Celebrating our medal and award recipients

Our Medals and Awards recognise excellence in geographical research and fieldwork, teaching and public engagement. In the lead up to this year’s presentation ceremony on Monday, we spoke to some of the recipients to find out more about their career paths, achievements, and aspirations.

Asked to reflect on their ambitions growing up, the recipients revealed a diversity of experiences. For some, their careers followed their childhood aspirations closely. Paul Logue, recipient of one of the Ordnance Survey Awards, told us he “always wanted to be a teacher”. And Professor Dariusz Wójcik’s interest in geography was sparked by early personal experiences:

“As a child in Poland in the 1970s, I loved maps before I learned the word geography. As I was learning about geography in the 1980s, I wanted to understand the map of the world economy…this desire grew as the iron curtain fell, and the Polish economy, and its map were changing rapidly in front of my eyes.”

Yet Professor Laura Pulido, who has been conferred Honourary Fellowship in recognition of her outstanding support for geography, became interested in her field later on:

"I come from a working-class background and grew up at a time when there were few career paths that I was aware of, especially for women of colour. I didn’t realise that women could do anything besides being a wife, mother, teacher or nurse – none of which appealed to me as a teen…while attending community college I enrolled in a California geography course that changed my life”.

Our recipients also shared their most memorable achievements to date. From Laura’s pioneering experience “nurturing a new generation of scholars in the fields of geography, American studies, and ethnic studies” and Dariusz’ creation of the first collection of maps dedicated to the topic of finance, to Ness Award recipient Phoebe Smith’s work supporting underprivileged young people through adventure, a commitment to geographical work offers diverse and brilliant stories of success.

To those seeking experience in their fields, recipient of the Back Award, Professor Mark Green, advised: "Reach out to as many stakeholders as possible, no matter how big or small, and ask how you can make a difference to them. You'll be surprised just how many will jump at the opportunity to work with you, as well as how rewarding it can be”.

While for those wanting to go on a challenging expedition, Harpreet (Preet) Chandi advised: “Start with what you have. You don’t need to have all the answers or the best kit from day one. Break things down, ask questions, do the research, and surround yourself with people who lift you up”.

Looking ahead, the recipients talked about their future aspirations and the legacies they hope to leave. Preet said: “I want others to see themselves in my story and feel like they can go out and achieve something that once felt out of reach.”

Professor Chris Sandbrook, who received the Cuthbert Peek Award for his work advancing geographical knowledge of human impact on the environment through contemporary methods, concluded his interview saying: "I hope I will leave an inclusive network of people who support each other in their professional and personal lives as they navigate these [environmental] challenges, and a sense that positive change is possible."

Find the full list of 2025 medal and award recipients, and read the series of interviews.