VLIZ Scientific Awards
The VLIZ Science Awards honour the work of (young or experienced) marine researchers. By doing so, VLIZ wants to encourage them to continue making high-quality scientific contributions in the future and to promote marine science research in Flanders and in the North Sea.
North Sea Award
VLIZ presents an annual award at the VLIZ Marine Science Day to encourage innovative fundamental or applied research. This research should focus on studying the structure, functioning and/or sustainable management of the coastal and marine ecosystem including dunes and estuaries. All science disciplines and categories (alpha, beta and gamma) are eligible.
The North Sea Award is being evaluated and reformed and will not be awarded this year (2024). The call for the reformed award is expected in the fall of 2025.
Master Thesis Award
Every year, the VLIZ awards two prizes to crown graduation works at a Belgian university, or graduation works by Belgian students at a foreign educational institution. Both fundamental and applied research topics in all branches of marine sciences are eligible. One of the two prizes is reserved for a climate-oriented thesis.
The Master Thesis Awards are being evaluated and reformed and will not be awarded this year (2024). The call for the reformed awards is expected in the fall of 2025.
Bachelor Thesis Award
Every year, the VLIZ awards a prize to crown a professional bachelor's thesis at a Belgian college of higher education (bachelor's programme), or a professional bachelor's thesis by a Belgian student at an international educational institution. Both fundamental and applied research topics in all branches of marine sciences are eligible.
The Bachelor Thesis Award is being evaluated and reformed and will not be awarded this year (2024). The call for the reformed award is expected in the fall of 2025.
Dr. Edouard Delcroix Incentive Award
HYDRO vzw and the Flanders Marine Institute annually organise the Dr. Edouard Delcroix Incentive Award, worth 2,500 EUR. Since 2020, this way a young scientist at the start of his/her research career is awarded for scientific research carried out in the broad context of the ocean and human health. The prize was established in honour of Dr. Edouard Delcroix (1891-1973), Belgian orthopaedic surgeon and pioneer in hydrotherapy.
The call for applications for the Dr. Edouard Delcroix Encouragement Award is closed. Eligible candidates were those who have recently (in 2022 or later) obtained their Master’s degree. The detailed regulations could be found here in Dutch, French, or English. Candidates could register via the online form, accompanied by a CV, the scientific report, and a summary. A new call for proposals will be opened in autumn 2025.
Hydro vzw also annually supports the realisation of an original marine research idea through the Dr. Edouard Delcroix research grant worth EUR 10,000, read more via this link.