The Society has conducted over 200 expeditions worldwide, including the youth-focused Operations Drake and Raleigh. Today, SES continues to champion climate research, environmental protection, and community collaboration by providing funding, mentoring, training, and endorsement for field expeditions. Members enjoy talks, events, and opportunities to join SES-endorsed projects. Its Advisory Board includes leading explorers such as Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Bear Grylls, Steve Backshall, Tim Peake, and others.
Since its founding in 1969 by Colonel John Blashford-Snell, one of the UK’s most renowned explorers, SES has championed global scientific and environmental exploration. The Society provides grants for research and conservation expeditions around the world and funds the SES–Raleigh Explorer Bursary Award, which gives underserved young people aged 18–25 the chance to join fully funded Raleigh expeditions in extraordinary places such as Costa Rica, South Africa, and Borneo.