Plymouth’s explorers share expertise at national event

Students, alumni and staff from across the Faculty of Health attended the Royal Geographical Society’s flagship Explore event

Staff, students and alumni from the Faculty of Health at the Royal Geographical Society Explore event

Mrs Amy King

Media and Communications Officer

Corporate Communications (Marketing and Communications)

19 December 2024

The University of Plymouth’s motto is to Explore, Dream, Discover – and a contingent did so on a large scale on a recent visit to the Royal Geographical Society (RGS).

Students, staff and alumni attended the annual RGS Explore event, which supports people in all disciplines as they push geographical boundaries.

From remote medicine to world-class explorer training, the contingent from across the Faculty of Health shared its many areas of expertise in the field of exploration healthcare, related to research, teaching and practice.

Dr Jon Rhodes at the Royal Geographical Society Explore event 2024

RGS Explore event speakers Jon Rhodes, Lucy Obolensky, Erin Linwood (MSc Global Health student), Kat Green (Medical graduate) and Lucy Penny (Nursing student) at the Royal Geographical Society Explore event

Dr Lucy Obolensky at the Royal Geographical Society Explore event 2024

Dr Jon Rhodes presented at the conference on his psychology research – conducted in collaboration with Dr Alastair Smith – working with professional explorers. He highlighted the critical role of teamwork in expedition planning and illustrated how team-based imagery can effectively equip groups for tackling complex challenges.

Student Lucy Penny delivered a talk on her experience of diving medicine, while Dr Lucy Obolensky – who has previously supported Sir David Attenborough on his shoots – gave a series of expedition medicine lectures, seminars and workshops.

More about the event

Royal Geographical Society Explore Festival

Working with Matt Griggs , Dr Obolensky is also part of the team delivering a new MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine and Diving Medicine programme – which is now accepting applications for September 2025 start.

It was fantastic to see so many University of Plymouth representatives at the Explore event.

Each of us had secured separate places to highlight our various projects, which shows the strength and breadth of the programmes and research we offer.

We're really excited to be a part of a growing community within the University that is passionate about exploration and expedition work. We’re looking forward to welcoming new students into this community and would love to hear from anyone interested in finding out more.

Mr Matt Griggs
Lecturer in Clinical Education (Global Health)