
This year, our medals and awards recognise 21 different people for their extraordinary achievement in geographical research, fieldwork and teaching, photography, and public engagement.
Paul Rose and Professor Yadvinder Malhi have been awarded the Society’s two Royal Medals. The Royal Medals are approved by Her Majesty the Queen, and are among the highest honours of their kind in the world. Previous recipients include Sir David Attenborough, Professor Diana Liverman and Lindsey Hilsum.
Paul Rose receives the 2018 Founder’s Medal for scientific expeditions and enhancing public understanding. President of the Society Nicholas Crane said, “Paul Rose has been leading expeditions for over thirty years, collaborating with the world’s top field scientists to unlock the secrets of remote and challenging parts of the globe. He exemplifies the power of scientific expeditions to transform lives and is an inspiration.”
Encouraged by his geography teacher for his enthusiasm for travel, Paul Rose said: “Receiving the Royal Medal feels fantastic as I always look at the names of past recipients when I enter the Society and I feel truly honoured to be in their company.”
The 2018 Patron’s Medal is awarded to Professor Yadvinder Malhi for his world leading studies on the impact of climate change on tropical ecosystems. Not only a world leading researcher, Professor Yadvinder Malhi is also an inspiring teacher and public speaker. As pointed out by Nicholas Crane: “Yalvinder has been the catalyst for many others to become involved in rainforest research.”
Professor Yadvinder Malhi said: “I am delighted and humbled to be awarded the Patrons’ Medal, not only for myself but also in recognition of the many colleagues and students across the world, and especially in the tropics, with whom I have worked."
Among other recipients, sculptor, photographer and filmmaker Andy Goldsworthy received the Cherry Kearton Medal and Award for his sculptural works that inspire reflection on changing environments.
The awards will be presented on Monday 4 June as part of the Society’s Annual General Meeting in London and the full list of recipients is below.
Her Majesty the Queen has approved the award of the Royal Medals as follows:
Royal Medal - Founder’s Medal
Royal Medal - Patron’s Medal
The Society’s Council has made the following awards:
Victoria Medal
Busk Medal
Cherry Kearton Medal and Award
Murchison Award
Back Award
Cuthbert Peek Award
Gill Memorial Awards (two awards)
Ordnance Survey Awards (two awards)
Taylor and Francis Award
Ness Award
Alfred Steers Dissertation Prize
Area Prize
Geographical Award
Honorary Fellowship in recognition of outstanding support for the Society and Geography
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Peter Davies
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Andrew Linnell
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Paul Slawson
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Mary Slawson