This project aims to propose a declarative language dedicated to cryptanalytic problems in symmetric key cryptography using constraint programming (CP) to simplify the representation of attacks, to improve existing attacks and to build new cryptographic primitives that withstand these attacks. We also want to compare the different tools that can be used to solve these problems: SAT and MILP where the constraints are homogeneous and CP where the heterogeneous constraints can allow a more complex treatment. One of the challenges of this project will be to define global constraints dedicated to the case of symmetric cryptography. Concerning constraint programming, this project will define new dedicated global constraints, will improve the underlying filtering and solution search algorithms and will propose dedicated explanations generated automatically.

Despite the wide use of property graphs as a flexible data model for numerous applications and use cases, the current graph processing systems lack foundations for well-defined semantics of the underlying graph query languages and mapping specifications. These are however the principal building blocks of modern graph processing and graph data integration systems. The project VeriGraph is thus motivated by two main observations. First, there is currently a shift from relational to Graph Databases that still suffer from the lack of a formal semantics. Second, graph databases need to be both queried and also transformed in a meaningful and reliable way. The project will address these issues by making decisive contributions at the interface of Graph Databases and Programming Language Theory, by (1) enriching graph databases with formal semantic information; (2) verifying and informing the design of the next generation of graph query languages; (3) defining graph transformation and schema mapping languages with a formal semantics to permit fully automated verification of enforcement of consistency constraints. The project will have a considerable impact on the design and specification of a new standard for a graph query language pursued by the International Organization for Standardization together with the key graph database vendors. The project will in addition significantly advance our understanding of property graph transformations for data integration and data curation.

The MOBILES project aims to document, understand and support the spatial and language learning practices of international students.ales hosted in higher education in France. The originality of the project consists in the analysis of the learning process within a long-term and immersion stay, through the angle of the spatial practices using digital tools. The project will (1) analyse the students’ spatial practices, i.e. shed light on the learning opportunities harboured by the context; (2) conceive a mapping of the city as it is practiced, by means of a cartographic interface that allows combining heterogeneous sources of data and exploring them in a quantitative and qualitative manner; (3) examine ways in which recommendation systems based on users’ participation can be set up in order to support the goals of learning.

In recent years, the issue of resource efficiency has also become increasingly important in construction engineering, as soil and rock account for more than 50% of mineral construction waste. Tunnel projects play a special role in this regard, as large quantities are generated at specific times and places. Due to the high degree of mechanisation and the associated advantages in terms of construction performance and safety at work, almost the half of tunnels is built with TBMs (TBM). For documentation and control of the construction process, these are equipped with various sensor systems that provide comprehensive data sets. But in this area, modern data-driven processes have not yet found a wide application. The overall objective of the REMATCH project is therefore to use the data sets from TBMs, with the help of AI methods, to enhance the recycling of the large quantities of tunnel excavation material. In this regard, an innovative real-time measurement system for material characterisation is to be de- veloped which gives decision support on the question if soil is “usable” or “not usable” for other purposes and thus has to be disposed of in a landfill. This system will base on several approaches using AI methods: firstly, on image recognition of excavated material, secondly, on intelligent data processing of TBM data, and, thirdly, on a knowledge database.

Visualizations are commonly used to summarize complex data, illustrate problems and solutions, tell stories over data, or shape public attitudes. Unfortunately, dominant visualization systems largely target scientists and data-analysis tasks and thus fail to support communication purposes. This project looks at visualization design practices. It investigates tools and techniques that can help graphic designers, illustrators, data journalists, and infographic artists, produce creative and effective visualizations for communication. The project aims to address the more ambitious goal of computer-aided design tools, where visualization creation is driven by the graphics, starting from sketches, moving to flexible graphical structures that embed constraints, and ending to data and generative parametric instructions, which can then re-feed the designer’s sketches and graphics. The partners bring expertise from Human-Computer Interaction, Information Visualization, and Computer Graphics.