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In 2022, Physiotherapist, British Army officer, and Society Fellow Preet Chandi became the ninth woman in history to ski solo from Antarctica to the South Pole and the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition on the continent.

Drawing on her own lived experience as well as her work in schools championing the way for alternative routes to exploration and travel with purpose, last year, Preet delivered a Monday night lecture at the Society, aptly titled Breaking boundaries. 

To celebrate International Women’s Day taking place tomorrow (8 March), we have unlocked Preet’s talk and 14 more of our Monday night lectures from the past year featuring inspirational women (see below).

From ocean and volcanic processes to histories of flowers and Arabic poetic traditions, these lectures showcase the diverse expertise of women in the geographical sphere. Normally only available to members, everyone can watch these talks for free until the end of March. 

If you want to enjoy stimulating talks like these throughout the year, why not join us as a member?  

Black and white photograph of melting sea ice as seen from above.

Warmth from below: where ice and ocean meet

As Arctic sea ice melts away, the ocean below is absorbing six times more solar radiation. This lecture will highlight the changing ocean processes melting ice and implications for our weather and climate.

A volcano eruption with large smoke plumes rising into a dark sky and lava flowing down the side of the volcano.

Unravelling the past from hidden volcanic ash

Unearthing ancient volcanic ash from the depths of ice sheets and lakes has provided critical evidence for our reconstruction of past environments and climates. This lecture explores the power of this approach for addressing many of the major environmental challenges that we face today.

Yellow and green train on tracks.

Decarbonising transport: considering people and place

Sarah will outline the work that is taking place to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport and consider how considerations of people and place intersect with delivery of greener transport.

Aerial photo showing the contrast between volcanic stones and green grass right next to the sea.

Magmatic memories: Eldfell 1973

2023 saw the 50th anniversary of the Eldfell eruption on the island of Heimaey, Iceland. This talk will investigate the legacy of this eruption, both on the landscape itself, and the thriving community who took on a volcano and won!

Advolly Richmond sat in front of green hedge

A short history of flowers

From stories of exploration and unrequited love to excessive hybridisation and botanical piracy, Advolly will bring the histories of our most-loved flowers to life.

Map titled Battista Agnese, ‘Atlas Universalis’ (1542–52)

Tracks on the ocean: a history of trailblazing, maps and maritime travel

Sara charts a hidden history of the modern world through the tracks left on maps and the sea. Taking us from ancient Greek itineraries to 21st century digital mapping, via the voyages of Drake and Cook, Sara reveals how marks on maps have changed the course of modernity.

Close up of two people, including one elderly person, holding hands in a reassuring manner.

Health and household transitions among older people: trends over time and differences between England, Wales and Scotland

In this talk data from the ONS Longitudinal Study of England and Wales and the ‘sister’ Scottish Longitudinal Study will be used to investigate changes over time in older people’s household transitions and mortality.

Helen Czerski working on a buoy.

Blue machine: how the ocean shapes our world

Earth’s ocean is a 3D liquid engine, and the way it turns has shaped our history, culture and our planet’s natural history. This talk will tell its story.

An erupting volcano in Iceland.

What has been happening in Iceland?

Iceland has been in the news over the past few months because of another 'Icelandic eruption'. The one in 2010 caused travel chaos. What can we expect in the future?

Traditional remedies: herbalism and magic in 19th century Myanmar

This lecture explores how in the 19th century physical and mental illnesses were treated with herbal remedies gathered in the since decimated forests of Myanmar and with magic potions, prepared by spirit specialists.

Woman in red t-shirt and wearing a backpack sitting at the edge of mangroves.

Informing action: Esmond B.Martin lecture

The lecture will explore examples of how careful research can be the foundation of progress towards a better world. The 2024 Esmond B. Martin RGS Prize will also be presented.

Adventure in the Andes: the Life Cycle biodiversity bike ride

Kate cycled the length of South America, following the spine of the Andes on a bamboo bike she built herself, with the aim to explore and champion biodiversity.

Jihadi exploitation of the Arabic poetic tradition - Dr Elisabeth Kendall

What drives militant jihadis to compose poetry? This talk seeks to reveal why and how Arabic poetry is deployed as a weapon by groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS.

Preet Chandi in the South Pole, smiling into the camera

Breaking boundaries

Driven by curiosity, Preet embarked on an Antarctic adventure fuelled by a simple Google search. Preet wanted to show people that they could start anywhere, they could have any goal and achieve whatever they want, regardless of where they were born, or where they are from

Model showing processes of decarbonisation

Full circle? From extraction to geology as an environmental solution

Mineral extraction powered the industrial revolution, which in turn powered anthropogenic climate change. Have things come full circle where geology is now part of the solution to reach net zero?

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