The philanthropic arm of VLIZ – The Sea as a Good Cause – continues to support young, creative marine researchers. This year, six research grants will be awarded again to PhD students and junior postdocs working in Flanders, as well as to doctoral students from the Global South. Key requirement: dare to think differently, dare to be innovative. Submit your proposal by 19 January 2026.
For young researchers:
With the Brilliant Marine Research Idea (BMRI) grant, we aim to inspire and support young scientists in developing an original and brilliant idea within their marine research. These grants are unique in Flanders, standing out for their emphasis on creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.
The thematic focus of this call includes, but is not limited to, climate change (the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus), ocean health, and the connection between ocean and human health, complemented by horizontal themes such as exploration, marine observations, and technological innovation.
Each grant, worth up to EUR 5000, is intended to support early-career marine scientists in their laboratory or fieldwork, data collection and analysis, visits to other institutes for specialized facilities, or the purchase of equipment and software essential to their research.
Deadline for proposal submission: 19 January 2026.
> More information about the call and application form
For sponsoring companies:
Because marine research is a field where science and industry strengthen each other, The Sea as a Good Cause invites companies to sponsor this grant scheme. In consultation, we ensure appropriate visibility for the sponsor, while VLIZ takes care of all organizational and administrative follow-up.
The sponsorship contribution for one BMRI grant is EUR 6000 (excluding VAT).
If your company is interested in supporting marine research, please contact us at filantropie@vliz.be.
