Alex talks about his experience living in Antarctica and why he is undertaking this mission. He will ultimately answer the question -- why should the human race invest its precious and finite resources into space exploration?

A doctor and British-Indian in origin, Alex Kumar (@DrAlexKumar) graduated with a Medical Degree from Guy's, King's & St. Thomas' in London, following medical placements in India, Israel, Shetland and the Amazon and holds a degree in International (Public) Health. Alex travelled to Antarctica and spent around one year living at Concordia, a joint French-Italian inland Antarctic research station, employed as the Human Spaceflight Research MD to conduct research for the European Space Agency. In early 2013 Alex joined the Shackleton Epic team, under-taking the authentic re-creation of Sir Ernest Shackleton's famous escape from Antarctica. He has appeared in a front page feature of the Sunday Times News Review section and interviewed in many radio shows including BBC Radio 4.

This talk was part of the "The Art and Science of Tomorrow" session at TEDxOxbridge "Timeless Ideas" in Oxford, England at the Said Business School on June 1, 2013. Find out more about TEDxOxbridge at www.tedxoxbridge.com or on Facebook or Twitter (@tedxoxbridge).

About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)