Scientific fieldwork Borneo
Borneo Fieldwork

With Taxon Expeditions, you are not simply a tourist, you are an explorer, an adventurer, and a scientist!

Scientific Travel | Insect Expeditions | Research Travel

Always wanted to be a modern Darwin and discover new species of wildlife? Then join Taxon Expeditions! We offer a unique experience in biodiversity hotspots around the world for the untrained biodiversity enthusiast. Our experts will teach you the tricks of the trade of discovering, naming, and describing new species. You will enter the forest with bug nets and jars, and emerge with previously unknown creepy-crawlies that you get to name yourselves in top-notch scientific journals! Embark on an extraordinary journey and contribute to scientific discovery through hands-on citizen science travel adventures.

Scheduled Expeditions

Scheduled Expeditions

Montenegro scientific travel expedition

Rainforest Expedition, Borneo

The Expedition will take place in the jungles of Borneo in the remote research centre of Ulu Temburong National Park in Brunei. We will stay in the very heart of the tropical rainforest with large areas yet to be explored and documented. Ulu Temburong is one of the few remaining untouched wilderness areas in the world.  

7 – 16 October 2025 | 10 days

Program

From € 3,600

Status: open for registration

Montenegro Canyon Scientific Travel

Secret Canyon, Montenegro

For the more adventurous-hearted, we offer a new destination: an unexplored 600-m-deep, 25-km-long canyon in Montenegro. Slated to be the site for a devastating hydropower dam, our expedition will document and help conserve the unique and endemic flora and fauna before it is too late. Join us in our mission to preserve this natural marvel.

7 – 15 July 2025 | 9 days

Program

€ 3,000

Status: 5 spots left!

Tuscany Scientific holiday

Medieval Castle, Italy

Taxon Expeditions goes medieval! … in this Expedition to the majestic Castello and the fields, forests and streams of Potentino Valley. Not only will you study new and unique species but you also get to do your own mini research project. Oh, and did we mention that you will stay in the castle? Tutti benvenuti!

2 – 9 June 2025 | 8 days

Program

From € 3,000

Status: open for registration

Fieldwork Indonesia

What you can expect:

  • Doing real research with real scientists, top experts in their field
  • Lectures and hands-on field research
  • Discovering and naming your own new species
  • DNA analysis in the field using nanopore technology
  • Working in a scientific field laboratory
  • Jungle trekking, caving, canopy climbing, night walks, birdwatching, and more
  • The most amazing animals and plants in the world
  • Scientific travel like no other!
Learn more about the expeditions

Our team of Scientists

Menno Schilthuizen

Menno Schilthuizen

Dr. Menno Schilthuizen is co-founder and co-director of Taxon Expeditions. He is a senior researcher at Naturalis Biodiversity Center, and professor of evolution and biodiversity.
Iva Njunjic
Iva Njunjic
Dr. Iva Njunjić is co-founder and co-director of Taxon Expeditions. She is biospeleologist (or: cave-biologist) working on systematics and evolution of cave beetles.
Hendrik Freitag
Hendrik Freitag
Dr. Hendrik Freitag, instructor on our Borneo and Montenegro expeditions, is a Full Professor at the Ateneo de Manila University where he leads the Ecology and Systematics Research Cluster.
Read more about the team
Massimo Delledonne
Massimo Delledonne
Dr. Massimo Delledonne is Full Professor of Genetics at Universita’ degli Studi di Verona. He manages a vigorous research program that emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding plant and human biology.
Andrew Quitmeyer
Andrew Quitmeyer
Dr. Andrew Quitmeyer is a hacker adventurer studying intersections between wild animals and computational devices. His research inspired an international television series “Hacking the Wild” on Discovery Networks.
Carin Bondar
Carin Bondar
Guest instructor is Canadian TV biologist Dr. Carin Bondar. She has a PhD in biology from the University of British Columbia. Her fieldwork took her to the forests of British Columbia and New Zealand.

Testimonials

Dirk Lankenau, Germany

“Taxon Expeditions is unique in helping citizen scientists to build all skills necessary to monitor species diversity and even discover new species. Most noteworthy, aside from the scientific aspects of the trip, was the fact that I forged friendships with individuals who shared a kindred spirit.

Thank you, Iva and Menno for having set up such competence in experiencing the natural world.”

Taly Eddington, USA

“Our expedition to Tawau in Borneo was simply amazing! The jungles were beautiful, the wildlife diversity was incredible, but most importantly – the instructors were extremely patient, knowledgeable, and really helped me learn and retain so much information about ecology, biodiversity, evolutionary changes, DNA, field-work, and so much more! Finding and describing 5 new species was an incredible culmination of all the hard work we put into everything. If I could, I would go again in a heartbeat, and recommend it to anyone with an interest in nature, biodiversity, and a sense of adventure!”

Charlie Elder, UK

“The successful Borneo expedition I joined was an experience of a lifetime, excellently organised by friendly, knowledgeable and engaging experts.
A fascinating and packed programme of treks and talks offered the chance to learn the field skills and science required to claim new finds as we explored Sabah’s biodiversity-rich rainforest.
The inspiring trip was underpinned by a strong sense of teamwork. I came in search of new species and found great people as well. I thoroughly recommend Taxon Expeditions to any nature lovers looking to join a genuine journey of discovery!”
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