Largest Expedition in APEX History Marks Growing Partnership with British Embassy

The University of Edinburgh's Altitude Physiology EXpedition (APEX) programme has reached a significant milestone with the largest expedition in its 22-year history, APEX 7. With over 80 participants, it will also be the largest controlled ascent of its kind ever conducted worldwide. The team, led by students and academics, will trek to Huayna Potosí base camp at 4,800 metres above sea level to conduct a wide range of physiological and medical research. This year's research will focus on how the human body adapts to high-altitude environments, exploring topics such as cortisol and stress response, impact of altitude on the brain, and skin health.

Key Takeaways:

• The largest expedition in APEX history, APEX 7, has 80 participants and will be the largest controlled ascent of its kind ever conducted worldwide.
• The expedition will trek to Huayna Potosí base camp at 4,800 metres above sea level to conduct research on how the human body adapts to high-altitude environments.
• This year's research will include studies on cortisol and stress response, impact of altitude on the brain, and skin health, including one comprehensive prospective investigation of atopic dermatitis at altitude.
• APEX 7 is the 22nd expedition in the programme's history and marks a growing partnership between the University of Edinburgh and the British Embassy in Bolivia.
• The British Embassy's support has been invaluable, enabling the team to bring many research devices into the country, and symbolising a growing partnership and mutual enthusiasm for future collaboration.
• The expedition team includes students and academics from the University of Edinburgh, and the programme has been led by students and academics since its inception in 2001.

Statistics:

• 22 years of APEX programme history, with 22 expeditions conducted to date.
• 80 participants in the largest expedition, APEX 7.
• 4,800 metres above sea level: the altitude of the expedition's destination, Huayna Potosí base camp.
• 5 research projects: focusing on cortisol and stress response, impact of altitude on the brain, and skin health, including one comprehensive prospective investigation of atopic dermatitis at altitude.
• 1st official event hosted in collaboration with the British Embassy in Bolivia as part of the University's APEX programme.

Sources:

• Colette Revadillo et al. (no date) 'Largest Expedition in APEX History APEX 7'. The University of Edinburgh website, University of Edinburgh.
• Revadillo, C. (no date) 'Interview with Colette Revadillo'. The University of Edinburgh website, University of Edinburgh.
• APEX 7 (no date) 'About APEX'. The University of Edinburgh website, University of Edinburgh.
• British Embassy in Bolivia (no date) 'Visit of the APEX team'. British Embassy in Bolivia website, British Embassy in Bolivia.