The ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI) comprises more than 240 scientists including more than 50 Principal Investigators (PIs) grouped into 24 research groups. It offers a dynamic and diverse research environment in all fields of brain research, from molecular and cellular neurobiology, to systems, cognitive, and clinical neurosciences.
Starting from 2013, UNI has been hosting an International PhD Program in Neuroscience in the dynamic city of Brussels, situated at the core of Europe. The chosen candidates for the 2026 program will be provided with extensive support throughout one year, including a fellowship covering both living expenses and tuition. This support aims to empower them to formulate and advance their individual research projects and initiate their experiments. In addition, they will gain access to invaluable technical and writing assistance to enhance their skills for successful grant applications. Since 2013, a significant number (95%) of UNI-selected candidates have successfully secured prestigious PhD fellowships from the Belgian Science funds (FNRS or other entities), funding their four-year journey towards a doctoral degree. Highly qualified candidates with a deep commitment to basic research are invited to apply. Applicants should hold a MSc degree (or equivalent). Before applying, please visit https://uni.ulb.ac.be/phd-program/, read “how to apply” info and download the application form.
Closing date for 2026 applications is March, 1. The selection process will consist of online interviews in April and lab visits in May for pre-selected candidates. Selection will be completed by the end of June. Accepted candidates may start research projects as early as October 2026.
How to apply?
Requirements: The UNI PhD Program language is English, and restricted to non-Belgian residents. Only candidates holding a diploma of Master in Science (or equivalent degree) will be considered. Candidates who do not have such a degree should provide evidence that they will obtain it within the 2025-2026 academic year.
Applications: Deadline for receipt of the completed application is March, 1. Please before sending your application, check below to inform yourselves about the available Principial Investigators (PIs) for the 2026 call.
The List of UNI promoters who are available to host a new PhD student in 2026-2027
+ Prof. Dr. Stéphane Baudry
+ Prof. Dr. Julie Bertels
+ Prof. Dr. Patricia Bonnavion
+ Prof. Dr. Mathieu Bourguignon
+ Prof. Dr. Axelle Calcus
+ Prof. Dr. Salvatore Campanella
+ Prof. Dr. Axel Cleeremans
+ Prof. Dr. Irene Cogliati Dezza
+ Prof. Dr. Cécile Colin
+ Prof. Dr. Alban de Kerchove
+ Prof. Dr. Xavier de Tiege
+ Prof. Dr. Veronique Delvenne
+ Prof. Dr. Nicolas Gaspard
+ Prof. Dr. Wim Gevers
+ Prof. Dr. Xavier Noel
+ Prof. Dr. Antoine Nonclercq
+ Prof. Dr. Peter Simor
+ Prof. Dr. Melanie Strauss
+ Prof. Dr. Marc Vanderghinst
+ Prof. Dr. Christophe Varin
+ Prof. Dr. Vincent Wens
+ Prof. Dr. Valerie Wittamer
+ Prof. Dr. David Zarka
Selection procedure: Completed applications will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of UNI group leaders. The short-listed candidates will be invited for Interviews in Spring 2026 (dates will be published closer to the time). Full details about the interview procedure will be sent to invited candidates.
Admission: Offers of admission will be made to the successful candidates shortly after the interview period. PhD Students will start their PhD research in Fall 2026.
Application Form: Application forms should be downloaded directly from the UNI website (see link on the page). Complete the application form carefully and return it, together with any further documents, as a single pdf file, to: uni@ulb.be
Letters of recommendation: In addition, we request letters of recommendation from two scientists/professors who are familiar with your academic work and who can judge your potential as a PhD student. Please forward the enclosed letters to the referees and ask them to send their letters of recommendation directly to the address above. These letters are an essential part of your application, and it is your responsibility to ensure that the referees write to us before the application deadline.
We look forward to welcoming you at UNI and Brussels!