Objective
Social species construct intricate buildings as a buffer against the environment. In turn, spatial architecture exerts a profound influence on an array of important processes, moulding the movement of individuals, the flow of resources, the exchange of information, and the spread of pathogens. Although there is growing interest in understanding how architecture can be used as a tool to optimise transmission trade-offs and overcome environmental perturbations, practical and ethical restrictions have limited empirical progress. We propose that social insect architecture, refined through millions of years of evolution, provides a valuable testbed for exploring these questions experimentally.
In SmartNests, we will first investigate how ants alter their nest architecture when exposed to biotic stress (WP1). Using micro-CT scanning, we will look for changes in nest structure in colonies faced with disease or with unpredictable food supply location. We will then house colonies in artificial copies of these nests to test whether these architectural changes result in fitness benefits. Additionally, we will use individual tracking, deep learning methods for behavioural classification and agent-based modelling to uncover the individual-level mechanisms underlying architectural plasticity. Second, we will develop new methods for the real-time tracking of individuals, resources and pathogens within 3D nests and for manipulating movement within 2D nests, providing the first experimental insights into the costs and benefits of architectural interventions for disease control (WP2). Third, we will develop a new non-destructive method to map underground nests in the field, using Ground Penetrating Radar (WP3).
This research will deepen understanding of how architecture influences collective resilience, with potential broad implications for biomimetic design, urban planning, and strategies to mitigate major challenges like infectious diseases in human and other biological systems.
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.
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.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications radio technology radar
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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-COG
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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.
BS8 1QU BRISTOL
United Kingdom
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.