferromagnetic strip, mimicking additional neural connections. This approach promises to significantly increase the computational power of CNMA-based reservoir computing systems. Through this partnership, fellow aim to establish a strong international research network, which will open opportunities for long-term collaborations and enhance my position within the scientific community. This extensive cooperation will also play a crucial role in securing future employment within academic institutions or R&D sectors in industry.