Hillside Sanctuary is not just seeking researchers - it is the research site. An 11.4-hectare living laboratory in the Algarve hills where traditional wisdom meets scientific inquiry.
Active operations include aloe vera cultivation, beekeeping, water management across 3 dams and 2 springs, a 3+ hectare cork oak montado, and a community tractor services programme supporting local smallholders. Our guest booking system captures satisfaction data, NPS scores, and community partner visit records - creating a rich dataset for social and economic research.
Research Collaborations
5 active opportunities for academic and institutional partnerships.
Mediterranean Aloe Cultivation & Processing
Water-Smart Agriculture Systems
Pollinator Corridors & Apiary Ecology
Regenerative Land Management
Cork Oak Ecosystem Dynamics
What we offer
Field Access
Diverse landscapes - cork oak forest, cultivation areas, water systems, experimental zones. GPS mapping and historical data.
Accommodation
Comfortable on-site accommodation with reliable internet, meeting spaces, and kitchen access for extended fieldwork stays.
Data & Networks
Weather, soil, biodiversity and economic data. Introductions to our 43 community partners and regional institutions.
Partnerships & Connections
We collaborate with the University of Algarve, work with CCDR Algarve on rural development studies, and serve as a research site along the Via Algarviana trail system.
Ready to collaborate?
Whether you're a graduate student, an established researcher, or an institution - we'd love to explore partnership possibilities.