Dr Heïdi Sevestre

Dr Heïdi Sevestre is an internationally renowned glaciologist, polar explorer and climate keynote speaker, recognised globally for her work communicating the realities of climate change from the front lines of the world’s frozen environments. Best known for becoming the first woman to complete a 4,000km traverse of Antarctica by kite-ski in 2026, Heïdi combines scientific expertise with extraordinary expedition experience to deliver impactful and inspiring keynote speeches. As a leading voice in climate advocacy, she is celebrated for making complex environmental science accessible to audiences ranging from governments and NGOs to major global businesses. 

Born in Haute-Savoie in the French Alps, Heïdi developed a deep appreciation for mountains and glaciers from a young age through skiing, climbing and mountaineering with her family. Determined to transform her passion into a career, she studied geography and urban planning at Université Lyon 3 before specialising in glaciology at Aberystwyth University in Wales. A formative semester in Svalbard, home to the world’s northernmost university centre, sparked her fascination with the Arctic and led her to pursue a PhD in Glaciology through the University Centre in Svalbard and the University of Oslo. During her academic career, Heïdi undertook major research expeditions in Greenland, Nepal and Antarctica, developing expertise in glacier dynamics and cryosphere science. Following her doctorate, she joined the MIDAS Antarctic research project before becoming a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Glaciology at the University of St Andrews, where her research contributed to internationally recognised scientific publications, including work featured on the cover of Science Magazine.

Throughout her career, Heïdi has balanced scientific research with an exceptional commitment to climate communication and public outreach. She currently serves as Deputy Secretary at AMAP, the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, part of the Arctic Council’s Working Groups, while continuing to lead expeditions to some of the most remote frozen regions on Earth. In 2022, she was awarded the inaugural Shackleton Medal for the Protection of the Polar Regions, recognising her outstanding contribution to polar science and environmental advocacy. This was followed by France’s Prix du Rayonnement Français Environnemental in 2023 and selection as a European Young Leader by Friends of Europe in 2024. In 2026, Heïdi was named to the prestigious Explorers Club 50, honouring fifty individuals changing the world through science and exploration. Alongside her scientific achievements, Heïdi is also an accomplished author, publishing books including ‘Demain C’est Nous’ and ‘Sentinelle du Climat’, while appearing in the National Geographic and Disney+ documentary series ‘Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold’.

As a keynote speaker, Heïdi is widely respected for her ability to connect cutting-edge climate science with practical, human-centred insights that resonate with audiences worldwide. Delivering approximately 100 talks annually across Europe, she speaks on climate change, sustainability, leadership, resilience, polar exploration and environmental responsibility. Organisations hire Heïdi to inspire action, encourage sustainable thinking and help audiences understand the urgency of protecting the cryosphere and the wider planet. Passionate, engaging and deeply knowledgeable, Heïdi leaves audiences informed, energised and motivated to make meaningful change.