Project description
Exploring how complex microbial communities keep us healthy
We know that a balanced gut microbiome is vital for human health. What scientists are still studying is how these microbial communities remain stable. With this in mind, the ERC-funded Saphyr project aims to find answers. Specifically, it will identify the underlying patterns that govern the dynamics of large microbial ecosystems – how they interact, adapt and give rise to tipping points and abrupt collapses. Using advanced tools from statistical physics, random matrix theory and large-scale simulations, Saphyr will reveal how these transitions relate to disease. The findings could open new paths for predicting and managing microbial imbalances that affect both human and environmental health.
Objective
The study of ecological systems is at the forefront of modern scientific research, fueled by the vast availability of empirical data and advanced bioengineering techniques. Unraveling the dynamical and thermodynamical properties of these complex systems, especially in light of the current biodiversity crisis, represents a major challenge.
SAPHYR aims to decode the complexity of large microbial communities and characterize their alternative dynamical states, with a particular focus on the gut microbiome, which plays a key role in various health disorders.
Methodologically, SAPHYR is structured around three main axes. First, by applying cutting-edge statistical physics techniques, it aims to identify and correlate stable/unstable regimes with healthy/unhealthy physiological states in the gut (Axis 1), ultimately pinpointing universal features. Next, it will explore spatial correlations (Axis 2) and structured, time-dependent interaction networks (Axis 3). This approach will allow for an in-depth investigation of out-of-equilibrium dynamics and pattern formation within spatially extended communities. The study of sound mathematical models, combining methods from disordered-system physics with numerical simulations, will offer unprecedented insights into the stability of these systems under external disturbances.
SAPHYR represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of systems governed by highly heterogeneous interaction networks, offering a timely compound of theoretical physics with applied research. On one front, SAPHYR will distinguish between single and multiple-fixed-point regimes, examine the interplay between local and global dynamics, and disentangle informative variation (signal) in microbial composition from noise. On the other, it will lay the groundwork for identifying correlations between microbiota-host interactions and bowel diseases, contributing tools for developing targeted health management strategies.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
75006 PARIS
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.