Glasgow University Exploration Society was founded in 1957 to promote exploration and scientific fieldwork by members of the University , which includes both students and staff, by sending expeditions abroad in the summer vacation. The commitee consists of a President, Honorary President, Secretary and various committee members. Sir Hector Hetherington, the University Principal, was the first Honorary President.
The first expedition in 1957 was to the Langjökull in Iceland, and in 1958 a party returned to Iceland to survey the Vindheimajökull for the Icelandic History Museum. Since 1958 other world-wide projects have sent members to locations such as Sweden, Austria, Corsica, Bolivia, Canada, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Gambia and Tobago. The expeditions have involved projects such as conducting wildlife studies, especially of endangered species, conservation projects, and studying the geomorphology of glaciations in Iceland.
Originally the Department of Geography provided facilities for the meetings, and in 1998 the Society had a membership of around 200 staff and students across many University departments, particularly from Geography and Biological Sciences. The society helps students with all aspects of organising a scientific excursion, from initial finance and fundraising, to field work and accommodation. The Society was still in existence in 2008.
Website: University of Glasgow Exploration Society
From the guide to the Records of the Glasgow University Exploration Society, student society, University of Glasgow, Scotland., 1979, (Glasgow University Archive Services)
