Agricultural and Environmental Ethics Fellowship opportunities are now open for aspiring researchers who want to explore the ethical challenges of sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and climate change. Through the BIOTA research project at KU Leuven, selected candidates can engage in advanced doctoral research focused on environmental and agricultural ethics within a globally respected academic environment.
This fellowship is designed for applicants who hold, or are close to completing, a master’s degree in Philosophy or a closely related discipline. Strong academic performance, excellent English proficiency, solid analytical and research abilities, and a demonstrated interest in normative environmental, agricultural, or plant ethics are essential for success in this competitive program.
Benefits of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics Fellowship
- Fully funded 4-year PhD research position
- Enrollment in KU Leuven’s doctoral programme
- Office space and research facilities
- Opportunities to attend international conferences
- Funding for an international research visit
- Participation in workshops, seminars, and reading groups
- Membership in the vibrant RIPPLE research unit
Eligibility for the Agricultural and Environmental Ethics Fellowship
- Eligible Countries: All countries
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in Philosophy, with a focus on normative environmental ethics, agricultural ethics, plant ethics, or closely related interdisciplinary areas.
- Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree in Philosophy with a strong academic record
- Meet or be comparable to the Institute of Philosophy’s doctoral admission requirement (normally a Research Master’s with at least 75%)
- Interdisciplinary academic backgrounds (e.g., philosophy combined with natural or social sciences) are welcomed
- Excellent command of written and spoken English
- Strong analytical skills, theoretical creativity, and intellectual curiosity
- Demonstrated interest in normative environmental philosophy, particularly agricultural and plant ethics
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team
- Willingness to be physically present at the Institute of Philosophy and participate in project activities.
Required Documents
- Cover letter
- Research proposal (max. 2 pages)
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- CV with two academic referees
- Writing sample (max. 25 pages)
- Statement on the use of generative AI tools
- Proof of English proficiency (if available)
How to Apply
- Submit your application online only through the KU Leuven application tool
- Open the vacancy link and click Apply
- Complete all required sections of the online application form
- Upload all required documents as specified in the job announcement
- Review your information carefully before final submission
- Submit the application before the stated deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
Agricultural and Environmental Ethics Fellowship includes two four-year PhD researcher positions in agricultural and environmental ethics at KU Leuven, supervised under a major research project on ethical issues in sustainable agriculture and plant adaptation. Applicants need strong academic backgrounds in philosophy and excellent English.
What is the Agricultural and Environmental Ethics Fellowship?
The fellowship refers to two PhD researcher positions in normative agricultural and environmental ethics at KU Leuven. These roles are part of a European Research Council-funded project exploring ethical issues in sustainable agriculture and plant adaptation.
What will the PhD project focus on?
One project theme explores the ethics of sustainable agriculture and socio-ecological resilience, while the other examines ethical questions around adapting plants to climate change via biotechnological means.
Who supervises the fellowship positions?
Both positions are supervised by Professor Anna Wienhues at KU Leuven’s Institute of Philosophy and are linked to the “BIOTA: A Biocentric Ethic of Sustainable Agriculture” research project.
What is the duration of this Agricultural and Environmental Ethics Fellowship?
Each PhD researcher position is four years full-time, offering an extended period for in-depth research, engagement with colleagues, and development of a doctoral thesis.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must hold or be about to complete a Master’s in Philosophy with a strong grade, ideally research-oriented. Interdisciplinary backgrounds combining philosophy and other fields are also welcome.
What language skills are needed?
Candidates need excellent written and spoken English, shown through a degree from an English-speaking institution or accepted English proficiency test results.
What does the offer include?
The fellowship offers a 4-year full-time research scholarship, office space, chances to organise workshops and attend international conferences, plus an international research visit.
Where will the Agricultural and Environmental Ethics Fellowship be based?
The positions are based at KU Leuven in Leuven, Belgium. The Institute of Philosophy is centrally located in a historic city roughly 25 minutes by train from Brussels.
What is expected in the application?
Applicants must submit a short cover letter, research proposal, academic transcripts, a CV with references, a writing sample, and proof of English proficiency if available.
What is the application deadline?
Applications for the fellowship must be submitted by January 5, 2026, with interviews planned for early February 2026.
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