Jean-Louis Étienne


Jean-Louis Étienne is a French doctor, explorer and scientist, well known for his Arctic and Antarctic explorations, including the famous Transantarctica in 1989.

Early life and education

Jean-Louis Étienne was born in Vielmur-sur-Agout in the department of Tarn. He studied at the technical high school of Mazamet where he graduated with a CAP in machining, then at the high school of Castres, and at the Faculté de Médecine of the Paul Sabatier University of Toulouse.
He obtained a doctorate in general medicine graduated with a DESS in Dietetics and food, as well as a diploma in biology and sports medicine. Jean-Louis Étienne is also a licensed doctor of the Merchant navy.

Career as explorer

Jean-Louis Étienne got interested in medical matters and human psychology in extreme conditions. In order to further his research, he participated in several expeditions in Himalaya, Greenland and Patagonia. He was a teammate on the Pen Duick VI under Éric Tabarly for its race around the world in 1977–78. He is well known for his expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica, with scientific as well as pedagogical goals, which attracted media coverage, disseminating knowledge and research, and promoting protection of the environment. He became famous with the feat of the 1990 International Trans-Antarctica Expedition, a 6,300 km crossing on foot, with dogs, of the Austral continent.

List of expeditions

Jean-Louis Étienne was named Officer of the Legion of Honour, after being named Chevalier. He was also named Chevalier of the National Order of Merit and Chevalier of the Ordre des Palmes Académiques. He received the gold medal from the Société de géographie and is a member of the French Academy of Technologies. He also received two prizes from the French Academy of Sports for his scientific and sport achievements.

Publications