Dear colleagues, The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for our 2025 Scientific Training Program, which coincides with our 20th anniversary! Since 2005, BDRI has been committed to understanding and conserving marine mammals and their habitats, while nurturing young scientists from diverse backgrounds. Over the years, we’ve welcomed more than 1500 students from over 60 countries. Our training program prepares students for professional careers in marine mammal research and conservation, offering a unique opportunity to work alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists, including internationally renowned experts. Participants will engage in cutting-edge research on a wide range of marine species, with hands-on involvement in field data collection and laboratory analysis. Projects include boat-based surveys, land-based observations, bioacoustics, photo-identification, ecological modelling, diet analysis, and more. Our program fosters a collaborative environment where English is the everyday working language, enabling interns from all over the world to connect and share knowledge. Students are also encouraged to undertake thesis projects in our dynamic, international, and competitive research environment. BDRI's main research topics focus on ecology, ethology, and bioacoustics, with a particular emphasis on dolphins, porpoises, baleen whales, marine birds, sharks, and otters in Atlantic waters. Special focus is given to the study of common bottlenose dolphins. We welcome highly motivated bachelor and master students in fields such as zoology, marine biology, veterinary science, and related disciplines to apply for thesis projects at BDRI. Program Details: - Duration: A minimum commitment of 4 consecutive weeks between January 13th and November 28th, 2025. - Location: O Grove (Galicia, NW Spain), a region renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. - Accommodation: Shared housing is provided in O Grove. - Tuition Fee: A fee is required to cover tuition, training, equipment use, accommodation, insurances, and other related expenses. This reflects the real-world costs necessary to support our educational and research initiatives. - How to Apply: Interested candidates can find more details at <https://www.thebdri.com/internships.html>. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage early submissions. Positions are open until filled. To ensure a quality experience, we restrict groups to a maximum of 15 participants. For more information, please contact us at internship@thebdri.com. BDRI’s reputation for excellence is demonstrated by the publication of numerous studies in prestigious scientific journals. In 2024, the BDRI team contributed to several impactful scientific articles. For a full list of our publications, please visit: https://www.thebdri.com/papers.html. Here are some examples of our latest research: - Diaz Lopez B, Methion S (2024). Killer whales habitat suitability in the Iberian Peninsula and the Gulf of Biscay: Implications for conservation. Ocean & Coastal Management, 255, p.107245. - Neves J, Methion S, Diaz Lopez B (2024). Relationship between skin and body condition in three species of baleen whales. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 159:99-115. - Diaz Lopez B, Methion S (2024). Habitat use by Iberian harbour porpoises: ecological and human factors. Marine Biology, 171, 113. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-024-04438-x - Pierce GJ, et al. (2024). An endangered population of harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena hidden in plain sight: biology, ecology, and conservation of the Iberian porpoise. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, 62:1-119. Join us in celebrating 20 years of marine research and take part in a unique training experience that will stand out on your resume! We look forward to seeing you in Spain! Warm regards, Bruno Diaz Lopez Ph.D Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI - www.thebdri.com Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain Tel. 0034 684248552 he/him/his ResearchGate - GoogleScholar -https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0388-3289 Follow BDRI (@thebdri) on Facebook and Instagram. This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank you for your cooperation.