THE 2023 WINNER
PEN HADOW
EXPLORER & CONSERVATIONIST
Whittling down from this significant longlist of nominees for the 2023 Shackleton Medal for the Protection of the Polar Regions was a challenging but inspirational task for this years' judging panel.
We are proud to announce that record-breaking explorer and conservationist, Pen Hadow, has been awarded the Shackleton Medal for the Protection of the Polar Regions. The award recognises Hadow's decades-long commitment to protect the central Arctic Ocean and his latest initiative to establish a Marine Protected Area in the region.
THE SHORTLIST
THE SHACKLETON MEDAL
On 5th January 2022, exactly 100 years after the death of Sir Ernest Shackleton, we launched the Shackleton Medal for the Protection of the Polar Regions at the Royal Geographical Society in London.
We believe that if the Boss were alive today, rather than exploring the polar regions he so loved, he would be striving to the utmost to save them from the myriad threats they face.
The Shackleton Medal is a £10,000 prize, awarded annually to the individual who, in the eyes of the judges has done the most to protect the polar regions.
The judging criteria reflect the character of Shackleton himself; we are looking to reward people who have shown Courage, Determination, Ingenuity and Leadership in their work.
Our panel of expert judges will consider all high-achievers who show these traits, regardless of age, gender, nationality or occupation. Last year’s nominations included outstanding people from the fields of exploration, marine biology, sport, geopolitics, climate advocates, artificial intelligence and more.
NOMINATION AND AWARD PROCESS
Nominations are now open until the 3rd March 2023.
A longlist will then be sent to our board of twelve
judges who will come together to create a shortlist, of
which one winner will be selected. Whether you wish to
nominate yourself or someone you know, please do so
through the below nomination form.
THE 12 JUDGES
PREVIOUS WINNER
DR. HEÏDI SEVESTRE - 05.04.22
The winner of the inaugural Shackleton Medal for the Protection of the Polar Regions is Dr. Heïdi Sevestre, the pioneering climate activist, expedition leader, scientific researcher, documentary maker and lobbyist.
Amongst an exceptionally strong list of nominees, Dr Sevestre stood out for the extraordinary courage she has demonstrated working in the field and her drive and determination to communicate her message.