National Geographic Society And Lindblad Expeditions Announce 2026 Visiting Scientist Program’s Arctic Research Projects
The National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions unveiled the projects selected for the 2026 Arctic season’s Visiting Scientist Program, including six National Geographic Explorer-led projects spanning 11 voyages aboard National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution.
Supported by the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (LEX-NG) Fund, the Visiting Scientist Program offers National Geographic Explorers and other respected scientists the opportunity to travel to hard-to-reach locations to collect scientific data, while also connecting them with expedition travelers aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet.
“The Visiting Scientist Program demonstrates the power of our collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions to support field research and data collection in the world’s most remote environments,” said Ian Miller, chief science and innovation officer at the National Geographic Society.
“This is what the National Geographic Society and our Explorers strive to achieve every day — to document critical ecosystems and create evidence-based solutions to present-day challenges, while igniting the spark of curiosity in others. These six projects aim to expand our baseline understanding of the Arctic, and we are thrilled to see what they uncover.”
These teams will conduct critical research in remote polar regions — studying microbes, plankton, ice algae, glaciers, intertidal (the area where the ocean meets the land between high and low tides) biodiversity, and microplastics — while connecting with guests through hands-on observation and real-time updates from the field. Through these projects, Explorers will inspire travelers to engage more deeply with the Arctic and experience the thrill of scientific exploration.
“The Arctic offers a rare and unique setting to observe scientists at work, collecting data and documenting change, allowing guests to witness both its beauty and its vulnerability firsthand,” said Trey Byus, chief expedition officer at Lindblad Expeditions. “By supporting vital research efforts through our onboard programs, we reinforce our dedication to science, education and the conservation of the extraordinary environment that we’re able to explore.”
