A transdisciplinary space open to the outside world and designed to stimulate original research, ESPHIN addresses themes developed in its two founding departments: that of Philosophy in the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters and that of Sciences-Philosophies-Society in the Faculty of Science.
In synergy with other entities, researchers also aim for the emergence of new themes in the major fields of philosophy, such as anthropology, ethics, aesthetics, epistemology, logic and metaphysics.
The ESPHIN Institute intends to promote and support philosophical research, both fundamental and applied.

Research centers
Arcadie - Anthropocene, History, Utopias
See contentcBUN - Center for Bioethics
See contentcUNDP - Centre Universitaire Notre-Dame de paix
See contentESPHIN is also...
Reflect
Philosophical research aims both to study, in an interdisciplinary way, issues arising from the formal sciences (logic, mathematics), the humanities and nature, and to construct properly philosophical issues in a transdisciplinary space where the contributions of the various human sciences (political, sociological, clinical, etc.) are mobilized.
Debate
ESPHIN also defines itself as a place for debate, sparking encounters (seminars, colloquia, conferences,...) between practitioners and technicians of the above-mentioned sciences and philosophers in order to implement an effective inter- and transdisciplinarity, based on the conjunction of in-depth study of scientific content and high-level philosophical investigation.
Teaching
Parting from the principle that, within a University, teaching and research must be intimately linked, the Institute also makes it its mission to share the fruits of its research activities with Baccalaureate students (from the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, the Faculty of Science and other Faculties wishing to join ESPHIN) or Master's students (from the Faculty of Science), and to open up some of their activities to them.
While the Institute aims to be in touch with "field" issues, it intends to strongly preserve the specificity of fundamental philosophical approaches integrating rigorous and demanding approaches to the history of philosophy.
This content is currently being migrated. We invite you to visit the research institute's external page.
Spotlight
News

Space, between dream and strategic challenge
Space, between dream and strategic challenge
Space has become a major economic and strategic issue. As a member of the European UNIVERSEH Alliance, UNamur explores this space theme in its various departments, from physics to geology, via mathematics, computer science or philosophy. Without forgetting to address the general public, who still dream of the stars...

All it takes is one night under the stars to plunge us back into the endless questions of childhood: are we alone in the Universe? Can we go back in time? Does space have a limit? And what lies beyond that limit? "Today, we know that the stars around us are spread out over a very large space, and that we are part of the suburbs of one galaxy among many others", explains Eve-Aline Dubois, a mathematician by training and researcher in the Department of Science, Philosophy and Society at UNamur. "But this is a recent realization, marking the beginnings of cosmology as a science, dating back more or less to the 1920s." Because it considers the Universe as a whole, cosmology actually operates a "huge zoom-out" from conventional astronomy. "On the scale of cosmology, a galaxy is a point", sums up the researcher.
Cosmology, a recent science
While working on the history of cosmology, Eve-Aline Dubois was challenged by the fact that many theories relating to space were motivated by positions that had nothing to do with science, but were rather metaphysical or philosophical."For example, Einstein was convinced that the Universe had to be static, which is why he put into his equations what would make the Universe static," she illustrates.

An observation that led her to take an interest in the notion of infinity in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. "At the time, infinity was considered an attribute of God: so it was more of a theological question, before the debate shifted to more scientific and philosophical considerations. And it wasn't until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that the notion of infinity was properly mathematized." An infinity that can be envisaged in both its temporal and spatial dimensions. "Can we go back to infinity in the past, and does the Universe have an infinite future? With the Big Bang, this theory falls apart, since there would be a beginning... But also: does the Universe have a boundary, or is it like the surface of a sphere which, if traversed, would give the impression of never reaching the end?"
Space as a resource
If space is of interest to the philosophy of science, it is also at the heart of very real economic and geopolitical issues. Using applied mathematics, Jérôme Daquin, a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at UNamur, is seeking to gain a better understanding of how satellites and space debris in the Earth's vicinity behave. "Ultimately, the aim is to be able to guide political or legislative decisions to preserve space, which is increasingly seen as a resource, on a par with other natural resources," he explains. Today, space has never been so densely populated with satellites, sometimes sent up in squadrons, notably for the needs of new technologies and high-speed Internet. But at the same time, the space environment is cluttered with several million objects that have become useless and out of control. "This space debris has various sources", Jérôme Daquin details.
"They can come from rocket launches, collisions, explosions of eroded material, deliberate destruction by missile fire.... They also pose risks of various kinds, either in orbit or on the ground. Voices from the community are also being raised to warn that, at the rate things are going and without major changes, we will no longer be able to access and use this space resource."

Thanks to the theory of dynamic systems and the field known as "complexity", Jérôme Daquin is therefore trying to understand how space objects behave on large time scales, in order to propose perennial scenarios. "These scenarios make it possible, for example, to envisage placing a satellite in such and such an orbit that we know will not deform over time." Because today the issue of space debris has become central not only for certain private operators, but also for public authorities and in particular for the defense sector. "Space has always been a place of strategic influence", recalls Jérôme Daquin. "For the armed forces, having a good knowledge of it is always very interesting." Today, moreover, there is a synergy between academic and private players concerning the production of data relating to the space environment. "Fifteen years ago, this didn't exist, but today, more and more companies are producing their own cataloging."
Digital twins
If space is an essential resource for the new technologies sector, computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) in turn enable us to better understand the enigmas it still harbors. For example, the team led by Benoît Frenay, a professor at UNamur's Faculty of Computer Science, is collaborating on the VAMOS project, which is studying the atmosphere of Venus.
"We help scientists to analyze the data collected thanks to probes sent into space, but also to complete these data when they are missing." The contribution of AI to the space field doesn't stop there, either. "We can also help scientists model space phenomena, such as extrasolar planets, solar flares"details Benoît Frenay.

"This allows us to work not directly on a system of distant planets, for example, but on its "digital twin", which we will have built from data. While it's impossible to modify a star and its planets, it is possible in computer science! It's quite possible to modify a digital solar system and observe, for example, what would happen if one of the planets were a little bigger... Finally, we can help the missions themselves, by embedding AI techniques in the probe."
As a geologist specializing in the study of magmas at UNamur, Max Collinet also collaborates on a number of space missions. "Magmas are obviously linked to volcanology, but on a larger scale, they also inform as to the formation of rocks on Earth, but also on other planets. The question is also how these magmas may have influenced the composition of these planets' atmospheres."

By helping to analyze the physical and mineralogical composition of rocks on the surface of Mars or Venus, geology is thus able to better understand the conditions necessary for the appearance of life and why, Max Collinet points out, this life has instead developed on Earth, "our favorite planet"
UNIVERSEH Alliance
At the end of 2022, UNamur joined the European Alliance UNIVERSEH (European Space University for Earth and Humanity) focused on the theme of space, with the aim of addressing societal and environmental challenges relating to European space policy. This Alliance is part of the European Alliances initiative launched in 2017 by Emmanuel Macron. "A European Alliance is a network of universities that come together voluntarily with the aim of building an international campus and thus facilitating the development of integrated international pathways accessible to different learner profiles, explains Isabella Fontana, Director of International Relations at UNamur."This implies a great openness for students, who can choose innovative pathways recognized at European level, but also for teachers, who can collaborate in a context conducive to cross-border, transdisciplinary interactions and in dialogue with regional ecosystems."
Networking
Alliances can be either transversal or thematic, as is the case with the UNIVERSEH alliance. "The case of Belgium is rather particular since all the universities were already part of an alliance in 2022, with the exception of UNamur. There was therefore a particular strategic challenge for our university to join an alliance in its turn," continues Isabella Fontana. By joining the six other alliance partners - including the University of Toulouse, a European leader in the space field - UNamur can now lay claim to new opportunities in terms of international collaborations, teaching and research. "One of UNamur's strengths in relation to space is the scientific mediation and education component", details Isabella Fontana."Having said that, the aim of the Alliance is above all to be able to work in a network, to fuel the process of raising awareness of the importance of the network especially in the field of education and more generally in economic development. At UNamur, for example, we have devoted part of the budget to stays for members of the academic and scientific staff who wish to develop collaborations particularly at teaching level with partner universities, collaborations which, of course, have the potential to have spin-offs on research too."
UNIVERSEH Annual General Meeting at UNamur
From November 18 to 20, the University of Namur had the honor of hosting scientists, academics, students and university staff from all over Europe for the UNIVERSEH alliance's "General meeting".

"UNamur joined the Alliance relatively recently. Organizing and hosting the general meeting was a way of showing and demonstrating our investment in this project. It was also an opportunity to showcase Namur and its ecosystem", says Annick Castiaux, Rector of UNamur. The main aim of the general meeting was to bring together all the partners and people involved in the project to discuss progress and difficulties, but also to build solid, supportive teams and encourage team spirit. Work meetings, thematic workshops and collective exchange moments took place throughout the three days.
.More about UNIVERSEH
Space is still the stuff of dreams
A complex field involving both the "hard" sciences and the humanities, particularly the philosophy of science, space is also very present in literature and film. This makes it a "perfect theme for popularization", according to Maxime Dussong, communications and events manager at Confluent des Savoirs, UNamur's research popularization service."In culture, space is everywhere. It's an interesting gateway, even if we also have to break down stereotypes. And remind people that space isn't just about astronauts...". This is notably the aim of the Printemps des Sciences, an initiative of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in which UNamur is actively involved. "Through this event, we are reminding people that the theme of space can be found in all STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professions. On this occasion, we also organize visits to UNamur's Antoine Thomas Astronomical Observatory, which are always a huge success. They enable the public to discover the various instruments used there, but also, weather permitting, to observe the sky..."
A dedicated event, the Space week organized at UNamur (the last edition was held in October 2024) meanwhile enables schools and the general public to rub shoulders very directly with the thrill of space through meeting astronauts. "Again this year, we were lucky enough to have the participation of Dirk Frimout, who everyone knows, even children in fifth grade...", recounts Maxime Dussong. The event also features themed workshops, on constellations for example, an opportunity to "make the link between legends and science"and to"remind the youngest of the distinction between science and belief"illustrates Maxime Dussong.
Finally, UNamur is collaborating on various space-related art projects, such as "Stellar Scape", an exhibition at the Pavillon - located on the Esplanade de la Citadelle in Namur - which brings together works designed by artists and researchers until January 2025. "This is a fine example of collaboration, enabling people who are not very inclined towards scientific themes to become interested in them via art... and vice versa! ". We should also mention the existence at UNamur of Kap to UNIVERSEH, a kot-à-projet on the theme of space, which brings together students from all backgrounds: scientists, historians, philosophers... A transdisciplinary and cosmic experience!
This article is taken from the "Issues" section of Omalius magazine #35 (December 2024).


At the heart of Madagascar's ethical and environmental challenges
At the heart of Madagascar's ethical and environmental challenges
Located in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is an island with a rich natural heritage and multiple cultural influences. For over 15 years, researchers from the University of Namur have been working with a number of Madagascan universities and institutes on a variety of themes, including environmental preservation, water management and institutional capacity building. Focus on some of these projects.

Cet article est tiré de la rubrique "Far Away" du magazine Omalius de septembre 2024.
Ethical projects and institutional partnerships
Professor in the Department of Sciences, Philosophies and Societies, Laurent Ravez is multiplying his collaborations with Madagascar. In 2005, he took part in an American research project funded by the National Institutes of Health. The aim? To train healthcare professionals in ethics. "The United States needed to establish ethics committees all over the world," Laurent Ravez explains. "This project began in the Democratic Republic of Congo before expanding to Madagascar. When I arrived in Madagascar in 2009, it was a real culture shock for me. I already knew Africa, but this is a different Africa, at the intersection of various cultures, including Asian influences," he confides. "On site, we worked with a public health institute, then a research center in the field of infectious diseases. For almost 15 years, we introduced groups of researchers and doctors to this discipline. This led to the creation of new ethics committees and the strengthening of existing ones."
This first contact with Madagascar paved the way for new projects. "ARES-CDD proposed that I join a research project via institutional support at the University of Antananarivo", continues the professor. Institutional support aims to provide a university with the resources it needs to achieve its own objectives. "Here, the aim is to build capacity and boost the university's research. So we've been working with doctoriales, which enable PhD students to present their projects in a few minutes, share them with their colleagues, and thus stimulate research. Our presence allows us to contribute our experience and advice, but it's a real sharing of skills with the locals," insists Laurent Ravez.

Deeply attached to Madagascar, Laurent Ravez travels there several times a year. "It was during one of my trips that I was offered the chance to go and meet Father Pedro," he recounts. "He's a very inspiring man, who has enabled thousands of destitute people to get out of poverty, notably by building schools and a free university. He is convinced that education and work enable people to free themselves from poverty".
Still in the brainstorming stage, a new collaboration could soon see the light of day. "I taught bioethics in the northwest of the country, where I had the opportunity to work with a Faculty of Dentistry. Dentition in Madagascar is of particular concern, and this has repercussions on people's health or even their ability to find work," exposes the professor. "On the island, dentists are quite badly regarded by the population, perceived as being contemptuous. The idea would then be to raise the ethical awareness of these health professionals, while developing a dental prevention project with them," enthuses the researcher.
Toxicity of microplastics
After a master's degree specializing in aquatic resource management and aquaculture, Andry Rabezanahary has won an ARES scholarship to start a PhD in 2021, under the supervision of Professor Patrick Kestemont. "In Madagascar, waste management systems are still under development, which can lead to some contamination of waterways", explains the PhD student.

"Our aim is therefore to assess the toxicity of microplastics present in Madagascan rivers, by measuring their impact on zebrafish. We thus seek to demonstrate whether abnormalities occur when these fish are exposed to microplastics, and we try to determine whether these abnormalities persist or resolve in subsequent years."
To conduct this research, Andry Rabezanahary divides his time between Madagascar, where he collects water and sediment samples, and Namur, where he carries out the analyses. "Microplastic is collected using a plankton net, left in the river for 4 to 5 hours. We then characterize the microplastics to observe their degradation in the environment. The particles are then micronized to sizes ranging from 1 to 50 micrometers, and exposed to fish. The aim of these experiments is to determine whether microplastics are capable of crossing the fish's intestinal barriers, spreading through their bodies and potentially causing disease.
.Strengthening water management
Seven years ago, a project to support the implementation of the IWRM (Integrated Water Resources Management) approach in Madagascar with a view to sustainable development and climate resilience was launched in collaboration between UNamur, UClouvain, UAntananarivo, UAntsiranana and UToamasina. This project, funded by ARES under the name GIRE SAVA, focuses on the SAVA region, located in the north-east of Madagascar. Its ambition is to examine several key aspects of water management, including hydrological alterations, water quality, hydrogeological alterations and the implementation of an information system as part of water management.
"As a researcher in the GIRE SAVA project, I work mainly on water quality in the project's pilot basin: the Ankavia watershed. I'm exploring how anthropization of the basin, i.e. the transformation of the environment by human action, affects the physico-chemical quality of the water in the Ankavia river, as well as invertebrate and diatom communities in the water. We are also trying to assess how quickly the river manages to decompose the organic matter discharged into the water by conducting in-situ experiments", explains Hélène Voahanginirina, PhD student.
The laboratory work was carried out in Madagascar in close collaboration with a team in Namur, under the direction of Professor Frederik de Laender, promoter of the research project. Camille Carpentier, an expert in macroinvertebrate identification, played a key role in these analyses. The aim of this research was to analyze macroinvertebrate composition at ten different sites, at various times of the year, in order to develop a predictive model of community diversity. A model that would be based on several predictive factors, such as land use, landscape type, as well as various physico-chemical variables, such as water acidity and temperature.
.Cet article est tiré de la rubrique "Far Away" du magazine Omalius #34 (Septembre 2024).


Spiritualities, sciences and societies in dialogue
Spiritualities, sciences and societies in dialogue
Success for the interfaith and interdisciplinary colloquium organised by the University Chair Our Lady of Peace and the eponymous research centre, in collaboration with the Abbey of Maredsous.

Colloque interconfessionnel et interdisciplinaire organisé par la Chaire Universitaire Notre-Dame de la Paix
Ce vendredi 27 janvier 2023 se tenait le colloque interconfessionnel et interdisciplinaire organisé par la Chaire Universitaire Notre-Dame de la Paix. Des représentants des trois grandes religions monothéistes (christianisme, islam, judaïsme) et de nombreux scientifiques ont pris la parole dans le cadre du colloque "Les spiritualités au 21e siècle : quelques coups de projecteur" afin de partager avec plus de 170 participants leur point de vue sur les courants spirituels qui animent notre monde.
Nicolas Monseu, président de l’institut Esphin, s’est réjoui « de la diversité des courants religieux représentés et de la présence de personnalités qui contribuent au dialogue interreligieux indispensable aujourd’hui ». L’UNamur accueillait en effet le Grand Rabbin de Belgique Albert Guigui et le Cheikh Khaled Bentounes, Guide spirituel de la Tariqa Alawiyya.
Des discussions riches, qui ont aussi permis d’aborder la manière dont les spiritualités répondent aux grandes questions de société aujourd’hui : la place des femmes, la culture du numérique, la culture techno-scientifique… Les intervenants et intervenantes d’horizons et d’origines diverses, philosophes, théologiens, informaticiens, anthropologues, ingénieurs, laïcs ou religieux, ont chacun contribué à donner un éclairage différent et complémentaire sur ces thématiques.
La Rectrice Annick Castiaux a souligné l’importance de ce colloque pour l’UNamur : « Nous avons la conviction que les sujets abordés aujourd’hui sont extrêmement importants, aussi pour le monde universitaire. Dans un monde où les réponses apportées aux défis de notre temps sont soit technocratiques, soit idéologiques, il manque souvent la question du sens. Or aucune solution purement technique et aucun discours exclusivement politique ou idéologique ne rassurent aujourd’hui les jeunes sur l’avenir de notre société. L’UNamur souhaite intégrer davantage la question du sens et de la spiritualité à ses enseignements ». C’est dans cette optique que l’UNamur a rejoint le réseau Universitate, intégrant une dimension de service et de réflexivité à plusieurs cours. Le réseau Universitate et la Chaire Notre-Dame de la Paix soulignent également le lien de l’UNamur avec la Compagnie de Jésus. Plusieurs experts jésuites ont également pris la parole le 27 janvier.
La 2e journée du colloque s'est tenue à l'abbaye de Maredsous le 20 mars 2023 dans le cadre du centenaire du décès de l'abbé de Maredsous Dom Columba Marmion, dont la spiritualité avait nourri la plupart des participants au Concile Vatican II.
Photo ci-dessus : les organisateurs et intervenants de la 1re session du colloque du 27 janvier. De g. à dr. : Ferdinand Poswick (abbaye de Maredsous et Musée Nam-IP), Laura Rizzerio (UNamur), Bernard Lorent (abbé de Maredsous), Khaled Bentounes (guide spirituel de la Tariqa Alawiyya), Annick Castiaux (Rectrice UNamur), Albert Guigui (Grand Rabbin de Belgique), Jacques Scheuer s.j. (UCLouvain), Françoise Mies (UNamur) et Dominique Lambert (UNamur).

Arcadie, a new research centre in the ESPHIN institute
Arcadie, a new research centre in the ESPHIN institute
Arcadia is the name of an ideal society, a bucolic utopia. But it is also the name chosen by the members of a brand-new research centre at UNamur. This centre, created within the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters and attached to the ESPHIN institute, questions three themes at the heart of our contemporaneity: the Anthropocene, history and utopias.

Prolongeant les recherches menées dans le cadre du projet ARC « Philosophie critique de l’à-venir » (2015-2021), le nouveau centre, né en décembre 2021 à l’initiative de Sébastien Laoureux (professeur au Département de philosophie) et de Louis Carré (chercheur qualifié du FNRS), propose de traiter ces thématiques autour de la question : qu’est-ce que notre présent ? Comment caractériser l’époque que nous vivons ? Issu de la géologie, le terme d’Anthropocène s’est récemment imposé pour désigner l’époque au cours de laquelle les activités humaines et sociales se sont révélés avoir un impact majeur sur l’environnement. Il sert désormais de dénominateur commun pour penser les problèmes divers liés à la crise écologique globale que nous traversons.
L’idée originale du centre est de mobiliser la philosophie sur ces questions urgentes et d’articuler des champs de recherches le plus souvent séparés. Au quotidien, on ne cesse de constater que les activités humaines perturbent le climat. Pourtant, par-delà les alertes lancées, il paraît de plus en plus compliqué d’agir.
Le centre Arcadie propose une réflexion orientée vers l’action : que font les bouleversements climatiques et plus largement la crise écologique à notre expérience de la temporalité et à notre sens de l’histoire ? Comment pouvons-nous agir concrètement dans une telle situation ? Comment s’opposer à la démobilisation produite par l’horizon d’une catastrophe à la fois à venir et déjà largement en cours ? La référence aux utopies s’explique ainsi par un souci d’identifier des perspectives d’avenir et des alternatives au sein même d’un présent qui paraît saturé. L’utopie remplace l’impossible par le possible et permet d’inquiéter les logiques dominantes de notre temps.
Recherche
« Ce que l’Anthropocène fait au temps. Recherche philosophique sur les historicités et récits de la crise environnementale »
Sébastien Laoureux (promoteur) et Louis Carré se sont vu attribuer un projet de recherche PDR (FNRS) afin d’explorer ces questions. Le projet vise à interroger la crise écologique à partir de la nouvelle expérience du temps qu’elle produit et des transformations qu’elle provoque dans notre conception philosophique de l’histoire. L’Anthropocène vient en effet bouleverser la philosophie de l’histoire qui fondait la modernité : celle d’un temps orienté vers l’avenir et structuré par un progrès nécessaire de l’humanité. Contre cette vision linéaire du temps historique, la possibilité d’un « monde sans nous » ouverte par l’Anthropocène introduit une rupture dans la course au progrès dont il s’agit de tirer toutes les conséquences sur les plans théorique et pratique.
Les deux chercheurs ont été rejoints par trois doctorants : Laëtitia Riss, Vivien Giet et Salomé Frémineur et trois post-doctorants : Frédéric Monferrand, Jean-Baptiste Vuillerod et Amaury Delvaux.
Enseignement
Master interuniversitaire de spécialisation en philosophie et théorie politiques
Ce master, coorganisé par l’UNamur, l’ULB et l’ULiège, en est à sa troisième année d'existence. Il a participé à la dynamique qui débouche aujourd'hui sur la création du centre. Dans le cadre de ce Master, Louis Carré et Sébastien Laoureux organisent notamment un séminaire de philosophe sociale et politique consacré aux liens entre philosophie politique et écologie. Le thème du séminaire porte cette année sur les « limites de l’écologie ».

Space, between dream and strategic challenge
Space, between dream and strategic challenge
Space has become a major economic and strategic issue. As a member of the European UNIVERSEH Alliance, UNamur explores this space theme in its various departments, from physics to geology, via mathematics, computer science or philosophy. Without forgetting to address the general public, who still dream of the stars...

All it takes is one night under the stars to plunge us back into the endless questions of childhood: are we alone in the Universe? Can we go back in time? Does space have a limit? And what lies beyond that limit? "Today, we know that the stars around us are spread out over a very large space, and that we are part of the suburbs of one galaxy among many others", explains Eve-Aline Dubois, a mathematician by training and researcher in the Department of Science, Philosophy and Society at UNamur. "But this is a recent realization, marking the beginnings of cosmology as a science, dating back more or less to the 1920s." Because it considers the Universe as a whole, cosmology actually operates a "huge zoom-out" from conventional astronomy. "On the scale of cosmology, a galaxy is a point", sums up the researcher.
Cosmology, a recent science
While working on the history of cosmology, Eve-Aline Dubois was challenged by the fact that many theories relating to space were motivated by positions that had nothing to do with science, but were rather metaphysical or philosophical."For example, Einstein was convinced that the Universe had to be static, which is why he put into his equations what would make the Universe static," she illustrates.

An observation that led her to take an interest in the notion of infinity in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. "At the time, infinity was considered an attribute of God: so it was more of a theological question, before the debate shifted to more scientific and philosophical considerations. And it wasn't until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that the notion of infinity was properly mathematized." An infinity that can be envisaged in both its temporal and spatial dimensions. "Can we go back to infinity in the past, and does the Universe have an infinite future? With the Big Bang, this theory falls apart, since there would be a beginning... But also: does the Universe have a boundary, or is it like the surface of a sphere which, if traversed, would give the impression of never reaching the end?"
Space as a resource
If space is of interest to the philosophy of science, it is also at the heart of very real economic and geopolitical issues. Using applied mathematics, Jérôme Daquin, a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at UNamur, is seeking to gain a better understanding of how satellites and space debris in the Earth's vicinity behave. "Ultimately, the aim is to be able to guide political or legislative decisions to preserve space, which is increasingly seen as a resource, on a par with other natural resources," he explains. Today, space has never been so densely populated with satellites, sometimes sent up in squadrons, notably for the needs of new technologies and high-speed Internet. But at the same time, the space environment is cluttered with several million objects that have become useless and out of control. "This space debris has various sources", Jérôme Daquin details.
"They can come from rocket launches, collisions, explosions of eroded material, deliberate destruction by missile fire.... They also pose risks of various kinds, either in orbit or on the ground. Voices from the community are also being raised to warn that, at the rate things are going and without major changes, we will no longer be able to access and use this space resource."

Thanks to the theory of dynamic systems and the field known as "complexity", Jérôme Daquin is therefore trying to understand how space objects behave on large time scales, in order to propose perennial scenarios. "These scenarios make it possible, for example, to envisage placing a satellite in such and such an orbit that we know will not deform over time." Because today the issue of space debris has become central not only for certain private operators, but also for public authorities and in particular for the defense sector. "Space has always been a place of strategic influence", recalls Jérôme Daquin. "For the armed forces, having a good knowledge of it is always very interesting." Today, moreover, there is a synergy between academic and private players concerning the production of data relating to the space environment. "Fifteen years ago, this didn't exist, but today, more and more companies are producing their own cataloging."
Digital twins
If space is an essential resource for the new technologies sector, computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) in turn enable us to better understand the enigmas it still harbors. For example, the team led by Benoît Frenay, a professor at UNamur's Faculty of Computer Science, is collaborating on the VAMOS project, which is studying the atmosphere of Venus.
"We help scientists to analyze the data collected thanks to probes sent into space, but also to complete these data when they are missing." The contribution of AI to the space field doesn't stop there, either. "We can also help scientists model space phenomena, such as extrasolar planets, solar flares"details Benoît Frenay.

"This allows us to work not directly on a system of distant planets, for example, but on its "digital twin", which we will have built from data. While it's impossible to modify a star and its planets, it is possible in computer science! It's quite possible to modify a digital solar system and observe, for example, what would happen if one of the planets were a little bigger... Finally, we can help the missions themselves, by embedding AI techniques in the probe."
As a geologist specializing in the study of magmas at UNamur, Max Collinet also collaborates on a number of space missions. "Magmas are obviously linked to volcanology, but on a larger scale, they also inform as to the formation of rocks on Earth, but also on other planets. The question is also how these magmas may have influenced the composition of these planets' atmospheres."

By helping to analyze the physical and mineralogical composition of rocks on the surface of Mars or Venus, geology is thus able to better understand the conditions necessary for the appearance of life and why, Max Collinet points out, this life has instead developed on Earth, "our favorite planet"
UNIVERSEH Alliance
At the end of 2022, UNamur joined the European Alliance UNIVERSEH (European Space University for Earth and Humanity) focused on the theme of space, with the aim of addressing societal and environmental challenges relating to European space policy. This Alliance is part of the European Alliances initiative launched in 2017 by Emmanuel Macron. "A European Alliance is a network of universities that come together voluntarily with the aim of building an international campus and thus facilitating the development of integrated international pathways accessible to different learner profiles, explains Isabella Fontana, Director of International Relations at UNamur."This implies a great openness for students, who can choose innovative pathways recognized at European level, but also for teachers, who can collaborate in a context conducive to cross-border, transdisciplinary interactions and in dialogue with regional ecosystems."
Networking
Alliances can be either transversal or thematic, as is the case with the UNIVERSEH alliance. "The case of Belgium is rather particular since all the universities were already part of an alliance in 2022, with the exception of UNamur. There was therefore a particular strategic challenge for our university to join an alliance in its turn," continues Isabella Fontana. By joining the six other alliance partners - including the University of Toulouse, a European leader in the space field - UNamur can now lay claim to new opportunities in terms of international collaborations, teaching and research. "One of UNamur's strengths in relation to space is the scientific mediation and education component", details Isabella Fontana."Having said that, the aim of the Alliance is above all to be able to work in a network, to fuel the process of raising awareness of the importance of the network especially in the field of education and more generally in economic development. At UNamur, for example, we have devoted part of the budget to stays for members of the academic and scientific staff who wish to develop collaborations particularly at teaching level with partner universities, collaborations which, of course, have the potential to have spin-offs on research too."
UNIVERSEH Annual General Meeting at UNamur
From November 18 to 20, the University of Namur had the honor of hosting scientists, academics, students and university staff from all over Europe for the UNIVERSEH alliance's "General meeting".

"UNamur joined the Alliance relatively recently. Organizing and hosting the general meeting was a way of showing and demonstrating our investment in this project. It was also an opportunity to showcase Namur and its ecosystem", says Annick Castiaux, Rector of UNamur. The main aim of the general meeting was to bring together all the partners and people involved in the project to discuss progress and difficulties, but also to build solid, supportive teams and encourage team spirit. Work meetings, thematic workshops and collective exchange moments took place throughout the three days.
.More about UNIVERSEH
Space is still the stuff of dreams
A complex field involving both the "hard" sciences and the humanities, particularly the philosophy of science, space is also very present in literature and film. This makes it a "perfect theme for popularization", according to Maxime Dussong, communications and events manager at Confluent des Savoirs, UNamur's research popularization service."In culture, space is everywhere. It's an interesting gateway, even if we also have to break down stereotypes. And remind people that space isn't just about astronauts...". This is notably the aim of the Printemps des Sciences, an initiative of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in which UNamur is actively involved. "Through this event, we are reminding people that the theme of space can be found in all STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professions. On this occasion, we also organize visits to UNamur's Antoine Thomas Astronomical Observatory, which are always a huge success. They enable the public to discover the various instruments used there, but also, weather permitting, to observe the sky..."
A dedicated event, the Space week organized at UNamur (the last edition was held in October 2024) meanwhile enables schools and the general public to rub shoulders very directly with the thrill of space through meeting astronauts. "Again this year, we were lucky enough to have the participation of Dirk Frimout, who everyone knows, even children in fifth grade...", recounts Maxime Dussong. The event also features themed workshops, on constellations for example, an opportunity to "make the link between legends and science"and to"remind the youngest of the distinction between science and belief"illustrates Maxime Dussong.
Finally, UNamur is collaborating on various space-related art projects, such as "Stellar Scape", an exhibition at the Pavillon - located on the Esplanade de la Citadelle in Namur - which brings together works designed by artists and researchers until January 2025. "This is a fine example of collaboration, enabling people who are not very inclined towards scientific themes to become interested in them via art... and vice versa! ". We should also mention the existence at UNamur of Kap to UNIVERSEH, a kot-à-projet on the theme of space, which brings together students from all backgrounds: scientists, historians, philosophers... A transdisciplinary and cosmic experience!
This article is taken from the "Issues" section of Omalius magazine #35 (December 2024).


At the heart of Madagascar's ethical and environmental challenges
At the heart of Madagascar's ethical and environmental challenges
Located in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is an island with a rich natural heritage and multiple cultural influences. For over 15 years, researchers from the University of Namur have been working with a number of Madagascan universities and institutes on a variety of themes, including environmental preservation, water management and institutional capacity building. Focus on some of these projects.

Cet article est tiré de la rubrique "Far Away" du magazine Omalius de septembre 2024.
Ethical projects and institutional partnerships
Professor in the Department of Sciences, Philosophies and Societies, Laurent Ravez is multiplying his collaborations with Madagascar. In 2005, he took part in an American research project funded by the National Institutes of Health. The aim? To train healthcare professionals in ethics. "The United States needed to establish ethics committees all over the world," Laurent Ravez explains. "This project began in the Democratic Republic of Congo before expanding to Madagascar. When I arrived in Madagascar in 2009, it was a real culture shock for me. I already knew Africa, but this is a different Africa, at the intersection of various cultures, including Asian influences," he confides. "On site, we worked with a public health institute, then a research center in the field of infectious diseases. For almost 15 years, we introduced groups of researchers and doctors to this discipline. This led to the creation of new ethics committees and the strengthening of existing ones."
This first contact with Madagascar paved the way for new projects. "ARES-CDD proposed that I join a research project via institutional support at the University of Antananarivo", continues the professor. Institutional support aims to provide a university with the resources it needs to achieve its own objectives. "Here, the aim is to build capacity and boost the university's research. So we've been working with doctoriales, which enable PhD students to present their projects in a few minutes, share them with their colleagues, and thus stimulate research. Our presence allows us to contribute our experience and advice, but it's a real sharing of skills with the locals," insists Laurent Ravez.

Deeply attached to Madagascar, Laurent Ravez travels there several times a year. "It was during one of my trips that I was offered the chance to go and meet Father Pedro," he recounts. "He's a very inspiring man, who has enabled thousands of destitute people to get out of poverty, notably by building schools and a free university. He is convinced that education and work enable people to free themselves from poverty".
Still in the brainstorming stage, a new collaboration could soon see the light of day. "I taught bioethics in the northwest of the country, where I had the opportunity to work with a Faculty of Dentistry. Dentition in Madagascar is of particular concern, and this has repercussions on people's health or even their ability to find work," exposes the professor. "On the island, dentists are quite badly regarded by the population, perceived as being contemptuous. The idea would then be to raise the ethical awareness of these health professionals, while developing a dental prevention project with them," enthuses the researcher.
Toxicity of microplastics
After a master's degree specializing in aquatic resource management and aquaculture, Andry Rabezanahary has won an ARES scholarship to start a PhD in 2021, under the supervision of Professor Patrick Kestemont. "In Madagascar, waste management systems are still under development, which can lead to some contamination of waterways", explains the PhD student.

"Our aim is therefore to assess the toxicity of microplastics present in Madagascan rivers, by measuring their impact on zebrafish. We thus seek to demonstrate whether abnormalities occur when these fish are exposed to microplastics, and we try to determine whether these abnormalities persist or resolve in subsequent years."
To conduct this research, Andry Rabezanahary divides his time between Madagascar, where he collects water and sediment samples, and Namur, where he carries out the analyses. "Microplastic is collected using a plankton net, left in the river for 4 to 5 hours. We then characterize the microplastics to observe their degradation in the environment. The particles are then micronized to sizes ranging from 1 to 50 micrometers, and exposed to fish. The aim of these experiments is to determine whether microplastics are capable of crossing the fish's intestinal barriers, spreading through their bodies and potentially causing disease.
.Strengthening water management
Seven years ago, a project to support the implementation of the IWRM (Integrated Water Resources Management) approach in Madagascar with a view to sustainable development and climate resilience was launched in collaboration between UNamur, UClouvain, UAntananarivo, UAntsiranana and UToamasina. This project, funded by ARES under the name GIRE SAVA, focuses on the SAVA region, located in the north-east of Madagascar. Its ambition is to examine several key aspects of water management, including hydrological alterations, water quality, hydrogeological alterations and the implementation of an information system as part of water management.
"As a researcher in the GIRE SAVA project, I work mainly on water quality in the project's pilot basin: the Ankavia watershed. I'm exploring how anthropization of the basin, i.e. the transformation of the environment by human action, affects the physico-chemical quality of the water in the Ankavia river, as well as invertebrate and diatom communities in the water. We are also trying to assess how quickly the river manages to decompose the organic matter discharged into the water by conducting in-situ experiments", explains Hélène Voahanginirina, PhD student.
The laboratory work was carried out in Madagascar in close collaboration with a team in Namur, under the direction of Professor Frederik de Laender, promoter of the research project. Camille Carpentier, an expert in macroinvertebrate identification, played a key role in these analyses. The aim of this research was to analyze macroinvertebrate composition at ten different sites, at various times of the year, in order to develop a predictive model of community diversity. A model that would be based on several predictive factors, such as land use, landscape type, as well as various physico-chemical variables, such as water acidity and temperature.
.Cet article est tiré de la rubrique "Far Away" du magazine Omalius #34 (Septembre 2024).


Spiritualities, sciences and societies in dialogue
Spiritualities, sciences and societies in dialogue
Success for the interfaith and interdisciplinary colloquium organised by the University Chair Our Lady of Peace and the eponymous research centre, in collaboration with the Abbey of Maredsous.

Colloque interconfessionnel et interdisciplinaire organisé par la Chaire Universitaire Notre-Dame de la Paix
Ce vendredi 27 janvier 2023 se tenait le colloque interconfessionnel et interdisciplinaire organisé par la Chaire Universitaire Notre-Dame de la Paix. Des représentants des trois grandes religions monothéistes (christianisme, islam, judaïsme) et de nombreux scientifiques ont pris la parole dans le cadre du colloque "Les spiritualités au 21e siècle : quelques coups de projecteur" afin de partager avec plus de 170 participants leur point de vue sur les courants spirituels qui animent notre monde.
Nicolas Monseu, président de l’institut Esphin, s’est réjoui « de la diversité des courants religieux représentés et de la présence de personnalités qui contribuent au dialogue interreligieux indispensable aujourd’hui ». L’UNamur accueillait en effet le Grand Rabbin de Belgique Albert Guigui et le Cheikh Khaled Bentounes, Guide spirituel de la Tariqa Alawiyya.
Des discussions riches, qui ont aussi permis d’aborder la manière dont les spiritualités répondent aux grandes questions de société aujourd’hui : la place des femmes, la culture du numérique, la culture techno-scientifique… Les intervenants et intervenantes d’horizons et d’origines diverses, philosophes, théologiens, informaticiens, anthropologues, ingénieurs, laïcs ou religieux, ont chacun contribué à donner un éclairage différent et complémentaire sur ces thématiques.
La Rectrice Annick Castiaux a souligné l’importance de ce colloque pour l’UNamur : « Nous avons la conviction que les sujets abordés aujourd’hui sont extrêmement importants, aussi pour le monde universitaire. Dans un monde où les réponses apportées aux défis de notre temps sont soit technocratiques, soit idéologiques, il manque souvent la question du sens. Or aucune solution purement technique et aucun discours exclusivement politique ou idéologique ne rassurent aujourd’hui les jeunes sur l’avenir de notre société. L’UNamur souhaite intégrer davantage la question du sens et de la spiritualité à ses enseignements ». C’est dans cette optique que l’UNamur a rejoint le réseau Universitate, intégrant une dimension de service et de réflexivité à plusieurs cours. Le réseau Universitate et la Chaire Notre-Dame de la Paix soulignent également le lien de l’UNamur avec la Compagnie de Jésus. Plusieurs experts jésuites ont également pris la parole le 27 janvier.
La 2e journée du colloque s'est tenue à l'abbaye de Maredsous le 20 mars 2023 dans le cadre du centenaire du décès de l'abbé de Maredsous Dom Columba Marmion, dont la spiritualité avait nourri la plupart des participants au Concile Vatican II.
Photo ci-dessus : les organisateurs et intervenants de la 1re session du colloque du 27 janvier. De g. à dr. : Ferdinand Poswick (abbaye de Maredsous et Musée Nam-IP), Laura Rizzerio (UNamur), Bernard Lorent (abbé de Maredsous), Khaled Bentounes (guide spirituel de la Tariqa Alawiyya), Annick Castiaux (Rectrice UNamur), Albert Guigui (Grand Rabbin de Belgique), Jacques Scheuer s.j. (UCLouvain), Françoise Mies (UNamur) et Dominique Lambert (UNamur).

Arcadie, a new research centre in the ESPHIN institute
Arcadie, a new research centre in the ESPHIN institute
Arcadia is the name of an ideal society, a bucolic utopia. But it is also the name chosen by the members of a brand-new research centre at UNamur. This centre, created within the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters and attached to the ESPHIN institute, questions three themes at the heart of our contemporaneity: the Anthropocene, history and utopias.

Prolongeant les recherches menées dans le cadre du projet ARC « Philosophie critique de l’à-venir » (2015-2021), le nouveau centre, né en décembre 2021 à l’initiative de Sébastien Laoureux (professeur au Département de philosophie) et de Louis Carré (chercheur qualifié du FNRS), propose de traiter ces thématiques autour de la question : qu’est-ce que notre présent ? Comment caractériser l’époque que nous vivons ? Issu de la géologie, le terme d’Anthropocène s’est récemment imposé pour désigner l’époque au cours de laquelle les activités humaines et sociales se sont révélés avoir un impact majeur sur l’environnement. Il sert désormais de dénominateur commun pour penser les problèmes divers liés à la crise écologique globale que nous traversons.
L’idée originale du centre est de mobiliser la philosophie sur ces questions urgentes et d’articuler des champs de recherches le plus souvent séparés. Au quotidien, on ne cesse de constater que les activités humaines perturbent le climat. Pourtant, par-delà les alertes lancées, il paraît de plus en plus compliqué d’agir.
Le centre Arcadie propose une réflexion orientée vers l’action : que font les bouleversements climatiques et plus largement la crise écologique à notre expérience de la temporalité et à notre sens de l’histoire ? Comment pouvons-nous agir concrètement dans une telle situation ? Comment s’opposer à la démobilisation produite par l’horizon d’une catastrophe à la fois à venir et déjà largement en cours ? La référence aux utopies s’explique ainsi par un souci d’identifier des perspectives d’avenir et des alternatives au sein même d’un présent qui paraît saturé. L’utopie remplace l’impossible par le possible et permet d’inquiéter les logiques dominantes de notre temps.
Recherche
« Ce que l’Anthropocène fait au temps. Recherche philosophique sur les historicités et récits de la crise environnementale »
Sébastien Laoureux (promoteur) et Louis Carré se sont vu attribuer un projet de recherche PDR (FNRS) afin d’explorer ces questions. Le projet vise à interroger la crise écologique à partir de la nouvelle expérience du temps qu’elle produit et des transformations qu’elle provoque dans notre conception philosophique de l’histoire. L’Anthropocène vient en effet bouleverser la philosophie de l’histoire qui fondait la modernité : celle d’un temps orienté vers l’avenir et structuré par un progrès nécessaire de l’humanité. Contre cette vision linéaire du temps historique, la possibilité d’un « monde sans nous » ouverte par l’Anthropocène introduit une rupture dans la course au progrès dont il s’agit de tirer toutes les conséquences sur les plans théorique et pratique.
Les deux chercheurs ont été rejoints par trois doctorants : Laëtitia Riss, Vivien Giet et Salomé Frémineur et trois post-doctorants : Frédéric Monferrand, Jean-Baptiste Vuillerod et Amaury Delvaux.
Enseignement
Master interuniversitaire de spécialisation en philosophie et théorie politiques
Ce master, coorganisé par l’UNamur, l’ULB et l’ULiège, en est à sa troisième année d'existence. Il a participé à la dynamique qui débouche aujourd'hui sur la création du centre. Dans le cadre de ce Master, Louis Carré et Sébastien Laoureux organisent notamment un séminaire de philosophe sociale et politique consacré aux liens entre philosophie politique et écologie. Le thème du séminaire porte cette année sur les « limites de l’écologie ».
Agenda
Chair 2024-2025 | Caring for people, the living, the earth - Health in transition for the common good
The Centre Universitaire Notre-Dame de la Paix is pleased to invite you to its annual lecture series.
The program
- Thursday 03/27/2025 | Global health, a discipline of medicine
- Thursday 04/10/2025 | Caring for nature

Chair 2024-2025 | Caring for people, the living, the earth - Health in transition for the common good
The Centre Universitaire Notre-Dame de la Paix is pleased to invite you to its annual lecture series.
Ecology of living organisms" seminars - Aux racines de l'Humain
Seminar organized by ESPHIN (Espace Philosophique de Namur).
It's obvious to anyone paying attention to the paths taken by a growing number of 21st century thinkers: these paths lead to the living! Whether it's called "ecophilosophy", "ecoanthropology", "ecosophy", or "ecopolitics", this thinking about the living is occupying a growing place not only in the media and publications of all kinds, but also in concrete actions in a variety of fields.
Program 2024-2025 | At the Roots of the Human
To introduce the subject
If we were to take stock of the history of mankind, one trend would certainly stand out: that of a utilitarian relationship with the non-human that continues to grow, and consequently that of a widening gap between the human and the rest.
Humanity, however, has its roots in a living environment that cultivates many other relationships than those we currently privilege, which are dominated by instrumental rationality. Sounding out these forgotten relational universes without which it is increasingly difficult to think about the human is one aim of this seminar, which this year will invite you to encounter the plant.