Monocle 24: The Pioneers

Rwandan veterinarian Olivier Nsengimana tells us about his mission to save the endangered grey-crowned crane, an elegant bird that represents wealth and prosperity but has been poached for people to keep as a pet.

The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, recognisable by its celestial markings. Australian scientist Brad Norman has been tracking this elusive and endangered creature by using technology designed to study stars, as well as images collected through ecotourism. Norman is based in Perth, where he runs his company Ecocean.

Former teacher Bruktawit Tigabu is teaching children in Ethiopia about hygiene through a hit TV show she created, ‘Tsehai Loves Learning’. It features a six-year-old giraffe who has become a beloved character watched by millions across Africa.

We speak to speleologist Francesco Sauro about the physical and psychological demands of cave exploration. He tells us what it's like to be the first person to set foot in a cave and how being a subterranean expert has enabled him to work with astronauts.

We meet rocket scientist-turned-immunology expert Mark Kendall to find out about his Nanopatch, which could revolutionise vaccinations and eradicate some diseases.

We speak to volcanologist Andrew McGonigle about the technology he’s developed to get inside volcanoes, where he finds his inspiration and how volcanology can take you to space.

Andrew Mueller speaks to Sara Saeed Khurram, founder of Sehat Kahani, about the “doctor brides” phenomenon and what she is doing to get female doctors in Pakistan practising while also making healthcare accessible.

We meet eye surgeon and founder of Peek Vision, Andrew Bastawrous who is a leading force in making eye healthcare available for everyone.

We meet marine biologist Emma Camp as she sets off in search of resilient corals that could save some of the world’s reefs.

Robert Bound meets glaciologist Joseph Cook to find out what life is like on an ice sheet and how he’s using AI to map these vast, icy landscapes as they disappear.

The Brazilian ecologist tells us about how his plans to save the arapaima – the giant endangered Amazonian fish – is not just about preserving a species but also about helping indigenous communities to survive.

We meet a Ugandan IT specialist who has found a way to diagnose malaria quickly, without drawing blood. He tells Andrew Mueller about his research and how he hopes to convince those affected to embrace new technology.

In rural India, relationships between humans and large mammals are increasingly fractured. Dr Krithi Karanth tells us how she intervenes by helping farmers get compensated for damaged land and by teaching children that the animals aren’t all bad.

We meet the French doctor making major advances in the treatment of paraplegic patients. He tells Andrew Mueller how he used his background in maths and physics to devise a spinal bridge that’s helping people to get moving.

Our new series begins with Californian molecular biologist Miranda Wang, who’s been thinking about the plastic crisis since high school. Now in her mid-twenties, she tells Andrew Mueller about her company BioCellection, which could turn a third of the world's plastic waste into wealth.

The Pioneers in partnership with Rolex is coming soon to Monocle 24.