September 28, 2023 – Official Academic Year Opening Ceremony at UNamur

The University of Namur (UNamur) celebrated its academic year around the theme

"Research at the heart of the university."

This ceremony highlighted the excellence of UNamur's research, its eleven research institutes, and the passion of its many doctoral students and researchers, with particular attention paid to interdisciplinarity.

Kevin Persoons, President of the General Student Assembly, highlighted the challenges related to mental health and student precarity, reiterating the importance of stepping up efforts in these areas.

A highlight of the evening was Rector Annick Castiaux's announcement of a university alliance between UNamur and UCLouvain. This alliance, called AULNE, brings together nearly 45% of university students in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. While not a merger, it aims to strengthen collaborations in research and teaching for the benefit of students and society.

The presence of the Rector of UCLouvain, Vincent Blondel, and his joint quote with Annick Castiaux put the ambition of this alliance into perspective: "The Alder is a tree with deep roots and rapid growth."