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Every year, the Namur International Nature Festival (FINN) dedicates an entire week to showcasing the beauty of the natural world. Its mission is clear: to inspire wonder and raise awareness. Through exceptional images, the festival invites the public to discover the richness of the nature that surrounds them and encourages them to act responsibly toward their environment.Founded in 1995, FINN has become a must-attend event for lovers of nature and spectacular imagery. With more than 35,000 visitors each year, three international competitions (photography, amateur films, and professional films), and a multitude of activities, it is now one of the five largest European events dedicated to nature.Among the highlights is the Nature Village, which brings together the festival’s partners. UNamur will have a booth there showcasing the most stunning photographs from the Biology Department’s multidisciplinary expedition. Interactive activities will also allow the public to explore nature from a scientific perspective. Brochures and information on academic programs related to the festival’s themes will also be available, as well as brochures on the Domaine d’Haugimont, La Maraude, and the Chronoxyle project (promoting the use of dead wood in Wallonia). FINN is also organizing an Environment Day dedicated to the major issues affecting biodiversity and human well-being. This year, the event will take place on October 15 and will feature three thematic sessions followed by discussions led by our experts Isabelle Parmentier, Laurent Houssiau, and Frédéric Silvestre. For this 32nd edition, the speakers will be Professors Isabelle Parmentier (History), Laurent Houssiau (Physics), and Frédéric Silvestre (Biology).This year, you can also join Corentin Fontaine for his lecture “Seeing Beyond Landscapes” on Wednesday, October 14, at 10:30 a.m. at Village Nature. This event is part of the continuing education program he offers, “Les Ateliers du Paysage,” which consists of nine workshops. On the evening of October 14, there will also be a lecture by Michel Fautsch, a bioengineer and photographer, at Quai 22 at 7:30 p.m. The lecture will provide an opportunity to learn about the role of dead wood in our forests, the situation in Wallonia, and efforts to better preserve it. The evening will continue with the photography exhibition “A Glimpse of the Living Forest,” featuring photos from the Domaine d’Haugimont, one of the recent showcases of the Chronoxyle project for the Province of Namur. This exhibition will run from October 12 to 23! More info here

Featuring presentations by Simone SUSSKIND (former Brussels regional representative and federal senator, founder of Actions in the Mediterranean) and Bichara KHADER (professor emeritus at UCLouvain and specialist in the Arab world and Euro-Mediterranean relations).Free event.

Following are links to working papers from the DeFiPP Research Institute. This series of working papers was launched in September 2021.

Since 2022, the School of Law has chosen an annual theme that brings together the entire School—students and faculty alike—across all tracks and programs. This overarching theme is incorporated into courses, mentoring sessions, assignments, public speaking competitions, conferences, and educational and cultural activities offered throughout the academic year. This inspiring and values-driven approach continues to make the educational experience at the University of Namur even more unique. Thus, in 2022–2023, we focused on CHILDHOOD & MIGRATION; in 2023–2024, we focused on HARASSMENT in all its forms; in 2024–2025, on INCLUSION, with the goal of enabling everyone to find their place in society regardless of race, gender, social class, generation, ability, romantic and/or sexual orientation, and in 2025–2026, we focused on the environmental pillar of sustainable development, with the slogan “LET’S RE-ENCHANT THE EARTH!”

The Project in a NutshellSince the early 2000s, a growing desire has emerged within the forest community: to make the forest more welcoming to nature. This involves, in particular, measures to protect dead or aging trees, as well as the preservation of trees of biological interest.This interest in dead or aging trees—and particularly in very large trees, whether standing or fallen—stems from the concentration of natural microhabitats they create. It is estimated that at least 25% of forest biodiversity is directly dependent on these elements.Currently, in Wallonia, there are roughly 10 m³ of deadwood per hectare. According to numerous studies, at least three times that amount would be needed to effectively promote forest biodiversity. This goal is entirely achievable and compatible with production objectives.Even today, people still view deadwood negatively. Its presence is seen as messy and/or dirty, and people mistakenly associate the death of a tree with the end of all life. On the contrary, an old tree that eventually dies sustains the forest’s life cycle by fertilizing the soil and providing a home for an incredible array of living creatures. It is therefore essential for the future of our forested ecosystems to open our eyes to all this life and to the incredible beauty of dead trees.It’s time to take a closer look at dead trees and their biological significance so we can better appreciate their beauty and feel inspired to preserve them! That is the goal of this project.Walloon Showcases of the Living Forest From the Brabant Forest to the Ardennes Mountains, from peri-urban groves to deep high forests, from community woods to small private properties, the Walloon Showcases of the Living Forest can be found just about everywhere. Each one has its own context, history, and motivations. In each case, too, they have a major positive impact on forest biodiversity.These showcases are here to inspire you, so make the most of them!

The University of Namur organizes or participates in several information evenings on higher education for students at the end of secondary school. During these evenings, students and parents have the opportunity to take part in two information hubs led by professors from the University of Namur and/or UCLouvain and representatives from Hautes Ecoles.

PhiloBioM Seminar at the SPiN Research Center of the ESPHIN Institute.

PhiloBioM Seminar - SPiN Research Center at the ESPHIN Institute.

PhiloBioM Seminar - SPiN Research Center at the ESPHIN Institute.

SPiN seminars generally take place on Fridays from 11am to 1pm at the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters. For more information, please contact the coordinators of the seminar you wish to attend.