National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration with its 2025-26 Southern Ocean research projects. For the upcoming Antarctic season, the company will conduct 14 scientific projects over 18 voyages aboard their flagship vessels, including the National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Endurance, and National Geographic Explorer. These expeditions promise to transform our understanding of polar environments while offering guests the rare opportunity to witness ground-breaking scientific research in real-time.
The 2025-26 season marks a continuation of National Geographic-Lindblad's commitment to advancing polar science. The Visiting Scientist Program, launched in 2022, has already supported 88 projects across over 100 voyages, bringing together top scientists from global institutions such as the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, University of Tasmania, and Oxford Brookes University. These partnerships aim to tackle some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.
For 2025-26, the program will cover a diverse range of research areas, including:
These projects will provide insights into the fragility of polar ecosystems and contribute to global climate science.
The Visiting Scientist Program offers a unique blend of scientific exploration and guest engagement. Researchers will present their findings to guests during their voyages, enriching the travel experience with educational insights. This integration of science and tourism allows travellers to actively engage with cutting-edge research and contribute to environmental discovery through citizen science initiatives.
Guests aboard the National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Resolution ships will have the chance to interact with scientists, learn about their findings, and gain a deeper understanding of polar conservation issues. This immersive approach makes each voyage not just a sightseeing trip, but a meaningful and impactful exploration of the planet's most remote regions.
Polar regions are essential to the global climate system, yet they remain underexplored and highly vulnerable to environmental changes. By supporting research in remote polar regions, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is helping to fill crucial knowledge gaps that can inform future conservation strategies. With sea ice loss, species extinction risks, and climate feedback loops affecting these regions, the results of these research projects are likely to have a profound impact on global environmental policy.
In addition to its scientific contributions, polar research aboard these expeditions serves as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of protecting these ecosystems. Researchers and guests will work together to understand how climate change is impacting biodiversity and the marine food chain.
Looking ahead, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions continues to expand its scientific research portfolio. The 2025-26 Southern Ocean season will serve as a stepping stone for more advanced research in the future. This program not only contributes to polar science but also demonstrates how travel and science can merge to create an experience that benefits the planet as a whole.
As the Visiting Scientist Program evolves, it promises to make a significant impact on both scientific knowledge and public engagement in climate action. Travellers who embark on these expeditions will not only witness the beauty of the Southern Ocean but will also take part in scientific progress that could shape global environmental efforts for decades to come.