The 4th edition of the Student Health Day took place on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Campus Barbou. This event has become a key meeting point for health programs, offering a platform for exchange and sharing with the professional world.
The theme of the microbiota, the collection of microorganisms living on and in a host organism, was central to several conferences. Its essential role in digestion, immune defense support, and overall bodily balance was highlighted. Among the speakers, Dr. Marc Etienne, a specialist in gastroenterology, discussed the intestinal microbiota as a conductor of our overall health. The link between microbiota and hypertension was presented by Justine Huart, a clinical chief in the nephrology department at the CHU. Doctoral students in Health Sciences, Sarah Botilde and Florence Blaise, presented research on microbiota and whey.
The event also showcased the Final Theses (TFE) of 22 alumni from all programs within the Health Sciences department. These works were presented as scientific posters and evaluated by a professional jury. Three prizes, valued at €150, €100, and €75, were awarded to the best projects. Additionally, a 'public' prize was given to a poster in each section, allowing students to vote for their favorite.
The jury prize winners for their final theses include: Asma Yaakoubi (Medical Laboratory Technologist) for her work on the silicone plastination of a human ileocecal junction; Joana Fickers (Audiology) for her study on the effect of the language of vocal tests on audioprosthetic results in bilingual presbycusic patients; and Galliane Marissiaux (Dietetics) for her analysis of eating behaviors and the use of NutriConnect connected platforms.
The public prizes recognized: Louison Vandenhooft (Medical Laboratory Technologist) for research on Merkel cell polyomavirus proteins and host DNA repair proteins; Arthur Tambwe (Medical Imaging Technologist) on the importance of cardiac CT scans in endovascular procedures; Flavy Meerts (Speech Therapy) concerning oromyofunctional rehabilitation after adenoidectomy; Aleyna Ozdemir (Oral Hygiene) on the influence of family socioeconomic factors on early childhood caries prevalence; Galliane Marissiaux (Dietetics) for her second presentation on NutriConnect platforms; Eléonore Vluggen (Nursing Care Manager, Verviers) on gerontechnology and fall prevention; Nathanael Kenfack (Nursing Care Manager, Liège) on the administration of cytotoxics at the CHU de Liège; Emilie Riera (Nursing Care Manager, Huy) on the experience of non-native speaking patients in the emergency room; and again Joana Fickers (Audiology) for her work on vocal tests.
Finally, a TFE scholarship was offered, with several hospital partners present to discuss potential final thesis topics with students. The day concluded with a focus on science, discovery, and knowledge sharing.
