THE opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Captain Robert Scott is being taken by an Exeter student.

James Borrell, 20, of the University of Exeter, is one of ten candidates who have been short-listed to take part in the International Scott Centenary Expedition (ISCE) after entering a competition.

The aim of the expedition is to visit Scott's last camp, where he and two other men perished from exposure and starvation 100 years ago. Two of Scott's comrades had died earlier in the mission, which is commonly known as the Terra Nova Expedition. James, a final year biology student at Exeter, said: "This centenary is literally a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I feel very privileged to be in some way involved with remembering this great man."

James's first expedition was to the rainforests of Madagascar with the British Schools Exploring Society (BSES), an experience that he says changed his life.

In Madagascar, James and his fellow team members helped begin a forest regeneration programme with the local communities, one of the main reasons he chose to study biology. He feels strongly about the benefits of expeditions to young people and last week was delighted to have secured the position of science co-ordinator on a BSES expedition to the Amazon this summer.

"One of the best things about BSES is that, in keeping with the ethos of Captain Scott, there is a purpose, a scientific aim, and with that comes an even greater sense of achievement," he said.

James now feels one step closer to his dream of travelling from the Amazon to Antarctica: "Visiting the Amazon rainforest is a dream come true for any biologist. The chance to journey to the other extreme, Antarctica, especially at such a historic time, would be incredible.

"The Terra Nova was, in fact, primarily a science expedition, and most of the people currently on Antarctica are scientists working in very tough conditions to learn more about our planet and the way it works. I'd love the chance to meet a few of them and find out more."

James gives presentations and talks at schools to encourage young people to embark on expeditions and he hopes that this centenary event will provide a fresh opportunity to inspire the next generation of modern-day explorers and scientists.

The selection process for the International Scott Centenary Expedition is currently taking place. Candidates will undergo a series of exercises, similar to those undertaken by the Royal Navy's newest recruits, to test their mental and physical stamina. Two finalists will be chosen from the selection process to join the expedition. The group will start out in January 2012.

Antony Jinman, a member of the selection panel and the leader of the overland party, said: "The competition winners will undergo a number of selection and training courses so that we can offer one lucky person the opportunity to join us on the sledging expedition. We will also have two others in reserve but will offer all candidates the opportunity to get involved with the expedition at some level."