Ever wondered what it’s really like to work with sharks and rays alongside our research team? Discover the stories, unforgettable experiences, and firsthand insights of students from around the world who joined Sharklab ADRIA. Hear what they have to say about their journey!
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.
My internship at Sharklab was a truly unexpected and transformative experience. One aspect I found particularly interesting was Sharklab’s approach to working with local fishermen. Every day felt meaningful, and I was always excited to learn and take part in real scientific work. Some moments were unforgettable, like encountering a rough angular shark in the wild or spending hours in the water with a bull ray.
Gajić et al., 2026
Fisheries Management
First insights into population structure, nursery area, and genetic composition of the velvet belly lanternshar
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
Gajić et al., 2025
Journal of Fish Biology
Two’s company: Monozygotic twinning in the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) from the Adriatic Sea
Gajić et al., 2025
Journal of Fish Biology
First evidence of healing after a traumatic mandibular fracture with associated soft-tissue avulsion in H. perlo
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.
I could never have imagined just how much my life would change – and I truly mean that. Over the course of three months, I developed an incredible range of new skills and gained deep insight into the world of science. The diversity of species that you get to work is simply remarkable. The knowledge Andrej has is unmatched. In the beginning, I found it hard to believe that he actually knows everything he claims to know, but he proved it more than once.
This internship will make you feel like you are part of the lab even before it starts. My whole perspective on conservation in general changed here. This program gave me a diverse set of skills. I need to work with these species, from conducting post-mortem examinations to learning how to read and write about research in the field. Once you enter the fascinating world of sharks, there is no way you’re going to stop thinking about them.
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.
I feel like I learned more here than during my entire university studies. This experience really opened my eyes to the reality of conservation work, things that are hard to fully understand from books or lectures. One of the most striking moments happened one night, around 1 a.m., when we went to the lab and were faced with hundreds, almost 700, catsharks. My supervisor constantly pushed us to go further, to do better, and to become the best version of ourselves, while still being supportive.
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 transitioned from working in a human hospital to a “hospital for sharks,” focusing on rehabilitation and specialized care for injured individuals. She is a vital member of the team and is often affectionately referred to as the “Sharklab mom.” In recognition of her contributions to conservation, she was awarded the Fonseca Fellowship by GEF and MBZ. Emina also attended and lectured at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi in 2025. Furthermore, she serves as the technical coordinator for education and laboratory research at Sharklab, overseeing pathological examinations, MRI analyses, and morphological assessments.
Our programme welcomes passionate individuals from all backgrounds and countries, regardless of their academic qualifications, professional experience, or field of study. Whether you are a student, researcher, veterinarian, diver, photographer, working professional, or simply someone fascinated by marine life, there is a place for you to explore your interests at Sharklab ADRIA. No previous experience with sharks or marine research is necessarily required. Above all, we value curiosity, enthusiasm, dedication, and a genuine willingness to learn and contribute to marine science and conservation.
Sharklab ADRIA offers an exceptional hands-on experience within an internationally recognised research programme investigating some of the Mediterranean's rarest and most threatened sharks and rays. At the heart of our programme is high-quality, individually tailored scientific education, combining advanced lectures, specialised practical training, and intensive mentorship by experienced researchers. Our activities range from extensive field monitoring, with over 800 sharks and rays examined on peak days, to underwater encounters with exceptionally rare deep-sea species, clinical assessments, advanced diagnostic examinations, and conservation research. Participants develop theoretical knowledge and practical expertise while contributing to genuine scientific discoveries, with opportunities extending to publications in leading international journals. The depth and diversity of these experiences have inspired several former interns to return for additional training, research placements, or academic theses.
Depending on ongoing projects and research priorities, participants may engage in a remarkably diverse range of scientific activities, including macroscopic pathomorphological examinations, histopathological analyses, advanced diagnostic imaging (X-ray radiography and magnetic resonance imaging), embryological and reproductive investigations, morphometric and taxonomic studies, fisheries-induced trauma assessments, and post-capture survival research. Our programme also provides extensive opportunities for advanced fisheries monitoring, including onboard observations and biological sampling from bottom-trawl and longline fisheries. Individual activities and practical training are carefully tailored to each participant's interests, academic background, experience, and the objectives of ongoing research projects.
Hopefully, yes! Our research involves the examination, clinical assessment, rehabilitation, and release of live sharks and rays encountered through fisheries. Students frequently have opportunities to participate in these activities under expert supervision, both in our laboratory facilities and at sea. In 2026 alone, our team worked with live critically endangered angular rough sharks, blue sharks of various sizes, large bull rays, catsharks, smoothhounds, and several other species. However, encounters with live animals depend entirely on field conditions and cannot be guaranteed. Animal welfare, responsible handling, and conservation always remain our highest priorities.
Yes. Participants receive an official certificate upon successful completion of their programme. Internships may also fulfil university requirements for practical training, research placements, or academic credits, subject to approval by the student's home institution. We recommend confirming specific documentation or credit requirements with us before the placement begins.
Absolutely! Scientific publishing is an integral part of our research culture, and we actively encourage students to contribute to original scientific discoveries. Numerous former interns and thesis students have already co-authored peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognised, high-impact scientific journals, including research developed during their placements at Sharklab ADRIA. Depending on their contributions, students may have opportunities for co-authorship or even first authorship when leading a study. All authorship decisions follow established scientific standards, and publication depends on research outcomes, scientific quality, and successful peer review.
Absolutely! We welcome students wishing to conduct original research for their Bachelor's, Master's, or doctoral (PhD) theses, particularly in marine biology, veterinary medicine, fisheries science, conservation, and related disciplines. Research topics are developed individually, taking into account academic requirements, scientific relevance, available resources, and ongoing projects. We actively encourage collaboration with students' home universities to ensure that research objectives and supervision arrangements meet institutional requirements. Thesis placements follow the same application procedure and fee structure as our regular internship programme, with individually tailored research plans and academic mentorship.
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)
E-mail us for more info
Our Scholarships
Sharklab ADRIA is offering full scholarships to all the LDCs and also in exceptional cases
Scholarship 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)
Available depending on current funding
Important Information
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
