Expedition members

The founder of the Arctic Research Group is Ian Frearson and the founding members are Richard Grant, Mike Haynes, George Shaw and Stephen Staley.

Members of all expeditions are selected following application or are invited based on recommendation. The selection of an expedition team is based on the planned work programme and skills requirements for the safe and successful completion of the expedition. To apply to become a member, please contact us including appropriate information about qualifications, experience and interests.

Ian Frearson

Founder

Established the Arctic Research Group in 1988 after taking part in three previous Arctic expeditions.

Dan Clarke

Mountaineering Leadership

Dan is a highly competent mountaineer and outdoor sports enthusiast.

Henry Staley

Member

Henry is in his 4th year of Dental Surgery at University of Leeds.

William Shaw

Member

William is studying Computer science at University of Sheffield having excelled in this field since he was a young teenager.

Neil Haycock

Member

During his life, Neil has spent nearly every spare moment involved in a large range of outdoor activities.

Steve Stanley

Deputy Leader

Steve is a founder member and Deputy Leader of the ARG. Steve works as a geologist and geophysicist.

Mike Haynes

Founder Member

Mike is a Founder Member of the Arctic Research Group.

Joseph Cox

Member

Joseph is currently studying a master’s in architecture at the Manchester School of Architecture.

Wioleta Hypiak

Member

Polish dumplings connoisseur currently living in Berlin, archaeologists and passionate geophysicists.

Siri Enckell

Member

Siri is studing geography at the Helsinki University and is a marketing professional. She has a great interest in the High Arctic region.

Graeme Shaw

Member

Professor of Environmental Science at Nottingham University and formerly Reader at Imperial College,

Chris Searston

Photographer

Chris first visited Svalbard in 1991 with the Group as photographer.

Chris Groves

Member

Chris has led nearly 30 expeditions including several to the world’s highest mountains

Nick Norman

Member

After making several recreational visits to Svalbard Nick is looking forward to joining the ARG and
their 2022 expedition to Recherfjord.