ERASMUS+ from Tunisia to UNamur

I came to the UNamur to carry out a research internship thanks to the Erasmus+ "International Dimension" programme from March to July 2022, in the framework of the preparation of my PhD thesis in chemistry. My research is part of the collaboration between the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Sfax (Tunisia) and the Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of the Department of Chemistry of the University of Namur.  The main objective of my stay was to write a second scientific publication in the framework of my PhD thesis.

This exchange was a good opportunity that allowed me to make significant progress in my research work. In addition, I was able to observe several new approaches to theoretical chemistry which greatly enriched my skills and knowledge in this field.

I took away some very positive points from this stay.  The most remarkable point is the good atmosphere in the laboratory, which made my integration into the group very easy. Also, I found good working conditions and the existence of excellent research resources that facilitated my work.

Mohamed Chellegui is a PhD student in cotutelle between UNamur and the University of Sfax.  His research topic is "Theoretical study by ab initio methods of the Diels-Alder reaction - Application to the synthesis of bio-sourced compounds".

My research stay at UNamur took place in two parts, one of which was financed through the Erasmus+ "International Dimension" programme and the rest by funding from the Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Namur.
This mobility brought me several different views and perspectives on my work. The richness of the exchanges with colleagues specialised in theoretical chemistry was just as beneficial as the constant contact with my thesis sponsor, Professor Benoit Champagne. My integration into the laboratory was rapid, as the atmosphere was very friendly.  This unfailing support makes me very happy and motivates me to concentrate on my scientific research. I was also able to grow and learn more about Belgian culture and history.

From a professional point of view, my "ERASMUS+" research stay was very enriching: I was able to benefit from the scientific and technical expertise of the UNamur researchers within the NISM Institute.  I also had the opportunity to participate in several scientific events at UNamur (Women in science - Interdisciplinary training school for PhD students) but also at the KULeuven and ULiège.

On a human level, this mobility allowed me to establish links with colleagues from different disciplines and to participate in the wonderful staff party "UNamur experience" which took place last May! On the basis of these links, research collaborations may develop in the future and will also strengthen the collaborative links at institutional level between the University of Namur and the University of Carthage.

Yathreb Naghmouchi is a doctoral student in a joint project between the University of Namur and the University of Carthage (Tunisia). Her research topic is entitled "Preparation, physico-chemical characterizations and investigations in quantum chemistry of new materials based on chloranilate".