On February 12, 2009, an international team of 71 students and 18 world-class scientists, environmentalists, researchers and educators began their journey to Antarctica, an initiative led by Canadian adventure educator Geoff Green, the founder of Students on Ice Expeditions (SOI). The ship-based expedition is part of the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007–2009, and will include interdisciplinary University-level education and research.
Expedition participants will have the opportunity to earn one of three course credits through Canadian Universities and consider how to be better stewards of the global ecosystem. One of the main goals is for these students to return home as ambassadors and leaders for the planet’s environment, with new levels of inspiration and motivation for the future.
“The SOI–IPY Antarctic University Expedition 2009 is bringing University level students from around the world together with an incredible team of experienced Antarctic practitioners,” says Geoff Green, the expedition’s leader.
“Students on Ice and its University partners – the University of Alberta, the University of Northern British Columbia and the University of Ottawa – are proud to offer this groundbreaking expedition. Our student participants will delve into important Antarctic issues and research that will encourage discussion and the sharing of ideas around the world,” says Tim Straka, SOI Education Program Director.
Studying in one of the most exceptional and remote places on Earth, the theme for this expedition is ‘INSPIRING GENERATION G - Green, Generous, Grace, Global.’ Students will explore this concept as they partake in an education program that examines the physical, biological and human environments of Antarctica, including its history, wildlife and politics. Already, students have been inspired and awed by the coming experience. "No words to express how I’m feeling right now. I am trying to take it all in – total amazement!” says Nishta Sinha, India. The anticipation runs high as they cross the Drake Passage. “I have learned so much already and I know that I will keep learning in the days to come. This is already turning out to be the trip of a lifetime, and I’m looking forward to every minute of what’s left, “ says Cassie Budd, University of Alberta.
The SOI–IPY Antarctic University Expedition 2009 has been endorsed by the IPY Joint Committee as a prominent and valued component of the IPY program. The expedition represents one of the largest education and outreach initiatives in the world for the IPY 2007– 2009.
Participating students and staff are from across Canada, United States, Japan, USA, New Zealand, Malaysia, Bhutan, UK, Ireland, Australia, Sweden, Argentina, and Germany. An expedition website will track the journey, including daily participant journal entries, photographs and periodic videos: www.uantarctic.org.
For further information, contact:
Reina Lahtinen
Operations Manager
Students on Ice Expeditions
Natural Heritage Building
1740 Pink Road
Gatineau, Québec J9J 3N7 CANADA
Toll Free: 1-866-336-6423
Tel: 1-819-827-3300 | Fax: 1-819-827-9951
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
About Students on Ice Expeditions:
Students on Ice (SOI) is an award-winning organization offering unique educational expeditions to the Antarctic and the Arctic. The program – now in its ninth year – has taken over 1,000 students, teachers and scientists from around the world on expeditions to both the Arctic and the Antarctic. The goal of this unique project is to give the world’s youth a heightened understanding and respect for the planet’s global ecosystem, and the inspiration to protect it. Additional information can be obtained at www.studentsonice.com.
About Geoff Green:
Canadian adventurer, environmentalist and educator Geoff Green has been leading expeditions and adventures from pole to pole for the past fifteen years. As expedition leader, Geoff is a veteran of 74 Antarctic expeditions and 30 Arctic expeditions. In 2005, he received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the U.S. Congress for his work with youth and the environment. He was also voted one of Canada’s “Top 40 under 40” – an annual national prize event saluting Canada’s top young leaders. In 2004, Outpost Magazine chose Geoff as one of the “Top 5 Canadian Explorers” to watch. In 2007, Geoff and the Students on Ice program received the prestigious Explorer’s Club Citation of Merit. Geoff is the founder and Executive Director of Students on Ice Expeditions, an award-winning educational organization based in Gatineau, Québec, Canada. www.geoffgreen.ca
About International Polar Year:
The International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2009 is a two year program of science, research and education focused on the Antarctic and Arctic regions. Canadian and international researchers from universities, northern communities, and governments are working to advance our understanding of cultural, social, economic and health dimensions, as well as geophysical, climate and biological processes in polar regions. Additional information can be obtained at www.ipy.org.
On February 25th 2009, the IPY Joint Committee will release a report on ‘The State of Polar Research’. In the lead-up to this event, major IPY research projects are releasing information for the press, and making themselves available for media enquiries. A wide range of projects will be profiled reflecting the diversity of IPY. For more information, please visit http://www.ipy.org/index.php?ipy/detail/feb09_projects/ or contact Rhian Salmon ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).