Résultats de recherche

Comment concilier télétravail et travail en présentiel ? Comment encadrer ces pratiques professionnelles pour renforcer les dimensions innovantes et durables du travail hybride ? C’est à toutes ces questions que Michel Ajzen, spécialiste en management des organisations, s’intéresse dans le cadre de ses missions d’enseignement au sein du département des sciences de gestion de l’UNamur. Ses recherches se concentrent sur le travail hybride et l'innovation organisationnelle, avec une approche transdisciplinaire visant à réinventer les pratiques managériales pour relever les défis contemporains. 

Jury Prof. Benoît CHAMPAGNE (UNamur), présidentProf. Carmela APRILE (UNamur), secrétaireProf. Eric GAIGNEAUX (UCLouvain)Prof. Sonia FIORILLI (Politecnico di Torino)Prof. Wouter MARCHAL (UHasselt) Abstract Heterogeneous acid catalysts became over the years essential to our modern industrial world. Among the possible forms of solid materials with acidic properties, porous silica-based structures embedding active single-sites showed highly promising catalytic activity for various reactions. The insertion of heteroelements inside the SiO2 network is known to introduce a combination of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites which depends on the nature of the element and influences the catalytic properties of the solid. The present thesis investigates the link between the Brønsted/Lewis acid balance introduced by different elements (Al, Ga, In, Ti, Zr, Hf) inserted or finely dispersed in/onto the structure of extra-small silica nanospheres and the catalytic performances of the solids for two distinct biomass derivatives valorization reactions (i.e. conversion of glycerol to solketal and of ethyl levulinate to γ-valerolactone).The optimizations of the syntheses were particularly focusing on the insertion of the element inside the SiO2 matrix to maximize the number of acid sites. In-depth characterizations were conducted on the different substituted nanospheres to probe their morphological, structural, and textural features. A special attention was dedicated to the characterization of the surface acidity. These results were put into perspective with the catalytic performances of the materials. At the end of the investigations, we were able to explain the difference in terms of catalytic activity between the different studied solids and identify the optimal acid properties for the targeted reactions. The stability and recyclability of the best working solids were also assessed, an acute tuning of reaction conditions enabled to reach significatively high conversions, and their performances were tested in challenging conditions (i.e. close to crude feedstock).The knowledge unveiled through these investigations will give precious insight to design new silica-based catalysts with the appropriate acidity for a wide variety of acid-catalyzed reactions.

Jury Prof. Catherine MICHAUX (UNamur), PrésidenteProf. Yoann OLIVIER (UNamur), secrétaireProf. Piotr DE SILVA (Technical University of Denmark)Prof. Daniel ESCUDERO MASA (KULeuven)Prof. Benoît CHAMPAGNE (UNamur)Prof. Luc HENRARD (UNamur) Abstract Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are now a well-established technology in modern electronic devices, from flexible TV screens to lighting applications. Each time we use our smartphone, billions of tiny molecules are electrically stimulated to emit the colorful light reaching our eyes. The ability of these molecules to convert electricity into light is the core principle of an OLED, and understanding the mechanisms behind this process can help improve their performance.Recently, two new families of triangular-shaped organic molecular systems, known as Multi-Resonant (MR) and Inverted Singlet-Triplet (INVEST) compounds, have shown promising features for OLED applications.In my PhD research, I used computational chemistry to explore the quantum mechanical effects that define the peculiar features of these systems.The first part of my thesis focused on identifying the correct computational protocol to properly describe the energy and nature of the singlet and triplet excited states of the INVEST compounds, highlighting the importance of methods including double excitations.  With this information in our hands, we combined quantum chemistry and group theory to design new light-emitting INVEST compounds. Finally, we applied both static and dynamic approaches to describe the spin conversion processes in MR and INVEST systems, providing a comprehensive picture of their electronic and photophysical properties for next generation OLED applications.

Jury Prof. Xavier DE BOLLE (UNamur), présidentProf. Jean-Yves MATROULE (UNamur) secrétaireDr Karrera DJOKO (Durham University)Dr Soufian OUCHANE (Paris-Saclay University)Dr Rob VAN HOUDT (SCK-CEN) Abstract The copper tolerance of the free-living bacteria Caulobacter crescentus depends on its dimorphic cell cycle. The sessile stalked cell detoxifies and effluxes copper through the multicopper oxidase PcoA and the Cu transporter PcoB respectively, while the swarmer cell senses and swims away from Cu sources. The transcriptional landscape of both morphotypes upon copper excess further confirms this. Among the few genes upregulated in both stalked and swarmer cells under copper excess, the CCNA_00027-00028 operon encodes a TonB-dependent receptor (TbcT) and a 2-oxoglutarate/Fe2+-dependent oxygenase (OxcT), respectively. The deletion of these two genes specifically increases the sensitivity towards Cu in C. crescentus. Interestingly, using a bioinformatics approach, we observed that the tbcT and oxcT genes co-occur in at least 67 % of bacteria containing a tbcT gene, and 88 % of bacteria containing an oxcT gene. The TbcT-OxcT system is not involved in the transport of copper nor the detoxification of copper-induced oxidative stress. Previous studies in C. crescentus and for homologous proteins showed that TbcT seems to be involved in iron import via siderophores, even though C. crescentus does not appear to synthesize siderophores. The overexpression of the tbcT gene appears to enhance the import of iron. OxcT activity is important for copper tolerance, although its specific activity has not yet been deciphered. Based on our results, we demonstrated that proper iron import is crucial for complete Cu tolerance, with the intracellular iron preventing copper accumulation. Taken together, our results argue for a tight coupling between iron and copper homeostasis in the context of copper tolerance. 

Jury Prof. Nathalie BURNAY (UNamur), présidenteProf. Sabine HENRY (UNamur), secrétaireDr. Florence DE LONGUEVILLE (UNamur)Prof. Nathalie MONDAIN (Université d’Ottawa)Prof. Etienne PIGUET (Université de Neuchâtel)Prof. Sane TIDIANE (Université Assane Seck/Ziguinchor) Abstract Recent attention to environmental change has highlighted its impact on rural communities, particularly in Africa, where household-level adaptations play a crucial role in larger societal responses. Current research often overlooks these small-scale, everyday adaptations and how they evolve over time, limiting our understanding of rural communities' dynamic responses to environmental changes. This study focused on households living in rural West Africa, more specifically in the region of Saint-Louis in Senegal. To capture the complexity of the household adaptation journeys, the structured timeline mapping methodology was developed, which consists of completing timelines during interviews. Timelines were collected from 39 individuals in 17 households to explore how families perceive and adapt to environmental shifts. In addition, this research reflected on the added value and necessity of interviewing multiple household members to capture diverse lived experiences and ensure a comprehensive household-level perspective.Analysis of the data categorized the adaptation journeys into four typological groups reflecting different sensitivities and adaptive capacities: (1) diversified adjusters, (2) system maintainers, (3) environmental independence strivers, and (4) opportunity-driven adapters. All groups have differentiated responses to similar environmental changes, with differences in the temporality of the response, differences in the types of adaptations, and differences in the amount and diversity of adaptations. These differences result in resilience that evolves unevenly over time. Understanding these varied adaptation pathways lead to formulate policy recommendations aimed at improving adaptive capacity, resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

Consanguinity refers to the offspring produced from the union of two closely related individuals who share at least one common ancestor (Temaj et al. 2022). Some communities have high rates of consanguineous marriages, especially in the Middle East, where consanguinity rates of first-cousin marriages vary in Gulf countries from 20 to 50 % (Ben-Omran et al. 2020). This high rate of consanguineous marriages is due to cultural, geographical, historical, financial, political, or religious reasons (Temaj et al. 2022) (Ben-Omran et al. 2020).Consanguinity increases the chance/risk/probability to be homozygous for rare mutations in the general population (Temaj et al. 2022). These mutations can cause recessive autosomal pathologies that may be extremely rare known as rare diseases (Temaj et al. 2022). In many Middle Eastern populations, consanguineous relationships are very common, providing geneticists with a valuable source for discovering "new" genes and identifying their functions (Ben-Omran et al. 2020). Identifying these genes can help carry out diagnostic and predictive tests (genetic counseling) in affected families (Ben-Omran et al. 2020; Temaj et al. 2022). In some cases, understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in diseases can also lead to new therapeutic strategies (Salzberg 2018).In recent years, the development of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies has led to a faster identification of genes involved in rare diseases (Lal et al. 2016). Sequencing the entire genome (Whole Genome Sequencing, WGS) or the exome (Whole Exome sequencing, WES) can be achieved quickly and inexpensively (Salzberg 2018).Rare diseases are Mendelian monogenic diseases, that result from specific pathogenic variants in single genes, called germline mutations. These mutations occurring in the coding or the non-coding regions in the gene, can be inherited in dominant, recessive, or X-linked transmission modes within a family (Tukker et al. 2021). Coding sequences, known as exons, directly encode the amino acid sequence of proteins essential for various cellular functions, including enzymatic reactions, cell signaling, and structural support. Pathogenic variants within coding sequences can lead to significant disruptions and alterations in the protein structure, function, and stability (Li et al. 2013).  However non-coding sequences that represents around 98% of the entire human genome, include introns, enhancers, promotors, and regulatory elements that regulate genes’ expression. The presence of a pathogenic variant in one of these regions can alter mRNA processing and gene expression and disrupt the delicate balance of gene regulation. REFERENCEWhile coding regions, constitutes around 1 to 2% of the entire genome, , the precise functions of non-coding regions are still unraveled (Moyon et al. 2022).Our project has two main objectives.A) Firstly, to identify the pathogenic variant responsible for a syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) in a young boy from a consanguineous Lebanese family. This step was achieved in 2020 and our results were published in Clinical Genetics. Indeed, a homozygous stop gain mutation in the BOD1 gene (p.R151*) was identified and was shown to be involved in the disease observed in this family. BOD1 is a crucial protein that inhibits the PP2A-B56 phosphatase at the kinetochore, which regulates the recruitment of various proteins (such as PLK1: Polo like Kinase 1 ) to ensure proper chromosome orientation during mitosis (Porter et al. 2013). Additionally, BOD1 is a part of a cytosolic variant of the SET1B/COMPASS complex, which affects the expression of genes related to fatty acid metabolism (Wang et al. 2017). Studies in Drosophila have shown that BOD1 depletion in neurons causes synapse morphological abnormalities and learning defects (Esmaeeli-Nieh et al. 2016). Moreover, BOD1 was described to be responsible for ataxic-like behaviors in mice with conditional in what tissue? Knock-Out (KO) of exon 2 of this gene in the lobes IV-V of the cerebellum  (Liu et al. 2022). On another note, a homozygous nonsense mutation in BOD1 gene (p.R112*) was identified in two related Iranian females, who were diagnosed with moderate form of ID (Intellectual Disability) and primary/secondary amenorrhea (Esmaeeli-Nieh et al. 2016).B) Secondly, we aimed to study the effect of the p.R151* mutation in BOD1 gene on protein expression. To achieve this, we used the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technique to create a knock-in (KI) of the mutation in HEK293T cells. We then analyzed the effect of this mutation on the expression of Bod1 protein using Western blot technique. Furthermore, we wanted to investigate the physiological and developmental function of the BOD1 gene. For this purpose, we have generated a conditional knock-out cKO mouse model.

Entrez dans l’univers fascinant de la Space Week Namur 2024 ! Préparez-vous à un voyage extraordinaire à travers les étoiles et les mystères de l’espace. Voici le programme de cette semaine cosmique : Expositions “Objectif étoiles” : Avec cette exposition d'astrophotographie, plongez dans un océan d’étoiles scintillantes et laissez vous émerveiller par les secrets de notre galaxie. “Stellar Scape” :  Une aventure immersive où l'art et les sciences vous transporteront au cœur des paysages stellaires, où chaque étoile raconte une histoire. Événements "Mission ISS : Improvisation Space Station" :  Un spectacle de l’ImproNam, le kot-à-projet namurois d’improvisation théâtrale."Rencontre des astronautes" : Une chance unique pour les jeunes explorateurs de rencontrer des héros de l’espace et d’écouter leurs récits d’aventures au-delà de notre monde. “Mercredi des Savoirs” : Des ateliers interactifs pour les jeunes esprits curieux, prêts à découvrir les merveilles de la science.“Chill & Sciences” : Un moment convivial pour discuter avec un chercheur et un artiste, et explorer les mystères de l’univers. "Premier contact - Arrival" : Un ciné-rencontre proposé par le Caméo et Le Pavillon. "5 ans de l'Observatoire astronomique Antoine Thomas"Visites Visite de l’Observatoire astronomique Antoine Thomas : Une expédition guidée pour percer les secrets de l’observation astronomique et contempler les merveilles du cosmos. Ne manquez pas cette opportunité de plonger dans un univers fantastique et de partager des moments inoubliables avec des passionnés de tous horizons. Rendez-vous à Namur du 7 au 12 octobre 2024 pour la Space Week ! 🚀✨  Cliquez ici pour télécharger le programme et pour vous inscrire aux activités

Depuis son inauguration en 2019, l’observatoire astronomique de l’UNamur a déployé un programme pédagogique et de médiation scientifique ouvert à toutes et à tous, avec l’ambition de faire découvrir les sciences par le prisme de l’observation des merveilles du ciel. 5 ans plus tard, le pari est réussi ! La petite équipe qui anime les lieux multiplie les collaborations et les activités proposées aux étudiantes et aux étudiants, aux écoles et au grand public. Cet automne, l’Observatoire astronomique célébrera l’empreinte durable qu’il a construite dans les yeux et les cœurs de son public en fêtant son 5e anniversaire. Une occasion de rassembler la communauté qui s’est développée autour de ses projets passés, présents et futurs ! Au programme 11H-16H : Visites de l’observatoireUNamur – Faculté des sciences12H-18H : Possibilité de visiter de l’exposition Stellar ScapeLe Pavillon de la Citadelle de Namur18H30 : Séance académique et réceptionUNamur – Faculté des sciences (S01)Inscriptions demandées via billetweb :

Après plus de 60 années d’existence, la Faculté des Sciences économiques, sociales et de gestion (FSESG) de l’Université de Namur dévoile son nouveau nom à l’occasion de la rentrée académique. Elle devient la Faculté EMCP ou Faculté Économie Management Communication sciencesPo. Chaque année de nombreux étudiants y sont formés pour devenir de futurs experts et décideurs en économie, en management, en communication et en sciences politiques. Comment faire concilier les méthodes pédagogiques et les axes de recherches avec les enjeux d’une société en transition ? C’est tout le défi relevé par la vision EMCP, reflet d’un travail de réflexion et d’expérience, porté tant par les étudiants que par les membres du personnel.  

Orateur : Prof. Jean-Benoît PILET Jean-Benoit Pilet est professeur en science politique à l’Université libre de Bruxelles. Il y mène ses travaux au sein du Centre d’étude de la vie politique (Cevipol). Depuis le début de sa carrière, il travaille sur les réformes de la démocratie et le rapport des citoyens à la politique (via le vote et d’autres formes de participation politique). Il a notamment travaillé sur les réformes des systèmes électoraux et la personnalisation de la politique, puis sur différentes alternatives à la démocratie représentative comme la démocratie directe, la démocratie participative et délibérative et la technocratie. Il a également pris part à plusieurs projets de recherche internationaux consacrés aux parlementaires et à leur conception de la politique et de la représentation. En savoir plus sur la Chaire Francqui 2024

Deux nouveaux Master de spécialisations sont proposés dès la rentrée. L’un formera à la médecine générale, l’autre au Management et à l’économie du développement durable. D’autres nouveautés pédagogiques dans les programmes de cours existants sont aussi proposées, dont un cours destiné à former les étudiants de bloc aux enjeux de l’Intelligence artificielle et à développer leur sens critique pour utiliser l’IA de manière pertinente. A travers ces innovations et ces nouveautés, l’UNamur démontre sa capacité à adapter constamment son offre de formation pour répondre aux évolutions de la société.