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This year, our medals and awards recognise 27 outstanding people for their notable contributions to geography.   

Eminent oceanographer, Dr Enric Sala, and distinguished human geographer Professor Loretta Lees, have been awarded the two prestigious Royal Medals. These are part of a series of awards that recognise extraordinary achievement in geographical research, fieldwork and expeditions, teaching, policy, professional practice and public engagement. 

The Royal Medals, which are of equal standing, have been approved by His Majesty the King, and are among the highest honours of their kind in the world. They have been presented since the 1830s and past recipients include Sir David Attenborough, Dame Fiona Reynolds and Lindsey Hilsum. 

Dr Enric Sala received the 2026 Founder’s Medal in recognition of his global leadership in ocean conservation which includes National Geographic Pristine Seas. Enric commented: “While I am humbled to join the distinguished ranks of previous recipients - many of whom I consider personal heroes - I must also acknowledge the indispensable contributions of my Pristine Seas team. For nearly two decades, their dedicated efforts alongside me have been instrumental in our shared pursuit of marine exploration and conservation." 

Few individuals will leave such a lasting legacy for our oceans. Dr Sala has advanced our understanding of marine ecosystems and the threats they face, and he has formed productive partnerships with governments, international bodies, communities that depend on the ocean, and the wider public. Professor Dame Jane Francis, President of the Society
Enric in the snowy expanse of Franz Josef Land in Russia with camera equipment
© Manu San Félix, National Geographic Pristine Seas

Professor Loretta Lees received the 2026 Patron’s Medal for her substantial and sustained contributions to urban geography, including her pioneering role in the studies of gentrification. Jane said: “Loretta has made an indelible contribution to the future of urban geographies, both through researchers she has mentored and the global body of scholarship that has cited her work. The Patron’s Medal is a richly deserved recognition of all she has accomplished.” 

Geography is the discipline of the 21st Century, it taught me critical thinking and how to address social justice challenges in cities, I am deeply honoured to receive this medal.Professor Loretta Lees
Professor Loretta Lees standing on a street, facing the camera to her right
© Professor Loretta Lees
  • Professor Loretta Lees standing on a street, facing the camera to her right
  • Loretta Lees with 3 other people and next to a screen reading 'anti-displacement assessment tool'

The awards also showcase just how diverse and wide-ranging geographical work can be. Professor Rachel Pain received the Victoria Medal for her world-leading research on disasters, violence and recovery, and on her vital theoretical contributions to geography, particularly her work on feminist geopolitics and fear. Rachel said: “I am delighted and humbled to receive this award, for doing a job I love with incredible students and colleagues…geography combines the study of the major issues facing humanity and the planet – social, political and environmental.”   

Professor Rachel Pain presenting on stage at a conference
© Professor Rachel Pain

Awards were also presented to filmmakers, photographers and artists. Steve Backshall MBE received the Ness Award for energising interest in the natural world through TV programmes such as Deadly 60. The Cherry Kearton Medal and Award was jointly presented to Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey, known as Ackroyd & Harvey, for their internationally acclaimed work that intersects art, activism, architecture, biology, ecology and history. On the power of visual media for driving change, the pair commented: “We believe that real images - created by artists and not AI - play a very important role, with their power and immediacy, complex, interdisciplinary ideas and thoughts.”    

Ackroyd & Harvey standing next to two of their photographic photosynthesis portraits of Chenae Bullock and Elizabeth Solomon
© ISGM, Boston
  • Ackroyd & Harvey standing next to two of their photographic photosynthesis portraits of Chenae Bullock and Elizabeth Solomon
  • Steve Backshall facing the camera standing next to a body of water

Together, this year’s recipients show the many exciting and impactful ways that geography is helping make a difference in the world today. 

Find the full list of 2026 medal and award recipients. 

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