The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is providing an thrilling full-time PhD scholarship below the distinguished European INTERREG North-West Europe (NWE) “Forest4Youth” undertaking. This scholarship gives a superb alternative for early-stage researchers enthusiastic about psychological well being, digital actuality (VR), and forest remedy.
About the “Forest4Youth” Project
The INTERREG NWE Forest4Youth undertaking is an progressive analysis initiative that goals to research the affect of forest remedy on adolescent psychological well being (ages 12-18). Adolescents in North-Western European nations, together with Germany (17%), Belgium (19.5%), Luxembourg (19%), France (20%), and Ireland (16%), expertise psychological well being problems at charges larger than the EU common of 17.5% (Eurostat). Given the rising burden on psychiatric providers, the undertaking seeks non-pharmacological options to assist enhance psychological nicely-being.
Why Forest Therapy?
Emerging analysis signifies that forest remedy can considerably scale back signs of despair and anxiousness, fostering emotional resilience and nicely-being. However, not all sufferers have entry to pure forest settings on account of mobility points, allergy symptoms, worry of bugs, or unfamiliar out of doors sounds. This undertaking explores Virtual Reality (VR)-based forest immersion as a possible various or complement to conventional nature remedy. While actual forests present multi-sensory advantages, VR has additionally demonstrated stress-lowering results, making it a horny substitute for these unable to go to forests bodily.
Objectives of the PhD Research
This PhD thesis, below the supervision of Prof. Malgorzata Klass and Jennifer Foucart, will concentrate on assessing the affect of VR-primarily based forest immersion on adolescent psychological well being. The main purpose is to find out whether or not VR can function an efficient stand-alone remedy or be used alongside actual forest immersion.
The analysis will contain:
- Reviewing current literature and finest practices
- Conducting qualitative focus teams with psychological well being professionals, VR consultants, and sufferers
- Developing and implementing pilot protocols for VR-primarily based and actual forest remedy
- Analyzing the consequences of each VR and pure forest immersion on adolescents experiencing psychological well being points
- Collaborating with European psychological well being consultants, foresters, and researchers
- Publishing scientific articles primarily based on findings from the study.
Work Environment and Benefits
- The PhD researcher shall be primarily based at the Saint-Martin Neuropsychiatric Center close to Namur, Belgium, with common conferences in Brussels and discipline visits in Champagne-Ardenne.
- This full-time doctoral scholarship is funded till the top of 2028.
- The analysis will contribute to progressive non-pharmacological psychological well being therapies.
- The PhD candidate will work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary European analysis surroundings, gaining in depth networking alternatives throughout worldwide establishments.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this PhD scholarship, candidates will need to have:
- A Master’s diploma (120 ECTS credit) in a related discipline, akin to motion sciences, train physiology, psychology, neuropsychology, medical sciences, or public well being.
- Experience or robust curiosity in psychological well being/psychiatry, ideally with adolescents.
- Interest in forest remedy and digital actuality functions.
- Experience in qualitative and quantitative analysis methodologies.
- Strong writing and synthesis abilities.
- Fluency in English and French (each written and spoken).
- Willingness to journey inside Europe for analysis collaborations.
Key Deadline
The final date to apply for the Full-time PhD Scholarship at Université libre de Bruxelles is February 25, 2025.
Full-time PhD Scholarship 2025 at Université libre de Bruxelles FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
