Have you recently defended your PhD, MSc, or professional BSc thesis on a marine topic? Then you still have until 31 December to compete for one of the VLIZ Marine Science Awards 2025. Now with a small twist in the participation regulations.
With these awards, the Flanders Marine Institute seeks to honour outstanding marine research, encourage young marine professionals to continue their efforts in the future, and promote marine science.
The award winning ceremony will take place during the VLIZ Marine Science Day 2026 on Wednesday 4 March 2026 at De Grote Post in Ostende. .
In consultation with the VLIZ Scientific Committee, the awards have been further professionalised and the regulations revised. The updated framework is ready, and the rules can be consulted on the VLIZ website:
- VLIZ North Sea Award 2025
- VLIZ Master Thesis Awards 2025
- VLIZ Professionele Bachelor Thesis Award 2025
What has changed in the conditions?
- Since the VLIZ Science Awards were not organised in 2024, theses completed in the past three academic years (2023–2024–2025) are exceptionally eligible this year.
- From this edition onward, the judging of the VLIZ Science Awards is in the hands of the VLIZ Scientific Committee.
- The first round of evaluation will be based on the submitted summary; only afterwards will the full thesis/publication be reviewed. It is therefore well worth paying extra attention to your summary when submitting.
Reminder of earlier changes (since the 2023 edition):
- For the North Sea Award, candidates from all scientific disciplines (humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences) are welcome to apply. The research must focus on the structure, functioning, and/or sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems, including dunes and estuaries. There is no longer a geographical focus limited to the North Sea.
- For the Professional BSc and the two MSc Thesis Awards, candidates may come from any Belgian educational institution, or be Belgian students enrolled at (inter)national institutions. Previously, eligibility was restricted to Flemish universities, university colleges, and students. One of the two MSc Thesis Awards is reserved for climate-related research.