Wednesday 18 November 2026
18:00–19:00 (GMT)
Register Here
Join us on Wednesday 18 November for a fascinating hour online with Professor Dame Jane Francis, our 2026 Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award Winner. We’ll talk about her extraordinary career as a polar scientist, her pioneering climate research, and what she has discovered about our changing planet.
Ever wondered what fossil forests can tell us about a very different Antarctica - a continent that was once much warmer than it is today? And what is it really like to camp and carry out research in one of the most remote and extreme places on Earth?
Alumna Professor Dame Jane Francis will share stories and insights from more than 40 years of working in polar science, since graduating from the University of Southampton. She will talk about her expeditions, discoveries and research across the polar regions, as well as her time as the first and only female Director of the British Antarctic Survey and the work she continues today.
The conversation will be followed by a live Q&A where you can ask your questions - or you can email them in advance by clicking here.
Whether you’re passionate about climate change, work in an environmental field, curious about living in the Antarctic region, or simply want to hear from one of our outstanding alumni, this event is not to be missed.
A viewing link will be emailed to you the week before the event. For further information, please email.
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Professor Dame Jane Francis - Speaker
Professor Dame Jane Francis is a pioneering polar scientist whose research on fossil plants and ancient climates has transformed understanding of environmental change. She has undertaken more than 15 expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica, using fossil evidence to trace climate change over 100 million years. As the first female Director of the British Antarctic Survey, Jane has made a significant contribution to UK and international polar science, championing scientific excellence, environmental diplomacy and greater gender diversity. Her achievements include the Polar Medal, the Royal Geographical Society’s Patron’s Medal, Fellowship of the Royal Society and appointment as Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Jane also received an Honorary degree in 2018 and the Outstanding Alumni Lifetime Achievement award in 2026 from the University of Southampton. |
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Professor Simon Kemp - Host
Simon is an award-winning academic recognised for his student-focused work in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and employability through the Times Higher Education ‘Most Innovative Teacher of Year’, a National Teaching Fellowship, and the Green Gowns ‘Sustainability Professional of the Year’ awards amongst others. He is the University Lead in ESD and the Deputy Director of the Sustainability and Resilience Institute, leading on postgraduate research and the Sustainable Development Goals. Working in partnership with students, Simon also set up and hosts the UK Green Gown Award-winning ‘Meliora’ sustainability podcast from the University of Southampton.
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Register Here
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend this event in person?
This event is being held online only.
Will the lecture be recorded?
Yes, the recording link will be sent to everyone who registers for the event a week before the event. Only attendees attending the live broadcast can participate in the Q&A - and anyone who participates in the Q&A has the option to ask their question anonymously. You are welcome to ask questions ahead of the Q&A by sending them in advance to events@soton.ac.uk.
Can I forward the registration link onto a friend/colleague?
Yes - this event is available to all.
What should I do if I can no longer attend?
If you cannot watch the live broadcast - you will still receive the recording - so do not need to cancel your ticket in that instance. If you no longer wish to attend or receive the recording, please email us at events@soton.ac.uk.
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