Free University of Brussels, Belgium PhD Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded)

Are you looking for a fully funded PhD scholarship 2025 in Health Sciences? The Université libre de Bruxelles (Also Known as Free University of Brussels), Belgium is offering an exciting opportunity within the framework of the European INTERREG North-West Europe (NWE) Forest4Youth project. This full-time doctoral scholarship covers financial support until the end of 2028, providing an excellent chance for aspiring researchers to explore innovative mental health therapies for adolescents.

Work Environment and Benefits

• The main workplace will be the Saint-Martin Neuropsychiatric Center (near Namur, Belgium), with occasional travel to Brussels and Champagne-Ardenne for research coordination.
• Interaction with an interdisciplinary European research team, including experts in mental health, psychology, human movement sciences, and immersive technologies.
• Opportunity to work on a groundbreaking project that combines nature therapy and virtual reality.
• A fully funded position with financial coverage for the entire PhD duration until 2028.
• Possibility to publish in high-impact scientific journals and present research at international conferences.

About the PhD Scholarship and Research Project

The INTERREG NWE Forest4Youth project aims to study the impact of forest therapy on mental health disorders in adolescents aged 12-18. Mental health challenges among adolescents are on the rise in several European countries, including Germany (17%), Belgium (19.5%), Luxembourg (19%), France (20%), and Ireland (16%), surpassing the EU average of 17.5%. The project seeks to introduce nature-based and virtual reality (VR) therapies as innovative, non-pharmacological treatment alternatives for managing depression and anxiety in teenagers.

Research Objectives and Scope

• Conducting literature reviews and evaluating existing best practices.
• Organizing focus groups with mental health professionals, VR experts, patients, and families.
• Designing and implementing pilot therapy protocols in collaboration with various stakeholders.
• Analyzing the effects of real and virtual forest immersions on adolescent mental health.
• Writing scientific articles and contributing to international publications in peer-reviewed journals.

This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Hold a Master’s degree (120 credits) in Movement Sciences, Exercise Physiology, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Neuropsychology, Medical Sciences, or Public Health.
• Have a strong interest or experience in mental health, psychiatry, and adolescent psychology.
• Experience with forests, virtual reality, and research methodologies is a plus.
• Ability to work in a multilingual environment (proficiency in English and French is required).
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to meet deadlines, and willingness to travel for research collaboration.

To apply, submit the following documents in a single PDF file to [email protected] by February 25, 2025:

• A cover letter (max. 800 words) explaining your interest in the project.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experience.
• Contact details of two referees (name, affiliation, email, phone number).
• A copy of your Master’s diploma.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (in-person or via video conference). For inquiries, contact Prof. Malgorzata Klass ([email protected]).

Conclusion

This PhD scholarship in Belgium presents a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in mental health, nature therapy, and virtual reality. If you are passionate about developing innovative non-pharmacological treatments for adolescent mental health, apply now and join a dynamic international research team at Université libre de Bruxelles.

For more details, visit the official ULB website or contact the program coordinator today!