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Last weekend, the 49th RGS Explore Weekend took place, with the highest number attending this annual gathering of explorers and field scientists since 2017. Renowned explorer, environmentalist and broadcaster Paul Rose was this year鈥檚 Explore Chair, carrying energy, wisdom and enthusiasm with him, from start to finish.

Across three days, attendees enjoyed main stage talks, workshops and networking on all things exploration, fieldwork and journeys with purpose. The weekend鈥檚 programme was wide-ranging, bringing together a community of scientists, researchers, explorers, storytellers, artists, and more.

Our speakers all championed a broad, inclusive, and contemporary understanding of exploration and what it means to be an explorer in 2025 鈥� and at the heart of this was an emphasis on collaborative, purposeful projects driven by curiosity and ethics, rather than individualistic goals.

Four speakers on stage at Explore in Ondaatje Theatre
漏 Spike Reid

Main stage talks ranged from presentations on the technological use of drones and the value of humour in communicating research, to tips on successfully seeking funding. On Saturday evening a stunning film, Expedition Amazon from National Geographic, and the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, the event鈥檚 official partner, captured our attention.

A variety of workshops also took place across the weekend, with attendees splitting off into areas of interest and specialisms. From communicating your findings and creating dynamic teams to polar quizzes and mountain myth busting exercises, the workshops catered to a range of experience levels and ideas.

Eugene Rae showing a group of people items from the Collections in the Foyle Reading Room.
漏 Spike Reid
  • Eugene Rae showing a group of people items from the Collections in the Foyle Reading Room.
  • Three people sitting in front of book shelves filled with travel guides in a library.
  • Explore attendees sit around table in Council Room during workshop on marine science and exploration.

Outside of workshops and talks, the building was buzzing with chatter. As we learnt from our brilliant speakers, connection is fundamental in forming strong teams, and it is also unavoidable at Explore.

Whether in the queue for expedition food or while pitching ideas in the Ondaatje Theatre, both friends and plans were made 鈥� Explore attendee and Society grant recipient, Joe Langley, commented: "It鈥檚 a festival for everyone...and every single person can get something out of it.鈥�

Explore attendees eating firepot food, sitting down on tables and chatting in the garden.
漏 Spike Reid
  • Explore attendees eating firepot food, sitting down on tables and chatting in the garden.
  • Explore delegates networking in the Main Hall at the Royal Geographical Society.
  • Wide shot of delegates and exhibitors at Explore networking.
  • A corridor busy with groups of people chatting and networking.

Inspired by the idea that delegates could be sat opposite their next expedition teammate, across the weekend, collaboration, plan sharing and general getting to know one another was encouraged.

The reciprocal character of Explore is something that third-time attendee, Jay Frain, told us had been transformative for him: "It was a full-circle moment. In 2023, I watched a film about the Okavango Delta in Botswana then a year later came back to Explore to pitch my own expedition 鈥� here I met two teammates."

Jay鈥檚 pitch then became Echoes of the Okavango, a kayaking expedition dedicated to exploring the region鈥檚 unique beauty, which he presented at , the opening event of this year鈥檚 Explore.

Paul Rose standing alongside six other speakers on the Ondaatje Theatre stage.
漏 Spike Reid

For many, this weekend was their first time at Explore, including Molly Gath, an RGS Explore Grant recipient who, having spent her summer in Iceland on an expedition, said: "I connected with so many inspiring individuals whose experiences opened my eyes to the possibilities of field research and exploration through collaboration.

"One key takeaway for me was to 鈥榝ind your own Everest鈥�, no matter what that may be鈥�.

And for regular Explore attendee, Heather Fortune, the weekend has established itself as a worthy annual occurrence in her calendar: "Explore is my yearly dose of inspiration for travel and exploration, and considering how to do that in an ethical way."

While Explore attendees range from aficionados to first timers, with diverse stories and reasons for attending, what brings them together is enthusiasm and curiosity.

Closing the weekend, Paul reminded us why this weekend is so crucial for those planning a geographical journey: 鈥淭his is a really generous network, and these connections will last you a lifetime.鈥�

The RGS Explore Weekend will return on 6-8 November 2026 for a special 50th anniversary edition. See you there!

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