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JuryProf. Joseph WINKIN (UNamur), ChairProf. Timoteo CARLETTI (UNamur), SecretaryProf. Alexandre MAUROY (UNamur)Prof. Malbor ASLLANI (Florida State University)Dr. Maxime LUCAS (UNamur)Dr. Riccardo MUOLO (RIKEN Institute)AbstractSynchronization is a ubiquitous phenomenon in the world around us. It is a crucial feature that ensures the proper functioning of many complex systems. The various generators in a power grid must produce alternating current at a common frequency, and the brain’s cortical regions synchronize their activities to enable the brain to control the human body. These systems can be modeled as coupled oscillators, as in the famous Kuramoto model, where entities interact in pairs so that they synchronize globally.However, synchronization can also pose a problem. For instance, excessive synchronization of brain dynamics leads to pathological states such as epileptic seizures. It is therefore necessary to develop methods that reduce global synchronization by locally controlling the dynamics of certain oscillators. In particular, a control scheme based on a Hamiltonian framework has been designed to effectively desynchronize the Kuramoto model.Nevertheless, some limitations remain. First, the controlled nodes are selected at random without considering their specific characteristics. Second, this method is designed to control systems with a network structure—that is, with pairwise coupling—whereas many recent studies have demonstrated the importance of higher-order networks, i.e., group interactions, in modeling such systems.In this Ph.D. thesis, we aim to address these gaps through several studies. We explore the optimal method for selecting controlled nodes to maximize control efficiency, investigate the method’s ability to desynchronize systems with higher-order interactions, and develop a new control method tailored to this framework.Our results not only improve these control techniques but also offer novel perspectives on the synchronization of complex systems. They allow us to better understand the influence of each local entity on collective behavior and the role played by interactions of different orders. Among other things, they shed light on the non-monotonic relationship between synchronization capacity and the strength of higher-order interactions.

During the academic year, the Cellule interfacultaire d'appui pédagogique (CIAP) team offers 3 types of group support to develop effective working method strategies.

September 14, 2026 | Program for Everyone 9:00 a.m. | Welcome at Pedro Arrupe (Rue de Bruxelles, 67 - 5000 Namur).11:00 a.m. | Back-to-school celebration at Saint-Loup Church—to be confirmed, rue du Collège, 5000 Namur—followed by a welcome for students by the student clubs. September 15, 2026 | Faculty of Science Welcome Sessions Hosted by the Faculty in S01 (Dean and Associate Dean)Sessions 1: Biology and Veterinary Science from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.Block 1: Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Geo² (Geology and Geography) from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.Welcome sessions hosted by the departmentsMathematics: at 11:00 a.m. in Room S09, followed by a complimentary lunch in the ground-floor lobby of the Faculty of SciencesPhysicists: starting at 2:00 PM in S05Chemists: starting at 11:15 a.m. in CH12, followed by lunch (location to be confirmed / usually in the CH12 lobby)Geo²: starting at 11:00 a.m. in the Sciences Academic Room—5th floor of the Sciences buildingBiology: 9:35 a.m. – Tour of the lab rooms, departing from the Medicine Courtyard; lunch break – Sandwiches provided by the Biology Department in the Medicine Courtyard; 2:00–3:30 p.m. – Welcome by the Chair of the Biology Department in CH01VT: Starting at 9:30 a.m., welcome session hosted by the department: Information is available on the WebCampus pages SC2026 and SVET B002, as well as on the Department of Veterinary Medicine’s Facebook page.Please note that these welcome sessions are for first-year student newcomers.Separate orientation sessions for returning students are also scheduled at other times.  Some courses will begin as early as Tuesday, September 15. Schedules are currently being finalized and will be available as soon as possible on WebCampus - SCIEINFO, the primary platform for disseminating administrative information within the Faculty of Sciences.  And before school starts? Give yourself the best possible chance—enroll in preparatory courses!Preparatory courses allow you to get a taste of university-level education by reviewing the subjects essential to your future program of study.Designed exclusively for students graduating in 2026, these preparatory courses—scheduled between mid-August and early September—are tailored to each university program.Learn more about the schedules for the different sessions and register for the preparatory courses...  To make the most of your first semester at the university, be sure to attend the orientation days!The orientation days will take place on September 10 and 11, 2026.On the agenda: a tour of the campus and the city, a student housing fair (KàPs), themed workshops (student rights, digital tools, budgeting, student engagement, sports, and more), a barbecue, and a super-enthusiastic team ready to help you discover life on campus!Thursday, September 10: 7:30 a.m. – Student check-in; 8:30 a.m.–12:40 p.m. - Workshops for students; 12:40 p.m. – Lunch – Barbecue available by registration (€3.60 per sausage sandwich / falafel sandwich) and a bar run by the AGE; 2:00–6:00 p.m. - Project-based student housing fair; 8:30 p.m.–1:00 a.m. – Bunker reserved for first-year studentsFriday, the 11th: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. - Workshops for students; 12:30 p.m. - Lunch; 2:00 p.m. - Depending on the faculty: organized by the faculty or open to all.Reserved for new students - Information will be sent after registration at UNamur.   

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.

Recognized as a leading research conference in the field of organic electroluminescence and light-emitting devices, the ICEL conferences have generally been held every two years since their inception in Fukuoka, Japan, in 1997, by Professor Tetsuo Tsutsui. A look back at ICEL2026, the 15th conference of its kind, held at UNamur. 

A Collaboration Between UNamur, Hénallux, and IFEC Image Image Image 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 

Information Session The next information session on our Master’s programs in education (Sections 4 and 5) will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in person (Lecture Hall BN01, Rempart de la Vierge 5000 Namur).By attending this session, you’ll be able to get detailed information about this master’s program, talk with members of our faculty, and explore the learning environment where the program is offered. We’ll also be happy to answer your questions and discuss your academic plans.Watch the video below to view a replay of our latest information session: Click here to join the information session Which track should you choose based on your profile? Are you interested in teaching biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, or economics in grades 4, 5, and 6 of secondary school?There are two possible paths depending on your degree: Do you have a bachelor’s degree in one of these disciplines (or a related field)?UNamur offers the Master’s in Education, Track 4 (120 credits), a comprehensive program designed to train you in the many facets of the teaching profession. Do you already hold a master’s degree in one of these disciplines (or a related field)?UNamur offers the Master’s in Education, Track 5 (60 credits), a specialized program that allows you to leverage your subject-area expertise in the classroom. 120-credit Master's Programs in Education, Section 4 Do you hold a subject-specific bachelor’s degree and wish to train to teach at the upper secondary level?UNamur offers 120-credit master’s programs in education (Section 4) in several fields, allowing you to supplement your subject-specific degree with teacher training. UNamur is the lead institution for these programs, which are offered as joint degree programs with Hénallux. The Master’s in Music Education (Section 4) is also offered as a joint degree program with IMEP. SVG .cls-1 { fill: #323232; stroke-width: 0px; } Biology See content SVG .cls-1 { fill: #323232; stroke-width: 0px; } Chemistry See content SVG .cls-1 { fill: #323232; stroke-width: 0px; } Mathematics See content SVG .cls-1 { fill: #323232; stroke-width: 0px; } Physics See content SVG .cls-1 { fill: #323232; stroke-width: 0px; } Economics See content SVG Music (staggered schedule) See content The Masters 60 in Education, Section 5 Do you hold a subject-specific master’s degree and want to train to teach in upper secondary school?UNamur offers 60-credit master’s programs in Section 5 teaching in several fields, providing training in pedagogy and applied didactics. UNamur is the lead institution for these programs, which are offered as joint degree programs with Hénallux. The Master’s in Music Education (Section 5) is also offered as a joint degree program with IMEP. SVG .cls-1 { fill: #323232; stroke-width: 0px; } Biology See content SVG .cls-1 { fill: #323232; stroke-width: 0px; } Chemistry See content SVG .cls-1 { fill: #323232; stroke-width: 0px; } Mathematics See content SVG .cls-1 { fill: #323232; stroke-width: 0px; } Physics See content SVG .cls-1 { fill: #323232; stroke-width: 0px; } Economics See content SVG Music See content The Benefits of These Programs teacher training grounded in real-world needs and taking into account the realities of the teaching profession, a curriculum with a stronger focus on pedagogy and teacher training an emphasis on hands-on training throughout the training a reflective approach to expand your opportunities throughout your career an opportunity to enroll in the specialized master's program in teacher education required for permanent appointment at a college or university  a training program with a flexible schedule to meet the needs of working students Learn more about the FIE Learn more Contact Nathanaël Laurent Academic Coordinator for the Master's Programs in Education, Sections 4 and 5 nathanael.laurent@unamur.be

Program Overview This event will take place over two exciting days, featuring a diverse program designed to offer a dynamic and interactive experience for all participants. The entire symposium will be conducted in English.On Wednesday, December 9, and Thursday, December 10, two days of scientific and technical sessions will be dedicated to the topics of alternative proteins, the microbiome, and functional ingredients.On Wednesday, December 9, there will be a public lecture (in English) presented by Dr. Patrice Cani on the topic “Nourishing Your Gut: Nutrition, Microbiota, and Health.”For experienced researchers and group leaders, we are organizing a third day on December 11 dedicated to international collaboration, including laboratory visits and a workshop focused on establishing structured collaborative projects. Separate registration is requiredOverview of the ThemesThis symposium is structured around the three projects in the FoodWal portfolio, while pushing their boundaries and framing them within a “One Health” approach.The session titled “Building Sustainable Value Chains for Alternative Proteins: from protein sources to the development of healthy food products” will provide an opportunity to present scientific and technological advances in the creation and characterization of alternative protein sources and products, as well as socioeconomic perspectives on the development, maintenance, and growth of sustainable value chains for alternative proteins.The session titled “Research on the Microbiome and Microbiotics: Innovation in Nutrition for Better Health” will present scientific advances in the characterization, understanding, and modulation of the microbiome, as well as cutting-edge technologies aimed at developing innovative microbiotics.Finally, the session titled “Functional Ingredients and Bioactive Compounds: Food Science and Biotechnology for Health” will focus on scientific advances in the identification, characterization, and understanding of the mechanisms of action of functional ingredients, as well as cutting-edge technologies designed to develop and produce innovative functional ingredients. More information on the FoodWal website Je m'inscris

In human societies as well as in ecosystems, opportunistic behaviour does not always prevail. The scientific article, fruit of the collaboration between research teams in India, Slovenia and Belgium, has just been published in the prestigious PNAS journal.

Are you a professor, teaching assistant, or education professional looking to change the way you teach, modify your assessment methods, find new ways to motivate your students, revitalize your teaching practice, or receive support for an inspiring project? The PUNCh team is here to support and advise you on making pedagogical changes to your teaching and assessment practices. The goal? To inspire and support teachers in their innovative teaching approaches. 

The PDID symposium is finally back in 2026! Organized every two years by the Belgian Biophysical Society (BBS) and the Laboratoire de Chimie Physique des Biomolécules (CPB), the PDID symposium is an intimate and friendly event for exchanging new ideas and meeting leading experts in the field in the quintessentially Belgian city of Namur, the capital of Wallonia, located at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers.We welcome participants from any scientific background who are particularly interested in delving into the world of biomolecular dynamics and exploring their unique behaviors, including structural transitions, interaction networks, protein-ligand interactions, self-assembly, amyloid fibrillation, condensation, phase separation, and phase transitions. Through the lens of biophysics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and molecular biology, the program aims to cover both experimental and computational approaches for characterizing such intricate and elusive systems in health-related, biotechnological, and biomaterial contexts. Detailed program and registration here

JuryProf. Steve LANNERS (UNamur), ChairProf. Johan WOUTERS (UNamur), SecretaryProf. Pierre FRANCOTTE (ULiège)Dr. Marie HAUFROID (UCB)Prof. Lionel POCHET (UNamur)AbstractCurrently, Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains the second deadliest infectious agent in the world, responsible for 1.6 million deaths in 2021. The burden and cost of current treatment (6 months and 4,000 euros), coupled with the alarming emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, underscore the absolute urgency of developing new therapeutic molecules. This study focuses on the Mycobacterium tuberculosis phosphoserine phosphatase (MtSerB2), an enzyme essential for serine biosynthesis and vital to the pathogen’s survival. Furthermore, this protein plays a key role in host invasion (through its interactions with the NF-κB factor and the cellular cytoskeleton), making MtSerB2 a prime therapeutic target for the development of new, potent anti-tuberculosis drugs.One of the innovative strategies explored in this thesis is based on destabilizing the protein’s structure (disruption of protein structure). The goal is to design a molecule capable of disrupting the enzyme’s conformation, thereby causing it to lose its catalytic activity. This new class of molecules is expected to exhibit significantly higher selectivity for MtSerB2 compared to its human homolog, human phosphoserine phosphatase (hPSP).To this end, the Mycobacterium avium phosphoserine phosphatase (MaSerB) was initially used as a model system, justified by its 83% sequence identity with MtSerB2 and its propensity to crystallize rapidly. Initially, a virtual screening of drugs already available on the market was conducted to identify potential inhibitors of MaSerB. Enzymatic assays based on malachite green detectionwere then performed to evaluate the inhibitory activity of the various candidates. The results demonstrated increased selectivity of these compounds for dimeric proteins (MtSerB2 and MaSerB) compared to the human enzyme hPSP.Notably, subsequent enzymatic assays conducted directly on MtSerB2 revealed response profiles that differed from those observed with the MaSerB model. To elucidate the molecular basis of these differences, the structure of the protein in its ligand-bound state is currently being investigated. To this end, protein-inhibitor complexes have been crystallized and will be analyzed by X-ray diffraction.