Ghent University, in partnership with the Horizon Europe Marie Curie Doctoral Network SUPER (Sustainable Sports and Physical Activity for Equity and Resilience), invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on the role of sports leaders and organizations as climate advocates. This innovative research opportunity aims to radically rethink how physical activity is promoted and practiced to address climate change, offering a unique intersection of sports science, sustainability, and public health. The successful candidate will join a vibrant international network, benefit from fee-free PhD registration at Ghent University, and participate in secondments across industry and European academic institutions. The research project will explore public receptiveness to climate messages from sports leaders and organizations, analyze how healthcare professionals become climate advocates, conduct focus groups with sports leaders to assess their willingness to adopt climate advocacy, and perform case studies on early adopters. The fellow will contribute to scientific publications, present at conferences, and engage in educational activities within the SUPER consortium. Applicants must hold or be finalizing a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (social sciences, humanities, health sciences, movement sciences, psychology, communication sciences, business, or sport management), demonstrate excellent English proficiency, and possess competencies such as open-mindedness, collaboration, critical thinking, and strong communication skills. MSCA eligibility conditions apply: candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree and must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment. Desirable attributes include excellent academic performance, interest in sports, climate, and communication, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to planetary health. The position offers a four-year full-time appointment, with competitive MSCA salary and allowances: Living Allowance (€4010/month, subject to country correction), Mobility Allowance (€710/month), and Family Allowance (€660/month if applicable). All amounts are subject to tax and contributions. The research project is funded by Horizon Europe (grant number 101226793) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (REF 1131 52304). To apply, email your application in English to Prof Annick Willem ([email protected]), clearly stating the position. Include a research statement (max. 3 pages), CV, certificates, transcripts, names and contact information of two referees, proof of English proficiency, and evidence of publications if applicable. Complete the diversity form if applying for multiple SUPER positions. The application deadline is Sunday, 19th April 2026. Information sessions will be held on Monday, 23rd March 2026 for interested applicants. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to pioneering research at the intersection of sports, climate advocacy, and public health, within a supportive and international academic environment.

Ghent University invites applications for a Doctoral Fellow position in the Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, as part of the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network, SUPER (Sustainable Sports and Physical Activity for Equity and Resilience). This pioneering network offers 17 fellowship opportunities at the intersection of sustainability, sports science, and climate advocacy. The successful candidate will be registered as a fee-free PhD student at Ghent University and will participate in the SUPER Doctoral Network, with secondment opportunities in industry and other European academic institutions. The SUPER project aims to reshape sports and physical activity practices, equipment, and infrastructure to ensure equitable access for all, reduce environmental impact, and foster resilience and wellbeing, especially among vulnerable populations. The network confronts the need for equity and climate justice, creating transformative science to guide the future of sport. The doctoral research will focus on 'The role of Sports leaders and organizations as climate advocates,' assessing public receptiveness to climate messages from sports leaders, studying healthcare professionals as climate advocates, and conducting focus groups and case studies with sports organizations. Key responsibilities include publishing scientific articles, presenting findings at national and international conferences, contributing to the wider SUPER project, and participating in educational activities within the department and consortium. The position offers a full-time contract for up to 48 months, starting as early as September 1, 2026, with a fellowship amount at 100% of the net salary of an AAP member, determined by family status and seniority. The grant is tax-free and includes staff benefits such as training opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in social sciences, humanities, or health sciences (including movement sciences, social psychology, communication sciences, business, or sport management sciences or similar). Eligibility conditions require that applicants do not already hold a doctoral degree and have not resided or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment. Excellent English skills and minimum B1 Dutch language proficiency are required to communicate with and collect data from older adult participants. To apply, send your application to Prof. Annick Willem ([email protected]) by April 19, 2026. The application must include a research statement (max. 3 pages), CV, certificates, transcripts and diplomas, contact information for two referees, evidence of publications or research work, and proof of English skills. If your master's degree is not yet completed, confirm the submission date. Information sessions will be held on March 23, 2026, for interested applicants. Ghent University is committed to equal opportunities and diversity, encouraging all qualified candidates to apply. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic research environment and contribute to impactful research at the intersection of sports, sustainability, and climate advocacy.