UNamur at the heart of Printemps des Sciences

Initiated by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Printemps des Sciences is coordinated by the Sciences.be network and organized by French-speaking universities and colleges. It takes place every year over the course of a week and is aimed at a wide audience: primary and secondary school students, families and the curious. In addition to coordinating numerous activities in the Province of Namur, the University of Namur is also taking the lead in national coordination for this 2025 edition.

Through this week of discoveries of science and technology, Printemps des Sciences arouses or confirms scientific vocations, helps teachers to improve and enrich science teaching, gives students a more realistic perception of what science is today, improves the general perception of science and technology, helps to reintegrate science into the heart of general culture, or improves the level of scientific literacy among citizens.

Each year, a theme is proposed as a common thread for the activities. This year, dive into the world of blue gold and discover the different facets of water, from its essential role in ecosystems to its sustainable and responsible use.

Once again this year, teachers, researchers, students and the UNamur university community are mobilizing to offer a variety of activities for schools and the general public. Conferences, exhibitions, shows, observations and various experiments, there will be something for everyone! An overview of UNamur's program for the general public:

Inaugural conference - Water, a common good to be preserved

Water is a vital resource. It deserves its nickname of "blue gold". Yet this natural heritage, essential to our existence and activities, is in a critical situation. In a society marked by crises and climate disruption, reaffirming water's place as a "common good" could be a promising way to better preserve this precious collective heritage. 4 experts with varied profiles will share their perspectives to shed light on this crucial issue.

Chill&Sciences - The Arctic thaw: much more than warming

The frozen ground of the Arctic Circle is warming up, releasing greenhouse gases and other microorganisms. What are the impacts of this thaw in terms of health and climate, water quality, but also landscape and human infrastructure? Round-table discussion moderated by Aline Wilmet (Mediator at Confluent des Savoirs) with Laurent Houssiau (Physicist and climatologist at UNamur) and Maxime Thomas (Environmental bioengineer and researcher at UCLouvain).

Tour of the Antoine Thomas Astronomical Observatory

This tour offers a chance to discover the techniques used today to observe and photograph the stars. A unique opportunity to learn more about the Sun and even observe it directly in complete safety thanks to the observatory's state-of-the-art instruments, if the skies are kind.

Exhibition: What's happening to Gammarus's river?

Equipped with a notebook, visitors investigate the exhibition to help Gammarus, a freshwater shrimp, understand what's going on in his aquatic environment, through an interactive, dynamic and educational journey.

Ma Thèse en 180 secondes

The 11th Namur final of the Ma Thèse en 180 secondes (MT180) competition will be held on Friday March 28 at UNamur's Faculty of Science. Doctoral students from all the university's faculties will be competing. Their challenge? Vulgarize and present their thesis topic, clearly and effectively in an attempt to captivate YOU in 3 minutes flat.

Activity-packed days for the curious and science-savvy

On Wednesday afternoon, March 26, and all day and evening on Saturday, March 29, a host of activities are organized and accessible to science apprentices aged 6 to 99.