Where on earth might one experience… an unforgettable event involving over 1200 ambitious and inspiring medics, academics and explorers from all corners of the globe (let’s not forget space!) - all united for one common concern?
Need a further clue? This unique community is unified by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in medicine and is defined by values of curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing extreme medicine (especially in austere environments).
The answer? The captivating World Extreme Medicine Conference 2025 (WEM25) held at the very apt Dynamic Earth, a world-class science centre at the foot of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
During what proved to be an unforgettable three days (15 - 17 November 2025), delegates honed their medical aid and exploration skills, expanded their networks, and re-energised (if that was possible!) their unwavering passion to providing the breakthroughs and much-needed solutions to medical care in the most extreme and challenging environments.
WEM25 unified an exceptional community of clinicians, researchers, educators, explorers, astronauts, cosmonauts and leaders working across extreme, remote and austere environments, breaking down silos, sharing knowledge and opportunities, whilst also stimulating new research.
Delegates engaged in hands-on workshops, listened to compelling in-depth sessions, connected with peers, and shared knowledge that will influence practice across multiple medical disciplines (including oncology, maxillofacial, ophthalmology, vascular, and remote midwifery).
Medics, including trainee doctors, paramedics and nurses, through to consultants and surgeons, were joined by intrepid explorers, record-breaking adventurers, academics and humanitarians.
World Extreme Medicine’s Co-Founder Professor Mark Hannaford invited Kate Adams - UP’s Chief Operating Officer and Bethany Skinnard, a PR & Content Strategist at UP to attend WEM25 due to its close alignment with not only UP’s specialisms (notably within the life science, medical devices, health and sustainability sectors), but also due to the organisations shared brand values and commitments to making this world a better place. Both companies also share tangible commitments to sustainability (for example, UP’s GOLD rating from EcoVadis and WEM’s B-Corp certification).
“Welcoming Kate Adams and Bethany Skinnard from UP There, Everywhere to WEM25 felt completely natural for a gathering built around purpose and progress. Their work in life science, health and sustainability aligns seamlessly with our own mission, and their presence underscored the shared values that link our organisations, from UP’s EcoVadis GOLD rating to WEM’s B-Corp commitment. Having them with us strengthened the sense that collective action really can shape a better world."
- Professor Mark Hannaford, Co-Founder of World Extreme Medicine.
"We’re grateful to have UP There, Everywhere’s support as we expand our work in 2026. This partnership will enable us to reach more people and deepen understanding of the mission behind The WEM Fund.”
- Luca Alfatti, FRRHH, FRGS, FEWM, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of The World Extreme Medicine Fund (WEM Fund).
“WEM25 brought together an extraordinary community of medics, explorers and changemakers who are shaping the future of care in extreme and remote environments. Their dedication to learning, collaboration and global service is nothing short of inspiring. I left feeling energised and optimistic about the possibilities that emerge when people are willing to step into challenges with curiosity, commitment and compassion.”
- Kate Adams, Chief Operating Officer, UP There, Everywhere.
"Attending WEM25 was not only a highlight of my career to-date, but also of my personal life. It’s rare to attend an event that holds your attention for literally every minute. When my former client, Professor Mark Hannaford, approached me about supporting The WEM Fund, I seized the opportunity. The WEM Fund’s mission aligns to both my professional and personal values. I am very much looking forward to working with Mark and Luca Alfatti throughout 2026 on raising the profile of the invaluable WEM Fund to help increase the funding it needs to continue its critical life-saving work."
- Bethany Skinnard, PR & Content Strategist UP There, Everywhere.
How does UP give back to society?
Every UP member allocates 5% of their time to charitable or Not-For-Profit organisations on a pro bono basis. We believe that the more we give, the more society benefits.
UP will be working with WEM’s not-for-profit arm, The WEM Fund (WEMF), throughout 2026. WEMF is a volunteer-driven initiative that has facilitated over £4.3 million worth of trauma supplies, delivered targeted medical training and delivered low-cost yet highly effective innovations (such as the MedAidFx® external fixator) to some of the world’s most conflict-affected regions - with the NFP’s key focus currently (and unsurprisingly) being Ukraine.
During WEM25, the UP team also had invaluable conversations regarding the WEM Fund with Travis Kaufman, a Clinician and Strategic Medical Planner and let’s not forget, former White House Medical Officer. Travis has provided invaluable on-the-ground support and advice to volunteers and medics from the WEM Fund in Ukraine, and this partnership is set to continue for the foreseeable future.
Bethany also met with WEM25’s Guest of Honour, Lieutenant Colonel Roman Kuziv. His clinical leadership within the Armed Forces of Ukraine and his insights into trauma systems and medical evacuation provided us with essential context and insight.
During a highly poignant moment on the closing day, Lt. Col. Dr Roman Kuziv also presented the National Ukrainian Medal Cross for Care, Medal No. 249, to the WEM Fund’s Co-founders Professor Mark Hannaford and Luca Alfatti in recognition of the WEM Fund’s ongoing support to Ukraine’s medical community.
In addition to a plethora of hands-on medical training sessions (designed specifically to mimic resource-limited / austere environments), there were also high adrenaline keynote sessions involving elite athletes and mountaineers - many of whom were medic and athlete / record-breaking adventurer combined (again, the energy of these individuals was palpable!).
We attended excellent sessions delivered by these inspiring (and seemingly super-human!) individuals, which combined lessons from elite endurance sport, oncology, and mountain environments to explore resilience, purpose, and the realities of facing challenges in both clinical and personal contexts.
The sense of momentum, connection and shared purpose was evidently obvious during every moment of this unforgettable event. The UP team is already on the countdown to WEM26 (early bird tickets now available).
To learn more about how UP gives back to the planet and society, please click here.