GEEKS R US: Teams of scientists from across Europe are vying for a funding bonanza in which two of them can receive up to (EURO)1 billion ($1.33 billion) over 10 years.

SNART PICKS: The finalists include a plan to develop digital guardian angels that would keep people safe from harm; a massive data-crunching machine to simulate social, economic and technological change on our planet; and an effort to craft the most accurate computer model yet of the human brain.

THE ENVELOPE PLEASE: The European Union's executive branch will announce the winners Jan. 28.