Since receiving its research mandate in 2017, VLIZ has launched numerous PhD projects in collaboration with universities and research institutions. This year marks a milestone for VLIZ, as the first cohort of PhD researchers has graduated. In 2024, six VLIZ researchers earned their doctoral degrees:
- 14 February 2024 – Anouk Ollevier (VLIZ, Ugent) – ‘Through the lens of a Video Plankton Recorder: Optical imaging and insights into zooplankton ecology’.
- 21 May 2024 – Alexander Hooyberg (VLIZ, UGent & KULeuven) – ‘The coast and human health: An analysis of psychological, physiological, and social phenomena’.
- 19 June 2024 – Nelle Meyers (VLIZ, ILVO & UGent) – ‘Developing and optimising a cost- and time-effective method for the detection and identification of microplastics in the marine environment’.
- 28 June 2024 – Clea Parcerisas (VLIZ, Ugent) – ‘Marine Soundscapes in Shallow Water: Automated Tools for Characterization and Analysis’.
- 14 September 2024 – Zhiyue Niu (VLIZ, UGent) – ‘Combined impacts of plastic pollution, from bio-based and petroleum-based polymers, and global warming on the population dynamics of key organisms of coastal and marine ecosystems’.
- 6 November 2024 – Marine Severin (VLIZ, UGent & KU Leuven) – ‘Waves of emotion: How the coast enhances our well-being and connection to nature’.
Building on this success, VLIZ welcomed a new group of PhD students in 2024. Eight researchers have embarked on studies tackling pressing issues in marine sciences. Their research covers topics ranging from microplastics and climate change to carbon cycles and ancient seabed landscapes. This work will advance our understanding of oceans and coastal areas while addressing current environmental challenges. A warm welcome and best wishes to Juliette Grandjean, Elias De Craene, Maurie Keppens, Warre Dekoninck, Evert Lambrechts, Annika Eske, Wyona Schütte, and Maqbool Ahmad.