Radiotracers are small radioactive molecules used in medical imaging. Once injected into the body, they can bind to specific targets characteristic of a disease and emit radiation that can be detected by imaging devices. Juliette Liégeois, a doctoral student at the Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory (CBO) at UNamur, is working on these molecules as part of a thesis conducted in collaboration with the company Synlock. “You can compare them to GPS trackers. For example, they make it possible to precisely locate a tumor in the human body and then help the oncologist determine a treatment strategy,” she explains. 

But producing these molecules is a real challenge. Because they are radioactive and unstable, they must be synthesized quickly and under conditions that ensure the safety of the scientists. Their synthesis is therefore carried out using automated machines capable of performing the various steps in sequence without direct human intervention. However, a large portion of the automated systems currently in use still rely on technologies that do not easily accommodate certain newer synthesis methods developed in research laboratories. 

The goal of the SMART project is precisely to bridge this gap by adapting existing methods so they can be integrated into automated systems and to verify their effectiveness under conditions that closely resemble actual production. 

To achieve this, Juliette Liégeois is working on two techniques. Biocatalysis uses enzymes to carry out certain chemical reactions under milder conditions, while photocatalysis uses light to trigger these reactions. These two methods are often used in research but still need to be adapted to the constraints of automated machines. 

The project is also testing the Cheminizer, a technology developed by Synlock. This reactor rotates during the manufacturing process to better mix the various components and more effectively control the reactions. Its operation could, in particular, facilitate the use of light and enzymes.

The SMART project is based on the complementary strengths of UNamur and Synlock. The company contributes its expertise in the design of machinery and reactors, while UNamur’s Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory (CBO) contributes its knowledge of chemical reactions. 

Antibiotic resistance is one of the major public health challenges. Certain bacteria produce enzymes, called beta-lactamases, that can render widely used antibiotics—such as beta-lactams—ineffective. Among these, resistance to carbapenems—which are often reserved for severe infections—is of particular concern. 

Rapidly identifying these resistance patterns is essential for adapting treatment, avoiding the unnecessary use of last-resort antibiotics, and limiting the spread of resistant bacteria in healthcare settings. 

The goal of STABLE2 is to reduce the time between sample collection and diagnosis. “To achieve this, the project combines synthetic chemistry, electrochemistry, and microbiology. It aims to design molecules analogous to beta-lactams and then measure their transformation when they come into contact with the enzymes responsible for certain types of resistance,” explains Ph.D. student Jozie Tientcheu. 

This transformation can generate a measurable electrochemical signal. Ultimately, this approach could contribute to the development of tests that are faster, more targeted, and better suited to the needs of laboratories and hospitals. 

The project is part of the expansion of the electrochemical test portfolio at Coris BioConcept, a company based in Gembloux that has been active in the rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases since 1996. Already involved in the detection of bacterial resistance, the company contributes its industrial expertise and understanding of real-world needs. 

At UNamur, research is conducted at the Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory (CBO), which designs and synthesizes the molecules needed to develop the test.  

The innovation at the heart of Intercept Bio is based on a proprietary molecule, 9-Ac-SAP, protected by several families of international patents jointly held by the two universities. This molecule, formulated as a nasal spray, is designed to intercept viruses before they can attach to human cells. Specifically, it acts as a molecular “decoy”: instead of attaching to the surface of the body’s cells, the virus first encounters this molecule, which disrupts its adhesion and thus limits its ability to initiate infection.

Professor Stéphane Vincent is a member of the Bio-Organic Chemistry Laboratory (CBO) and the NISM and NARILIS institutes at UNamur.

Professor David Alsteens of the NanoBioPhysics Lab and a member of the Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology at UCLouvain and the WEL Research Institute.

This approach is particularly innovative because it does not target a single virus or a single strain. Preclinical studies conducted at UNamur and UCLouvain have demonstrated antiviral activity against several major respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus. By targeting a very early and common stage of the infection process—namely, the virus’s attachment to the host cell—the technology paves the way for a preventive strategy that complements vaccines, existing antiviral treatments, and conventional protective measures.

The first product developed by Intercept Bio comes in the form of a nasal spray. This method of administration follows a simple logic: to act locally, where many respiratory viruses begin their progression in the body. Easy to use, non-invasive, and designed for preventive use, this spray could be a particularly relevant solution for people at highest risk of complications, especially patients with chronic respiratory conditions. 

“This spray could be an alternative to the vaccine for immunocompromised individuals. It would help prevent respiratory illnesses, the flu, or other infections by applying it before entering confined spaces, such as public transportation. It could also be used by an infected person to limit the risk of transmitting the virus to those around them,” explains David Alsteens of UCLouvain’s WEL Research Institute. 

By reducing the risk of infection or exacerbation of severe respiratory illnesses, a preventive solution like this spray could help limit complications, hospitalizations, and pressure on the healthcare system.

In 2020, as soon as the coronavirus pandemic began, David Alsteens (UCLouvain, WEL Research Institute) used his state-of-the-art atomic force microscopy platform—unique in Belgium for its ability to study interactions between pathogens and cells—to investigate how COVID-19 attaches to our cells. Very quickly, the UCLouvain-WEL Research Institute team discovered the importance of certain sialic acids on the surface of our cells in allowing the virus to attach to them. Sialic acids, which are sugar residues, act like tiny locks to which the virus binds via its surface proteins before entering the host cell. 

In an effort to block this interaction—and thus prevent the virus from infecting cells— David Alsteens turned to Professor Stéphane Vincent of the Bio-Organic Chemistry Laboratory at UNamur, who specializes in organic chemistry, glycosciences, biocatalysis, and mechanistic enzymology. His team designs and synthesizes complex molecules capable of interacting with biological targets, particularly in contexts related to infections. Vincent then produced a molecule flanked by sialic acids—the famous decoy molecule—which saturates the virus and prevents it from binding to its host cells. Subsequent tests on mice proved effective in 80% of cases. Within the Intercept Bio framework, this contribution was instrumental in designing, producing, and optimizing the molecules that form the basis of the technology platform.

Intercept Bio also illustrates the power of inter-university collaboration. The project arose from the complementary nature of two high-level scientific areas of expertise: on the one hand, UNamur’s ability to design and synthesize innovative molecules inspired by glycoscience; and, on the other hand, the expertise of UCLouvain-WEL Research Institute in observing, measuring, and understanding, at the nanoscale, the interactions between viruses, molecules, and cells. This collaboration has made it possible to move from a scientific intuition to a protected technology, validated in preclinical trials and now moving toward industrial development.

The creation of Intercept Bio is part of a commercialization initiative jointly led by UNamur and UCLouvain, with support from the WEL Research Institute, UNamur Venture, and Sopartec—a member of Louvain-Transfer, UCLouvain’s research commercialization organization. These organizations have supported the project’s development, structuring, initial funding, and governance, working alongside the founding researchers and the management team, thereby enabling the transition from basic research to a concrete application for society. Serge Pampfer, a seasoned figure in the Belgian biotech ecosystem, is leading the new organization as CEO.

The research and funding that made the development of this solution possible, as well as the filing of the related patents, were supported by several funding initiatives and programs: the two ERC grants, support from the WEL Research Institute and the Louvain Foundation, obtained by David Alsteens of UCLouvain; as well as the EOS (interuniversity) program, the FNRS, and the Marie Curie ITN network, which funded a Ph.D. position in Stéphane Vincent’s team. The ITN, funded under the FP7 Marie Curie Doctoral Network program, made it possible to establish the initial methodology developed for Ebola, which contributed to the scientific advances that led to this technology. The company’s mission will be to continue the preclinical and clinical development phases, secure the necessary funding for the upcoming regulatory phases, and ultimately prepare for the market launch of innovative solutions designed to prevent viral respiratory infections. Beyond this first product, Intercept Bio aims to gradually develop a portfolio of products based on the same technological platform.

Last May, the International Conference on Electroluminescence and Optoelectronic Devices (ICEL 2026), organized at the University of Namur by Professor Yoann Olivier, with the support of Professor Benoît Champagne, provided an excellent opportunity for intellectual and social exchange among researchers from around the world involved in the research, development, and fabrication of light-emitting materials to discuss their recent advances.  

This 15th edition featured plenary lectures for the 125 participants, including both renowned and emerging researchers. The packed five-day program included five presentations by renowned international keynote speakers, 20 presentations by invited speakers, and some thirty oral presentations selected by the organizing committee, as well as two poster sessions featuring more than 50 presentations.   

Participants also had the opportunity to mingle and engage in discussions during the various activities of the social program, which highlighted the City of Namur, its iconic sites, and its shops: a tour of the Citadel’s underground passages, a historical and/or culinary stroll through the heart of the pedestrian zone, a tour of the Félicien Rops Museum and the Grafé-Lecocq cellars, a dinner for guest speakers at the restaurant “Le Balthazar,” and a conference dinner at the restaurant “Le Panorama.”   

Particular emphasis was placed on the active participation of motivated young researchers. A wide range of topics was explored, offering a comprehensive perspective on contemporary advances in the fields of materials science, fundamental physics, and their applications in cutting-edge devices and technologies. 

“A VERY big thank you - this was a really excellent conference - great science and a wonderful sense of being welcome - just how conferences should be!” – Sir Richard Friend, University of Cambridge, UK

“I would like to congratulate you on such an excellent conference. I really liked its scale (not too big), it being single session, affordable, in a nice place, with lots of chance to talk to other participants over coffee/lunch/poster refreshment.   The scientific level was excellent (which I fully expected with you as organisers) and there was good variety in the programme. The social activities/invited speaker dinner and spectacular conference dinner all added to a wonderful week. It was an amazing week.” – Prof Ifor Samuel, St Andrews University, UK

“It was a real pleasure to be at the ICEL conference. It really felt like family and the atmosphere was so warm that it completely overcame the cold weather and my flu. Excellent organization and perfect timing!”, Prof. Illia Serdiuk, University of Gdansk, Poland

“Thanks again so much for the organizational effort, the conference went so smoothly!” – Prof Barry Rand, Princeton University, USA

Professor Barry Rand has, in fact, taken over the reins, as he will be organizing the 16th edition of the conference at the prestigious Princeton University in the United States in 2028. 

The organizing committee would like to thank its sponsors and partners for their support: Universal Display Corporation, Angstrom Engineering, The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Chemistry Europe, the University of Namur, the Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM), the Namur Research College (NARC), the C.G.B. (Comité de Gestion du Bulletin) – C.B.B. (Comité van Beheer van het Bulletin), the Namur City Tourist Office, and the F.R.S.-FNRS thematic doctoral schools CHIM, MAIN, and METAMORPHOSE.