In the world of exploration, few teams blend adventure and scientific discovery as seamlessly as IMAQA. Founded by three explorers—Gilles Denis, Kyril Wittouck, and Alexandre Buslain—IMAQA brings together a passion for polar exploration, cutting-edge research, and the drive to share these extraordinary experiences with the world. Born out of the extreme conditions of the Nanok Expedition, IMAQA has evolved into a unique collaboration that unites adventurers, scientists, and communicators, all working towards a common goal: to push the boundaries of exploration while advancing scientific knowledge.
The IMAQA team, by IMAQA
Gilles Denis: The Arctic Dreamer
Gilles Denis is the embodiment of passion and adventure. With his head in the stars and his heart in the wilderness, Gilles is first and foremost a physicist, specializing in Earth and Climate Physics. His love affair with the Arctic began at the age of 18, when he first experienced the brutal yet breathtaking beauty of the northern winter. This love has only grown over the years, leading him to become an expedition guide in Greenland, where he has been working for the past five years.
When he’s not guiding in Greenland, Gilles embarks on all kinds of adventures—from polar expeditions and sea-kayaking journeys to scaling big walls in China and the U.S. His latest and most ambitious project is the Nanok Expedition, a five-month, self-sufficient triathlon across the wild and untamed expanses of Greenland. Nanok combines skiing, kayaking, and climbing in one of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth.
So, what keeps Gilles from ever considering another job? “I have an insatiable passion for the Arctic, wild landscapes, and adventure in all its forms. I couldn’t live any other way but to pursue this passion. For me, sharing these experiences—whether with fellow adventurers or those who listen to my stories—gives meaning to my life. It’s the smiles and wonder on the faces of my companions that make it all worthwhile.”
For Gilles, every expedition is unforgettable, but if he had to choose, two stand out. First, a 35-day winter adventure in the Yukon at age 18, where he explored abandoned trapper cabins in the Arctic wilderness. And second, in 2018, a six-week journey with his younger brother in southern Greenland, where they skied across the ice cap and kayaked through the fjords. This adventure became the subject of the film Frères des Glaces, a moving tale of brotherhood and partnership.
Kyril Wittouck: The Scientist and Entrepreneur
Kyril Wittouck, a co-founder of IMAQA, brings a scientific and entrepreneurial edge to the team. With a background in chemistry, Kyril’s passion for adventure is matched by his love for sports entrepreneurship. His involvement in various ventures—including Maniak, an indoor climbing gym, and Pink Peaks Climbing, a project dedicated to the climbing community—demonstrates his commitment to both physical and mental challenges.
Kyril’s unique blend of science and adventure makes him an invaluable member of the IMAQA team. His ability to build strong foundations through his expertise in chemistry and his passion for adventure sports helps IMAQA bridge the gap between rigorous scientific inquiry and the physical demands of exploration.
Alexandre Buslain: The Engineer-Adventurer
Alexandre Buslain, an engineer by training, plays a crucial role in IMAQA by connecting the worlds of adventure, science, and public engagement. With a career rooted in extreme sports and content production, Alexandre has been making a name for himself in Belgium since the age of 17. His lifelong passion for travel, discovery, and adventure made his involvement with IMAQA a natural fit.
Alexandre’s two engineering degrees—in industrial and commercial engineering—didn’t slow him down; instead, they fueled his independent projects while he was still a student. Through his work with prominent companies like Red Bull, The North Face, or Salomon, Alexandre has honed his skills in both media and sports, making him a key figure in IMAQA’s mission to bring adventure and science to the forefront.
Alexandre's role within IMAQA centers on sharing the team’s stories with the world, making sure that both the scientific and adventurous aspects of their missions reach a broader audience. His storytelling bridges the gap between the explorers in the field and the people who are eager to learn from their experiences.
Since August 2024, the IMAQA team has grown, welcoming Pauline to lead the educational department and Sandra, a communication specialist. Both have become indispensable to the project’s growth, bringing unique expertise in their respective fields. Their contributions are vital in shaping the future of IMAQA as it continues to expand its reach and impact, ensuring that the fusion of exploration and science remains at the heart of everything they do.
IMAQA: A Collaborative Vision
IMAQA stands as a testament to what can happen when explorers, scientists, and communicators come together under a shared vision. What started as a conversation between Gilles and Alexandre during the Nanok Expedition has grown into a multidisciplinary initiative that’s redefining what adventure and scientific exploration can achieve together. By combining extreme expeditions with valuable research, IMAQA is at the forefront of environmental and climate science, while also sharing the thrill of exploration with the world.
As IMAQA continues to grow, the team remains focused on one goal: using adventure as a tool to make science more accessible and impactful, all while inspiring the next generation of explorers.
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