Verena is a Swiss/Mexican biologist, born in Mexico City. She began her scientific career studying biology at the National University (UNAM) – the largest university in Latin America before moving to the University of Lausanne to complete her Ph.D. in Immunology in 2002. After completing her studies, she started work at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. In 2007 she started working for HX Hurtigruten Expeditions as a lecturer and later an explorer consultant. Not long after she started with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, Verena made her first trip to Antarctica in 2007. It was during this visit that she realised how this unique and fragile part of the world has the potential to change public behaviours and attitudes toward protecting our planet. Since this initial sailing to Antarctica, Verena has been one of the driving forces behind HX Hurtigruten Expeditions' extensive Science & Education programme and became the cruise industry’s first Chief Scientist in May 2018.

As the Chief Scientist across HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, it is Verena’s job to further develop and oversee the Science & Education programme for not only our guests but the wider scientific community. When Verena first joined HX Hurtigruten Expeditions the onboard education consisted of lectures on the local wildlife, history, and geography. However, she quickly learnt that the guests were hungry for more and it has been a big focus in her role as Chief Scientist to bring these immersive experiences on board. We now offer specific Citizen Science Projects on board all our expedition cruises, working with third-party organisations like the NASA GLOBE Observer Programme or Happywhale to support their ongoing research. Another major role of the programme is to offer the Expedition ships as research platforms for scientists to perform their work while interacting with guests, as well as providing logistical support such as transporting research teams and their equipment to some of the world’s remote locations. Due to the success of the research projects, we have been fortunate to see many teams come back on board year after year – building strong relationships and collaborations. By bringing together these two groups, we can support vital research and give life-changing opportunities to all, a testament to the hard work of Verena and her team.

From working alongside organisations on the frontline of climate & wildlife research to delivering & planning the onboard science activities there are many aspects of Verena’s job that she enjoys. But seeing the wonder on our guest’s faces when they discover something they didn’t expect to see such as phytoplankton under the microscope or spotting a pod of whales for the first time, is the best feeling in the world. This, coupled with their desire to learn more and ongoing commitment to want to protect the oceans and environment is both empowering and all the inspiration she needs to build and grow the Science & Education programme further.