The Free University of Brussels (ULB), Belgium, is offering a unique research opportunity as part of the European INTERREG North-West Europe (NWE) Forest4Youth project. This full-time doctoral scholarship provides financial support until 2028, allowing students to explore innovative mental health therapies for adolescents.
Institution: Université libre de Bruxelles (Free University of Brussels), Belgium
Degree Level: PhD
Field of Study: Health Sciences
Eligible Candidates: International Students
Funding: Fully Funded (Financial coverage until 2028)
Deadline: February 25, 2025
About the PhD Research Project
The INTERREG NWE Forest4Youth project aims to examine the impact of forest therapy on adolescents (aged 12-18) suffering from mental health disorders. With mental health challenges rising across Europe—Belgium (19.5%), France (20%), Germany (17%), Luxembourg (19%), and Ireland (16%)—this project introduces nature-based and virtual reality (VR) therapies as alternative non-pharmacological treatments for anxiety and depression.
Available Subjects
Research Objectives and Responsibilities
The PhD candidate will explore virtual forest immersion therapy as an alternative or complementary treatment for adolescents who may not have access to natural forests. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting literature reviews and assessing best practices.
- Organizing focus groups with mental health professionals, VR experts, patients, and families.
- Designing and implementing pilot therapy protocols.
- Analyzing the effects of real and virtual forest immersion on adolescent mental health.
- Publishing research findings in high-impact scientific journals and presenting at international conferences.
Work Environment and Benefits
- Primary workplace: Saint-Martin Neuropsychiatric Center (near Namur, Belgium), with travel to Brussels and Champagne-Ardenne for research coordination.
- Collaboration with a European interdisciplinary research team (experts in psychology, mental health, human movement sciences, and immersive technologies).
- Fully funded position covering the entire PhD duration (until 2028).
- Opportunity to publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Master’s degree (120 credits) in:
- Movement Sciences
- Exercise Physiology
- Physiotherapy
- Psychology / Neuropsychology
- Medical Sciences / Public Health
- Strong interest or experience in mental health, psychiatry, and adolescent psychology.
- Experience with forests, virtual reality, and research methodologies is advantageous.
- Ability to work in a multilingual environment (English and French proficiency required).
- Strong teamwork skills and willingness to travel for research collaboration.
Eligible Nationalities
This scholarship is open to international students from all countries.
Application Procedure
To apply, submit the following documents in a single PDF file to [email protected] by February 25, 2025:
- Cover Letter (max. 800 words) explaining your interest in the project.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing relevant experience.
- Contact details of two referees (name, affiliation, email, phone number).
- 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 at [email protected].
Why Apply?
This fully funded PhD scholarship in Belgium offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge research at the intersection of mental health, nature therapy, and virtual reality. If you are passionate about developing innovative, non-pharmacological treatments for adolescent mental health, apply now to become part of a dynamic international research team at the Free University of Brussels.
Apply Now!
For more details, visit the official ULB website or contact the program coordinator today!
