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On February 21, the University of Namur hosted the symposium "Medicine and Literature," organized by the History of Medicine and Health Sciences Group, with the support of the Royal Academy of French Language and Literature of Belgium. Nearly 70 participants gathered at the Faculty of Medicine for a particularly open and stimulating day of reflection, devoted to the deep and ancient links between medical practices and literary creation.

Abstract Deep learning has revolutionized computer vision in recent years and has been applied to many fields. This thesis focuses on medical endoscopy, where deep learning can assist physicians in many tasks, such as navigating the lungs during bronchoscopy, assisting in the detection of lung diseases, detecting Crohn's disease from capsule endoscopy (PillCam), or automating the detection of polyps during colonoscopy procedures.This thesis, entitled From Pixels to Practice: Deep Learning for Endoscopy, explores how modern neural networks and learning paradigms can improve visual understanding in endoscopy, with the aim of contributing to computer-aided detection (CAD) systems that can be integrated into clinical workflows.This work follows an article-based structure and links methodological advances in geometric and temporal modeling to techniques for handling data scarcity and imbalance, as well as to the practical and clinical implications of deep learning for lung tumor detection, both from a clinical and practitioner perspective. The first part of the manuscript provides a common foundation for all subsequent parts. First, we present a general introduction to the field of machine learning in Chapter 1, explaining concepts such as classification, loss functions, and artificial neural networks. Next, Chapter 2 focuses on the field of deep learning for computer vision, detailing the main vision tasks, the concept of convolutional neural networks, ResNet, and U-Net. Finally, Chapter 3 describes medical imaging, with a focus on computed tomography (CT) scans and optical imaging. The second part of the thesis focuses on learning spatio-temporal representations. In Chapter 4, we use deep neural networks combining spatial features and temporal recurrence to address the problem of detecting the bronchial carina, an anatomical landmark that helps doctors navigate the lungs. By evaluating classification (ResNet-50), segmentation (nnU-Net), and recurrent (GRU) models on a bronchoscopy dataset we created, the study highlights the benefits of combining information from segmentation masks and temporal features. Chapter 5 continues the segmentation task by analyzing the extent to which rotation-equivariant U-Nets, based on E(2)-CNNs with C4, C8, and D4 symmetry groups, can improve performance when the orientation of objects in the image is arbitrary. Together, these chapters show how temporal and geometric modeling capture complementary aspects of visual structure. They further highlight that data imbalance and scarcity are recurring problems in deep learning. The third part studies learning in situations of data scarcity and imbalance. First, Chapter 6 explores supervised contrastive pre-training [1] on large, domain-close endoscopic datasets (Hyper-Kvasir [2], LDPolyp [3]), which is then transferred to smaller, disease-specific data (Crohn-IPI [4]). This methodology performs better than pre-training on ImageNet or based on cross-entropy, highlighting the value of domain-specific contrastive representations. Next, Chapter 7 introduces Mask-Aware Cropping (MAC), a new data augmentation technique that mitigates pixel-level imbalance in segmentation. On various datasets with varying imbalance regimes (URDE [5], Kvasir-SEG [6], HAM10000 [7]), MAC consistently improves Dice and IoU metrics under conditions of extreme imbalance. Together, these methods form a data-centric framework for effective learning when annotations are scarce or unevenly distributed. The fourth part of the thesis focuses on deep learning in the operating room. Chapter 8 proposes a first model (ResNet-50) for the visual detection of lung cancer in bronchoscopy, trained on real, in-vivo data. The model outperforms junior physicians, while remaining inferior to experts. This result shows that CAD systems for lung cancer detection are promising. Chapter 9 extends this work by evaluating the usability of a CAD system based on a deep learning model. Combining probability indices, temporal graphs, and saliency map overlays, a multicenter evaluation with 10 physicians is conducted. The tool received favorable feedback, with high usability (SUS score of 80.5 [8]) and strong clinical acceptance. Beyond endoscopy, the results concerning rotation equivariance and pixel imbalance can be generalized to other fields such as microscopy, dermatology, and aerial imaging. This shows that the proposed methods are applicable to visual learning under structured variability and limited data constraints.Keywords: machine learning, computer vision, medicine, endoscopy, convolutional neural networks, segmentation, recurrent models, equivariance.  Jury Prof. Bruno Dumas - University of NamurProf. Frénay Benoit - University of NamurProf. Schobbens P-Y. - University of NamurProf. Beuls Katrien - University of Namur,Dr. Benjamin Mertens - Lys MédicalProf. Oramas Mogrojevo José Antonio - University of AntwerpDr. Mancas Matei - University of Mons Register

UNamur strives to ensure ever greater respect for planetary boundaries by integrating sustainable development into its teaching and research, but also by assuming its civic and societal responsibility in the use of resources and the environmental impact of its activities for the benefit of future generations.

One mission of the Service Infrastructures et Gestion du Campus (SIGeC) concerns the purchase of consumables for laboratories, services and administrations. Water consumption Technical Services carry out water consumption metering for each building. Over the years, several initiatives have been taken to reduce this consumption:maintenance: systematic detection of water leaks and analysis of the distribution water circulating in the pipestoilets: flushes with water-saving devices and urinals equipped with an automatic flush (an action that today saves 3,000 cubic meters of water per year), rainwater flushes in the new Faculty of Sciencelaboratories: cooling system for scientific machines using closed-circuit recycled water rather than waste city water. Building construction, renovation and maintenance When working on projects, the Technical Services department is careful to seize opportunities to apply sustainable development to the construction and maintenance of buildings:Design a building in line with SD at the time of construction, advocating optimal use of modular spacesproperly insulating the walls of relatively traditional buildingsThe purchasing policy currently applied to office furniture is to buy furniture with high repair rates, even if this means the price is more expensive. Technical clauses already exist concerning the type of materials to be used (wood and metal) in public procurement contracts for the purchase of office furniture. An example of the short circuit at UNamur The best example of the use of local short-circuit supplies in the construction sector at UNamur is a CaNDLE 2015 project dedicated to the production of 300 wooden doors from the Domaine d'Haugimont forest, with the cutting and joinery work also carried out nearby. Purchase of consumables for laboratories, services and administrations The General Commissary is committed day by day to offering an assortment of products that are more environmentally friendly, or even sustainable. Ecological alternatives are offered mainly for three groups of consumables:Office supplies: while most items have a good ecological score (recycled plastic, manufacturing method, natural materials, ...) there are also 100% ecological items. The choice is yours. Catering: no single-use items sold in the commissary are made of plastic. Only sugarcane fiber cups and plates are available.Responsible paper consumption: several initiatives have been taken to promote a more responsible use of paper. These are voluntary initiatives on the part of individuals, departments, institutes or entire services across the university.Reducing paper consumption: default double-sided settings on printers, phasing out individual printers, printing 2 pages per sheet, sending documents by e-mail rather than internal mail, using scrap paperUsing FSC-certified/labeled paperRecycling through selective sorting. Presses Universitaires Namuroises (PUN) works with printers who use FSC paperCleaning products: Ecovert ecological cleaning products and reusable cups are also availableSome used equipment is displayed on a shelf at the entrance to the bursar's office for reuse by anyone passing by and looking to buy. The bursar's office also supplies hand towels, dish towels, dishcloths, work clothes and bed sheets brought in by the cleaning company. Finally, the bursar's office also collects recyclable products.Cœur de Forêt - UbiCast projectFor the past two years, UbiCast, supplier of the auditorium recording solution deployed at UNamur, has replaced its end-of-year "goodies" with participation in reforestation projects. This year, UNamur is sponsoring 22 trees located on a project plot in Bolivia. UNamur wins award!On September 20, 2023, UNamur receives the Lyreco Award. Read more Investment policy In view of the societal and environmental challenges facing every player and actress, the University of Namur affirms its commitment to adopting a policy of ethical and sustainable management of its portfolio of movable investments. Learn more

Biodiversity and conviviality at Le Bon Pasteur This project led by the Assemblée des kots à projets, in partnership with the spin-off e-biom, is part of an initiative to create a convivial area near the buildings housing the fifteen or so kots à projets. On the program: installation of picnic tables, creation of a hedge of small fruit trees, sowing of a flower meadow... A green space designed and created for and by the students, which will also be a refuge for birds and insects passing through. May'AGE: an apiary in town Respect for ecosystems through sustainable, local food is at the heart of this project, initiated within the VéCU (Carmiel project) and supported by the Assemblée générale des Étudiants (AGE). The aim is to transform the garden of the Carmel de Jambes student residence into a flower meadow and apiary favoring a native and endangered species of bee (Apis mellifera mellifera). In particular, Fonds Jérôme will finance the purchase of seeds, hives, beekeeping outfits and equipment, training courses and the creation of educational panels for the awareness-raising activities that will be carried out around the apiary.Project sponsors: Assemblée Générale des Étudiants (AGE), in partnership with Camille Calicis, beekeeping trainer. Swallow nest action UNamur is participating in the return of swallows to the center of Namur by placing 34 double nests in the heart of its campus at numbers 61 and 39-49 rue de Bruxelles.The decline in swallow and swift numbers over the last thirty years due mainly to the disappearance of their nesting sites, and the verification of the phenomenon at the Corbeille in Namur during the latest censuses, the AGE proposed installing swallow nests on campus.This proposal was well received by the Vice-Rectorat au Développement Durable, especially as a similar initiative had already been initiated at the Centre de Recherche Ovine du Domaine d'Haugimont with the asbl Cap'Hirondelles in January 2019, enabling in particular three new pairs of window swallows to find refuge. Apus on campus The decline in Black Swifts (Apus apus) populations has been noted in Wallonia for some thirty years. On the initiative of members of the Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology (LEGE), and in collaboration with the non-profit organization Natagora, 30 nests are being installed on campus to encourage the return of these migratory birds. These shelters also help to safeguard other cave-dwelling species, such as the house sparrow, the black redstart and certain bats. An awareness-raising component has been set up to inform the public about this initiative, echoing the installation of 34 swallow nests on Rue de Bruxelles in April 2021. Learn moreProject initiators: Jérémy Berthe, Boris Hespeels, Martin Vastrade (URBE/LEGE), Marie-Laurence Hubin (URBE), in collaboration with the asbl Natagora (Martine Wauters). Other actions have also been undertaken:Biokot: installation of insect hotels at the Arsenal Biokot: project to install passerine nesting boxes on campusCaNDLE "Good school, bat'scool" project to implement bat nests on campusCampus integration into Natagora's Nature Network: floristic inventories are currently being carried out at campus level with a view to an action plan for our green spaces Domaine d'Haugimont The Domaine d'Haugimont is an exceptional site belonging to the University of Namur. It is located in the heart of the Province of Namur in the superb Condruzian countryside. The region boasts over 200 kilometers of marked trails. Read more

Whether you are passionate about new discoveries or simply curious, the University of Namur and its partners offer a wealth of activities and resources to feed your desire to learn. Conferences, fun workshops, podcasts, exhibitions, video clips... explore, choose, and be inspired!

The FNRS has awarded the five-year Ernest-John Solvay Prize in the Social Sciences to Jean-Marie Baland, Professor in the Department of Economics at UNamur's EMCP Faculty and co-founder of the DeFiPP Institute's Centre de Recherche en Economie du Développement (CRED). A major accolade for a career devoted to the study of poverty, informal institutions and sustainable development..

Far from a conference or a lecture, this is a convivial, participatory moment, led by our project manager Valérie Tilman, to question - in particular - European policies on managing migration and welcoming refugees.Practicalities : - Meet on Thursday December 4, from 12:45 to 1:45 pm, at FUCID- Lunch offered: in order to anticipate the number of sandwiches, please register by Tuesday December 2, with info@fucid-unamur.beParticipants are advised to listen to the podcast "Shelters of fortune. Partie 2" avant le débat : Le monde allant vers | Abris de fortune. Part 2: Hotspots and informal camps | Ausha Event link

The University of Namur takes another step forward in its commitment to supporting digital transformation. It is joining the prestigious European Research Center for Information Systems (ERCIS) network as a Partner Institution, via the MINDIT research center (Management de l'Information et Transformation Numérique).

The Moretus Plantin University Library (BUMP) holds numerous archives that bear witness to UNamur's past. They document the emergence of scientific research in the faculties and, in particular, the rise of mobility and international networks at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, driven by several professors. Correspondence, photographs, and personal notes shed light on the activities of these pioneering figures. 

What will UNamur look like in 2029? What challenges will it face? What are its objectives? What resources will it need to achieve them? These are the questions that "Univers 2029", the new strategic plan drawn up by Rector Annick Castiaux and the Rector's Council, aims to answer. It is in line with the directions taken during the previous mandate (2021-2025) of Annick Castiaux and the rectoral team. Development, sustainability, quality of life, internationalization, and intelligent digitalization will remain the five priority objectives pursued by UNamur over the next four years.

The KàPs, or UNamur student accommodation, are themed student cohouses that organize a whole series of activities and events. This year, we present the new KàPs, complementing last year's "Cap sur les KàPs" series. This week, we're talking about inclusion with "Chez Marsha".