Alison Forrester is also a member of the Faculty of Science, Department of Biology (URBC), a member of the NARILIS Research Institute, a researcher at the Namur Research College (NARC), and an investigator at the WEL Research Institute.

The mammalian body is made up of proteins, lipids and water, with proteins making up 42 % of the total dry mass of a human body. Therefore, protein synthesis is a key process for the body. The biosynthetic pathway begins with amino acid chains in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER). They are modified, folded and then packaged into transport carriers at the ER Exit Site (ERES), transporting them to the Golgi for further modification. From there they are packaged into post-Golgi carriers to deliver the fully folded proteins to their destination, either inside the cell, or to the plasma membrane where they remain, or they are secreted into the extracellular space. Thus, efficient protein synthesis and transport is a key process to maintain homeostasis. 

When it is lost, it can cause many common and varied diseases.  The process is highly regulated to quickly meet the needs of the cell and the body, for example, increase in secretion of insulin in response to glucose, or increase in collagen secretion during postnatal growth, and also to ensure that no improperly made proteins are distributed throughout the cell. 

When this goes wrong, it can be the cause of diseases such as fibrosis which is caused by excessive protein production, or osteogenesis imperfecta which is caused by a mutation in one of the ERES proteins. 

Alison’s research group studies how different compounds can be used to modify the efficiency of the protein trafficking process, and how this will affect the normal balance within the cell. 

This roadmap article provides a total view of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) exit sites (ERES), specialized subdomains of the ER where folded proteins are selected and packaged into membrane-bound carriers that transport the nascent proteins on the first main step of their journey to be secreted. The discovery of ERES is not new, and the foundational discoveries of protein and lipid trafficking were awarded the Nobel prize in 2013. However, new technologies now allow us to revisit the original hypotheses, as well as to drive the field further than ever before. This renaissance has uncovered new exciting areas in this field that are discussed in this roadmap article, including how ERES are actually organised, how they can adapt their function to other known physiological roles such as autophagy and lipid droplet formation, and how the process of protein recruitment and trafficking can be regulated pharmacologically. It is the latter question that Alison Forrester is interested in addressing. 

Protein trafficking dysfunction, including misfolding or aggregation, excessive or decreased protein transport, and the stress responses linked to these dysfunctions are at the heart of many cellular pathologies, ranging from neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases), where the accumulation of toxic proteins disrupts neuronal function and kills cells; cancer, affecting cell division, migration and survival; to protein transport disorders arising from mutations in the cargo, such as cystic fibrosis. These alterations lead to an overload of quality control systems (including ER-stress and autophagy) and serious pathologies, highlighting the importance of protein transport for cellular health.

In the article, published in Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, the researchers propose a multidisciplinary framework — leveraging advances in the recent progress in certain technologies including high and super-resolution imaging, synthetic reconstitution and computational modelling — to delineate the principles governing the function and plasticity of ERES. Here, the University of Namur is well positioned to provide the tools needed by Dr Forrester’s team. 

Alison obtained an F.R.S.-FNRS position as a Qualified Researcher (CQ) at the University of Namur, Department of Biology (URBC), and became a member of the NARILIS Institute in October 2022. 

Since completing her PhD, she has built her expertise in advanced imaging techniques including confocal and high-resolution microscopy, live cell imaging, notably including Lattice Light-sheet microscopy, and electron microscopy).

She works in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, combining cell biology, chemical biology, advanced microscopy and image analysis to build fundamental projects that will develop into translation research.

Alison Forrester organizes a monthly microscopy communitymeeting, open to all light microscopy users at the University of Namur and organises a number of prestigious international conferences, including the FEBS-EMBO Advanced Lecture course on membranes and their lipids and proteins in organelle biogenesis, which will be held on the Greek island of Spetses in May 2026.

Astronaut Raphaël Liégeois will be carrying some rather unusual passengers in his luggage: dried blob samples, some of which have been irradiated with X-rays at UNamur. What are the Namur scientists hoping to achieve? They want to observe how this organism responds to the space environment and is able to repair its DNA in microgravity, and compare these results with those obtained in a similar experiment carried out on Earth. "In our laboratory, we simulate the stresses that the blob could undergo in space in order to assess its ability to survive and repair itself," explains Anne-Catherine Heuskin, professor in the Department of Physics.

While awaiting the rocket launch scheduled for 2027, researchers at UNamur are already actively preparing for the mission. For several months, they have been conducting a series of tests to ensure the reliability of the experiment: reaction to temperature variations, power failures, transport to the launch site in Florida, assembly of the mini-spacecraft that will house the samples, etc. "Every detail counts: even the choice of bags that protect the samples from light can influence the results," emphasizes Boris Hespeels.

Once on the ISS, Raphaël Liégeois will rehydrate the samples, culture them in a cabin on the station, and finally place them in a freezer at -80°C. "This procedure, which seems simple, becomes complex in zero gravity. We also have to ensure the stability of our samples, regardless of the timing of the experiment," continues Boris Hespeels. Inside the ISS, Raphaël Liégeois will have to carry out various experiments selected by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO). "And the order in which they will be carried out has not yet been determined," the two Namur-based researchers explain.  

Post-mission analyses will identify cellular protection mechanisms under extreme conditions. These results could inspire the development of protective molecules for astronauts or patients undergoing radiotherapy. "Space remains a hostile environment. Understanding how living organisms adapt to it is essential for preparing future exploration," Boris Hespeels points out.

Finally, the BeBlob project also has an educational component: activities based on the blob will be offered in schools to raise awareness among young people about scientific research and space exploration. An ambitious project is also under consideration to enable students aged 8 to 18 to work directly on samples that took part in Raphaël Liégeois' mission aboard the ISS.

The University of Namur is establishing itself as a key player in the study of the blob. Researchers at the LARN (Laboratory for Nuclear Reaction Analysis) and the ILEE (Institute of Life, Earth and Environment) and NARILIS (Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences) institutes have been conducting research into radiation resistance and DNA repair for several years. The BeBlob project builds on experience gained during previous space missions and active collaboration with ESA and BELSPO. The BeBlob project is one of three Belgian scientific experiments selected from 29 projects to be carried out during Belgian astronaut Raphaël Liégeois' mission scheduled for 2027. This scientific expertise places UNamur at the heart of space biology and fundamental research on life in extreme environments. The project is part of UNIVERSEH, the ERASMUS+ alliance of European universities that aims to build a "European university" focused on the space sector, of which UNamur is a member. 

What led you to specialize in the field of aging?

It all started with my doctoral thesis. I was offered the opportunity to work on sarcopenia, a subject that was relatively unexplored in 2012. It was the very beginning: people were just starting to talk about this disease. I was immediately interested in the topic and quickly realized that research in this field was still in its infancy! I launched a cohort study of 530 patients over the age of 65 who were followed for about ten years. This data led to the publication of numerous studies. It was not until 2016 that sarcopenia was recognized as a distinct pathology. Until then, it was little known to the general public and health professionals. In addition, there were many different definitions of the disease, which added to the complexity. I joined an international group of experts, the GLIS (Global Leadership Initiative in Sarcopenia), which is currently working to establish a global, consensus-based definition of sarcopenia. We are finally moving towards a clear definition and greater awareness of the disease, particularly among doctors.

So how do we define sarcopenia?

Today, sarcopenia is defined as a progressive and generalized loss of muscle strength and mass with advancing age, beyond the physiological threshold. Everyone loses muscle as they age, but we have noticed that some people lose much more than others. We are seeking to understand this interindividual variability, which is influenced by many factors, including genetic and metabolic factors.

What percentage of people are affected?

This disease affects a huge number of elderly people. It is estimated that between 10 and 16% of people over 65 suffer from sarcopenia. This figure rises to 60% for people hospitalized in an oncology ward, for example. 

Why does it deserve special attention?

In addition to its high prevalence, it has serious consequences: falls, fractures, hospitalizations, loss of independence, reduced quality of life and, very clearly, increased mortality. Numerous studies are also beginning to show the significant healthcare costs associated with sarcopenia. The impact of sarcopenia therefore extends beyond the individual; we can talk about a real societal impact!

Do you think it is an underestimated public health issue?

It certainly was a few years ago, but the situation is changing. Research is booming and the media is starting to take an interest. Politicians are also paying more and more attention to it, which is very positive. We all want to age well and preserve our physical abilities.

You have developed a specific tool, the SarQol. What is it?

SarQol is a quality of life questionnaire specific to sarcopenia, created ten years ago. The term "specific" is particularly apt, because previously generic tools were used to measure quality of life, which only partially measured its real impact. I have received a huge number of requests to use and translate this questionnaire. It has now been translated into more than forty languages! In view of this enthusiasm, I carried out a meta-analysis which unanimously showed a clear decline in the quality of life of patients with sarcopenia. 

This tool is representative of a "patient-centered" approach. How does this approach work in practice?

Clinical research tends to involve the patient more in the care process. If the patient feels listened to and understood, this will influence their condition. SarQoL is part of this approach, as is the Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) technique, which I am particularly interested in. This is a study of patient preferences in terms of treatment characteristics. To date, there is no drug treatment for sarcopenia. This type of study will therefore enable the pharmaceutical and agri-food industries to offer pharmacological treatments or nutritional supplements tailored to patient preferences. By taking these preferences into account, we can achieve better treatment adherence and, therefore, better results.

In addition to your role as a researcher, you are also an expert in methodology. What does that involve?

Discrete choice experiments (DCEs), like meta-analyses, are methods that can be applied to many areas of research. I am therefore regularly contacted by researchers and clinicians in the health sector, but not only, to apply these tools to their research topics in a practical way. I am very fond of this kind of collaboration, which feeds my scientific curiosity.

The "Credits & Projects" call for proposals resulted in 12 grants being awarded for ambitious new projects. These include two "equipment" grants, eight "research credits (CDR)" grants, and two "research projects (PDR)" grants, one of which is in collaboration with the ULB. The FRIA call for doctoral research support will fund eleven doctoral scholarships and the FRESH call will fund three. 

Two prestigious Scientific Impulse Mandates (MIS) were also obtained. This three-year funding supports young permanent researchers who wish to develop an original and innovative research program by acquiring scientific autonomy within their department.  

We would also like to highlight the two projects funded under the "WelCHANGE" call, a funding instrument for research projects with potential societal impact, led by a principal investigator in the humanities and social sciences.

Call for Equipment  

• Xavier De Bolle, Narilis Institute, Co-promoter in collaboration with UCLouvain
• Luca Fusaro, NISM Institute 

Call for Research Grants (CDR) 

• Marc Hennequart, NARILIS Institute
• Nicolas Gillet, NARILIS Institute
• Jean-Yves Matroule, NARILIS Institute
• Patricia Renard, NARILIS Institute
• Francesco Renzi, NARILIS Institute
• Stéphane Vincent, NISM Institute
• Laurence Meurant, NaLTT Institute
• Emma-Louise Silva, NaLTT Institute  

Call for Research Projects (PDR) 

• Jérémy Dodeigne, Transitions Institute, Co-supervisor in collaboration with ULB
• Luc Henrard, NISM Institute; Co-supervisor: Yoann Olivier, NISM Institute 

Fund for Training in Research in Industry and Agriculture (FRIA)

• Emma Bongiovanni - Supervisor: Catherine Michaux, NISM Institute
• Simon Chabot - Supervisor: Carine Michiels, Narilis Institute; Co-supervisor: Anne-Catherine Heuskin, Narilis Institute
• Lee Denis - Supervisor: Muriel Lepère, ILEE Institute
• Maé Desclez - Supervisor: Johan Yans, ILEE Institute; Co-supervisor: Hamed Pourkhorsandi (University of Toulouse)
• Pierre Lombard - Supervisor: Benoît Muylkens, Narilis Institute; Co-supervisor: Damien Coupeau, Narilis Institute
• Amandine Pecquet - Supervisor: Nicolas Gillet, Narilis Institute; Co-supervisor: Damien Coupeau, Narilis Institute
• Kilian Petit - Supervisor: Henri-François Renard, Narilis Institute; Co-supervisor: Xavier De Bolle, Narilis Institute
• Simon Rouxhet - Supervisor: Catherine Michaux, NISM Institute; Co-supervisor: Nicolas Gillet, Narilis Institute
• William Soulié - Supervisor: Yoann Olivier, NISM Institute
• Elisabeth Wanlin - Supervisor: Xavier De Bolle, Narilis Institute
• Laura Willam - Supervisor: Frédérik De Laender, ILEE Institute 

Fund for Research in the Humanities (FRESH) 

• Louis Droussin - Supervisor: Arthur Borriello, Transitions Institute; Co-supervisor: Vincent Jacquet, Transitions Institute
• Nicolas Larrea Avila - Supervisor: Guilhem Cassan, DeFIPP Institute
• Victor Sluyters – Supervisor: Wafa Hammedi, NADI Institute
• Amandine Leboutte - Co-supervisor: Erika Wauthia (UMons); Co-supervisor: Cédric Vanhoolandt, IRDENa Institute.

Scientific Impulse Mandate (MIS) 

• Charlotte Beaudart, Narilis Institute
• Eli Thoré ILEE Institute 

WelCHANGE Call  

• Nathalie Burnay Transitions Institute, in collaboration with UCLouvain
• Catherine Guirkinger, DeFIPP Institute

Congratulations to all!