12 Tips For Your First Science Expedition

An expedition allows you to totally immerse yourself in an unfamiliar culture or environment. It teaches you how to collaborate with your team, overcome difficulties, and become more self-sufficient. It is a physical and mental challenge that gives you a global perspective on life. Your expedition memories will definitely live long after you have returned home – often through the new knowledge and experience, you have obtained.

Photo by Rachel Claire from Pexels

Taking part in Ragnar organized expeditions you will get a great chance to visit the most extraordinary and dangerous places in the world, take excellent photos capturing marvelous sea and landscapes, watch animals like arctic foxes, polar bears, penguins, dolphins, seals, and whales. An experienced captain will accompany you on your expedition and safely run the ship to reach your destination, while other members of the crew will make sure you receive the best service on board. The five-decked explorer yacht is a perfect opportunity for you to experience the world by sailing through the Arctic, the Tropics, the Antarctic, and other remote, majestic, and mesmerizing parts of the world. Here’s a step-by-step guide for EPN on how to organize your first science expedition.

 Tip 1: Plan in advance

Planning a science expedition is not an easy task, even if you have incredible organizational skills, so you have to think it through.

Tip 2: Get inspired for the expedition

If you’re looking for some inspiration start reading expedition reports showing achievements and results of research in your study field. You may also find some interesting books and travel blogs, watch documentaries, and videos on Youtube.

Tip 3: Learn more about your destination

Learn as much as you can about your destination, so you can get a deeper understanding of the place. Try searching the expedition database and report collection. If you know someone who has already been there, try to get in touch – they will probably be more than happy to give you some advice.

 Tip 4: Create an action plan and budget

Your budget is the financial representation of your plan and will encourage you to look at the detailed costs of the travel, accommodation, food, and equipment. Applying for grants you’ll have a great chance to reduce your costs.

Tip 5: Pack wisely

Packing for your first science expedition can be a challenging task. But it can be less stressful if you make a packing list. Start your packing process days or even weeks ahead of your departure date. This is the best way to ensure that you don’t forget to take something important.

Tip 6: Test your gadgets before you leave

Check the essential items such as satellite phones, laptops, cameras, GPS navigators, battery chargers, and first aid kits in advance. Your life may greatly depend on all your equipment working.

Tip 7: Learn and improve valuable skills

Knowing the basic first aid skills is extremely important. These skills are easy to learn and recall in emergencies. If you are working in remote areas, improve your navigation, and map reading skills. If you are using new research equipment take time to practice first.

Step 8: Stay healthy

Staying healthy should be your main priority. Have a medical check-up before your expedition.  Find out if you need any vaccinations as soon as you have your route figured out, so you can get them done in advance. If you take any medications, make sure you take enough with you. Making a list of emergency contact numbers is also a good idea. 

Tip 9: Cooperate with your colleagues

Try to create a positive work environment. Working in a team enables you to share knowledge, work more efficiently and effectively. You will inevitably learn a great deal from each other.  Respect your colleagues, help them overcome any difficulties. Remember, you are working together toward a common goal.

Tip 10: Assess the risks

Risk assessment is crucial and worth careful consideration. Done properly, it can help you think through hazards and how you may eliminate or minimize them. 

Tip 11: Respect other people and cultures

Respect all people you meet, their culture and traditions. Behave appropriately. Be ready to explain what you are doing and why. Cooperate with local people. They are far more familiar with the environment where your research takes place and will be able to continue important work once your expedition is over. Be grateful to people who helped you on your way. 

Tip 12: Share the highlights and challenges

Share the results of your research and the knowledge you have obtained with your colleagues and friends. Tell them what you have achieved and write an expedition report so that others can benefit from your experience.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Scroll to Top