Mistrust of science
For its inaugural conference, the SPiN (Science & Philosophy in Namur) center will be joined by Claire Rommelaere, a lawyer and researcher at the Center for Bioethics at the University of Namur, and Aude Bandini, a philosopher of science at the University of Montreal, to take a critical look at the theme of "distrust of science." The urgency of addressing this issue is clear in our era, where, despite an overall stable level of trust in science, the parameters of public debate are frequently blurred by misinformation.Having had the opportunity to observe philosophers of science in their natural habitat for nearly fifteen years, Claire Rommelaere will share her thoughts on whether or not we should trust those who think about science.For her part, Aude Bandini will address a major problem that we all face at a time when the mass of available knowledge is such that it is impossible to acquire it on our own. Indeed, the socially distributed nature of knowledge generally leaves us no choice but to rely on the authority of experts, even on very important issues (such as health). However, when we rely on others in this way and follow recommendations that, due to our ignorance, we have no means of evaluating, we place ourselves in a relationship of "epistemic dependence" that conflicts with our aspirations for intellectual autonomy and forces us to ask ourselves a question whose answer may prove unbearable: is intellectual autonomy nothing more than a myth?Conference hosted by journalist Maïté Warland.Program:5:30-6:30 p.m. | Drinks at Quai 22 (Rue du Séminaire 22, 5000 Namur)6:30 p.m. | Claire RommelaereDistrust of philosophers of science7:00 p.m. | Aude Bandini Intellectualautonomy in the face of scientific authority: a headache for social epistemologyRegistration deadline: April 16.Free of charge.
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IBAF Conference 2026
The IBAF Meetings have been organized since 2003, every two years since 2008, by the Ion Beams Division of the French Vacuum Society (SFV), the oldest national vacuum society in the world, which celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2025.As in previous editions, IBAF 2026 will offer a rich and varied program with guest lectures, oral and poster presentations, and technical sessions. All this will be complemented by an industrial presence to promote exchanges between research and innovation. The conference will cover a wide range of topics, from ion beam instruments and techniques to the physics of ion-matter interactions, including the analysis and modification of materials, applications in the life sciences, earth and environmental sciences, and heritage sciences.
More information on the IBAF2026 website
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Academic year 2025-2026
Something for everyone
09:30 | Welcome ceremony for new students11:00 | Back-to-school celebration at Saint-Aubain Cathedral (Place Saint-Aubain - 5000 Namur), followed by student welcome by the Cercles.
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Studying in the Faculty of Science
If the phenomena you observe fascinate you and feed your curiosity, your need to understand and go further, your future starts here. Embark on a captivating journey to the heart of exploration, knowledge and innovation, where every experience shapes your potential. Welcome to the Faculty of Science at the University of Namur!
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Grégory Combalbert (University of Caen-Normandie)
Certificates
The Faculty of Education and Training organizes several certifying programs in partnership with other faculties or higher education establishments.
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Certificate of Teaching Competence for Higher Education (CAPAES)
FaSEF provides theoretical and practical training to prepare for the CAPAES for teachers currently employed at universities, adult education institutions offering higher-level programs, at higher arts schools, or any member of the academic or scientific staff responsible for teaching at a university, even if they do not previously hold a teaching credential.
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At the Heart of Nuclear Power
The discovery of nuclear energy marked a turning point in human history. Today, alongside debates about its role in energy production and its destructive potential, nuclear energy continues to be used in a wide range of fields, such as medical research and cancer therapies. At UNamur, nuclear energy is thus at the heart of the work of biologists, physicists, and art historians.
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Thus Played Zarathustra
Inspired by the Prologue to Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra, this play offers a theatrical experience that is at once vibrant, educational, and deeply philosophical. Through the stage, speech, and the body, we explore Nietzsche’s great questions—the Übermensch, the meaning of life, nihilism—in an original staging that also addresses contemporary issues in theatrical practice.We look forward to welcoming you to share this moment of thought in action, where philosophy is performed and seen as much as it is reflected upon.An event organized by: Nicolas Monseu, Fabien Robert, Jean Loubry, Chloé Guzman-Mardones, Lucien Flament, Marie Forget, Alixe Barbier, Joachim Rens, Nounou Remy, and Emilie Chasseur
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Group support
During the academic year, the Cellule interfacultaire d'appui pédagogique (CIAP) team offers 3 types of group support to develop effective working method strategies.
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Researchers from Namur Achieve Great Success in the F.R.S.-FNRS’s 2026 “Grants and Research Awards” and “Télévie” Calls
On June 23, 2026, the F.R.S.-FNRS published the list of recipients of various doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships and Télévie projects (cancer-focused research). Among them, numerous researchers from UNamur received funding.
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Collaborative Research on Differentiation
A Collaboration Between UNamur, Hénallux, and IFEC
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Since September 2022, Hénallux and UNamur have been collaborating with IFEC (Institut de Formation de l’Enseignement Catholique) with the goal of raising awareness and training secondary education professionals in differentiated instruction, as advocated in the Pact for Educational Excellence. To this end, various approaches have been designed and implemented: professional development days in schools, follow-up visits to schools that request them, training programs for teachers serving as differentiation liaisons, and training programs for CSA (support and guidance counselors).The agreement is coordinated by Sandrine Biémar (UNamur) and Alain Bultot (Hénallux), and the research team consists of Anne-Catherine Dessy (Hénallux), Anne Libert (UNamur), Virginie Meyer (UNamur), and Sylvie Van der Linden (Hénallux).
Background
This collaborative research is part of a broader project focused on differentiated instruction, which encompasses several tracks with different objectives and target audiences. These include, in particular, professional development programs in schools; training for lead teachers designed to equip them to facilitate the development of differentiated instruction practices in their schools; training for all IFEC CSA staff, as well as regular meetings with IFEC’s in-house trainers interested in this topic. Collaborative research is part of this ongoing effort, in which each track feeds into the others. It aims to anchor the discussion of differentiation in classroom practices through a mutual enrichment of theory and practice.
In practice
School Tours:
Teacher training and follow-up sessions lasting from one to several days
CSA Program:
A 4-day training session for all CSAs and the IFEC
Recommended itineraries:
4-day training program to form pairs of school liaisons, plus 1 day
Trainer Training Programs:
community of practice with in-house trainers; differentiation at IFEC
Collaborative Research Track:
Supporting teachers over the course of a school year in implementing differentiated instruction
The Objectives
Empower teachers by mobilizing and interpreting objective data collected in the field.Collaborative research is built through negotiation between participants and researchers. Therefore, each stage of the research is developed jointly to align as closely as possible with the concerns and challenges related to differentiated instruction that arise in each participant’s specific context.For example, the research question and sub-questions are co-formulated to best address the concerns and challenges in the field regarding the impact of a differentiated teaching approach on students’ motivation and autonomy.
Methodology
This research is inspired by the protocol developed by Schildkamp (2018, 2019) within the “Data TEAMS.” It aims to develop and promote teachers’ agency through decision-making based on data collection and the evaluation of classroom practices.The data generated by this research project will inform reference and training programs. In addition, data and outputs from this collaborative research will also be shared with colleagues and organizations representing various stakeholders (schools, CSA).
Want to participate?
We are looking for pairs of teachers from the same school, which will help facilitate the implementation of the process within each participating school.
The TopicDeveloping and adjusting differentiation strategies based on classroom data.ObjectivesUnderstanding and Taking ActionUnderstand, through the analysis of available classroom data and the exchange of practices among professionals, the effects of a differentiated teaching approach on students’ motivation and autonomy.To objectify one’s intuition in order to act effectively.Format7 sessions throughout the year at the Salle des Pros (7 Rue Godefroid—in downtown Namur)Why participate?To enrich research by drawing on real-world classroom practices.To enhance your teaching practices with the guidance of researcher-trainers.To meet other teachers who share your concerns.
Contacts
For more information, please feel free to contact the research teamAnne-Catherine Dessy: anne-catherine.dessy@henallux.be Virginie Meyer: virginie.meyer@unamur.beSylvie Van der Linden: sylvie.vanderlinden@henallux.be
Project Coordinator
Sandrine Biémar: sandrine.biemar@unamur.be
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