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The NISM Institute's Multi-scale Modeling through High-Performance Computing (HPC-MM) cluster aims to share techniques, skills and computational tools to develop new materials and predict their final properties. It also aims to improve modeling techniques and computer codes to take into account most of the chemistry and physics of structured matter.

The Nonlinear Optics and Photonics cluster (NOP) develops experimental, theoretical and numerical research in various fields of optics, mainly in nonlinear optics and photonics, including plasmonics and quantum optics.

The Surfaces, Interfaces and Carbon Nanostructures (SICN) pole is active in the synthesis, characterization and modeling of new materials, with a particular focus on interfaces between two distinct phases and for low-carbon materials.

For their research activities, NISM Institute researchers rely on technology platform teams, each of which houses state-of-the-art equipment, technical know-how and cutting-edge expertise. They are accessible to the scientific community as well as to industry.

The expertise of the Functional Structured Materials (FSM) pole is divided into two interconnected areas: the development of 3D porous architectures and the functionalization of nanostructures.

Research at NISM is identified by four poles, which highlight the main scientific activities carried out within the institute. Each pole has a well-defined structure with members, and is managed by the pole representative. The structuring does not prevent ongoing cooperation between them. Indeed, there is well-established interaction between the various clusters, through joint projects, conferences, seminars, co-supervision of master's and doctoral theses, among others..

The Institute's research projects, publications and collaborations include all categories of researchers. Led by academic promoters, they mobilize post-doctoral researchers, PhD students and even master's students (student-researchers).

HPC-MM representatives Permanent members Prof. Yoann OLIVIER +32 (0) 81 72 45 34 yoann.olivier@unamur.be Non-permanent members Dr. Charlotte BOUQUIAUX charlotte.bouquiaux@unamur.be NOP representatives Permanent members Prof. Olivier DEPARIS +32 (0)81 72 52 35 olivier.deparis@unamur.be Non-permanent members Dr. Sébastien MOUCHET sebastien.mouchet@unamur.be SICN representatives Permanent members Julien COLAUX +32 (0)81 72 54 70 julien.colaux@unamur.be Non-permanent members Emile HAYE emile.haye@unamur.be FSM representatives Permanent members Nikolay TUMANOV nikolay.tumanov@unamur.be Non-permanent members Tarek BARAKAT tarek.barakat@unamur.be

This June 28, 2024, the first twenty-two students of the Certificat interuniversitaire en Langue des Signes de Belgique Francophone (LSFB) et français, are proclaimed at UNamur. This is the first training course in French-speaking Belgium to be entirely designed in sign language for the deaf. It represents a significant step forward in inclusive education and the linguistic and social inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing people. It also highlights the strengths of deaf professionals in these fields.

At the 12th International Congress on Mesostructured Materials (IMMA), held from July 8 to 12 in Montpellier, Prof. Bao-Lian Su was re-elected President of the International Mesostructured Materials Association (IMMA).

Initiated in 1969 by Pullmann and Del Re, the congress is an annual meeting to promote collaboration and friendship between Latin-speaking theoretical chemists. In its early years, European researchers were the main contributors. Subsequently, the Latin American community has made a major contribution, with the emergence of teams whose international reputation now extends far beyond our own community.We are delighted to be holding this meeting at the University of Namur, 55 years after the first CHITEL was organised in Paris, France. We are sure that this 2024 edition will once again be an opportunity to take advantage of the good humour and dynamism of Latin to encourage, develop and strengthen scientific exchanges.We look forward to welcoming you at the University of Namur,The CHITEL 2024 Local Organising Committee. Website

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)