The 2023 Global Explorers Forum was held the day following our 2023 Women of Discovery Awards Gala. It was moderated by 2019 Fellow Dr. Mandë Holford, and our 2023 Fellows Dr. Dawn Wright (Lifetime Achievement), Dr. Zuzana Buřivalová, Dr. Emma Camp, Dr. Alifa Bintha Haque and Cristina Mittermeier as well as 2022 Fellow Dr. Citlalli Morelos-Juarez presented their latest research and discoveries while sharing their journeys to becoming explorers. Research presentations were followed by Q&A Panels and lively discussions on the challenges and opportunities of working in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Panel I: Women in Polar Research and Exploration, moderated by Fellow Ann Bancroft. WINGS Explorers Liv Arneson, Dr. Ulyana Peña, Sunniva Sorby, Hilde Fålun Strøm and Dr. Maria Tzortziou shared stories from recent expeditions and climate change research in the rapidly changing polar regions.
Panel II: The Future of Women in STEM & Exploration, moderated by Flag Carrier Dr. Maria Tzortziou. WINGS Fellows Dr. Dawn Wright (Lifetime Achievement), Dr. Zuzana Buřivalová, Dr. Emma Camp, Dr. Alifa Bintha Haque, Dr. Citlalli Morelos-Juarez and Dr. Mande Holford shared insights on their achievements, opportunities and innovative strategies for success sparked by the unique challenges faced by women in the fields of science and exploration.
The afternoon was highlighted by presentations by Flag Carriers Sefra Alexander and Dr. Cassandra Quave, who led spice exploration and tea-blending talks and activities related to each of their botanical research projects.
