Annually, the Dr. Edouard Delcroix research grant is awarded nationally by HYDRO vzw, with the support of VLIZ vzw, to an early career researcher to promote scientific research in the broader field of ocean and human health. A jury consisting of members of HYDRO vzw and VLIZ vzw evaluates the research proposals. The grant amount of 10.000 EUR is used to realise within a year an original marine research idea. The results are recorded in a final report and are publicly presented during the VLIZ Marine Science Day; the laureate also personally explains the research to HYDRO vzw.
HYDRO vzw and VLIZ vzw have a history of collaboration in which they encourage scientists active in the broader field of ocean-human health interactions in their research through prizes and grants. The Dr. Edouard Delcroix Incentive Prize is awarded to a young scientist at the start of his/her research career (read more on the Scientific Awards webpage). The Dr. Edouard Delcroix research grant is used specifically to carry out scientific research. Both the prize and the research grant exist in honour of Dr. Edouard Delcroix (1891-1973), Belgian orthopedic surgeon and pioneer in hydrotherapy.
The Dr. Edouard Delcroix research grant aims to promote basic and applied scientific research that makes a significant contribution to:
- hydrotherapy and functional rehabilitation in seawater or by the sea
- the positive effects of marine nutrition
- the exploration of bioactive molecules from sea water, sea air, sea food, or from the marine environment
- the importance of the sea's influence on our mental and physical health (cf. Blue Gym effect as well as the biogenic hypothesis or the immunoregulatory hypothesis)
- solutions to human diseases resulting from negative influences of the marine environment, such as harmful algal blooms and other biogenic toxins, eutrophication, transmission of pathogens and chemicals and the impact of human activities on the sea such as aquaculture.
Who is eligible for the Dr. Edouard Delcroix research grant?
Early career researchers active in the above research topics, affiliated to a Belgian university, university hospital, university college or research institute as (marine) scientists, doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, etc. can compete for the grant via an original research proposal/idea.
The contribution of Hydro vzw: Hydro vzw supports researchers in their work in the wider field of ocean-human health interactions since 2000. The research grant worth EUR 10,000 helps with lab and/or field work, data acquisition and analysis, visits to other institutes for the use of specialised facilities, purchase of necessary equipment or software, personnel costs, attendance at conferences, etc. The grant amount cannot be used as reimbursement for the use of existing infrastructure within one's own research group, nor to pay for travel expenses that exceed 25% of the grant.
The call for the Dr. Edouard Delcroix Research Grant 2025 is currently open. The detailed procedures are outlined in the call for proposals. Applications must be submitted by completing the registration form. The deadline for submission is no later than January 17, 2025.