Exploring the world’s coolest job: A Q&A with HX Expeditions’ Chief Scientist Dr Verena Meraldi
Q: You’ve been described as having one of the ‘coolest jobs on the planet’. What makes it so unique?
Being Chief Scientist for HX truly is one of the “coolest jobs on the planet.” It’s a rare privilege to support real, impactful research in one of the most remote and fragile environments on Earth and share it with travellers in real time. It’s a blend of science, exploration, education, and stewardship, and being able to connect people with science unfolding around them is both powerful and deeply rewarding.
Q: Can you share a bit about your journey into science and how you reached this role?
I’ve always been driven by a deep fascination for the natural world. I was fortunate to grow up in an environment where exploration was encouraged. This shaped my desire to understand how ecosystems function and adapt to extreme and changing environments. Over time, this evolved into a passion for connecting people with science. Working in the polar regions made it clear to me that science shouldn’t stay behind lab doors, it needs to be shared, lived, and experienced.
As Chief Scientist for HX, I was encouraged to develop what I believed expedition travel could be: a platform of opportunity for researchers, and a bridge between science and the public.
Q: What does a typical day look like aboard an Antarctic expedition?
There’s really no such thing as a “typical day”, that’s part of the magic. A morning might begin with a guest briefing about current science projects, followed by sample collection, wildlife spotting, or helping guests log observations.
The weather also dictates our plans: one moment we’re launching small boats to explore sea ice, and the next we’re recording data from whale encounters or supporting research teams deploying equipment.
Evenings blend science and storytelling, analysing the day’s findings, planning upcoming activities, or giving talks to help guests better understand what they’re witnessing.
Q: HX engages passengers in citizen science projects. Why is this so important?
Citizen science empowers travellers to contribute meaningfully to research, not only while they’re experiencing Antarctica firsthand, but also once they’re back home. Whether documenting whale sightings or monitoring cloud patterns, every observation helps scientists track environmental changes and shape effective conservation strategies.
Q: Antarctica is a fragile ecosystem. How do you ensure tourism is managed responsibly?
Our itineraries are carefully planned in line with visitation guidelines and landing limits developed through IAATO and aligned with the Antarctic Treaty System. We also adhere to rigorous environmental protocols and ensure passengers understand the impact of their actions. Protecting Antarctica is a shared responsibility, and we strive to lead the travel industry in ESG practices and sustainability standards.
Q: What has been the most memorable experience in your career so far?
It would have to be watching guests discover the extraordinary abundance of life in a single drop of ocean water. Seeing their amazement as the microscope reveals tiny, vibrant organisms they never imagined were there is truly special. It’s the moment when curiosity sparks, when they start asking questions and wanting to understand more. That shift from observing to genuinely engaging with science is what stays with me.
Q: What advice would you give to other women aspiring to similar roles?
Believe in your expertise, even on the days when you doubt it. Women often wait until we feel “perfectly ready” before stepping forward, but some of the most transformative opportunities come from saying yes before it’s comfortable. Seek out mentors and allies who challenge and support you. Don’t be afraid to be the only woman in the room. Your perspective is needed, especially in fields like science and exploration, where diversity drives better decisions and more inclusive conversations. Stay connected to the passion that brought you into this work in the first place.
Q: Looking forward, how do you hope your work influences the next generation?
I hope my work shows the next generation that science isn’t confined to a lab bench, it can be adventurous and hands-on. My aim is to show that caring for the planet is not an abstract concept but a shared responsibility.
Q: If you could give one tip to anyone chasing a ‘dream job’ in STEM or adventure travel, what would it be?
Follow your curiosity relentlessly. It’s the most reliable compass you’ll ever have. Dream jobs in STEM or adventure travel are rarely linear. Be open to detours, take the roles that stretch you, and don’t be afraid to say yes before you have all the answers. When work aligns with passion, it stops feeling like a job and becomes a way of living with purpose.