Antarctica Education Programme Recognised on the Global Stage
Our pioneering Science & Education Programme has been recognised internationally, named a finalist at Seatrade Europe in the Expedition Cruise Initiative of the Year category.
At HX, we believe true exploration is about more than visiting Antarctica — it’s about understanding it. That’s why we created our Science & Education Programme in partnership with the University of Tasmania’s world-leading Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS).
Launched last year, the programme has already received overwhelming praise from travellers, with some even suggesting it “should be a mandatory tourist requirement in future.”
This pioneering initiative has now been recognised internationally, named a finalist at Seatrade Europe in the Expedition Cruise Initiative of the Year category. It’s a testament to the power of combining travel with knowledge, and adventure with responsibility
Redefining what it means to explore
Our programme transforms Antarctica into a living classroom, where guests can:
Learn through a world-first collaboration with the University of Tasmania’s IMAS.
Access education at every level, from a free introductory course to an accredited advanced programme.
Experience real impact with more than 2,250 participants, and 99% describing it as a highlight of their journey.
Why it matters
Being named a finalist is about more than recognition. It marks a shift in expedition travel — one where education and exploration go hand in hand.
HX travellers actively contribute to real-time research through citizen science projects, including whale monitoring, phytoplankton sampling, and seabird surveys. Their efforts support over 20 global research initiatives, equipping participants with the knowledge and inspiration to protect Antarctica for generations to come.
Voices from the partnership
Iain McNeill, COO of HX Expeditions, who accepted third place in the Expedition Cruise Initiative of the Year award at Seatrade Europe 2025, said:
“We are immensely proud to receive this recognition from Seatrade, but even more excited to see the ripple effect of our partnership with UTAS. By extending the programme into two tiers, we are giving our HX guests the chance for an even richer level of education and immersion around Antarctica’s unique environment, so they can leave their journey not only transformed but also empowered to be stewards of the planet.”
A University of Tasmania spokesperson added:
“Our collaboration with HX Expeditions is about making the world’s most remote classroom accessible to everyone. By offering both an introductory and an accredited comprehensive course, we’re ensuring that travellers can take their Antarctic experience beyond the voyage, building knowledge that can inspire lifelong impact. UTAS is also deeply committed to sustainability, which was another key reason this partnership with HX was such a natural fit.”