Grants awarded

The Gino Watkins Memorial Fund, under the joint trusteeship of the University of Cambridge and the Royal Geographical Society, gives grants towards expeditions that meets its objectives of guiding and inspiring enterprising young people towards scientific research and exploration in the polar regions. The Fund is grateful to the Augustine Courtauld Trust for its continuing financial support. All expeditions are also considered for the Arctic Club Award which is given each year to a selected expedition.

Grants awarded

• 2023
• 2022
• 2021
• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011
• 2010
• 2009
• 2008
• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002
• 2001
• 2000
• 1999
• 1998
• 1997

About the grants

The expedition assessment committee considers that it is really important that all truly polar expeditions should apply for approval and assistance so that the Fund may continue to watch over planning and safety and help to maintain the image and standing of polar exploration. The award of a grant is highly valued and assists capable teams to get into the field.

The Fund endeavours to provide financial assistance to all expeditions of merit, allowing for size, duration and cost, allowance is also made for the youthfulness of the membership. The value of individual grants is variable and usually less than £3000 per expedition. Grants are made to expeditions, not individual members.

The committee meets annually in late February to assess expedition proposals. Applicants are not required to attend for interview. Expeditions are informed of the decision shortly afterwards and grants are usually paid by May. Expeditions which are awarded a grant are asked to return a Preliminary Report Form within one month of the end of the expedition and a fuller Final Report on the expedition by the end of the calendar year. The Final Report will be catalogued and held electronically in Cambridge University's Institutional Repository.