Nominate a geographer making an outstanding contribution in their field

Do you have a colleague who deserves recognition for all they do for the geographical community, or know someone with a striking breadth of experience and expertise on geographical topics? We want to hear from you. 

Each year, the Society’s medals and awards recognise geographers who have made outstanding contributions to geographical research, fieldwork, teaching, policy, and public engagement, and celebrate excellence across the breadth of geographical endeavour. We strongly encourage nominations that reflect the full diversity of the geographical communities, including those from underrepresented groups and varied career pathways. 

Our medals and awards have a long and distinguished history. The first award, given just a year after the Society’s inception, was a gift of 50 guineas awarded with royal approval 'for the encouragement and promotion of geographical science and discovery’. Five years later, this monetary award was presented as a royal medal. By 1839, the single royal medal had been split into the Founder’s Medal and the Patron’s Medal, both of equal standing. These medals are among the highest honours of their kind in the world and are still approved by HRH the King. Previous royal medallists include Sir David Attenborough, Michael Palin and Børge Ousland. 

How to nominate someone 

Any Fellow or Member of the Society may make a nomination. Nominees can be from across the breadth of the discipline and do not need to hold Fellowship or Membership of the Society. 

All nomination materials, including letters from the supporting Members/Fellows, should be sent to director@rgs.org by the nomination deadline of 5.00pm on Monday 16 February 2026.

For full details of the nominations process and to nominate a geographer, visit the webpage.