After a few years, she misses the world of research. She had the opportunity to return to the university as a lecturer in UNamur's management department to develop the management engineering program and initiate research in innovation management. Since 2002, she has been teaching technology and innovation management, increasingly integrating critical questioning concerning societal responsibility and sustainable development.
In 2015, together with a few colleagues, she founded the Creativity and Innovation Research Center (CIRCé), one of the components of the Namur Digital Institute. Her research focuses on innovation dynamics, regional innovation ecosystems and participatory innovation.
Since her return to UNamur, Annick Castiaux has always been involved in service missions within the university until becoming rector in 2021.
She declares on the occasion of her re-election for a 2nd term: