How much do you care about our planet? Dr Sea cares a lot and needs your help.

WHAT IS HOMEWARD BOUND?

Homeward Bound is an inspiring leadership and strategic initiative teamed with a climate science education programme. It is set against the backdrop of Antarctica, and it involves 78 women scientists from around the globe. The project aims to elevate the role of women in science to positions that influence policy and strategy for a more sustainable future. Highly respected women scientists like Dame Jane Goodall and Dr Sylvia Earle are the patrons of this expedition.

Homeward Bound will draw attention to polar science and the impact of the changing climate on our way of life. But, most importantly, it will highlight the importance of gender equity in today's world and how much we need it to influence positive change. We need more science women leaders in order to create the urgent change the world needs.

WHY DO WE NEED MORE WOMEN SCIENCE LEADERS?

Despite more females obtaining university degrees than males, there is a clear paucity of women working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) - and they get paid significantly less than their male counterparts. Not enough women advance to leadership roles - for example, only around a fifth of them hold senior academic positions. This is despite the fact that women bring highly valuable leadership characteristics to the table.

A global shift in the landscape of gender equity will benefit all of us. We can inspire that change by empowering and elevating women to executive decision-making positions in science through fostering their development as leaders. That is why Homeward Bound truly is worthy of your support.

WHY ANTARCTICA?

This expedition will take place against the backdrop of West Antarctica, a region that is showing one of the fastest responses to climate change anywhere on the planet. This will have a highly significant effect on sea level rise. Polar research provides critical insights into global climate change impacts, which is vital to informing climate policy and future sustainable development.

It is also hoped that the wild landscape of this changing continent, and our journey to it, will capture the imagination of the global community. This will help us draw attention to both the state of our planet and the big issues regarding the leadership of women in science.

HOW WILL THIS EXPEDITION BE DOCUMENTED?

A documentary film will be made to capture the value of women leadership in our world, through the voices and experience of the women joining Homeward Bound and the voices of world leaders calling for greater equity in science. The real power lies in what the women do with what they create together so it is the filmmakers' intention to capture some of the stories before, during and after the 20-day Antarctic voyage, and interview inspiring women leaders, such as Dame Jane Goodall.

There will also be a 3-year research project undertaken by the University of Tasmania, which will follow the impact of the expedition on the women's leadership journey before, during and after the trip.

The media outreach of this project has been exceptional, with over 170 million people hearing about it, to date. Due to the strong, global dissemination and media efforts of the Homeward Bound team, this project would provide an excellent opportunity for (business) sponsorship and PR. For example, I would be more than happy to wear branded (New Zealand) clothing in the documentary and on my extensive social media presence. If you are, or know of, any business that might be interested in sponsoring my trip other than financially, please get in touch.

WHAT WILL THE FUNDS BE USED FOR?

The expedition itself costs US$15,000 per participant, this is matched by Dattner Grant with another US$15,000. In addition, there are flights to and from Ushuaia, insurance and clothing. All up, it will cost me between NZ$26,000-$30,000, depending how cheap flights and clothing etc are (you may see in my video that I am already going for the cheapest options!).

The funding breakdown is approximately as follows: 80% expedition costs, 10% flights, 5% appropriate clothing, 5% travel insurance and health-related needs.

Any money I receive will go towards meeting the expedition costs.

WHAT WILL YOU GET FOR SUPPORTING THIS CAUSE?

Other than the obvious feel-good factor and being forever held warmly in my mind and heart, there is also going to be some swag to say thanks to my kind donors:

- Donations over $25 will receive a personalised shout-out on social media with a photo of Sea (in a squid suit maybe?) taken in Antarctica.

- Donations over $100 will receive a beautiful printed photograph of the Antarctic wildlife (hopefully, above and below the water).

- Donations over $500 will get Dr Sea (in the squid outfit, if requested) to give a talk about marine biology, the kraken, behaviour change and/or the Antarctica expedition at the school/organisation of your choice. I will try to honour this wherever you are from in the world (if possible).

- Donations over $1000 will get all of the above and a sunset dinner on my veranda when you find yourself in Wellington!