Speaker — Neptune Forum 2026
Jean-Louis Etienne
SOUTHERN-OCEAN 4 SEASONS
Explorer, Chair of Neptune Communities
Océan Polaire ; Southern-Ocean 4 Seasons
With a unique background—starting as a machinist before becoming a medical doctor—Jean-Louis Étienne is a world-renowned explorer. He made history as the first person to reach the North Pole solo in 1986 and led the first complete crossing of Antarctica in 1989-90. A tireless advocate for the planet, his numerous scientific and educational expeditions aim to raise awareness of the polar regions and their crucial role in Earth’s climate and life cycles. Driven by his passion for great adventures, his next mission will take him to the Southern Ocean for an unprecedented exploration aboard PERSEVERANCE, an oceanographic sailing vessel designed for exploration in extreme environments. Jean-Louis Étienne is also the author of over thirty books
