Keep reading for everything you need to know about the program.
My first internship was so exciting and enriching, both on a personal and professional level, that I decided to return to do my thesis. The level of knowledge I gained was phenomenal, and the experience expanded in a monumental way. If Sharklab ADRIA is the living body where my aspirations thrive, then Andrej and Emina are undeniably the brilliant mind and compassionate heart.
The Sharklab ADRIA is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a unique opportunity to learn about sharks in a way that isn’t possible anywhere else. Being able to observe and study these animals up close and in detail has been an incredible and unforgettable experience. I don’t believe I could have gained this kind of knowledge anywhere else, and I am deeply grateful to Sharklab, Andrej, and Emina for having me.
Gajić & Martin, 2025
Fisheries Management and Ecology
The First Evidence of Long-Term Survival of Galeus melastomus Following Release From Bottom Longline Fisheries
De Loose et al., 2025
Marine Pollution Bulletin
Trace element concentration and toxicity in Mustelus punctulatus from the Adriatic Sea: Implications for consumer safety
Gajić et al., 2025
Journal of Fish Biology
First description of leucism in deep-sea angular rough shark and first pigment disorder in rough sharks
While it is incredibly difficult to select only a few photos that capture the work carried out during the 2023–2025 internship program, our interns conducted extensive fishery monitoring and comprehensive laboratory examinations focused on some of the rarest and most threatened species – aiming to deliver crucial data essential for their conservation.
Both internships were life-changing for my career. I discovered a whole new perspective on my work and realized that I’m truly devoted to it. I deeply appreciated that the internship offered a mix of lab work, fieldwork, lectures, and fruitful discussions. I formed core memories that will never be forgotten. Andrej and Emina’s support has left me more inspired than ever and prepared to advance my career in shark conservation.
My internships at Sharklab ADRIA were an exceptional experience, offering a unique opportunity to work with extremely rare elasmobranch species and conduct research on microplastics. It was far more enriching than a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree, as every aspect was studied in depth and applied in the lab. This total immersion is an extraordinary opportunity that all elasmobranch enthusiasts should seize.
I had an incredible time during my internship at Sharklab ADRIA. It was an unforgettable, hands-on experience that gave me a deeper appreciation for marine conservation work. Some of the highlights included helping rescue two rough sharks—moments that truly brought science to life. The team was passionate, welcoming, and truly inspiring. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone interested in marine biology or wanting to make a real impact in the field.
Getting hands-on experience with some of the most threatened and elusive animals on Earth was an unforgettable and enriching experience! Both internships covered a wide variety of skills. Andrej and Emina made me feel at home from day one, and I couldn’t have asked for better supervisors. I feel more inspired than ever and fully prepared to advance my career in conservation.
MEET YOUR SUPERVISOR
Andrej Gajić is a Ph.D. researcher in veterinary medicine with M.Sc. in marine biology and conservation. Despite growing up in a war-torn country, Andrej always dreamed of working with sharks. Today, he is experienced principal investigator and awarded scientist with over 80 publications. Andrej have successfully overseen 25 regional research projects and lectured numerous conferences across United States, Europe and Africa. As head scientist, he had assignments for National Geographic and Discovery Channel. His research has been featured in over 300 media outlets, including Nat Geo, FOX, Discovery, Warner Bros., CNN affiliates, and many others.
2022 Ambassador of the Mediterranean
Appointed by Barcelona Convention
2021 Special Governmental Recognition
for extraordinary scientific results
2020 Early Career Leadership
for research by National Geographic
2019 Man of the Year award
Balkan regional award by LadiesIn
MEET YOUR HOST
Emina is currently transitioning from her role as a human nurse in a hospital to becoming a nurse for sharks and rays, focusing on the rehabilitation and specialized care for injured individuals. She has been deeply involved in various critical projects, including the in-vitro incubation of fetuses from critically endangered spiny butterfly rays and vulnerable smooth-hounds. Additionally, she has contributed to the revival efforts of some rare and elusive deep-sea species. Furthermore, Emina serves as the technical coordinator for educational and laboratory research conducted at Sharklab, overseeing tasks such as pathological examinations, MRI examinations, and morphological analysis.
Internship Program fee
Transparent pricing for a world-class experience and covering all essentials
The fee includes:
✓ Shared or private accommodation,
✓ Field and on-site transportation,
✓ Full theoretical and practical training
✓ Laboratory expendables,
✓ Advanced diagnostic examinations
✓ Scientific writing and presentation training
✓ Daily mentorship, individualized learning plan
✓ Unlimited access (your own copy of lab keys)
Developing countries
Sharklab ADRIA is offering full scholarships to all the LDCs according to the UN
Scholarship includes:
✓ Shared accommodation,
✓ Field and on-site transportation,
✓ Full theoretical and practical training
✓ Laboratory expendables,
✓ Advanced diagnostic examinations
✓ Scientific writing and presentation training
✓ Daily mentorship, individualized learning plan
✓ Unlimited access (your own copy of lab keys)
Important info
Please note that the fee does not cover transportation to Albania, transfer to Vlore, mandatory health and/or travel insurance, meals, or personal expenses. No portion of the fee is used for salaries of the staff. Upon completion, participants receive official certificate.
Limited scholarships are available for low-income countries and in exceptional cases.
Moreover, we are covering all the participation fees for students from Albania and are also willing to fully or partially fund academic theses whenever possible. Please feel free to get in touch for more information.
Please complete the form by submitting your basic data, along with a short motivation letter and your CV. If you encounter any technical issues, feel free to email us your application instead.
Rest assured that our senior officers will respond to you promptly.
we are looking forward to speak with you
E-mail: interns@sharklab-adria.org
Discoveries made during our internship programs have been published and featured in over 70 countries,
including coverage by some of the world’s most prominent media outlets such as:
Sharklab ADRIA 2007 – 2025 © All Rights Reserved
Designed and developed: A. Gajić
