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Start your career with a special experience!

Graduate, students and volunteers are welcome to apply for an internship, with the aim to enrich their knowledge with the practical experience of working in hands-on field research and conservation projects (see below the possible project areas). These take place within the beautiful landscape of (Samos and Lipsi) islands in the eastern Aegean Sea, Greece. They address several key conservation and scientific issues, which relate to the protection of the rare biodiversity in the region. The goal of Archipelagos’ internship program is to provide participants with research experience in the field, contributing directly towards the future of this unique ecosystem.

All internships are geared at developing your leadership and independent research and study, allowing you to develop a variety of abilities, which can improve your future job prospects.

To apply, please send a copy of your resume, cover letter and one reference letter to admissions@archipelago.gr

Marine Research & Conservation Projects

With over 18,000 km of coastline and one of the largest fishing fleets in Europe, the monitoring of marine activities in Greece is not a simple task. The Aegean Sea supports exceptional biodiversity, including rare and protected marine habitats and species. For over a decade, Archipelagos has been collecting data and monitoring important ecosystems of the region, assessing habitats and populations as well as the different factors impacting them. Knowledge acquired in this way enables us to develop successful, targeted management and conservation plans. Some of the key projects that you will be assisting with are surveys of fish and invertebrates, invasive species, seagrass meadow distribution, and microplastic/marine litter analysis.

Marine Mammal Research & Conservation Projects

The eastern Aegean Sea is home to a large number of marine mammals which are classified either as at risk or data deficient. This habitat is in desperate need of protection, as it is subjected to a wide range of anthropogenic threats. The aim of Archipelagos is to better understand and monitor the habitat structure and population dynamics of marine mammals around the eastern Aegean islands in order to implement and support conservation strategies. Boat surveys are conducted on our various research vessels, where you’ll be involved with monitoring cetacean, Mediterranean monk seal, and sea turtle populations through visual and bioacoustics surveys.

Applied GIS & Remote-Sensing for Environmental Conservation Projects

Geo-information is a key tool in providing answers to complex issues concerning the conservation of our environment, as spatial analysis provides a better understanding of habitats and species. In order to achieve effective environmental preservation in the Eastern Aegean Islands, habitats (e.g. seagrass, coralligenous reefs, wetlands), species (e.g. dolphins, whales, fish, seals, jackals, chameleons, flora) and threats need to be mapped and analysed in more detail. Through marine and terrestrial surveys, Archipelagos GIS interns collect various spatial data which is then assessed with the purpose of presenting distribution models . Currently, the focus of the GIS team is centred around mapping seagrass meadow distribution and habitat suitability models for cetaceans.

Terrestrial Research & Conservation Projects

The islands of the eastern Aegean are home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Thick pine forests, dense oak woods and green riparian valleys linked to rare island freshwater ecosystems can be found here, alongside garrigue and maquis types of vegetation. Samos is the only island in the Mediterranean where golden jackals can be found and the only place in Greece where Mediterranean chameleons still survive. The island of Ikaria supports an ancient holm oak forest, which is more than 500 years old. The surrounding islands and islets are important transit stations, feeding grounds and breeding spots for a large number of protected birds, like flamingos, Eleonora’s falcons and Audouin’s gulls. Archipelagos aims to protect these species by collecting and analysing data in order to assess human impacts on these ecosystems. As part of the terrestrial team, you will be involved with collecting data on the populations of various species, including the Mediterranean chameleon, the golden jackal, and the greater flamingo using visual surveys and diet analysis (for jackals).

Research on Microplastics & Marine Litter

The Archipelagos laboratory facilitates studies which detect and analyse potential sources of pollution harmful for marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Such contamination can also damage the health of people who live on the islands and in the coastal regions of the eastern Mediterranean. The primary areas of focus that you would be involved with are conducting microplastic assessments, water quality analysis, soil quality analysis, and pesticide residue detection.

Media & Public Relations for Environmental Conservation Projects

Archipelago's research and conservation projects can be successful only if they are known, understood and believed in by the local communities and the wider public. Our media and public relations team creates posters, leaflets, animations and documentaries as well as uses social media in order to ensure our success. Working closely with Archipelagos researchers and volunteers, the team shows the unique nature of the Aegean Sea and islands to the world through written and visual aids. Current projects you might be involved with are creating informational videos of different teams, developing various awareness campaigns, writing social media posts, and creating informational material and updates.

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