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Phd / Free University of Brussels

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

Scholarship
Belgium
On-site
Published Feb 21, 2025

Overview

Free University of Brussels, Belgium PhD Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake PhD level programs at Free University of Brussels.

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.

Description

Free University of Brussels, Belgium PhD Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake PhD level programs at Free University of Brussels.

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.

Eligibility

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.

Additional Information

Degree Level

Free University of Brussels, Belgium PhD Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake PhD level programs at Free University of Brussels.
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.

Available Subjects

Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
Health Sciences
Research Objectives and Scope The selected PhD candidate will focus on the potential benefits of virtual forest immersion therapy as an alternative or complementary solution for adolescents who may not have direct access to natural forests. The study will involve: 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.

Benefits

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.

Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

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.

Application Procedure

To apply, submit the following documents in a single PDF file to malgorzata.klass@ulb.be 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 ( malgorzata.klass@ulb.be ).
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!

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Funding

Fully Funded

Organization

Free University of Brussels

Degree

PhD

Subjects

Health Sciences

Nationality

International Students

Country

Belgium

Source

Information provided by scholarships_ads.

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