Discovery Week

DEPRECIATED

At the Heart of the Climate System

Professor Steven Chown, Director of Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future and one of the world’s leading polar scientists, anchors these conversations throughout the week. With four decades of Antarctic research and policy experience, he brings both scientific depth and practical insight to discussions about the continent’s past, present and future.

Through focused discussions and field visits, guests explore how ice, ocean and atmosphere are tightly connected — and how changes here ripple through global climate systems. The goal is not abstract theory, but to find yourself standing in Antarctica, absorbing the vastness before you, and recognising that what happens here carries consequences far beyond its shores — and in that, gaining new perspective.

A hike to the Blue Rivers brings this into sharp focus. Standing among exposed blue ice and meltwater channels, which happen fleetingly each year, scientists unpack how ice structure, melt processes and surrounding ocean dynamics interact.

Immersive Science, Real Adventure

While this week is deeply focused on learning, guests benefit from the full White Desert experience. Guided by our IFMGA accredited team, the week merges rigorous science with real adventure: from ice climbing and crevasse exploration to long hikes across extraordinary terrain. Understanding the science behind the beauty only amplifies the experience.

Importantly, Discovery Week operates within a philanthropic model. The vast majority of the cost of the trip is an active contribution toward next White Desert Foundation's science grant. Guests meet the current grant recipients, understand the work being funded, and directly contribute to future research.