Nuclear Reaction Analysis Laboratory (LARN)
The Laboratoire d'Analyse par Réactions Nucléaires (LARN) is part of the NISM institutes, NARILIS and ILEE of the University of Namur and conducts both applied and fundamental research. Research and teaching activities are organized along three lines:Materials ScienceFirstly, we develop materials of very high technicality and added value. Subjected to surface and interface modifications by ion implantation or plasma-assisted deposition, we synthesize one- and two-dimensional materials. These are then characterized in terms of their surface properties (hydrophobicity, tribology, etc.), interface properties (diffusion, optical index gradient, etc.) and bulk properties (synthesis of phases or nanocrystals with interesting optical, electronic and mechanical properties). This activity is supported not only by the development of low- and high-energy ion implantation lines, but also by the development of software for simulating film growth using Monte Carlo methods. Ion-Matter InteractionsThe study of ion-matter interactions constitutes the laboratory's second area of fundamental and applied research. The nuclear reactions that take place at the very heart of stars (in the CNO cycle, for example) are identical to those used for materials analysis. Measuring the effective cross-sections of nuclear reactions envisaged in the astrophysical context, as well as understanding the stopping powers of incident ions, are also of interest for materials analysis. In addition, atomic and nuclear analysis techniques are constantly being improved and tested to better meet the growing demands of research and industry, for example in the characterization of surfaces and interfaces. Life sciencesFinally, we put all the knowledge acquired in the two fields mentioned above at the service of life sciences. With the help of a multidisciplinary team, we study experimentally and theoretically the cellular response to irradiation by photons or particles. UNamur's particle gas pedal and X-ray irradiator enable us to irradiate different types of cells in-vitro, using protons, He+ particles, Li+ ions, carbon ions (Hadrontherapy) or photons. We are also able to synthesize nanoparticles and study the cellular response to their exposure with or without irradiation (radiosensitizers). The effects of irradiation are assessed using a plethora of experimental methods, including NMR spectroscopy, and supported by simulations that call on MCNPx and GEANT4 codes. A spin-off Innovative Coating Solutions (ICS) has been created with a view to valorizing research results linked to vacuum coating of complex 3D parts.
Permanent members
Prof. Julien ColauxProf. Anne-Catherine HeuskinProf. Stéphane Lucas
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Other Physics Department units
LISE
LDP
LPS
LLS
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Solid State Physics Laboratory (LPS)
Research at the Solid State Physics Laboratory (LPS) focuses on the theoretical and experimental study of the electronic, optical and structural properties of nano-structured materials, surfaces and interfaces, based on experiments and numerical simulations.
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Lasers and Spectroscopies Research Unit (LLS)
The Lasers and Spectroscopies Research Unit (LLS) unites the efforts of physicists, but also chemists and engineers, to carry out experimental and theoretical research, both fundamental and applied.
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Physics Didactics Research Unit (LDP)
The research activities carried out within the Unité de Recherche en Didactique de la Physique (LDP) are specifically situated in the field of learning this discipline.
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Olivier Deparis' research team
We study natural photonic structures, in connection with the evolution of certain biological functions in the living world (e.g. structural coloration). We develop bio-inspired applications in the field of materials and, in particular, devices using solar energy. Finally, we use and develop optical material characterization techniques for heritage sciences, notably in transdisciplinary research on parchments.
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Luc Henrard's research team
We study the optical and structural properties of nanomaterials and 2D materials based on numerical simulations combining electrodynamics and electronic structure approaches. Our aim is to explain and predict material properties in order to address fundamental and applied challenges.
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Festival International Nature de Namur: when passion for nature meets education
On the occasion of the 30th edition of the Festival International Nature de Namur (FINN), the University of Namur, partner of this event, reaffirms its commitment to environmental awareness by combining science and art. With its immersive stand in the nature village set up at the citadel, and the participation of its experts in the Focus Environnement ecological debates, the University of Namur offers an innovative look at nature through teaching. In addition, a jury of students from the Master in Cinematographic Cultures and Thought awarded the Prix de l'Environnement at the Professional Film Gala.
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Our researchers in the World's Top 2% Scientists list
Stanford University has published a prestigious ranking that highlights the most influential researchers in a wide range of scientific fields. The list, based on bibliographic criteria, aims to provide a standardized means of identifying the world's scientific leaders. It is one criterion among others for assessing the quality of scientific research. Twelve researchers from the University of Namur are among them!
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A gift for labs in the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Medicine
In late November, the Mont-Saint-Guibert-based company Cellistic® donated equipment it no longer used to UNamur. By enabling the university to give this equipment a second life, Cellistic is making an important gesture in support of the development of university research.
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André Füzfa receives a "Coup de Coeur" award from Trophées Matière Grise
This is a fine reward for Professor André Füzfa, astrophysicist in the Department of Mathematics and head of the Astronomical Observatory at UNamur. On November 21, he received the "Coup de Coeur" award from the Trophées de Matière Grise, RTBF's popular science program 2024. These trophies aim to reward the country's scientists, who mobilize to disseminate their knowledge and insights to the general public.
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Mathis Fontan
LEA (Academic Reading and Writing)
Many studies show that mastery of the written language and, above all, the ability to adapt to a particular communication context (that of the University) contribute to success in bac 1. However, students begin their university careers with a variety of tools, and the appropriation of the "access codes" and written conventions used in higher education is rarely the subject of explicit information or teaching.
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