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.

Graeme (George) Shaw

Founder Member

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

Henry Staley

Member

Henry is a qualified Dentist and first went to the Arctic in 2019.

Wioleta Hypiak

Member

Polish dumplings connoisseur currently living in Berlin, archaeologist and passionate geophysicist.

Siri Enckell-Hartas

Member

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

David Pidgeon

Member

David Pidgeon is a freelance writer and journalist based in Bristol. A former editor of business title The Media Leader, he holds a Masters Degree in English Literature, loves writing short stories, and has just completed his first novel.

Steve Staley

Group 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.

Nick Norman

Member

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

Richard Hill

Member

Richard joined the ARG during 2021 and is a great addition to the team heading out for the 2023 expedition.

Dan Clarke

Member

Dan is a highly competent mountaineer and outdoor sports enthusiast.

Chris Searston

Photographer

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

William Shaw

Member

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

Neil Haycock

Member

Neil spends nearly every spare moment involved in a large range of outdoor activities.

Jonah Patton

Member

Jonah has recently joined the ARG and is currently studying economics at Newcastle University, and has joined the University cross-country team.