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Laura Gagliardi is a renowned international researcher at the University of Chicago, recognized for her pioneering contributions to theoretical and computational chemistry, particularly in the study of reticular materials such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The Solvay/Syensqo Chair in Chemistry honors chemists who have made exceptional advances in their fields. As part of this distinction, Professor Gagliardi delivered a series of lectures at several Belgian universities, including a seminar at the University of Namur, Department of Chemistry.

Why take English classes when you want to become a veterinarian? How can you teach Spanish to future management engineers? Far from vocabulary lists or lab classes with headphones, these languages are taught as genuine cross-disciplinary skills that are essential for the jobs of tomorrow. 

The University of Namur is soon to offer two inaugural lessons for two Francqui Chairs, one in the Faculty of Science and the other in the Faculty of Law. Open to all, the inaugural lectures will be followed by a local drink. These events are free, upon registration.

JuryProf. Eli THORÉ (UNamur), PresidentProf. Patrick KESTEMONT (UNamur), SecretaryProf. Ranjàna RANDRIANARIVO (Université d'Antananarivo)Dr. Valérie CORNET (UNamur)Dr. Omayma MISSAWI (UNamur)Prof. Catherine MOUNEYRAC (Université Catholique de l'Ouest)Prof. Gauthier EPPE (ULiège)SummaryThe widespread production and use of plastics have led to their continuous release into the environment. Microplastics (MPs) are now ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems, where their bioavailability to organisms and potential entry into the food web raise serious environmental and public health concerns. Substantial progress has been made in understanding MP toxicity, and their hazardous potential is now widely acknowledged. However, MP toxicity studies remain complex, as multiple particle characteristics, such as size, shape, polymer type, and sorbed contaminants might influence both bioavailabilityTo bridge this gap, the present thesis adopted a dual, complementary approach: (i) characterizing the environmental occurrence and bioavailability of MPs, and (ii) assessing the ecological relevance of using environmentally derived MPs in in vivo toxicity experiments.Overall, this thesis provides insights into the reproductive and transgenerational effects of environmentally relevant MPs while underscoring the importance of considering particle-pollutant interactions. By combining in situ field data with in vivo laboratory experiments, it demonstrates that the use of environmentally derived MPs represents a more realistic and ecologically meaningful approach to hazard characterization. Further studies should be carried out in this same perspective to generate robust, exploitable data and contribute to establishing a comprehensive MP risk characterization.

South America is a subcontinent rich in natural and cultural resources. Between biodiversity preservation and development cooperation, UNamur maintains valuable partnerships to address the challenges of biodiversity loss and understand current socio-economic transformations. Immersion in Ecuador and Peru. 

Initiated and coordinated by Bernard Pireaux (UCLouvain), this collective work - co-authored in particular by Professors Laurent Houssiau and Jim Plumat (UNamur) - offers a reference manual to accompany students of medicine, biomedical sciences and life sciences throughout their course. Designed as a clear, progressive and practical tool, it illustrates just how essential physics is to the understanding of living organisms and to medical practice.

A team of American researchers, with the help of Frédérik De Laender, professor in the Department of Biology at UNamur, has just published in the prestigious journal Nature. Their study describes how changing stream temperatures and human introductions of fish can alter river biodiversity in the USA.

In 2025-2026, UNamur's Faculty of Sciences has the honor and privilege of hosting Professor Sander Jacobs on the occasion of a Francqui Chair awarded to him by the Francqui Foundation: "Repairing our relationship with Nature to transform our societies". Sander Jacobs is Senior Researcher at INBO (Institute for Nature and Forest), Nature & Society research group, Coordinator of the Urban Nature research program and Visiting Professor at Ghent University.

The biodiversity crisis is not only destroying nature: it also threatens our societies, our well-being, and our survival. Based on scientific assessments and findings from IPBES, this Francqui Chair explores our toxic relationship with nature, the global failure to protect it, and the multiple values of living organisms. We will examine ways to recognize these values, repair our relationship, and bring about the transformative change that is needed.Keen to put the protection of ecosystems back at the center of public debate, UNamur is organizing a second Francqui Chair in Law this academic year with Professor Delphine Misonne on a related theme: "Need for the environment, need for law?"Free event upon registration.  More information and full program I'm signing up

The biodiversity crisis is not only destroying nature: it also threatens our societies, our well-being, and our survival. Based on scientific assessments and findings from IPBES, this Francqui Chair explores our toxic relationship with nature, the global failure to protect it, and the multiple values of living organisms. We will examine ways to recognize these values, repair our relationship, and bring about the transformative change that is needed.Keen to put the protection of ecosystems back at the center of public debate, UNamur is organizing a second Francqui Chair in Law this academic year with Professor Delphine Misonne on a related theme: "Need for the environment, need for law?"Free event upon registration.  More information and full program I'm signing up

The biodiversity crisis is not only destroying nature: it also threatens our societies, our well-being, and our survival. Based on scientific assessments and findings from IPBES, this Francqui Chair explores our toxic relationship with nature, the global failure to protect it, and the multiple values of living organisms. We will examine ways to recognize these values, repair our relationship, and bring about the transformative change that is needed.Keen to put the protection of ecosystems back at the center of public debate, UNamur is organizing a second Francqui Chair in Law this academic year with Professor Delphine Misonne on a related theme: "Need for the environment, need for law?"Free event upon registration.  More information and full program I'm signing up

The biodiversity crisis is not only destroying nature: it also threatens our societies, our well-being, and our survival. Based on scientific assessments and findings from IPBES, this Francqui Chair explores our toxic relationship with nature, the global failure to protect it, and the multiple values of living organisms. We will examine ways to recognize these values, repair our relationship, and bring about the transformative change that is needed.Keen to put the protection of ecosystems back at the center of public debate, UNamur is organizing a second Francqui Chair in Law this academic year with Professor Delphine Misonne on a related theme: "Need for the environment, need for law?"Free event upon registration.  More information and full program I'm signing up