Expedition members

The Arctic Research Group was founded by Ian Frearson, with founding members Richard Grant, Mike Haynes, George Shaw, and Stephen Staley.

Expedition members are chosen either through an application process or by invitation based on trusted recommendations. Selection is guided by the specific requirements of each expedition, including the planned work programme and the skills essential for its safe and successful execution.

If you’re interested in joining a future expedition, please get in touch with us and include relevant details about your qualifications, experience, and areas of interest.

Ian Frearson

Founder

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

Mike Haynes

Founder Member

Mike is a Founder Member of the Arctic Research Group.

Neil Haycock

Member

Neil spends nearly every spare moment involved in a large range of outdoor activities. Neil was on the 2023 expedition to Recherchefjord.

Joseph Ricketts

Member

After graduating from the University of Manchester with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Joseph began working as a project manager in the construction industry delivering energy conservation measures to UK retailers across a range of disciplines.

James Tuohy

Member

James has worked across seven countries, tackling projects in some of the world’s most extreme environments—including wintering in Siberia. His career has spanned offshore and onshore environments, with expertise in both engineering and HSE, and is currently focused on helping industries achieve net-zero targets in the renewables sector.

Nick Norman

Member

After making several recreational visits to Svalbard Nick went on the 2023 expedition to Recherchefjord.

William Shaw

Member

William studied Computer science at University of Sheffield and went on the 2019 expedition to Bockfjord.

Steve Staley

Group Leader

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

Chris Searston

Photographer

Chris has visited Svalbard more than20 times and is fascinated by this place.

Richard Hill

Member

Richard joined the ARG during 2021 and was on the Recherchefjord expedition in 2023.

Natalia Sarmanto

Member

Natalia holds a Masters degree in Science and Technology of Sustainability from the Polytechnic University of Catalunya and currently works in the field of sustainable water resource management. She also runs her family-owned restaurant in Helsinki.

Dan Clarke

Member

Dan is a highly competent mountaineer and outdoor sports enthusiast.

Jonah Patton

Member

Jonah studied economics at Newcastle University, and was a member of the 2023 expedition to Recherchefjord.

Graeme (George) Shaw

Founder Member

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

Joseph Cox

Member

Joseph has a master’s in architecture from the Manchester School of Architecture. Joe was on the 2023 expedition to Recherchefjord.

David Pidgeon

Member

David Pidgeon is a Bristol-based writer and former editor of The Media Leader. He joined the 2023 Recherchefjord expedition and recently finished his first novel.

Jonathan Smith

Member

With a passion for the outdoors, he has extensive experience in adventurous pursuits, including an ascent of Mont Blanc. He is a qualified pilot and is also firearms trained.

Siri Enckell-Hartas

Member

Siri is studied geography at the Helsinki University and also works as a marketing professional. Siri went on the 2023 Recherchefjord expedition.

Henry Staley

Member

Henry is a qualified Dentist and first went to the Arctic in 2019 on the Bockfjord expedition and in 2023 to Recherchefjord.