Our History
SES was founded in 1969 by Colonel John Blashford-Snell CBE and his colleagues following the first successful navigation of the Ethiopian Blue Nile.
Since then, the Society has initiated hundreds of expeditions to remote regions of the world; focusing on scientific discovery, research, conservation, education, and community aid projects.
Many thousands of people have participated in these expeditions, not least those of Operations Drake and Raleigh, supported by the then Prince of Wales, which engaged young people from many countries in life-changing exploration, citizen science and adventure.
With a rich history spanning decades, we have facilitated ground-breaking research in fields such as biology, anthropology, geology, and environmental science, and have been pivotal in the testing of innovative products. The Society’s members have ventured into uncharted territories, conducting field studies that have contributed significantly to our knowledge of the natural world.
We have achieved many ‘firsts’ in the world of pioneering expeditions and the testing of specialist equipment.
Since then, the Society has initiated hundreds of expeditions to remote regions of the world; focusing on scientific discovery, research, conservation, education, and community aid projects.
Many thousands of people have participated in these expeditions, not least those of Operations Drake and Raleigh, supported by the then Prince of Wales, which engaged young people from many countries in life-changing exploration, citizen science and adventure.
With a rich history spanning decades, we have facilitated ground-breaking research in fields such as biology, anthropology, geology, and environmental science, and have been pivotal in the testing of innovative products. The Society’s members have ventured into uncharted territories, conducting field studies that have contributed significantly to our knowledge of the natural world.
We have achieved many ‘firsts’ in the world of pioneering expeditions and the testing of specialist equipment.
Legacy & Impact
Through our initiatives, numerous endangered species have been studied and protected, indigenous knowledge has been preserved, and vital ecological systems have been conserved. SES has also inspired generations of young scientists and explorers, instilling in them the importance of safeguarding our planet for future generations.
