By: Emily Thornton

Exploration today is about far more than reaching the highest peaks or diving into the deepest oceans. Richard Wiese, president of The Explorers Club, has been instrumental in reshaping how the world views discovery, expanding it beyond adventure to include scientific research, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability. Through his leadership, exploration is now an avenue for solving global challenges and advancing human knowledge.

Wiese’s passion for discovery was instilled at an early age. Richard Wiese Sr.’s father made history as the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean, demonstrating that true exploration is about pushing boundaries. By the time Wiese was 11, he had already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, setting him on a lifelong path of exploration. However, his vision goes beyond personal feats—he is dedicated to ensuring that exploration is a tool for learning, collaboration, and global progress.

One of Wiese’s most impactful initiatives has been the Explorers Club 50 (EC50), a program designed to highlight and support individuals making groundbreaking contributions in various fields. “The world doesn’t just need more explorers; it needs more recognized explorers,” Wiese explains. EC50 has elevated the profiles of scientists, researchers, and conservationists who are making a tangible impact, from climate change mitigation to space exploration and indigenous knowledge preservation.

Under Wiese’s leadership, exploration has evolved into a more inclusive and multidisciplinary field. Traditionally associated with rugged adventurers, the modern explorer is just as likely to be a marine biologist studying ocean ecosystems, an anthropologist uncovering lost histories, or a climatologist tracking environmental shifts. Wiese has helped shift the focus from personal conquests to collective achievements, ensuring that exploration is a collaborative effort that benefits humanity.

Beyond institutional leadership, Wiese has played a key role in bringing exploration to mainstream audiences through media. His Emmy-winning television series Born to Explore has introduced viewers to diverse cultures, groundbreaking scientific discoveries, and urgent environmental issues. “If we want people to care about exploration, we have to make it accessible and inspiring,” Wiese says. His ability to blend education with storytelling has helped make discovery more relatable and engaging for global audiences.

The impact of Wiese’s work can be seen in those who have benefited from EC50. “Being named an EC50 honoree truly turned my world upside down in the best way,” says Dr. Britney Schmidt, a polar explorer. “Before that, I was more of a silent member of The Explorers Club, but this recognition connected me with an incredible community of like-minded explorers who see the world in unique ways.”

Wiese strongly believes that exploration is not a solitary pursuit but a collective effort. He has established partnerships with research institutions, corporations, and conservation groups to ensure innovative projects receive the necessary funding and support. “No one explores alone,” he states. “The greatest discoveries happen when we collaborate, share knowledge, and build on each other’s expertise.” His work has helped position The Explorers Club as a hub for some of the most significant discoveries of our time.

Looking ahead, Wiese envisions exploration as a driving force for solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. From climate change to biodiversity loss, he believes that prospecting should be solution-driven, contributing to meaningful scientific advancements, conservation, and cultural preservation. “Exploration isn’t just about going where no one has gone before,” he says. “It’s about using what we learn to create lasting change.”

Through his leadership, Richard Wiese ensures that exploration remains a powerful tool for global progress. By fostering inclusivity, championing innovation, and ensuring that exploration is relevant to modern challenges, he makes discovery more impactful than ever. Whether through his work at The Explorers Club, his television career, or his advocacy for scientific research, Wiese continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, proving that exploration is about more than adventure—it is about shaping a better world for future generations.

Published by Stephanie M.