Search results

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.

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.

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.

Our research activities are divided into 3 main areas.

Since 2017 and as part of the work of the Pacte pour un Enseignement d'excellence, eight scientific "Consortiums" of the tronc commun have been formed. They bring together a total of some fifty members from the various universities, colleges and higher arts schools in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Their mission is to establish, on the e-classe digital platform, a repertoire of didactic tools and pedagogical devices that the educational community will be able to consult, select and procure easily, according to its needs and those of its students. These resources are available on the e-classe digital platform.

How can we successfully meet the challenge of a common, ambitious, multi-disciplinary training program that prepares students for the world of tomorrow?The challenge of a common, ambitious, multi-disciplinary training program that prepares students for the world of tomorrow.

A collection of tools to make it easier for teachers to set up cultural and artistic education activities in nursery, primary and secondary schools, to build confidence and the desire to dare.A p.ART.cour(t)? ART... Step by step... A p.ART.cour(t) is a series of introductory sessions built around a common thread. Each session lasts from fifteen minutes to two hours. Some p.ART.cour(t)s focus on a particular technique or theme... Others are built around a standard session to be reproduced on a regular basis. Some cover one or more artistic disciplines, while others are truly interdisciplinary.A p.ART.cour(t) is first and foremost a starting point, an aid, a proposal, a trigger for the teacher. It is a source of inspiration or imitation, of appropriation to freely create and/or experiment with activities in cultural and artistic education. The p.ART.cour(t) can take the form of a PDF or a digital book. Sometimes, an illustrative video or sound tracks accompany the teaching pack. The aim of p.ART.cour(t)s is to enable every student to experience art. To live, to feel, to experiment, without the pressure or obligation to produce a predefined result or one that corresponds to a standard. Consequently, the emphasis throughout p.ART.cour(t) is on the discovery, the student's encounter with art. The p.ART.cour(t)s in pictures Teacher feedbackThank you for the experience, on my own I wouldn't have dared.... And the students really enjoyed the experience, I think. (1st differentiated)Interesting interdisciplinary project. Sequences linked together so real class project. (P5-P6)My students loved it when I told them we were going to make, discover ART. We became artists. They sometimes asked me when we were going to make art again! (P1-P2) Children's feedbackI enjoyed it because the point of it wasn't to be the best, but it was more about having fun.I learned to have confidence in myself, to be less shy.How to access it?All the p.ART.cour(t)s, and many other identified existing resources, can be found on www.e-classe.be.If you're an FWB teacher (and have a cerberus account), you can access them easily: just go to the platform and type the word P.ART.cour(t) (with its funny spelling) into the search bar, you'll then arrive in a folder that brings them all together. If you're not a teacher, don't panic! You can access them via the brochure. How do I do this? In the brochure, each p.ART.cour(t) is briefly presented. You can access the free online tool by clicking on the title of the p.ART.cour(t) via a direct link. Access to a video is also found behind the icon. Discover the brochure A few examples RAS... Répertoire d'artistes surprenantes (to be discovered end of August 2025)A (re)discovery of 50 Belgian women artists through their biographies, a focus on a representative work, names of related artists to discover and educational leads. Remue-ménage colors (M2-P2)Four workshops to explore color in movement, painting and music. Read more For my ears (P5-S2)A month of musical listening, presented in the form of a digital booklet with information and listening links. Each day of the week has its own theme. Read more In the footsteps of silent cinema (P3-S3)Students create burlesque films, from script to editing to acting, after an introduction to early cinema and viewing film clips. Read more The game of artistic families (P4-S3)Inspired by the game of seven families, this device, whose illustrations are images of works of art, invites the student to select a batch of cards and explain the reasons for this subjective choice. Read more The technolab, a creative place within the school (P3-S3)Thirty or so artists and their techniques are to be discovered (e.g. pyrography for wood, textile printing, ...) as well as how fablabs work and the various tools these places offer to transfer their practices to the classroom as part of ECA and FMTTN. A creative and accessible lead is given for each artist presented. Read more Other examples elsewhere Ma petite fabrique de matériel (M-S2) Make basic art materials (charcoal, walnut stain, glue, paint...) on a small budget and suggest ways to use them. From ingredients to final production! Content available on E-class and idea networkLet's animate everything (P3-S3) Collaborative production of short animated films using the Stop Motion technique. A fun tool for developing creativity and awakening a critical eye for the media. Content available on E-class and PECATake the line for a spin (M3-P3) Workshops mixing dance and visual arts around the notion of line. Themes include geometry, doodling, writing, Chinese calligraphy, pattern and following the line.Content available on E-class and PECAOur five skins (M1-M3)Ten activities to be experienced in the classroom or outdoors around the 5 layers of a child's identity according to Hundertwasser: body, clothes, home, family and friends, and planet. Discovery of the world, openness to others and diversity, cultural references.Content available on E-class and Réseau idéeGestural listening (M1-)P.ART.cour(t) listening program comprising around ten short musical extracts, and played mainly by a solo instrument (which also enables instrument discovery). The excerpts on offer last between 40 seconds and 2 minutes, and have been designed to serve gestural listening.Content available on Genially and the IMEP

A drink will be organized following the lecture.This lecture is proposed by "Kàp to UNIVERSEH", the kot-free space popularization project of the University of Namur, and Local Student Club of UNIVERSEH.When: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 7pmWhere: Faculty of Sciences - Auditorium S01Free I want to register

Beautiful victory for Margaux Mignolet, a researcher at the Faculty of Medicine's Unité de Recherche en Physiologie Moléculaire (URPhyM), who wins 1st prize in the Belgian inter-university final of the Ma thèse en 180 secondes (MT180) competition. Her research? To better understand the mechanisms of antibodies active in cases of long COVID. The second prize in this national competition was also won by a candidate from Namur. It was Petra Manja, from the Unité de Recherche en biologie des micro-organismes (URBM), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, and is pursuing a thesis aimed at understanding resistance mechanisms in the bacterium E. coli. Both are also researchers at the NARILIS Institute.

For several years now, researchers have been striving to make their laboratories "greener". A series of actions have been implemented, funded by the CaNDLE 2023 call for projects have been supported by the Department of Biology at the initiative of Alison Forrester and Frédéric Silvestre, the project leaders, as well as by Campus Infrastructure Management Services (SIGeC) and Prevention Services (SerP). In March 2025, a Green Day was held to provide information on the project's progress, and to motivate people to join the initiative.  

A practical training course in computational quantum chemistry was organized from May 26 to 30, 2025 as part of an ERASMUS+ collaboration between the University of Sfax and the University of Namur. This inter-university training course for PhD students in chemistry and physics from the Tunisian University brought together more than 20 students.

High-Sensitivity Birefringence Mapping Using Near-Circularly Polarized Light I will describe several techniques for mapping a two-dimensional birefringence distribution, which can be classified according to the optical schemes and principles of work:Illumination geometry (transmitted light/reflected light)Image acquisition (sequential acquisition/simultaneous acquisition)Polarization control (electrically controlled variable retardance/mechanical rotation).This classification facilitates a comparative analysis of the capabilities and limitations in these methods for birefringence characterization. Polychromatic polarizing microscopy (PPM) provides unique capabilities to alternative methods. It leverages vector interference to generate vivid, full-spectrum colors at extremely low retardances, down to < 10 nm. PPM is a significant departure from conventional polarizing microscopes that rely on Newton interference, which requires retardances above 400 nm for color formation. Furthermore, PPM's color output directly reflects the orientation of the birefringent material, a feature absent in conventional microscopy where color is solely determined by retardance.Joint seminar of ILEE & NISM!The seminar is open to external people too, no need to register. More info