• Healthcare and energy: Unité de Chimie Physique Théorique et Structurale (UCPTS)

Research areas: These focus on characterizing the structural and electronic properties of (macro)molecules. Researchers apply and develop a wide range of theoretical methods: quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics, hybrid QM/MM methods, and statistical mechanics. Complementarily, the Research Unit is developing expertise in structure determination and characterization of (macro)molecules through experimental physico-chemical methods (crystallography, calorimetric analyses, bio-spectroscopies).

Specific features: Strongly based on an interdisciplinary approach, research at UCPTS is characterized by the complementarity of experimental and theoretical approaches. The ability to carry out numerical simulations using the latest theoretical tools and to compare these computational results with experimental data obtained using state-of-the-art equipment is one of the specific features that characterizes the ambitious research carried out.

Societal impact: Research at UCPTS addresses major issues related to healthcare, the search for alternatives to pesticides and the development of new materials, particularly in the fields of energy storage and intelligent materials. What's more, the rigor and excellence of the research carried out is also a solid foundation for the training of tomorrow's researchers.

• Energy storage, pollution control, health: Nanomaterials Chemistry Unit (UCNANO)

Research areas: These aim to develop sustainable, innovative solutions to society's current challenges. Research focuses on energy, the environment, the conversion of waste into high value-added products, green chemistry and health. UCNANO develops high-performance materials with low environmental impact that promote the circular economy and biomedical applications, in heterogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis, nano- and bio-technologies, energy storage and conversion and cell therapy.

Specifics: UCNANO's research focuses on the design, molecular engineering and properties of hierarchical porous materials and bio-integrated living materials. Structured materials based on substituted silica or functionalized with active species are particularly studied. The unit's laboratories are equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as solid-state NMR. The CNANO unit is one of the world leaders in the field of materials. Numerous international collaborations enrich the unit's research on a daily basis.

Societal impacts: UCNANO, mindful of society's problems and challenges, aims to propose solutions: innovative electrodes to improve battery performance (energy storage and conversion), new catalytic, photocatalytic and photosynthetic technologies (environment). Applications targeted by UCNANO include: the conversion of CO2 into high value-added products, the valorization of biomass waste (e.g. glycerol from biodiesel production), the depollution of industrial and residential emissions, the invention of artificial organs to cure diabetic patients.

• Pharmaceutical and chemical industry: Unité de Chimie Organique (UCO)

Research areas: A first area focuses on organic synthesis, applied to natural and non-natural molecules with biological and pharmacological activity, and to the development of new reactions. A second focuses on bio-organic chemistry and the mechanistic study of enzymes. A third focuses on the study of the chemical reactivity of new acidic and basic species and their use in catalysis.

Specificities: UCO stands out for its expertise in the preparation, purification, characterization and study of high value-added organic molecules. Its field of activity places it at the interface with physical chemistry, physics, biology and pharmacy. It manages a fleet of state-of-the-art instruments, notably in liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, chromatography and other analytical techniques.

Societal impacts: UCO's activities enable it to contribute to the training of researchers who can join public bodies and the chemical industry sector in the broadest sense. The knowledge generated by the various research projects is applied both in the academic world and in industrial chemistry, particularly in pharmaceutical and fine chemical applications.

• Corrosion and medical materials: Unité de Chimie et Electrochimie des Surfaces et Analytique (UCESA)

Research areas: This is mainly focused on the chemistry and electrochemistry of surface materials and structured interfaces. Research focuses on the functionalization of surfaces, the electrochemical elaboration of biomaterials and anti-corrosion coatings, and the development and application of local electrochemical analyses.

Specifics: Research at UCESA focuses on the design of surface and interface materials and their manufacture using chemical processes, in particular electrochemistry, self-assembly and soft chemistry. These surface materials can be assemblies of thin or ultra-thin organic and/or inorganic films on metal substrates, metal oxides and polymer films.

Societal impacts: Through the study of surface and interface properties, the research carried out at UCESA aims to contribute to the understanding of complex systems and bring solutions to issues of metal corrosion, biocompatibility of stent materials, energy storage and conversion, and nanosensor development.

• Innovative pedagogies: Unité de Recherche en Didactique de la Chimie (URDiC)

Research focus: Research in chemistry didactics is a relatively recent field of study at the University of Namur. Attached to the IRDENa research institute, the URDiC aims to understand the didactic processes at play during teaching-learning situations involving content to be taught in chemistry. This research thus contributes both to the construction of cutting-edge knowledge in the field and to the development of new training devices.

Specifics: URDiC's main focus is on the role of languages in chemistry teaching, and their implications for the learning difficulties encountered by learners. Focusing on the analysis of problems in the field, our research also addresses the assessment of skills in chemistry, and specific activities such as practical work. Its field of study extends from secondary to higher education.

Societal impacts: Research into the didactics of chemistry aims, by its very nature, to shed light on issues identified in the school field. These studies can thus help teachers and teacher trainers in the creation and regulation of their didactic devices. They are also potentially an aid to decision-making for the competent authorities in the field of education.