HX Launches World-first Program with University to Educate Antarctic Passengers

Exciting new collaboration between HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) and the University of Tasmania | Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) launches for 2024-2025 Season.

London, UK and Hobart, Australia – 15 Nov 2024 – HX (formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions), the leader in mindful expedition travel, today announced a pioneering global partnership with the University of Tasmania and its Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS).

This exciting collaboration marks a significant milestone for both HX and the University as it brings together one of the world's oldest and leading expedition companies and a globally renowned education and research institute with a focus on Antarctic and polar studies.

For the first time, HX’s guests and expedition teams will have the unique opportunity to explore Antarctic and polar science with world-leading researchers, in a university-developed program that blends immersive learning with real-world experiences – with the online course being able to be accessed anywhere in the world.

Participants will experience an enriched journey through the wonders of the polar region of Antarctica and upon completion, both guests and expedition staff will receive an official University of Tasmania certificate.

A unique, strategic partnership

The University of Tasmania is based in Hobart, Australia, and is home to IMAS. IMAS is recognised as a center of excellence for marine and Antarctic research, leading ground-breaking studies across scientific and social science boundaries. Their work is dedicated to enhancing environmental understanding and driving sustainable development worldwide.

HX and the University have worked together for four years, laying the groundwork for this strategic collaboration. Their relationship aligns with the Tasmanian T2030 Visitor Economy Strategy, which seeks to encourage tourism that provides benefits to the regions that the university operates within. It also aligns with the T2030 mandate to foster collaboration between organisations such as Tourism Tasmania, the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and the tourism industry, to ensure a sustainable tourism industry in Tasmania and its Sub-Antarctic Islands.

HX has hosted over 30 scientists and UTAS-related university students on polar expeditions over the last three years to work on scientific and social science projects. This is part of HX’s ongoing science support program that provides over 1,800 free cabin and cruise nights to scientists and research students each year, an initiative that’s part of the expedition company’s ongoing and significant focus on sustainability.

Guest and staff educational program

As part of this partnership, the University and HX will launch this education program to both guests and staff starting in the late 2024 season.

The program will offer a unique educational journey – from Antarctica’s fascinating history and the science of polar regions to responsible tourism and Antarctic governance. Topics include:

1. The human history of Antarctica
2. Who owns Antarctica? The Antarctic Treaty System
3. The Southern Ocean
4. Ice core studies
5. Wildlife and ecological communities
6. Climate change
7. Citizen science
8. Living, working and travelling responsibly in Antarctica.

The program named ‘The HX Pre-Departure Course’ has been designed and developed by leading academics from the University and IMAS as well as guest collaborators, ensuring participants gain cutting-edge insights into the fascinating polar world. It will be delivered through a specially developed syllabus of engaging content, including online seminars, interviews and live Q&A sessions, available before, during or after the physical HX journeys.

Benefits for guests and HX expedition staff

Speaking about the partnership, Dr Verena Meraldi, HX’s Chief Scientist said: “For HX guests, this collaboration offers a world first for our industry and a market-leading program that will enrich their travel experience with knowledge, scientific education, and inspiration.

“We have carefully curated the syllabus, optimised for curious travelers – who do not just want to explore but want to take that knowledge further and hopefully use that as a force for good for the future.

“This new program will ensure our guests gain a deeper understanding of the regions they explore – and an official University Certificate to mark their learning journey.”

The short but detailed course (which is roughly 4-hours of content) will also be available to HX staff, providing access to and the benefits of learning from experts sharing contemporary knowledge of Antarctica.

HX is the only expedition cruise company in this sector to offer their staff access to a tailored education experience, developed by a world leader in Antarctic and polar education.

A new chapter in mindful expedition travel

HX’s VP Sustainability, Guest Learning and Industry Relations, Tudor Morgan, who is also a world-leading expert in Antarctica, said the partnership was a testament to HX’s commitment to delivering unique and enriching experiences for guests, while empowering their expedition teams with unparalleled knowledge and training.

“Together with the University of Tasmania, we are breaking new ground in expedition travel, offering scientific educational opportunities that are truly transformative and based in ocean conservation.

“This collaboration represents a bold step forward in bridging the worlds of exploration and academia, offering travelers and professionals alike an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the polar regions, while contributing to their academic and personal growth.”

University of Tasmania’s Acting Executive Dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering, Dr Angela Castles, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative.

"The University of Tasmania is thrilled to work with HX in this pioneering initiative. We’re combining world-class education with an unparalleled opportunity to explore the polar regions, all while contributing to the understanding of crucial environmental challenges.

"This partnership is a natural extension of our focus on sustainability, climate and marine science. We look forward to seeing both guests and HX staff deepen their knowledge of the Antarctic and make meaningful contributions to scientific research.

"This collaboration highlights the University of Tasmania's commitment to connecting research with real-world experiences. Through this program, we’re giving both guests and expedition teams the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Antarctic environment while advancing their learning journey."

In their personal itineraries, HX guests will be able to find out more about the program, which will launch as a pilot program later this month on the 27th November 2024 - it is sent to travelers 60 days before departure. This short course will be free for HX guests travelling to Antarctica.