The Scientific Exploration Society (SES) was started by Colonel John Blashford-Snell and its chief aim is to enable the advancement of knowledge through the initiation and the support of challenging expeditions around the world. Projects that we have specifically supported include the provision of telescopes and medical supplies in Chile and Peru.
For over 40 years, the Scientific Exploration Society has initiated a worldwide programme of scientific expeditions for the exploration of remote regions of the earth, focussing on scientific, conservation, education and community aid projects. During that time, it has accrued over 200 expeditions, including many ‘world firsts’ in exploration. One of the Society’s greatest legacies is developing leadership in young people, this work continues today in many forms, but notably The Drake Fellowship, now part of the Princes Trust, and Raleigh International, the successor to Operation Drake and Operation Raleigh, youth organisations originally founded by SES founder John Blashford-Snell under the patronage of HRH The Prince of Wales.
The SES Explorer Awards are the Society’s quest to support and encourage the next generation of scientific explorers to tackle the important issues of today, and be a part of the advancements that are essential to the environmental, conservation and scientific challenges that we all face. Award winners’ projects must leave a lasting benefit to the field in which the research takes place, and also give recipients the experience and knowledge to aspire to be, and inspire others to become a ‘Pioneer with Purpose.
In 2014, SES held its inaugural ‘Scientific Exploration Society Awards,’ which is a new programme that gives bursaries to young explorers to help with scientific research. The Rivers Foundation donated £5,000 towards the ‘RF Award for Humanities,’ a prize awarded to an applicant wishing to carry out a project that helped benefit humanity.
