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.

Neil Haycock

Member

Neil spends nearly every spare moment involved in a large range of outdoor activities. Neil is a clockmaker and works in his family business founded in 1826. Neil joined the ARG in 2023 and has been on two expeditions.

Richard Hill

Member

Richard joined the ARG during 2021. Richard is the owner of a specialist construction restoration contracting business. Richard has been on two expeditions.

Natalia Sarmanto

Member

Natalia currently works in the field of sustainable water resource management. She also runs her family-owned restaurant in Helsinki. Natalia joined the ARG for the 2025 Tempelfjord expedition.

Richard Grant

Founder Member

Richard is a Founder Member of the Arctic Research Group and has been on five expeditions and is a Member of the Arctic Club. Richard owns his own Geotechnical Engineering Consultancy.

Nick Norman

Member

Nick made several recreational visits to Svalbardand Nick joined the ARG for the 2023 Recherchefjord expedition.

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 than 20 times and is fascinated by this place. Chris owns a business making and supplying bear alarms.

David Pidgeon

Member

David Pidgeon is a Bristol-based writer and former editor of The Media Leader. He joined the ARG in 2023 and has been on two expeditions.

Jonathan Smith

Member

Jonathan has 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. Jonathan joined the ARG for the 2025 Tempelfjord expedition.

Dan Clarke

Member

Dan is a highly competent mountaineer and outdoor sports enthusiast. Dan has been on two ARG expeditions in 1996 and 2019.

Jonah Patton

Member

Jonah studied economics at Newcastle University, and joined the ARG for the the 2023 Recherchefjord expedition.

Graeme (George) Shaw

Founder Member

Retired Professor of Environmental Science at Nottingham University and formerly Reader at Imperial College. George is a Founder member of the ARG.

Mike Haynes

Founder Member

Mike is a Founder Member of the Arctic Research Group. Mike works in the Minerals Industry and has been to the Arctic on eight expeditions.

Joseph Cox

Member

Joseph has a master’s in architecture from the Manchester School of Architecture. Joe works as a conservation architect. Joe joined the ARG in 2023 and has been on two expeditions.

Joseph Ricketts

Member

Joseph works as a project manager in energy conservation measures in construction. Joseph joined the ARG for the 2025 Tempelfjord expedition.

James Tuohy

Member

James has worked across seven countries as a project manager tackling projects in some of the world’s most extreme environments—including wintering in Siberia. James joined the ARG for the 2025 Tempelfjord expedition.

Siri Enckell-Hartas

Member

Siri studied geography at the Helsinki University and also works as a marketing professional. Siri joined the ARG for the 2023 Recherchefjord expedition.

Henry Staley

Member

Henry is a qualified Dentist and joined the ARG in 2019 and has been on the Bockfjord expedition and in 2023 the Recherchefjord expedition.