Pioneer, Awards & Roles

Pioneer, Awards & Roles

Led the first vessels without icebreaker support into the international waters of the Arctic Ocean to promote conservation of the Central Arctic Ocean’s wildlife and ecosystem (2017)

Founder and leader, international scientific research programme, Catlin Arctic Survey, which generated US$112 million public communications value (2007-2012)

Only Briton, without resupply by third parties, to the North & South Geographic Poles from their respective continental coasts (2004)

Only person solo, without resupply by third parties, from Canada to the North Geographic Pole (2003)

First recorded run of Harrow School’s now popular calendar event, ‘Long Ducker’ which he ran solo (1977)

Awards & Roles

  • Director, Arctic Mission (scientific expedition programme)
  • Director, 90North Unit Ltd (not-for-profit advocacy work)
  • Honorary Doctorate of Laws (University of Exeter)
  • Honorary Doctorate of Science (University of Plymouth)
  • Honorary Vice-President & Honorary Fellow, Royal Scottish Geographical Society
  • Honorary Vice-President, Scientific Exploration Society
  • Honorary Patron & Honorary Fellow, British Exploring Society
  • Chairman, Sir Wally Herbert Gala Testimonial at the Royal Geographical Society (2006)
  • Best Global Adventure (La Marca, 2003)
  • Top 100 Newspaper Front Pages (British Library, 2003)
  • Hero of the Environment (TIME magazine, 2009)
  • World Technology Award – Environment (2009)
  • Paul Morrison Guide Award – Nomination (2006)
  • Best Innovation Worldwide, Self-Supervised Safety – Nomination (Energy Institute, 2004)
  • Honorary Freeman (first) – West Devon Borough Council (2003)

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