Search results

Discover the singular journey of Thibaut De Meyer, a passionate anthropologist and philosopher who fuses these two disciplines into a concrete and innovative approach. From his exploration of human interaction in the laboratory to his analysis of perspective in animals, his work reveals a fascination for the nuances of consciousness and perception. As an academic and author, he is committed to enlightening students on contemporary philosophical issues, while projecting his gaze to new horizons, such as the history and epistemology of the mirror test.

Characterization of trehalase from Acyrthosiphon pisum for the design of new insecticides SummaryAphids are major pests in agriculture, causing direct damage to plants and acting as vectors for phytopathogenic viruses. Conventional insecticides are widely used to control them, but their toxicity and efficacy pose problems in terms of the environment, human health and the emergence of resistance to these compounds. New alternatives are therefore needed, such as biological control using predators or parasitoids. However, these methods are not always economically viable on a large scale. As part of this thesis, another approach is being explored which involves developing new insecticides targeting the biochemical functions of aphids.The project aims to discover new inhibitors of trehalase, an enzyme essential for insect energy metabolism. Inhibition of this enzyme could disrupt vital insect functions without affecting mammals. This research involved several stages: the purification and complete characterization of trehalase from Acyrthosiphon pisum (the model for this study), the in vivo, in vitro and in silico analysis of commercial inhibitors on this enzyme, before moving on to the search for new inhibitors. Two points of integrated insect management were explored, biological and chemical control.The biological side saw the study of a strain of Streptomyces naturally producing trehalase-inhibiting metabolites, notably validamycin A, a molecule recognized in the literature as one of the best inhibitors, but not applicable as an insecticide. Other molecules appear to have interesting features, but we have not been able to isolate and characterize them.The chemical side has enabled us to create a pharmacophore hypothesis based on experimental results on molecules obtained by virtual screening. Although these molecules are not usable as insecticides as they stand, this hypothesis provides a better understanding of trehalase inhibitors in general and can be used to refine future analyses. JuryProf. Jean-Yves MATROULE (UNamur), presidentDr Catherine MICHAUX (UNamur), promoter and secretaryProf. Frédéric FRANCIS (ULiège), co-promoterProf. André MATAGNE (ULiège)Dr Rudy CAPARROS (ULiège)Dr Morgan HANS (Biocidal)

Thesis subject Use of BioID within mitochondria: examples with the study of human mitochondrial co-translational import process and with the identification of MPV17 function Summary This thesis was divided into two different parts dedicated to the study of a mitochondrial process and of a mitochondrial protein using a proximity labelling assay called BioID. The first project was dedicated to the study of a poorly characterized process, the mitochondrial co-translational import. In this process, translation is coupled to the translocation of the mitochondrial proteins, alleviating the energy cost typically associated with the post-translational import relying on chaperone systems. However, the mechanisms are still unclear with only few actors identified but none that have been described in mammals yet. We thus profiled endogenously the TOM20 proxisome using BioID. Despite the enrichment of RNA binding proteins in the TOM20 proxisome, we could not demonstrate a role for a selected candidate, LARP4, in the mitochondrial co-translational import process. Nonetheless, additional uses of this BioID cell line were highlighted such as the monitoring of protein entry inside mitochondria and a potential application in the prediction of mitochondrial protein half-life.The second project was dedicated to the study of MPV17, a protein of the inner mitochondrial membrane whose gene is associated with mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome. However, the exact molecular function of the protein is still unclear. The approach used in this project was to identify the interacting partners of MPV17, using BioID, to get additional clues about the protein function. In this project we demonstrated an interaction of MPV17 with the MICOS complex but the KO of MPV17 didn't impact mitochondria ultrastructure. However, the depletion of MPV17 protein led to increased mitochondria-derived vesicle formation. Therefore, we investigated a potential degradation of the mtDNA as the cause of the mtDNA depletion observed in MPV17 KO cells but, despite a higher mitophagy level in KO cells, the blockade of the lysosomal activity didn't prevent the depletion. Additional in silico analyses suggested a channel activity of MPV17 further supported by its direct interaction with the Cyclophilin D, a protein of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Interestingly, MPV17 KO cells also display higher level of mitochondrial calcium which would be related to the degradation of the mtDNA since the blockade of mitochondrial calcium entry prevents the depletion. We thus propose a role of MPV17 as a potential new member of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore whereas in the absence of the protein, the build-up of calcium inside the mitochondria would lead to the observed mtDNA degradation. Jury Prof. Benoît MUYLKENS (UNamur), ChairmanProf. Patsy RENARD (UNamur), Promoter and SecretaryProf. Thierry ARNOULD (UNamur), Co-PromoterProf. Dr. David PLA-MARTIN (Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany)Dr. Timothy WAI (Institut Pasteur Paris, France)Prof. David PLA-MARTIN (Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany)Dr. Timothy WAI (Institut Pasteur de Paris, France)Prof. Guy LENAERS (Université d'Angers, France)Prof. Sven EYCKERMAN (Universiteit Gent)

On March 24, 2024, the tenth edition of the MT180 competition, a French-language competition for the popularization of science, took place at UNamur. Two physicists and a geographer represented our university at the national final, held in Brussels on May 16.

They are 20 years old and are in BAC 3 Latin-French at the University of Namur. Since last November, they've been spreading the word via the Instagram and Facebook accounts they've created. Every week, they popularize Latin and try to raise awareness of this language that is too often described as "dead".

EMBO Courses and Workshops are selected for their excellent scientific quality and timelines, provision of good networking activities for all participants and speaker gender diversity (at least 40% of speakers must be from the underrepresented gender). Organisers are encouraged to implement measures to make the meeting environmentally more sustainable.Upon registration - More info and registration on the EMBO website.

On Thursday May 30, for our last Chill&Sciences of the season, Candy Sonvaux and Alexis Coyette, mathematics researchers, invite you to discover the mathematics where the movements of the planets and the spread of viruses intertwine until they impact our society.Chill&Science: enriching encountersWith nearly 20 years' experience of scientific cafés, the Confluent des Savoirs has set up a new concept of scientific encounters. The Chill&Sciences are a unique opportunity for the public to come and discuss and ask questions of experts on research topics related to current affairs and citizen issues.Come and enjoy the unique, relaxed atmosphere of Quai22. Researchers and experts from the seven faculties of the University of Namur will present their research and discuss with you over a drink (or two, but never without exaggeration).In practiceThe meetings are open to everyone aged 16 and over. Evenings are limited to around 20 people to ensure a relaxed atmosphere and to facilitate discussions. Meetings take place if a minimum of 10 people are registered. Except in exceptional circumstances, meetings take place every 2 months at the University of Namur's cultural space, Quai22, located at n°22 Rue du Séminaire.Tarif Participation in a Chill&Sciences costs 5€. A discounted annual pass is available. Please note: preferential rate for students (discount code: PromoCDS).The booking fee includes a drink* (soft or beer), a snack (chips and cookies) and management fees linked to the organization Unless cancelled by us, bookings are non-refundable. (*additional drinks will be available upon electronic payment.)

Title of the dissertation: Ion implantation in Low-E coatings Low-emissivity (Low-E) coating technology revolutionizes glass applications for windows, offering high optical transparency while reducing heat transfer. They consist of a silver-based thin film deposited on a glass panel by physical vapor deposition. However, these coatings are fragile and must be placed inside a double-glazing cavity where an inert gas resides. Otherwise, they can be easily degraded by bad atmospheric conditions.The thesis approach is to combine low-E technology with a post-treatment of ion implantation. The research question driving this thesis is: how does ion implantation enhance the durability of low-E coatings containing silver?The experiments conducted during the thesis show that implantation indeed increases the coating resistance while having a small impact on its color. However, the treatment degrades the thermal insulation properties. Hence, a series of hypotheses are formulated based on the literature to explain and control this behavior.A deeper investigation shows that implantation impacts the silver nanostructure. First by dewetting the film which allows reorganization into larger crystallites, second by forcing silver mixing at its interface through ballistic ejections. These two phenomena increase the toughness of the silver interface by interlocking effects. However, dewetting has also been linked to thermal insulation properties degradation. Nonetheless, it was shown that using light gas implantation limits the destructive effect (dewetting) while still inducing good durability (due to interface mixing).. Jury Prof. Julien COLAUX (UNamur), presidentProf. Stéphane LUCAS (UNamur), promoter and secretaryDr Amory JACQUES (Service Public de Wallonie)Dr Philippe ROQUINY (AGC Glass Europe)Prof. Rony SNYDERS (University of Mons)

This page is under construction.

Courses, exercise sessions, practical laboratory work, field days and internships... everything is done to ensure excellent mastery of concepts and the development of practical skills.

September 15, 2025 A program for all09h00 | Welcome at Pedro Arrupe (Rue de Bruxelles, 67 - 5000 Namur).11h00 | Back-to-school celebration at Saint-Aubain Cathedral (Place Saint-Aubain - 5000 Namur) then welcome students by the Cercles. And before school starts? In addition to the cpreparatory courses scheduled between mid-August and early September, the University of Namur offers first-time students the opportunity to discover their Faculty as well as the campus, and to take part in a services forum during 2 integration days.Exclusively aimed at students completing their secondary education (newcomers), these preparatory courses are tailored to each university program.Put all the assets on your side! Preparatory courses from August 25 to 29, 2025 for philosophy and German literature and languages studentsLearn more about the various session schedules and register for the preparatory courses... NEW! To help you make the most of your first year at the University, take part in our integration days!Friday afternoon, September 12 - reserved for newcomers, free, registration requiredTour of your Faculty and campus (integrated into the preparatory courses if you are enrolled)Barbecue and evening party You must register for both activities, even if you are enrolled in the preparatory courses! The registration link will be available soon.Saturday, September 13, 10am-4pm - open to all - free, open accessServices forum: presentation of student services (sports, culture, commitment, social cell, ...), project kots and activities organized on campus... First year bachelor September 16, 2025 - Aula Maior - Auditorium L01, ground floor08:30 | Student welcome sessions - attendance mandatory 08:45 | Welcome address and important information10:00 | Student welcome sessions in their respective departments: DepartmentRoomPhilosophy Philosophy Seminar (L57 - 5th floor) History Aula Maior L01 (first floor) Romanes and Latin-French* L22 (2nd floor) Germanics L21 (2nd floor) History of Art and Archaeology L33 (3rd floor) * An LLAM-specific welcome session will be organized at the end of the one with Romanes at L43 (4th floor). 12:00 | Information session on the various Greek courses at the Classics Seminar (L43, 4th floor) for all students interested in the Greek language option13:00 | Information session on language courses (English-Dutch) at Aula Maior - L01 for students in Block I History / Art History and Archaeology / Philosophy 14:00 | Classes resume Second and third bachelor years Tuesday, September 16, 2025From 9:00 am | Student welcome sessions - compulsory attendance :TimeDepartmentRoom09:00 Philosophy 2-3 Philo Seminar (L57 - 5th floor) 09h00 History 3 L31 (3rd floor) 09h00 Romanes and Latin-French* 2-3 L22 (2nd floor) 09h00 Art History and Archaeology 2-3 L33 (3rd floor) 11h00History 2 Aula Maior L01 (first floor) 11h00Germanics 2-3 L21 (2nd floor) * An LLAM-specific drop-in session will be held after the one with the Romanes at L43 (4th floor). 12:00 | Information session on the various Greek courses at the Classics Seminar (L43, 4th floor) for all students interested in the Greek language option 13:00 | Information session on language courses (English-Dutch) at Aula Maior - L01 for students in blocks II and III History / Art History and Archaeology / Romance + block II Germanics 14:00 | Classes resume Specialized Master's degree in "Cinematographic Thought and Culture Tuesday, September 16, 2025Required attendance 5:30pm | Welcome session in L57 (5th floor) and resumption of classes University Certificate in Philosophy Tuesday, September 16, 202508:30 am | Student Welcome Sessions:At Aula Maior - Auditorium L01, first floor: 08:30 | Welcome to all students08:45 | Welcome address and important information10:00 | Welcome session at the Philosophy Department (Philo seminar - L57, 5th floor) - attendance compulsory Resumption of classes Specialized Master's Degree in Appraisal and Management of Movable Heritage Friday, September 19, 202509:30 am | Welcome session at LASA (Laboratoire d'archéologie et des sciences de l'art, first floor) and resumption of classes

September 15, 2025 A program for all09h00 | Welcome at Pedro Arrupe (Rue de Bruxelles, 67 - 5000 Namur).11h00 | Back-to-school celebration at Saint-Aubain Cathedral (Place Saint-Aubain - 5000 Namur) then welcome students by the Cercles. Home of the Faculty of Science September 16, 2025From 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.: welcome by the Dean and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Sciences in S01 for Block 1 VT and BioFrom 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.: welcome by the Dean and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Sciences in S01 for Block 1 Math, Phys, Chemistry, Geo²Then: welcome in each department of the faculty. Home by department September 16After the Faculty welcome, you will be allocated according to your department: DepartmentSchedule and roomMathematicsto be confirmedPhysicsto be confirmedChemistryto be confirmedGeography and geologyto be confirmedBiologyto be confirmedVeterinary medicineto be confirmedClick on this link to get all the information about your academic start at UNamur. You need your login (eid) and associated mdp to access it. And before school starts? In addition to the cpreparatory courses scheduled between mid-August and early September, the University of Namur offers first-time students the opportunity to discover their Faculty as well as the campus, and to take part in a services forum during 2 integration days.Exclusively aimed at students completing their secondary education (newcomers), these preparatory courses are tailored to each university program.Put all the assets on your side!Preparatory courses for students in the Faculty of ScienceMathematics and Physics: August 25 to September 5, 2025Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology and Veterinary Medicine: August 18 to 29, 2025Find out more about the schedules for the various sessions and register for the preparatory courses... NEW! To help you make the most of your first year at the University, take part in our integration days!Friday afternoon, September 12 - reserved for newcomers, free, registration requiredTour of your Faculty and campus (integrated into the preparatory courses if you are enrolled)Barbecue and evening party You must register for both activities, even if you are enrolled in the preparatory courses! The registration link will be available soon.Saturday, September 13, 10am-4pm - open to all - free, open accessServices forum: presentation of student services (sports, culture, commitment, social cell, ...), project kots and activities organized on campus...