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JuryDr Luca FUSARO (UNamur), PresidentProf. Carmela APRILE (UNamur), SecretaryProf. Francesco GIACALONE (University of Palermo)Prof. Paolo PESCARMONA (University of Groningen)Prof. Michelangelo GRUTTADAURIA (University of Palermo)AbstractThis PhD research focused on the design, synthesis, and catalytic evaluation of novel materials based on metal phthalocyanines (MPCs) and imidazolium bromide salts. The initial materials were extensively characterized using a wide range of analytical, spectroscopic, and spectrometric techniques, including solid-state NMR, XPS, TEM, EDX, FT-IR, Raman, CHN analysis, ICP-OES, N₂ physisorption, and TGA. These systems showed remarkable performance in promoting the cycloaddition of CO₂ to epoxides to form cyclic carbonates. Building on these results, a new class of catalysts was developed by covalently anchoring metal phthalocyanines and imidazolium salts onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), yielding materials denoted as MPC@MWCNTs. This strategy enabled the creation of a versatile family of catalysts-prepared with different metal centers (Al, Mg, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn)-while maintaining a unified synthetic approach. The incorporation of MWCNTs was aimed at enhancing both catalytic activity and stability through synergistic support effects. The resulting MPC@MWCNTs were successfully applied in diverse catalytic contexts: CO₂ valorization into cyclic carbonates (Mg-, Fe-, Cu-, and Zn-based systems), nitro-reduction reactions to afford amines (Fe-based system), and electrocatalytic methanol oxidation for energy-related applications (Ni-based system). Overall, this work demonstrated the potential of MPC@MWCNT hybrid materials as robust, tunable, and multifunctional catalysts for sustainable chemical transformations. Attend the event remotely (Teams)

High-Sensitivity Birefringence Mapping Using Near-Circularly Polarized Light I will describe several techniques for mapping a two-dimensional birefringence distribution, which can be classified according to the optical schemes and principles of work:Illumination geometry (transmitted light/reflected light)Image acquisition (sequential acquisition/simultaneous acquisition)Polarization control (electrically controlled variable retardance/mechanical rotation).This classification facilitates a comparative analysis of the capabilities and limitations in these methods for birefringence characterization. Polychromatic polarizing microscopy (PPM) provides unique capabilities to alternative methods. It leverages vector interference to generate vivid, full-spectrum colors at extremely low retardances, down to < 10 nm. PPM is a significant departure from conventional polarizing microscopes that rely on Newton interference, which requires retardances above 400 nm for color formation. Furthermore, PPM's color output directly reflects the orientation of the birefringent material, a feature absent in conventional microscopy where color is solely determined by retardance.Joint seminar of ILEE & NISM!The seminar is open to external people too, no need to register. More info

Abstract Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment and is currently administered to approximately half of all cancer patients. However, the cytotoxic effects of ionizing radiation on normal tissues represent a major limitation, as they restrict the dose that can be safely delivered to patients and, consequently, reduce the likelihood of effective tumor control. In this context, delivering radiation at ultra-high dose rates (UHDR, > 40 Gy/s) is gaining increasing attention due to its potential to spare healthy tissues surrounding the tumor and to prevent radiation-induced side effects, as compared to conventional dose rates (CONV, on the order of Gy/min).The mechanism underlying this protective effect-termed the FLASH effect-remains elusive, driving intensive research to elucidate the biological processes triggered by this type of irradiation.In vitro models offer a valuable tool to support this research, allowing for the efficient screening of various beam parameters and biological responses in a time- and cost-effective manner. In this study, multicellular tumor spheroids and normal cells were exposed to proton irradiation at UHDR to evaluate its efficacy in controlling tumor growth and its cytotoxic impact on healthy tissues, respectively.We report that UHDR and CONV irradiation induced a comparable growth delay in 3D tumor spheroids, suggesting similar efficacy in tumor control. In normal cells, both dose rates induced similar levels of senescence; however, UHDR irradiation led to lower apoptosis induction at clinically relevant doses and early time points post-irradiation.Taken together, these findings further highlight the potential of UHDR irradiation to modulate the response of normal tissues while maintaining comparable tumor control.JuryProf. Thomas BALLIGAND (UNamur), PresidentProf. Stéphane LUCAS (UNamur), SecretaryProf. Carine MICHIELS (UNamur)Dr Sébastien PENNINCKX (Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles)Prof. Cristian FERNANDEZ (University of Bern)Dr Rudi LABARBE (IBA)

Welcome to the 1ʳᵉ MG-ERC conference This conference, linked to the research themes of the Chemistry Department, aims to bring together around 100 researchers working in the fields of heteroatom chemistry, coordination chemistry, catalysis, and inorganic chemistry. It represents a real novelty in Belgium in terms of the areas covered, and will enable participants to discover new concepts, ideas and trends in these recent areas of research in chemistry. Here is the list of speakers, who are world experts in their fieldsDr. Daniël Broere (Utrecht University, Netherlands)Prof. Agnieszka Nowak-Król (Universität Würzburg, Germany)Dr. Antoine Simonneau (Université Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France)Prof. Dr. Sebastian Riedel (Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany)Dr. Arnaud Voituriez (Université Paris-Saclay, France)Prof. Dr. Alessandro Bismuto (Universität Bonn, Germany)Dr. Christian Hering-Junghans (Leibniz-Institut für Katalyse, Germany)Prof. Connie Lu (Universität Bonn, Germany)Prof. Simon Aldridge (University of Oxford, UK)Dr. Ghenwa Bouhadir (Université Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France)Prof. Dr. Viktoria Däschlein (Universität Bonn, Germany)Prof. Viktoria Däschlein-Gessner (Ruhr-University of Bochum, Germany)Dr. Jennifer A. Garden (University of Edinburgh, UK)Prof. Muriel Hissler (Université de Rennes, France)Prof. Jean-François Paquin (Université de Laval, Canada) More information and registration

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. Read more

JuryProf. Max COLLINET (UNamur), ChairProf. Johan YANS (UNamur), secretaryProf. Flavien CHOULET (Marie and Louis Pasteur University)Dr. Alexandre FELTEN (UNamur)Prof. Mohammed BOUABDELLAH (Mohammed IV Polytechnic University)Prof. Nadine MATTIELLI (Free University of Brussels)Dr. Augustin DEKONINCK (UMons)AbstractSupergene processes are responsible for the redistribution of metals near the surface and can form economically significant mineral deposits. This PhD thesis investigates the evolution (genesis and timing) of supergene mineralization in polymetallic systems from Morocco (Anti-Atlas and Atlas) and France (Provence). The study combines field observations, petrography, geochemistry, stable isotope analyses, and experimental oxidation to provide a multiscale understanding ranging from microscopic characterization to regional geological evolution.Stable Cu and Fe isotopes show unique fractionation in each deposit, which primarily depends on the primary ore’s isotopic composition. In addition, specific minerals (e.g., arsenates) may strongly influence the Cu fractionation of later-formed minerals (e.g., malachite), which can result in highly variable Cu isotope compositions across deposits. Therefore, Cu and Fe isotopes must be considered site-specific. Experimental investigations complement geological data by quantifying the oxidation rates of pyrite and galena under various conditions. These results highlight that the timing of weathering is reproducible and consistent with natural examples studied in this thesis via (U–Th)/He and K–Ar geochronology. However, pyrite oxidation (4.3 µm/year) is faster than that of galena, which may have a catalytic effect on other sulfides in polymetallic deposits.Overall, supergene mineralization reflects combined controls from mineralogy, host rocks, fluids, climate, and tectonics. This work refines genetic models and provides new tools to describe and constrain secondary mineralization, as well as their potential impact on metallurgical processes.

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!

Physics: An Adventure of the Mind. From the infinitely small to the infinitely large, from elementary particles to galaxies, are you eager to understand the why and how of the natural phenomena you observe?  Why is the sky blue? How does an airplane take off? How does radiation therapy work? What are the effects of global warming? How can nanotechnology revolutionize telecommunications? How can we produce energy without depleting the planet?Physics answers all your questions. 

Succeeding in a year of study at university involves many challenges.To help you meet them, we support you in developing your disciplinary, methodological and human skills... with the support of numerous professionals.

The Faculty of Science has more than 400 members who are involved, each year, in the scientific academic career of 1500 students.

The Department of Physics is structured into entities in charge of its organization, teaching and research.

Students enrolled in the Faculty of Science have the opportunity to go abroad during their studies, either as part of their course or as part of an internship!Each year, we also welcome several foreign students who enroll in a course at the University of Namur, or who join us for a semester or a year of study.