Wikipedia:Today's featured article/October 10, 2011



Fridtjof Nansen (1861–1930) was a Norwegian explorer, scientist, diplomat, humanitarian and Nobel laureate. After studies in zoology at the University of Christiania, his research on the central nervous system of lower marine creatures helped to establish modern theories of neurology. As an explorer, in 1888 Nansen led the first successful crossing of the Greenland interior, and later won international fame after reaching a record northern latitude of 86°14′ during his North Pole expedition of 1893–96. After 1896 his main scientific interest switched to oceanography and he contributed significantly to the development of modern oceanographic techniques and equipment. In 1905 Nansen  was instrumental in persuading Prince Charles of Denmark to accept the throne of the newly independent Norway, and later served  as the Norwegian representative in London. In 1922 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize  for his work for the League of Nations on behalf of the displaced victims of the First World War and related conflicts. After his death the League established the Nansen International Office for Refugees to ensure that his work continued. His name is commemorated in numerous geographical features, particularly in the polar regions. (more...)

Recently featured: Waddesdon Road railway station – Triton – "Just Like Heaven"