At the International School of the Sea, one of the most important and demanding initiatives of the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, we have the privilege of hosting distinguished scientists and environmental professionals from around the world throughout the year. These visitors actively contribute to the research, education, and conservation actions that we carry out across the Aegean Sea.
Together with our international researchers and students, we have the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences with people working on the frontlines of science and environmental conservation. These lectures and discussions provide an important source of inspiration and learning for the next generation of scientists and researchers. At the same time, they serve as a practical reminder that meaningful environmental conservation cannot be designed in isolation from reality, from offices in city centers, but requires continuous presence and action alongside natural ecosystems and local communities.
Some of the most interesting recent lectures hosted in our conference center and teaching facilities were given by:
Jennifer Hatlauf from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna, Austria, a leading researcher specializing in the study and conservation of the Golden Jackal in Europe.
David Brooks, visual artist and professor at New York University, specializing in the relationship between art, society, and the environment.
Guido Pietroluongo from the University of Padua and Dr. Giulia Cipriano from the University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy, specializing in marine mammal stranding response and management
Mark Meekan, Adjunct Senior Researcher at the University of Western Australia, with extensive research experience in shark ecology and conservation.
Ingrid Visser, marine biologist from the Orca Research Trust in New Zealand, with decades of research on orca populations throughout the world’s oceans.
Laurent Laughlin, award-winning journalist who has highlighted major international environmental issues through his work with publications such as The New York Times, TIME, and The Economist.
Shady Amin, professor at New York University Abu Dhabi, who presented his research in marine chemistry and biological oceanography, with a particular focus on marine microbiomes and their role in ocean ecosystems.
Sebastian Klotz, Professor of Transcultural Musicology at Humboldt University of Berlin, whose interdisciplinary work explores the relationship between music, culture, and the environment.
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Lamya Essemlali, President of Sea Shepherd France, with extensive experience and leadership across a wide range of marine conservation issues.
Nermin Sena Özger, researcher at Yaşar University in Izmir, Turkey, specializing in the upcycling of mussel shells from aquaculture for the creation of artificial reefs.
Environmental filmmakers Russell Beard and Dave Aspinall, with extensive experience producing wildlife and nature documentaries for international audiences.
At a time when the environmental challenges we have created on land and at sea are escalating rapidly and increasingly affecting our daily lives, our preparation to address them must be equally urgent and effective. It is therefore essential not only to provide training and share knowledge, but also to inspire the next generation of scientists and researchers who will be tasked with addressing the increasingly complex threats facing marine life.
We believe that the International School of the Sea represents the most important long-term investment of the Archipelagos Institute. Over the past two decades, more than 27,000 students, researchers, and academics from 46 countries have participated in its activities, in collaboration with leading universities from Europe, North America, Canada, and Asia. Participants engage in undergraduate and postgraduate research projects (Master’s and PhD studies), as well as other study and research programs, gaining practical, hands-on experience in applied conservation science, marine research, and environmental protection.
