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Two researchers on a lakeshore loading submersible temperature sensor arrays into a kayak, with snowclad Nepalese mountains in the background.

Exploration

Find out how we champion a broad, inclusive, and contemporary vision of exploration to advance geographical knowledge and address global challenges.

A field researcher bending down by a crack in a glacier holding a transparent tube and looking at the contents.

What is geographical exploration?

Read about our vision for exploration and who can be an explorer.

A field camp in Dilijan National Park, Armenia.

Support for explorers and field practitioners

Find out how we support practitioners of exploration through knowledge resources, community events, advice, and funding.

A researcher collecting water temperature measurements at the edge of a river in a baron landscape, with mountains in the background.

Grants

Our grants programme develops new knowledge and advances geographical science, supporting geographical research in the UK and overseas.

A man standing in the outdoors looking out over the Lake District, with mountains and valleys in the background

Fieldwork in schools

We offer support and fieldwork opportunities to school students, which can help to develop geographical interests from an early age

RGS Director Joe Smith welcomes attendees in the Ondaatje Theatre during the Explore 2024 opening address.

RGS Explore Weekend 2025

Find out all about the Society's annual exploration community gathering, taking place from Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November.

Conference attendees networking in the Main Hall at the Royal Geographical Society.

Connect with the exploration community

Find out about the community of explorers who call the Society home, how we serve them, and how to get involved.

Person measuring the size of a mark on the side of a rock in a rocky landscape.

FAQs about exploration

Questions about planning, funding, or joining an expedition or field project? We're here to help.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Want to stay up to date on what’s going on in the world of geographical exploration? Sign up for our newsletter: a monthly round-up of news, events, resources, publications, and other highlights from our community.

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Two speakers on a stage at the RGS expedition and fieldwork festival. A slideshow with tips on how to be mindful during expeditions is projected on the wall behind them.