Our prestigious medals and awards recognise excellence in geographical research, fieldwork, teaching, and public engagement. They are presented annually in recognition of those who have made outstanding contributions. Any Fellow or member of the Society may make a nomination.
Her Majesty The Queen approves the award of two Gold Medals every year. They originated in 1831, as an annual gift of fifty guineas from King William IV.
In 1839, the Society decided that this sum should be converted into two gold medals of equal value, to be designated the Founder’s Medal and the Patron’s Medal.
Today, the Society's Gold Medals are among the highest international accolades and are awarded for the encouragement and promotion of geography, science and discovery.