Pen is the only person to have completed a solo, unsupported trek from Canada to the North Pole without third-party resupply. He led the Catlin Arctic Survey, a series of scientific expeditions investigating sea-ice thickness, ocean acidification and Arctic Ocean circulation. He went on to lead the first vessels, without icebreaker support, into the Central Arctic Ocean’s high seas region. Following this, Pen founded the marine conservation charity, 90 North Foundation, an initiative focused on protecting the Arctic Ocean’s wildlife and its unique floating ice-reef ecosystem. In 2023 he received the Shackleton Medal for the Protection of the Polar Regions in recognition of his contributions to polar exploration and environmental protection. He is a much-valued member of our Advisory Board.

In this episode, Pen speaks with SES Advisory Board Chair, Rosie Stancer.

Levison Wood is a renowned explorer, writer, and photographer who has travelled to over 100 countries and authored 11 bestsellers. His major expeditions include walking the Nile, the Himalayas, Central America, and the Arabian Peninsula.

He serves as Chancellor of Staffordshire University, is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Explorers Club, and is an ambassador for Leica and UNICEF. We're proud to have him on our Advisory Board.

In this episode, Lev speaks with SES Chair Peter Felix.

We are the Scientific Exploration Society (SES), a British grant-giving charity dedicated to environmental discovery, protection and conservation.