Royal Higher Institute for Defence: Structural Collaborative Research in Military Medicine (SCRIMM) - PhD research

!!! IMPORTANT: Mandatory pre-approval for external funding:

https://ugentbe.sharepoint.com/sites/intranet-onderzoek/SitePages/en/Externe-financiering-aanvragen-…
Contact: vlaams-federaal@ugent.be

!!! IMPORTANT: Military useful research (funded by Defence, in cooperation with Defence or companies producing defence technology, ...) is only possible in accordance with the Ghent University policy on research with possible military applications (dual-use research). This means, among other things, that the project must be submitted to the Dual Use Contact Point and/or the Human Rights Policy and Dual Use Research Committee, using the Dual Use Disclosure Form (see link). If you have any questions about this funding or the university’s dual-use policy, please do not hesitate to contact MeldpuntDU@ugent.be.

In line with Belgian Defence’s aim to reinforce the technological and knowledge base at national level, the Royal Higher Institute for Defence wishes to enhance research collaborations with the different universities and associated university hospitals in the field of military medicine. Therefore, the second SCRiMM call for projects within 2 dedicated themes will be launched this year.

To inform potential applicants about the context, scope and modalities of this call, a dedicated info moment will be organised on Thursday 26 March, from 14.00 to 16.00 at the Royal Military Academy in Brussels. Registration is required through the website.

Theme 1: Advancing Military-Relevant Research on (Mild) Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)

mTBIs are among the most complex challenges in modern military operations. Repeated blast exposure, training-related impacts, and difficult diagnostics all contribute to this issue.
SCRiMM2026 is seeking cutting-edge 4-year PhD research proposals focusing on:

Prevention & Risk Reduction
Detection & Monitoring
Treatment, Rehabilitation & Return to Duty
Recovery, Long-Term Outcomes & Readiness

Indicative budget: 1.0M€
The projects will have a duration of 4 years.

Theme 2: PTSD Treatment

Military and public safety personnel (PSP) face a major challenge, as repeated exposure to potentially traumatic events (i.e. violence, serious injury, or death) significantly increases their risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other operational stress injuries.
SCRiMM2026 invites 4-year PhD research proposals focused on designing, implementing, and evaluating innovative, evidence-based models for intensive treatment adapted to PSP needs.
Indicative budget: 1.0M€
The projects will have a duration of 4 years.

Attention: Tax-free doctoral or post-doctoral scholarships are not accepted.

Deadline for submission

20 May 2026 at 16h00.

Further information

More detailed information on the call modalities and the themes can be found on the SCRiMM webpage.

13 maart 2026 09:38