Research institut

Institute of Life, Earth and Environment

Welcome to ILEE, the Institute of Life, Earth and Environment at the University of Namur, committed to addressing pressing environmental issues.We bring together a team of experts from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to work collaboratively using innovative technologies and rigorous scientific methods to make meaningful contributions to the field of environmental science. 

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Article

Geologists discover that pterosaurs had feathers

A pterosaur from Brazil that preserved melanosomes in its feathers provides insight into the function of primitive feathers. An international team of palaeontologists and geologists, including UNamur (Dr Aude Cincotta and Prof. Johan Yans), has demonstrated that pterosaurs, the flying cousins of dinosaurs, had feathers and were able to control their colour.
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Article

Fluorescence: A Closer Look at Insects’ Transparent Wings

In a new study published in February 2023 in the Journal of Luminescence, an international team of scientists led by Sébastien Mouchet of UNamur has revealed previously unknown fluorescent properties of the transparent wings of certain insects. This research demonstrates that valuable information can be obtained using state-of-the-art optical characterization techniques. Here’s how it works.
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Research fields

ILEE combines a broad range of basic, applied and social science skills that focus on three key areas of study, including historical perspectives and extensive partnerships with the global South.
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Characterization and management of natural resources

The availability of natural resources for future generations can only be ensured through prudent use.
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Human-Environment Interactions

Through a variety of chemical, biological and physical factors, humans are modifying ecosystems, often with negative results. Environmental changes, in turn, affect the dynamics of human populations.
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Biodiversity and evolutionary adaptation

For four billion years, life on earth has been evolving and transforming in response to environmental change, resulting in fluctuating biological diversity. Ecosystems provide humanity with a wide range of free services that must be managed responsibly.
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Environmental history

Since arriving on Earth, man has begun to influence and modify his environment.
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Cooperation with developing countries

ILEE collaborates with partners located in the countries of the South: Africa, Central and South America and Southeast Asia.
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Contact

Contact the ILEE Institute PresidentJohan YansVice-presidentFrédéric Silvestre Scientific managerCarolin MayerTel : +32 (0)81 724 373Email: ilee@unamur.be
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Search results

The Institute's research projects, publications, collaborations and network include all categories of researchers. Spearheaded by academic promoters, they mobilize post-doctoral researchers, PhD students and even master's students (student researchers).
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Event

ILEE lunch seminar

Presentations Romain Deleu (Geology): Hydrodynamics of solute transport in karst conduits: assessment by multi-point dye tracing and numerical modellingJustine Bélik (Biology): Can DNA methylation predict the age of a self-fertilizing vertebrate species?
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