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Group photo of the 2020 and 2021 medal and award recipients courtesy of Ray Amoah Photography
Yesterday evening the recipients of our 2020 and 2021 medals and awards gathered at the Society for a celebration of their outstanding contributions to geographical research, fieldwork, teaching, policy, and public engagement.
The intimate ceremony was opened by the Society’s President, Nigel Clifford, before the attendees were joined by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, the Society’s Patron. During her speech, Her Royal Highness congratulated the recipients and commented on the challenges the Society had faced over the past 18 months, but also how the ongoing pandemic had led to innovation and increased engagement with the Society’s work.
In a moving speech, Vanessa Lawrence accepted the 2020 Patron’s Medal on behalf of its recipient Michael Jones, who sadly passed away last year. She said, “Michael Jones’ impact on geography, the environment and how we understand ‘where we are’ and understand other areas of the globe, cannot be underestimated. It is no exaggeration to say Michael’s various roles at Google, and elsewhere, changed how we all use maps. His vision of maps as richly interactive contexts for the world’s information is now a reality. His legacy will live on for generations.”
Fellows and members can view a recording of the ceremony on our website.
Every year our medals and awards recognise geographers who have made a significant contribution to geographical research, fieldwork, teaching, policymaking and public engagement. Any Fellow or member can make a nomination and the deadline for the 2022 awards is 5.00pm on Monday 7 February 2022.