ANCHOR Internship Program

Advancing Networks and Careers in Hands-On Research (ANCHOR)

Welcome to ANCHOR

The ANCHOR Internship Program connects UBC students with hands-on, mentored research experiences hosted by organizations working across the Blue Economy.

Anchored by the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries (IOF) and developed in partnership with Students on Ice (SOI), this initiative is supported by the Ocean Supercluster (OSC) as part of Phase III of the Blue Futures Pathways program. ANCHOR offers students paid, short-term internships that enhance academic training, expand professional networks, and promote real-world impact in marine sustainability and ocean innovation.

All UBC students – undergraduate and graduate – are eligible to apply.

Program Overview

  • Internship Length: From 2 to 12 weeks

  • Time Commitment: Up to 20 hours per week

  • Who Can Apply: All current UBC undergraduate and graduate students

  • What’s Funded: Student wages based on duration (up to $7,750)

  • Where Internships Happen: With partner organizations across academia, NGOs, industry, and government

  • Funding is allocated based on internship duration, following this schedule:
    • 2 weeks: $1,291.67

    • 4 weeks: $2,583.33

    • 6 weeks: $4,843.75

    • 8 weeks: $5,166.67

    • 10 weeks: $6,458.33

    • 12 weeks: $7,750.00

RESEARCH THEMES

Internship projects must align with at least one of the following Blue Economy focus areas:

  • Sustainable Practices Within the Blue Economy
    For example, but not limited to:
    1. Eco-Tourism & Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – Research sustainable tourism models that minimize environmental impact and benefit local communities.
    2. Blue Economy & Coastal Livelihoods – Supporting small-scale fisheries, sustainable aquaculture, and ethical marine resource management.
    3. Marine Renewable Energy – Advancing offshore wind, tidal, and wave energy technologies.
  • Environmental Conservation, Climate Action & Social Resilience
    For example, but not limited to:
    1. Coastal Resilience & Adaptation – Studying the impacts of and sustainable solutions to coastal development and climate change.
    2. Marine Pollution & Circular Economy – Addressing marine pollution, researching biodegradable materials, and sustainable shipping.
    3. Freshwater & Habitat Conservation – Researching the interface between freshwater systems, species abundance, and anthropogenic interactions
  • Marine Science Communication & Education
    For example, but not limited to:
    1. Science Outreach & Public Engagement—Initiatives to translate complex marine science into accessible content for the public, policymakers, and industry leaders.
    2. Digital Storytelling & Media – Creating campaigns on ocean sustainability.
    3. Ocean Literacy & Education Programs – Designing workshops, science projects, and educational initiatives for schools and community groups.
    4. Community Engagement & Coastal Resilience – Supporting inclusive, community-led initiatives that strengthen adaptive capacity and promote sustainable responses to coastal climate impacts.

How to Apply

  • Identify a host from the ANCHOR partner list, or propose one.
  • Work with the host to define the project.
  • Secure a letter of support from the host organization

    • If you are in the graduate stream, your supervisor must provide a letter of recommendation as part of your application. Download the support letter template here. Undergraduate students are exempt from this requirement.

  • Submit the completed ANCHOR Internship Application Form with required support letters.
    • Application Window: June 6 to October 31st
    • Internships Start: From July 14th onward {or until funding is exhausted)

Partnering with ANCHOR

Organizations interested in hosting interns are invited to join the ANCHOR Partner Network. Partners benefit from collaborating with UBC talent, advancing mission-aligned projects, and contributing to the development of a network of professionals connected with sustainable and inclusive principles.

Complete the Interest Form to join the network.

Contact

For inquiries or more information contact Vicente Regis vicente.regis@ubc.ca