An SES Explorer Award is intended to provide financial support to an individual who has instigated their own expedition which will leave a lasting legacy both in the field of research and also with the individual themselves. By exception, applicants for the Neville Shulman Explorer Award for Filmmaking and for the Elodie Sandford Explorer Award for Amateur Photography can be the film-maker or photographer integral to the expedition, not necessarily the expedition leader.
This person will be a rising star in the world of exploration and able to display the expedition experience and leadership credentials to date which will enable them to demonstrate their ability to plan a successful scientific expedition. We aim to encourage the development of Pioneers with Purpose; the successful applicant will be able to demonstrate how they will use the knowledge and experience gained from leading their expedition to play a part in the important issues of today, and be an ambassador for the advancements that are essential to the environmental, conservation, medical and scientific challenges that we all face.
He/she should share the pioneering commitment of John Blashford-Snell, by showing how the experiences gained in leading the expedition will clearly demonstrate the tangible (rather than purely observational) scientific value of their expedition and legacy that it will create, the way that can be communicated (ie scientific papers, media, film, talks etc.) – combined with an adventure which will capture the attention and inspire other people to go on and do great things.
Applicants should note that:
1. The Award for which you are applying is a monetary grant from the SES to support the expedition outlined in your proposal. In selecting the recipient of an SES Explorer Award, the Scientific Exploration Society champions the aims and objectives of the expedition to be led by the recipient, but accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to the execution of the expedition itself or any other aspect related to it. The SES does not have the capacity to provide your expedition with any professional services or back up whilst you are in the field. You are responsible entirely for conducting your expedition.
2. Individuals participate at their own risk in any expedition in receipt of a financial grant from the Scientific Exploration Society (“SES”). SES cannot be held responsible for any mishap to such individuals. SES cannot take responsibility for the consequences of strikes, war, sickness, quarantine, government action or other ‘force majeure’ circumstances on any expedition which SES may support.
Expeditions in receipt of a financial grant from SES involve exposure to accepted elements of risk, challenge and adventure greater than those normally encountered in everyday life. Expeditions in receipt of a financial grant from SES often take place in remote areas where medical or rescue facilities may not be immediately available. Individuals taking part in an expedition receiving a financial grant from SES accept they are prepared to accept such circumstances. Such individuals will not hold SES, its trustees, supporters and donors, employees, partners or agents liable for any loss, damage, personal injury, delay or expense suffered or incurred by them. Those on an expedition receiving a financial grant from SES acknowledge that they are responsible to make themselves aware through UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice warnings and any other sources available to them in regard to the safety of the countries and areas in which they may be travelling and to make their decisions accordingly.
Nothing in this disclaimer shall limit or exclude SES’s liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence.
3. Any such expeditions supported by SES through the SES Explorer Awards shall maintain in force during the period of SES’s support adequate insurance with reputable insurers to cover all elements of the expedition and members of the expedition. Confirmation of such to be given to the SES prior to the expedition departure
4. We do wish to help recipients gain beneficial publicity related to their receipt of an Award, and therefore both the SES, and Award supporter will use press, web, social media and printed channels to celebrate and share your success. We also invite Award recipients to seek publicity themselves for their expedition and to help promote the aims and objectives of the Society to a wider audience.