On Wednesday, March 5, the VLIZ Marine Science Day (#VMSD25) took place at the VIVES Campus in Bruges. With over 500 participants, this was the most successful edition to date. This annual event, recognized as an initiative within the UN Ocean Decade, brought together scientists, students, and marine experts for an inspiring day of cutting-edge research and networking opportunities. This year was even more special as VLIZ celebrated its 25th anniversary! The festivities were given a royal touch with the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Laurent, emphasizing the importance of ocean research.
Relive the Day: Abstracts and Photos
As every year, VMSD focused on pioneering research. Alongside engaging keynote lectures by Dr. Fiona Grant and Dr. Alain Arnaud, interactive booths, and inspiring presentations, numerous prestigious awards and grants were presented to promising researchers.
If you didn't get the chance to visit all the posters or want to revisit the information presented during the talks, head over to the VMSD website to access the Book of Abstracts. For those who wish to relive the highlights, a comprehensive photo gallery is also available. Can you spot you and your colleagues?
Innovation and recognition: award ceremony and research grants
Several researchers received prestigious awards and grants to further support their work. One of the highlights was the presentation of the Dr. Edouard Delcroix Awards, sponsored by Hydro vzw and supported by VLIZ Philanthropy. These awards honor research that explores the interaction between the sea and human health.
- Dr. Edouard Delcroix Incentive Award 2023 – Silke Lambert studies the health benefits of sea air, focusing on the effects of sea spray aerosols on human health.
- Dr. Edouard Delcroix Incentive Award 2024 – Julia Kinet investigates how coastal environments contribute to the physical and cognitive well-being of older adults, exploring their potential for preventive healthcare applications.
- Dr. Edouard Delcroix Research Grant 2025 – Friedel Dewulf examines yessotoxins in marine aerosols and their potential role as anticancer agents, focusing on targeted lysosome interactions in human lung cells.
The Brilliant Marine Research Idea Grants 2025, funded by VLIZ Philanthropy 'The Sea as a Good Cause' and sponsored by BoardX Surf Trips, were awarded to promising research ideas that aim to advance marine science.
- Tuan Anh Bui – Time traveling through fish diets. Using stable isotopes in otoliths (fish ear stones), he reconstructs historical changes in fish nutrition.
- Arida Fauziyah – Decoding the trophic network. By combining DNA metabarcoding and isotope analysis, she works towards sustainable aquaculture for mud crabs (Scylla spp.).
- Wenxin Liu – Algae under pressure. This research explores how grazing by small marine organisms (such as copepods) affects the growth and toxin production of harmful algae.
- Sofie Peeters – Seaweed in the spotlight. Investigating the genetic interaction between Laminaria ochroleuca and Laminaria digitata, two promising seaweed species with applications in food and biotechnology.
- Nada Nasri – Electric seafloors and climate change. Studying how cable bacteria influence alkalinity dynamics in calcium carbonate-rich sediments, potentially playing a role in climate regulation.
- Rodgee Mae Guden – Underwater noise, silent consequence. Investigating the impact of human-induced underwater noise on marine microbial communities using advanced 'omics' approaches.
VMSD would not be complete without recognizing the best scientific presentations and posters of the day, as voted by the audience:
- Best VMSD Poster Award – Jadon Beerlandt explored groundwater systems beneath artificial dunes and how historical insights can help tackle future water management challenges.
- Best VMSD Presentation Award – April Grace Opinion demonstrated how chronic stress alters heart morphology and depletes energy reserves in Atlantic salmon, ultimately impairing their swimming performance.
Next Year: VMSD 2026 in Ostend!
Don’t miss the next edition! On Wednesday 4 March 2026, the 25th VLIZ Marine Science Day will take place at De Grote Post in Ostend. Mark your calendars! More details will be announced in October 2025.
Questions about this or next year's VMSD? Contact info@vliz.be. See you next year!