To celebrate 95 years of exploration, adventure and discovery, the Merton College Exploration Society (MCES) will be hosting the Oxford University Exploration Club (OUEC) for Explorer’s Night 2022, with Professor David Macdonald as guest speaker. David is one of the world’s leading conservation biologists, founder of Oxford’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit and, through his devotion to conserving the natural world, has variously been an academic, author, documentary filmmaker, and explorer.

Explorer’s Night will begin with ‘Reflections on Oxford Expeditions of 50 Years Ago’, where, in conversation with Zoology graduate student James Kempton, David will discuss his 1970s student expeditions to Borneo and Kashmir, the modern landscape of exploration, and intervening expeditions.

OUEC will also exhibit publicly unseen archive material dating back to 1928. Photos, logbooks, route maps, and expedition reports will be enjoyed alongside drinks and canapés provided by Vaults & Gardens.

Expect convivial conversation throughout, inspiration for your own expeditions, and a celebration of another fantastic year of exploration.

The dress code for this event is formal attire.