The changing face of polar exploration | In-person

What does it mean to be a polar explorer?

Together with our speakers, we’ll explore the motivations behind polar exploration and how they have shifted over time – from the extraordinary exploits on the ice of Irishman Tom Crean and Scotland's Speirs Bruce, unsung heroes, during the days of Shackleton and Scott a century ago, through to modern day explorers.

While their era of conquest may be over, the spirit of discovery is still very much alive with today’s explorers driven by the need to understand – from climate science and environmental change to personal endurance and resilience. We’ll also be joined by Luke Robertson – the first young Scot with a pacemaker to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole.

This event celebrates the spirit of curiosity and connects the legacy of historic explorers with the challenges of our changing world.

Join us as we chart the evolving purpose of polar exploration.

Can't attend in-person? Watch online!

This is a hybrid event. This event page is for the in-person tickets only. If you would like to attend online, please book your tickets through the online (livestreamed) event page.

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for age 16+
• Filming: Livestreaming and photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed. Recorded events will be made available on the RSE YouTube channel.
• Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.

SPEAKER

Michael Smith

Author and Jornalist

Michael Smith is an acclaimed author and journalist who specialises in the history of Polar exploration. His books have achieved international success, having been translated into several languages and contributed to the development of films and documentaries.

Published books include An Unsung Hero – Tom Crean; Shackleton – By Endurance We Conquer, Polar Crusader – Sir James Wordie, and Icebound in the Arctic – Captain Francis Crozier and the Mysteries of the Franklin Expedition.

Michael has made appearances on television and radio, and has delivered lectures at prestigious venues such as the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, the Royal Geographical Society, the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, the National Maritime Museum, the National Museum of Ireland, and the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge. Prior to his career as an author, Michael was an award-winning journalist with The Guardian and The Observer.

SPEAKER

Dr Mike Robinson OBE

CEO, Royal Scottish Geographical Society

Dr Mike Robinson has served as Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) since 2008. Under his leadership, the Society relocated to Perth and underwent a major revitalisation of its mission, profile, and positioning – enhancing the standing of both geography and geographers in Scottish civic society.

SPEAKER

Luke Robertson

Polar explorer, endurance athlete and Explorer in Residence, Royal Scottish Geographical Society

Luke Robertson is a Scottish polar explorer, endurance athlete, and Explorer in Residence with the Royal Scottish Geographical Society who, in 2016, became the first Scot, youngest Briton, and first person with an artificial pacemaker to ski solo, unsupported, and unassisted to the South Pole. Alongside his wife Hazel, he guides youth expeditions with The Polar Academy and has led climate-focused journeys such as Due North in Alaska and Arctic Connections in Sápmi.

CHAIR

David Gow FRSE

Writer, editor and consultant

David Gow FRSE is an author, journalist and consultant who specialises in analysing and reporting on geopolitical change and its impact on Europe. He chairs the RSE Scotland Europe Initiative and is a member of the Society's programme and international committees. An award-winning journalist with the Scotsman and the Guardian, he now works as consultant editor for Europe-based think tanks and is a trustee for the David Hume Institute and Federal Trust as well as member of the national executive of the NUJ.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 6 − Saturday 14 September 2025!

Curious is a festival of ideas – open to all and driven by connection, conversation, and discovery. It’s a chance to explore ideas and questions that matter with some of Scotland’s leading thinkers – and with people who bring their own lived experiences, insights, and curiosity to the table.

From science and society to arts and innovation, the programme spans a wide range of topics – with each event designed to spark dialogue, invite different perspectives, and encourage knowledge exchange.

Curious is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, plus those who see the world differently, and be part of discussions where everyone is welcome to share, learn, and be inspired. Full programme of events here.

Accessibility

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