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Abstract Wood combustion has historically provided essential heat and remains a crucial renewable energy source today. However, residential batch combustion inherently emits significant pollutants, including CO, VOCs, and PM. Since primary optimization measures cannot completely eliminate these emissions, secondary post-combustion remediation is necessary.To address this, the University of Namur and Stûv collaborated to evaluate the integration of a monolithic oxidation catalyst into an 8 kW residential wood stove.The initial study demonstrated exceptional abatement, reducing CO by 87%, PM by 66%, and highly toxic PAHs by over 90%. Crucially, in vitro assays on human lung cells proved that this chemical reduction directly translates to a 50% decrease in overall emission cytotoxicity.Subsequent mechanistic investigations using advanced speciation (PTR-TOF-MS) mapped the partial oxidation of non-methane VOCs. This revealed that the catalyst’s overall conversion efficiency is primarily limited by mass transfer rather than chemical kinetics.Finally, to overcome the inherent variability of batch combustion, a precise simultaneous direct-comparison methodology was developed. This novel approach confirmed the overall study’s findings, providing a robust and accurate framework for evaluating residential abatement technologies. Jury Prof. Catherine MICHAUX (UNamur), ChairProf. Bao-Lian SU (UNamur), SecretaryProf. Damien DEBECKER (UCLouvain)Prof. Hervé JEANMART (UCLouvain)Dr. Thomas DUQUESNE (Stüv)

At the Organic Chemistry Unit (UCO) of the Chemistry Department at UNamur, researchers study organic molecules with high added value.  Lionel-Marie Van Geesbergen has just started a doctoral thesis under the supervision of Professor Steve Lanners.  After only a month and a half of investigation, the PhD student already has a proof of concept.  A very promising research project with numerous potential applications! 

The University of Namur participated in the recent Belgian state visit to Norway with the aim of strengthening collaboration between Belgian and Norwegian universities on major scientific and societal challenges. The UNamur delegation consisted of Rector Annick Castiaux, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Jean-Michel Dogné, and Professor Benoît Muylkens (Department of Veterinary Medicine). 

General practice is a clinical specialty focused on primary care with its own distinct characteristics: a diverse scope of practice encompassing all fields of medicine, a holistic and longitudinal approach, a patient-centered focus for people of all ages, and intervention at an early, undifferentiated stage of disease progression. The general practitioner is the central figure in their patients’ health and establishes a lasting and privileged relationship of trust with them. 

The Lab of Environmental Change and Community Ecology (LEEE) is directed by Professor Frédéric De Laender. It is one of 4 laboratories belonging to the Environmental and Evolutionary Biology Research Unit (URBE) within the Biology Department. The LEEE is also a member of the Institute of Life, Earth and Environment (ILEE).