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"Urban history and social tensions: the Southern Netherlands before 1302", is the theme of this 2024-2025 Francqui Chair of the UNamur History Department. Plus d'infos sur la Chaire...

Jury Prof. Yves CAUDANO (UNamur), chairmanProf. André FÜZFA (UNamur), secretaryProf. Dominique LAMBERT (UNamur)Dr. Jérémy REKIER (Observatoire royal de Belgique et UCLouvain)Prof. Dr. Félix FINSTER (Regensburg University) Summary Sounding the Universe with a relativistic solar sailboat or Einstein-Dirac fermionsThe Universe exerts a curiosity on man that is both undeniable and fundamental. To unravel the mysteries of the Cosmos, man is driven to develop two major investigative strategies: direct exploration by sending space probes, and indirect exploration by observing cosmic electromagnetic fields, gravitational waves or particles such as fermions.Following these two strategies, in this thesis we develop, in the first approach (consisting of sending a space probe), a relativistic kinematic and dynamical model of photonic sails (light sails) with arbitrary reflectivity and absorbance, moving in a non-rectilinear manner with the aim of exploring interstellar space. The problem is to determine the sail's trajectory in a Minkowski spacetime, a four-dimensional variety. From detailed calculations, we obtain the sail's universe line in the laser reference frame as a function of the sail's proper time.The second approach applies the Two-State Vector Formalism and weak measurements to a homogeneous, isotropic cosmological framework. By coupling Dirac spinners to classical gravity, we calculate weak values of the energy-impulse tensor, the Z component of spin and pure states. Extending the work of Finster and Hainzl on Einstein-Dirac cosmology, we show that the accelerated expansion of the Universe can be interpreted as a consequence of post-selection. We also demonstrate that weak measurements can amplify signals using simpler equipment, thanks to judicious selection of the initial and final state vectors. In addition, this procedure highlights certain geometric properties of the Cosmos' three-dimensional space, offering a new way of exploring the structure of the Universe.We also examine the mathematical structure on which the Dirac equation rests beyond the usual dimension and signature. This reveals a rich internal symmetry and gives rise to a particularly aesthetic diagrammatic representation. Abstract Probing the Universe with a Relativistic Light Sail or Einstein-Dirac FermionsHumanity's profound curiosity about the cosmos is both undeniable and fundamental. To demystify the Universe, humankind is compelled to develop both direct and indirect probing strategies: direct exploration through physical visits using probes, and indirect exploration by observing cosmic electromagnetic field, gravitational waves and particles such as fermions.Building on these two strategies, this thesis proposes two distinct approaches to probing the Universe. In the first approach, we present a relativistic kinematic and dynamic model of light sails with arbitrary reflectivity and absorptance, undergoing non-rectilinear motion as a method of interstellar exploration. The problem involves solving for the trajectory of the sail in a 4-dimensional Minkowski spacetime manifold. By detailed computation, we derive the worldline of the sail in the laser's frame in the sail's proper time.The second approach applies the Two-State Vector Formalism and weak measurements to a spatially homogeneous and isotropic cosmological framework. Coupling Dirac spinors with classical gravity, we compute weak values of the energy-momentum tensor, the Z-component of spin, and pure states. Extending the work of Finster and Hainzl on Einstein-Dirac cosmology, we demonstrate that the Universe's accelerated expansion can be interpreted as a consequence of post-selection. We also show that weak measurements can amplify signals with simpler equipment by carefully selecting initial and final state vectors. This process also reveals geometric properties of the spacelike three-manifold of the Cosmos, opening new way on probing the structure of the Universe.We explore also the mathematical framework underlying the Dirac equation beyond the standard dimension and signature. This enterprise reveals its symmetrically rich properties and aesthetic diagrammatic representation.

Jury Prof. Benoît MUYLKENS (URVI, Université de Namur), PresidentProf. Carine MICHIELS (URBC, Université de Namur), SecretaryProf. Xavier DE BOLLE (URBC, Université de Namur)Prof. René REZSOHAZY (LIBST, Université catholique de Louvain)Prof. Florian STEINER (Dept. of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Université de Genève)Prof. Germano CECERE (Department of developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur) Summary In animals, germ cells are often distinguished from somatic lineages at the earliest stages of embryogenesis. In some organisms, germ blastomeres appear to enter a state of transcriptional quiescence. For example, in the worm Caenorhabditis elegans, transcription is activated in somatic blastomeres as early as the 4-cell stage, whereas it is not initiated in germline blastomeres until the 100-cell stage. This transcriptional repression in germ blastomeres has been attributed to the PIE-1 protein, specifically localized in these cells from the first embryonic division. PIE-1 is thought to inhibit the activity of CDK-9, a cyclin-dependent kinase previously considered essential for the phosphorylation of serine 2 (CTD-Ser2) of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II and for transcription elongation. However, recent studies, showing that embryogenesis proceeds normally in a mutant strain expressing a CTD in which serines 2 is replaced by an alanine (CTD-S2A) and identifying CDK-12 as the main kinase phosphorylating CTD-Ser2, call this model into question.To study the transcriptome of germline blastomeres in the worm C. elegans, an approach combining cell sorting and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was developed. Pilot analyses validated this method on a wild-type strain, enabling its use on a strain in which PIE-1 can be specifically degraded using the Auxin-Inducible Degron (AID) system. This made it possible to examine the effect of PIE-1 depletion on the transcriptome of germline blastomeres revealing that in its absence, germline blastomeres adopt a transcriptional profile close to that of somatic blastomeres, confirming the fundamental role of PIE-1 in preserving germline identity during embryogenesis. In parallel, the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used to analyze the consequences of PIE-1 expression in a heterologous organism. The results showed that PIE-1 by localizing near transcription termination sites induces further transcription by RNA polymerase II beyond the termination site, leading to transcription of intergenic regions. These observations led to the hypothesis that in C. elegans,within germinal blastomeres, PIE-1 might regulate alternative polyadenylation in 3' untranslated regions, producing longer RNA isoforms susceptible to degradation. In the absence of PIE-1, shorter isoforms could be generated, allowing accumulation of somatic transcripts and potentially degradation of maternal mRNAs via somatic protein translation. Although further investigations are required in C. elegans to validate this hypothesis, it provides an innovative conceptual framework for understanding the role of PIE-1, independent of CTD-Ser2 phosphorylation.

Come and discover the Observatoire Astronomique Antoine Thomas, an observatory built on the very site where the Jesuit fathers established their own observation, training and research dome in the 19th century. Located in downtown Namur, in the heart of the university, our observatory is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, for both night-time and daytime observation, with one of Belgium's largest solar telescopes. A visit to the observatory allows you to discover how astronomy is practiced today and to observe the beauty of our starry sky. Join the list of future visitors today! Each month, we'll be offering a one-hour evening to discover the wonders of the night sky. The dates of the evenings will be communicated to those registered according to weather conditions. To subscribe to the contact list, please fill in the form available on our website. Practical information:Guided tour and observations From 10 years old 20:00 to 21:00 and 21:00 to 22:00 Faculty of Medicine - Place du Palais de Justice, Namur Free - On registration The observatory is not accessible to people with reduced mobility This activity is organized with the support of Wallonie Recherche. Registration

Jury Prof. Marielle BOONEN (UNamur), presidentProf. Henri-François RENARD (UNamur), secretaryProf. Claire HIVROZ (PSL University)Prof. Michel GHISLAIN (UCLouvain)Prof. Pierre VAN DER BRUGGEN (UCLouvain)Prof. Ludger JOHANNES (PSL University)Prof. Pierre MORSOMME (UCLouvain) Summary Clathrin-independent endocytosis (CIE) mediates the cellular uptake of endogenous and exogenous cargoes, including bacterial toxins and viruses. Endophilin A3-mediated endocytosis is a specific CIE mechanism that differs from fast endophilin-mediated endocytosis (FEME), with ALCAM and L1CAM being the first confirmed Endophilin A3-specific cargoes. Here, we report ICAM1 as a new Endophilin A3-dependent endocytic cargo. ALCAM and ICAM1 are important components of immune synapses (IS), which are polarized structures formed between immune cells and target cells, such as cancer cells. These molecules transduce essential co-stimulatory signals to T cells to help their effective activation and proliferation. We find that both ALCAM and ICAM1 serve as cargoes for retromer-dependent retrograde transport to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) in cancer cells. Interestingly, disrupting Endophilin A3-mediated endocytosis or retromer-dependent retrograde transport machinery impairs activation of autologous cytotoxic CD8 T cells, possibly by affecting the polarized redistribution of immune synapse components at the plasma membrane. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that CIE and retrograde transport are key pathways in cancer cells that promote the activation of cytotoxic CD8 T cells.

A Hackathon is a short event where teams reflect on a particular theme. They attempt to find solutions by developing innovative projects. At the end of the event, a jury determines which projects have caught their attention and thus won the competition. A CSLabs initiative The Computer Science Labs is a junior enterprise that grew out of the Faculty of Computer Science at the University of Namur. In practical terms, its actions revolve around carrying out projects, training members on IT-related topics and organizing events. Read more

Practical info Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025Location: PA01, entrance will be via the Faculty of Science lobby6:45pm: Doors open7:15pm: Show startsPrice and ticket sales: €5 pre-sale / €7 on the daySales: At lunchtime throughout the week of March 3 in the college hall!Payment: We prefer cash, but also accept payment by QR code or bank transfer. Read more

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Practical info Where: Amphithéâtre Vauban (rue de l'Arsenal, Namur).When: Doors open at 6:30pm / Show at 7:30pm.Price: On site: 7€ / Presales: 5€ Read more

How does it work? You come to the Arsenal between 10 am and 4 pm. At your own pace, you'll discover the trail of booths proposed by teams from the Cellule médico-psychologique and the Cellule sociale des étudiants AND/ORIf you feel like experimenting and are ready to get started, you can take part in one of the 3 workshops "Really listening and putting on the other person's glasses" organized at 11 am, 12:45 pm and 2 pm. The program At the stands:QuizzesBrochures and informationReadings, tools, ... Exchanges and sharingWorkshop: "Really listening and putting on the other person's glasses":role-playing and small-group exchangesFreeFree access to the courseRegistration required for the workshop "Really listening and putting on the other person's glasses" Workshop registration Why take part? Give yourself a break in a caring space to discover, at your own pace, the various stands that revolve around empathy.Go beyond your representations about empathy: identify your beliefs and preconceived ideas, differentiate between compassion and sympathy to better understand what empathy really is.Learn to better recognize your emotions and those of others: discover tools to get to know yourself better, identify your needs and those of others, and take care of yourself while supporting others.Share a moment of exchange with other students and staff members (including the VéCU psychologists and social assistants who are organizing this activity).Experience welcoming and listening to others: open up to the stories and experiences of other students, experience listening without sponging, and reflect together on ways to help.

What if a simple exchange could break down prejudices and open up new perspectives? 🔹 Why participate?Get beyond preconceived ideas and stereotypes. Meet people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and stories.Listen to life stories, ask questions, discover the human behind the judgments.A moment to deconstruct your clichés and develop a more open view of the world.🔹 How does it work?You come along, choose a living book, and chat with them about their story. Each encounter is unique and allows you to discover new perspectives.Ready to turn the page on your prejudices? Or just keen to hear new life stories? Join us and discover how a simple exchange can change your view of the world!Free Reservation preferred Sign up