The Andros Research Center (ARC) was pleased to welcome two undergraduate students from Georgetown University in Qatar to Andros in June 2026 for a three-week research internship. During their stay, the students actively participated in both fieldwork and research activities, contributing to the Center’s ongoing work on water resources and environmental resilience.

The internship formed part of the research initiative “Springs of Andros: Water Security, Cultural Landscapes and Climate Resilience in the Cycladic Islands,” developed as an introduction to a broader international research collaboration exploring the resilience of island water resources in the face of climate change.

A significant component of the students’ work was integrated into ARC’s “Springs of Andros – Participatory Observatory for Springs and Surface Waters” project, which aims to establish a permanent, scientifically robust monitoring system for the island’s water resources. The project is supported by the Green Fund.

During their time on Andros, the students conducted an extensive literature review of traditional and contemporary spring management practices in island and rural regions across the Mediterranean and other parts of the world. They examined international case studies and contributed to the development of scientific background material that will support both the completion of the project’s literature review and the future expansion of ARC’s long-term initiative on the springs and surface waters of Andros.

Alongside their desk-based research, the students participated in field visits to springs across Andros, recorded field observations, and took part in meetings and interviews with experts and local stakeholders. These activities provided first-hand insight into the environmental, social, and governance challenges associated with the sustainable management of the island’s freshwater resources.

An important part of their internship also focused on developing digital tools for communicating research to wider audiences. Among their contributions was the creation of a StoryMap showcasing the springs of Andros, combining geospatial data, photography, historical documentation, and local narratives to promote greater public awareness, appreciation, and protection of this unique natural and cultural heritage.

Academic supervision of the internship was provided by Dr. Raha Hakimdavar, who joined the ARC team on Andros during the first week of the programme. During her visit, she participated in field activities, contributed to research planning, and mentored the students throughout the initial stages of their work. Day-to-day supervision was provided by Olga Karagianni, who coordinated the research and field activities and supported the students’ integration into the Center’s ongoing projects.

The literature review is continuing beyond the internship period and is being supported remotely by Dr. Hakimdavar through regular online meetings and ongoing scientific guidance, in close collaboration with the research team of the Andros Research Center.

ARC’s longstanding collaboration with Georgetown University in Qatar, now entering its fourth consecutive year, has become an important contributor to the Center’s mission of researching, documenting, and promoting Andros’ exceptional natural and cultural heritage. The partnership also strengthens international academic collaboration by connecting university education with applied research addressing real-world environmental challenges.

At the same time, the programme enhances the international visibility of Andros as a living laboratory for the study of water resource management, biodiversity conservation, and cultural landscapes. By fostering meaningful collaborations between local initiatives and international academic institutions, it lays the foundation for future research partnerships with universities and scientific organizations in Greece and abroad.