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AbstractFrequently touched surfaces (fomites) serve as reservoirs for pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, and act as vectors for contact-mediated transmission. They contribute to the spread of healthcare-associated infections and pose an increased risk during epidemic outbreaks, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This thesis focuses on the development of antimicrobial coatings that release silver (Ag) and copper (Cu), deposited by magnetron sputtering. Three coating matrices were investigated: hydrogenated amorphous carbon with or without chromium (a-C:H and Cr/CrN/a-CrC:H) and titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN).Antibacterial performance was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. To assess long-term efficacy, the antibacterial properties of the coatings were investigated through successive bacterial exposure cycles. Antiviral activity was evaluated against porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), a member of the Orthocoronavirinae subfamily to which SARS-CoV-2 also belongs. For this purpose, a rapid, high-throughput antiviral screening assay was developed. This innovative method represents a promising approach for the standardized evaluation of antiviral surfaces. In addition to antimicrobial activity, the coatings were required to exhibit adequate mechanical properties and an attractive black appearance suitable for high-touch surfaces.The combination of Ag and Cu exhibited a synergistic effect, enhancing antimicrobial activity and broadening the spectrum of targeted pathogens. Optimization led to a TiAlN coating containing 0.9 at.% Ag and 1.7 at.% Cu, which provided the best balance between mechanical, antibacterial, and antiviral performance. Tribological wear tests confirmed that its antimicrobial efficacy was maintained for up to two years. Prospects for the further development and scientific validation of this prototype are discussed.JuryProf. Benoît MUYLKENS (UNamur), ChairProf. Stéphane LUCAS (UNamur), SecretaryProf. Jean-Michel DOGNÉ (UNamur)Prof. Philippe STEYER (INSA Lyon, University of Lyon)Dr. Sébastien PENNINCKX (UNamur)Dr. Emile HAYE (Innovative Coating Solutions)

Following a first edition dedicated to “Lifelines,” the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures at UNamur is continuing its overarching theme for the 2026–2027 academic year. This year, courses, discussions, films, and educational activities will explore a common theme: “Mapping Worlds.” This is a way to foster greater connections between courses and to engage students in their learning in new ways. 

For Prospective Students Preparatory CoursesAdmission to medical and veterinary medicine programs is contingent, in particular, on achieving a qualifying rank in the entrance exam common to all universities in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. For other admission requirements, please visit the Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine page on the Admissions Office website.Starting in November, UNamur offers a series of preparatory courses that allow you to:  review the content of the subjects included in the entrance exam curriculum;practice the multiple-choice questions required for the exam;get a feel for what the entrance exam is like. Preparation for the entrance exam The Veterinary Medicine Teaching Unit ContactClaire Diederich | enseignement.medvet@unamur.be Image Les études en Faculté des sciences See content Image Etudier à l'UNamur See content Image Vie du campus See content

How can a group of robots be enabled to make the right decision, even when some of the information is incorrect? An international team, including Timoteo Carletti, director of the Department of Mathematics at UNamur and a member of the naXys Institute, drew inspiration from bees. Published in *Nature Communications*, their research could help make swarms of robots more reliable and autonomous.