Father Pedro Opeka - "Work, education and discipline are the way out of poverty".
Animated by a desire to help the most disadvantaged, Father Pedro Opeka, a Lazarist priest, devotes his life to improving the living conditions of Madagascar's marginalized populations. His strong humanitarian commitment has resulted in the creation of Akamasoa, an association that provides shelter, education and healthcare to thousands of Malagasy people. By transforming the lives of an entire community in this way, he has become a symbol of hope in a country beset by poverty.
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An exploratory mission to forge ties with Senegal
A delegation from the Université de Namur took part in an exploratory mission to the Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) in Dakar, Senegal. The aim: to discover the research carried out in the field, meet UCAD researchers and initiate future collaborations between the two institutions.
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University and democracy: a living, sometimes threatened, link
Trust of traditional political institutions and elected representatives, rise of authoritarian logics, definition of public services... Democracy today seems to be going through a turbulent zone. What role does the university play in this context? To shed light on this question, we interviewed four researchers from different disciplines: educationalist Sephora Boucenna, philosopher Louis Carré, political scientist Vincent Jacquet and legal scholar Aline Nardi. Their contrasting views sketch out the contours of an issue that is more topical than ever: thinking about and defending the link between university and democracy.
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Two complementary points of view to put environmental protection back at the heart of public debate
The University of Namur is soon to offer two inaugural lessons for two Francqui Chairs, one in the Faculty of Science and the other in the Faculty of Law. Open to all, the inaugural lectures will be followed by a local drink. These events are free, upon registration.
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Women at the University 2026
To mark International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8, we invite you to discover the portraits of seven inspiring women from the university's seven faculties. Throughout March, a series of portraits of women from the university will be on display in various areas of the campus. Conceived and produced by four UNamur students and coordinated by the University Community Life Service (VéCU), this project offers an inspiring showcase for the careers, voices, and commitments of these women who bring the institution to life on a daily basis.
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Summer open house
Save the date!
On Saturday June 28, 2025, from 1pm to 5pm, UNamur once again opens its doors to you before the summer vacations.At the programProfessors, assistants, students and staff members look forward to welcoming you to answer all your questions about your future studies;share with you their experience of university life and its many opportunities for fulfillment;guide you through your final practical steps: registration, preparatory courses, finding accommodation, financial aid and more.Forthcoming informationThe afternoon's detailed program will be available some ten days before the event.
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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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Spring open courses
In practice
Who are open courses for?Open courses are open to all, although they are primarily aimed at secondary school students to help them take that first step in exploring higher education.What is the schedule for open courses?Courses are open from February 27 to Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 08:30 to 16:30.To find out the precise timetable and location of each course, please visit the Info études service (Rue de Bruxelles, 85 5000 Namur), 15 minutes before the start of the course.The provisional program is available 15 days before the start of open courses.How to meet a guidance counselorYou have the opportunity to meet a guidance counselor at the guidance workshop scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 1:30 to 4:00 pm.The aim of this workshop is to help you think about the guidance process, gain a better understanding of the higher education landscape and define the main markers in the process of clarifying your project (educational and professional).Our advisor is also available by appointment for a one-to-one meeting throughout the week of open courses and outside of it.Do you have to register to take part?Access to open courses is without prior registration.To participate in the orientation workshop, however, online registration is mandatory and will be available some ten days before the start of the open courses.Who organizes the open courses?Open courses are organized by Info études, the service that provides information on all matters relating to choice of studies, prerequisites, reorientation, gateways, course curricula, job opportunities, additional training, recognition of prior learning... or any general questions about university life in Namur.
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Spring Open House
Save the date!
The next UNamur Open House will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 1pm to 5pm.Save this date in your diary already!!On the programInspiring encounters: chat with our professors, assistants and students.Immersive tours: explore our auditoriums, classrooms and laboratories.Valuable information: get answers to all your questions about our programs and the specifics of studying in Namur.Practical resources: discover all the services available to support you before, during and after your studies.Stay tuned!The detailed afternoon program will be available some ten days before the event.Can't join us? No worries! A second open house is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 1pm to 5pm.
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Public Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation in Physical Sciences—Valentin Job
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)
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Resources to Support Success in Veterinary Medicine
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
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Les études en Faculté des sciences
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Etudier à l'UNamur
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Vie du campus
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Continuing Education for Educators and Support Staff
The Continuing Education Center for Teachers and Trainers (CEFOPEF), which focuses on teaching and mentoring, is located in the Salle des Pros.
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