Society medals and awards
Our prestigious medals and awards recognise excellence in geographical research and fieldwork, teaching and public engagement.
Nominations for the 2026 medals and awards have now closed.
Recognising outstanding contributions
Our medals and awards have a long history, originating in 1831 as an annual gift from King William IV. Today, they're presented every year in recognition of those who have made outstanding contributions.
Our Gold Medals are among the highest international accolades and are awarded for the encouragement and promotion of geography, science and discovery. His Majesty The King approves the award of two Gold Medals.
How to nominate someone for a medal or award
Any Fellow or Member of the Society may make a nomination.
We strongly encourage nominations that reflect the full diversity of the geographical communities, including those from underrepresented groups and varied career pathways.
Current medals and awards
The following awards are currently given:
Gold Medals
Founder’s and Patron’s Medals for the encouragement and promotion of geographical science and discovery. The two Gold medals are both approved by His Majesty The King.
Victoria Medal
For conspicuous merit in research in geography.
Busk Medal
For conservation research or for fieldwork abroad in geography or in a geographical aspect of an allied science.
Cherry Kearton Medal and Award
For a traveller concerned with the study or practice of natural history, with a preference for those with an interest in nature photography, art or cinematography.
Murchison Award
For publications judged to contribute most to geographical science in preceding recent years.
Back Award
For applied or scientific geographical studies which make an outstanding contribution to the development of national or international public policy.
Cuthbert Peek Award
For those advancing geographical knowledge of human impact on the environment through the application of contemporary methods, including those of earth observation and mapping.
Gill Memorial Award
For the encouragement of geographical research in early career researchers* who have shown great potential (*defined as within 10 years of completing their PhD).
Ordnance Survey Awards
In recognition of excellence in geography education at the secondary level.
Taylor and Francis Award
For excellence in the promotion and practice of teaching and learning in Higher Education.
Ness Award
For travellers, particularly those who have successfully popularised geography and the wider understanding of our world and its environments.
Fordham Award
For distinguished contributions to the field of cartobibliography.
Geographical Award
For a company or individual that had provided outstanding (non-commercial) support for individuals or groups learning through scientific expeditions; or for an expedition(s) that has had a significant impact in inspiring and raising the understanding of geographical issues among schools or the public.
Professional Geography Award
For recognition of excellence in the use of geography in professional practice.
Geographical Engagement Award
To recognise excellence in public engagement in relation to geographical issues and/or geography through the media, design or other means.
Honorary Fellowship
For service to the cause of geography or to the work of the Society.* (*It is expected that a recipient’s activities over a number of years will have resulted in a substantive benefit to the discipline of geography or to the Society, beyond any contribution arising from the recipient’s regular employment).
Honorary Membership
For outstanding services and contributions to a geographical dimension of public life.
