
The 2018 medal and award recipients were presented with their accolades yesterday in a ceremony that took place in the Ondaatje Lecture Theatre at Lowther Lodge. The medals and awards recognise individuals for their outstanding contributions to geography and are awarded annually by the Society.
Sixteen of the 21 recipients were able to attend in person, for what was an uplifting and joyous occasion, with many family members, close friends and Society staff sharing in the celebrations. The medals and awards were presented by Nicholas Crane in his last act as President before handing over the role to Baroness Lynda Chalker.
Paul Rose and Professor Yadvinder Malhi were awarded the Society’s two Royal Medals. The Royal Medals are part of the wide range of awards that recognise extraordinary achievement in geographical research, fieldwork and teaching, photography, and public engagement. 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.
The full list of medals and awards recipients for 2018 is:
Founder’s Medal
For scientific expeditions and enhancing public understanding
Patron’s Medal
For world leading studies on the impact of climate change on tropical ecosystems
Victoria Medal
For internationally leading research on globalisation and political economy
Busk Medal
For interdisciplinary research on economy, environment and development
Cherry Kearton Medal and Award
For sculptural works that inspire reflection on changing environments
Murchison Award
For pioneering research in fluvial geomorphology and its environmental applications
Back Award
For contributions at the interface of geographical research and policy
Cuthbert Peek Award
For advancing geographical knowledge of human impact on the environment through the application of contemporary methods
Gill Memorial Awards (two awards)
For outstanding early career research in cultural geography
For outstanding early career research in agent-based social geography [geocomputation]
Ordnance Survey Awards (two awards)
-
Dr Aidan Hesslewood
-
Laura-Jayne Ward
For excellence in geography education at the secondary level
Taylor and Francis Award
For sustained contributions to teaching and learning in higher education
Ness Award
For the popularisation of geography through the media
Alfred Steers Dissertation Prize
For the undergraduate geography dissertation judged to be the best in 2017
Area Prize
For the best article in the journal by a new researcher
Geographical Award
For inspiring young people to explore the world around them
Honorary Fellowship
-
Peter Davies
-
Andrew Linnell
-
Paul Slawson
-
Mary Slawson
In recognition of outstanding support for the Society and Geography