Expedition preparation

Prepping this expedition has been one of the most difficult things to do! I (Millie) am in the UK so I can only help so far whilst Calvin is doing a whole lot around finding out costs and developing the logistics. This is very clearly highlighting the issues around planning an expedition when one half of the team is in another country!

However saying that being able to work almost around the clock due to timezones means we are able to get a lot done whilst the other is sleeping/working. I would argue this is extremely beneficial as I can research grants and develop funding ideas whilst Calvin is writing up scientific aspects that I cannot help with. I was also just unaware of how much stuff there is get and how much stuff you need for an expedition of this sort. I am looking at carting a not insignificant amount of stuff around the world to ensure I am appropriately geared up for the expedition. I have also spent a lot of time realising almost none of my current gear is suitable for Arctic conditions even in summer so hopefully we are able to get grants to help cover the costs of this! I have previous experience in sponsorship so hopefully this should come in handy to help us approach potential companies who may be interested in working with us.

We are currently coming up against November grant deadlines which seemed far off when I first found the grants but now about a week away from most of the deadlines it is feeling very very soon. These will be the first proper external grants I will have ever applied for, I can't speak for Calvin on that front, as I have won just over £1,500 from various sources at my previous university based on a scientific idea I worked on.

Overall it is quite a busy time at the moment and we are both working on our respective aspects for grants as well as continuing to do the science that is the reason for applying to the grants.

Look out for more updates!