A 50th birthday to remember

Last week, we celebrated the 50th RGS Explore! Across the weekend, the building was filled with over 500 people - students, field researchers, content creators, and curious travellers – all united by a commitment to positive impact and purposeful travel. 

The event kicked off with an anniversary celebration on Friday evening which included a tour of Lowther Lodge, expeditionary archive displays and, as is central to all birthdays, a cake! Old friends and colleagues exchanged memories and chatter, while a new generation of explorers descended on 1 Kensington Gore for a welcome talk. Aficionados and newcomers then gathered in the theatre to mark five decades of discovery, with a series of reflections from notable members of the Explore community. 

Across Saturday and Sunday, four renowned individuals graced the main stage as Co-Chairs. Paul Rose brightened a foggy Saturday morning with his cheerful opening, followed by Felicity Aston who shared her anatomy of a research plan (AKA how to turn that idea, that just won’t go away, into reality!). Niall McCann and Lizzie Daly took charge of Sunday’s proceedings – Niall reminded us all why exploration still matters (“It lights the fire in our bellies”) while Lizzie chaired a series of insights on the importance of communicating expeditionary work. 

Practical advice paired with personal stories were the foundations of the weekend’s programme, from an inspiring line-up of over 100 programme contributors. From gold medallists to undergraduate grant recipients, we heard wide-ranging talks on planning and preparation to carrying out fieldwork and communicating your exploration stories.

New innovations were added to the lineup this year. Field camps were set up in the garden and expanded catering across the site saw expeditioners tuck into pizza out the back of a Land Rover, and enjoy curry in the Mess Tent. Our newly upgraded Education Centre was transformed into a base camp, with the arrival of Campfire Connections, a Saturday evening gathering led by Scotty Johnson where delegates were invited to request help and spark conversation across the fire pit. 

Fuelled by full stomachs and brains, delegates tested their decision-making skills after lunch breaks – which breakout session should they go to? From navigating rivers and caves to exploring polar regions and ice caps, the weekend’s workshops cultivated new knowledge and ideas.