Explorers-in-Residence Program, Explorer Information -- National Geographic

The World's Best Explorers and Scientists

Their groundbreaking discoveries fuel the conservation initiatives and compelling stories that are National Geographic's trademark.

Photograph by Stephen Alvarez

About the Program

The Explorers-in-Residence Program was created to enhance National Geographic's long-standing relationship with some of the world's best explorers and scientists. With the support of the National Geographic Society, explorers-in-residence develop programs and carry out fieldwork in their respective areas of study. Our explorers' groundbreaking discoveries fuel the kind of critical information, conservation initiatives, and compelling stories that are the trademark of the National Geographic Society.

Explorers in Residence

Did You Know?

Photograph by Emory Kristof

Underwater Detective

In 1985, ocean explorer and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Robert Ballard discovered the sunken remains of the most famous shipwreck in the world. Using National Geographic Society-designed imaging technologies, Ballard and his team pinpointed the Titanic under 12,000 feet (3,700 meters) of black water. The ship had lain undisturbed since it sank some 400 miles (120 meters) south of Newfoundland on April 14-15, 1912. Ballard went on to locate the remains of the battleship Bismarck and the ocean liner Lusitania.