The latest news and updates in geography and higher education
This year we are making a concerted effort to raise awareness around the sustainability of our Annual International Conference.
The results of the 2019 National Student Survey (NSS) paint a positive picture of geography student experiences across the UK.
New research published in our journal Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, has revealed that the US military is one of the largest climate polluters in history, producing more greenhouse gas emissions than most medium-sized countries.
Our academic journals are now being delivered to subscribers in 100% compostable packaging.
New co-editors are being sought for the Society’s book series and two of our academic journals, Area and The Geographical Journal.
The provisional programme for this year’s Annual International Conference is now live.
The latest issues of the Society’s academic journals are now available online.
We are delighted to announce the recent election of two new Research Group Representatives to the Society’s Research and Higher Education (RHE) Committee.
On Shifting Foundations: state rescaling, policy experimentation and path-dependency in post-1949 China, by Dr Kean Fan Lim, is the newest addition to the RGS-IBG book series.
The latest issues of the Society’s scholarly journals are now available online.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of four new co-editors for two of the Society’s academic journals.
New research published in our journal Geo: Geography and Environment, reveals the dangers and lengths that thrill-seeking tourists are willing to go to in order to witness live volcanic eruptions.
Over the last few months the Society has responded to calls for evidence for a range of consultations, including from the Geospatial Commission and the UK’s four higher education funding bodies.
The Society recently held a workshop with representatives from 35 universities, to explore how geography can be better promoted within schools, and how applications at degree level can be encouraged.
2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the Society’s academic journal Area.
UCAS is now open for applications for courses starting in 2019, but with over 80 UK universities offering more than 1,400 geography-related courses it can seem a little daunting knowing where to start and how to choose.
New co-editors are being sought for three of the Society’s journals: Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, Area, and Geo: Geography and Environment.
Here are some of our highlights for new research being presented during today’s conference programme.
Professor Adrian Bailey is presenting a keynote lecture at the Geographical Society of China’s annual conference in Xi'an on 29 and 30 August.
Members of the Society’s Energy Geographies Research Group, have published Energy and Society: a Critical Perspective.
An important consultation on the Research Excellence Framework (REF) for 2021 is now open for comment and the Society would value your input to help inform our response.
The Society, in partnership with Wiley, have developed and launched a new hub for our academic publications.
The Society has supported 61 field research projects through its grants programme this year. Almost £200,000 of funding has been awarded to nearly 100 individuals from a range of institutions, and they have travelled to over 45 countries in order to carry out their research.
Global Asian City, the latest title in the RGS-IBG book series, examines how migration has changed Seoul and South Korea over the last 20 years.
The Migrants on the margins team were planning next steps for the Society’s Field Research Programme earlier this week by holding a writing workshop at the Society.
The latest title in the RGS-IBG book series, Cryptic Concrete, takes us on a subterranean journey into Cold War West Germany.
A book exploring the lives of British migrants in Dubai through their personal relationships has been published in the Society’s book series.
A team of researchers from the Society’s Migrants on the margins field research project presented two academic papers at the African Centre for Cities International Urban Conference.
The Society is delighted to support a number of Research and Working Group activities over the coming year.
Dr Al James’ new RGS-IBG book finds that the provision of working arrangements that meaningfully improve the work-life balance of employees also enhances firms’ competitive advantage.
This course gives EVCs at all schools the opportunity to look into current material in more depth and share good practice with other EVCs.
A full day workshop that supports Educational Visits Coordinators (EVCs) in their roles by covering the legal and practical procedures required of their position.
A practical workshop exploring assessment and feedback literacy and academic standards in geography.
The perfect opportunity to find out about the latest geographical research while networking with over 1,800 delegates from around the world.
Congratulations to everyone receiving their GCSE geography results today.
The Society, working with the Association for Geographic Information (AGI), has published a new series of case studies championing and celebrating the critical role of geographical information, technologies and approaches.
Members of the Migrants on the margins team will be presenting their research in a session at this year’s Annual International Conference.
Congratulations to everyone receiving their A Level geography results today.
The latest issues of the Society’s journals are now available online.
The Society took over the Forum stage for a day at the Wilderness Festival entertaining and inspiring festival-goers with geography.
This month's Geographical takes a look at different projects trying to secure the future of our food.
If you’re a Fellow or member and haven’t yet had a chance to visit our Earth Photo exhibition, why not join us for a member-only introduction on Wednesday 7 August?
The Migrants on the margins team were at the Hargeisa International Book Fair last week to present their research to the local community.
We are delighted to be a supporter of the Gender Action Schools Award, an initiative which promotes and supports a whole-school approach to challenging stereotypes, and ensuring all young people can reach their full potential.
We are delighted that our Migrants on the margins educational resources have been shortlisted for a Teach Secondary Award for curriculum impact.
Congratulations to all our Teacher Training Scholars who have completed either their first year of teaching or their training as part of our Scholarship programme.
Fifty years ago today, Commander Neil Armstrong, Col. Edwin Eugene ‘Buzz’ Aldrin and Lt. Col. Michael Collins successfully completed the first mission to land a person on the moon.
Congratulations to the Chartered Geographers who were approved by the Society’s Council in June.
Today is World Population Day, a UN observance day to raise awareness about how population issues and sustainable development are intertwined.
Our 2019 Geographical Fieldwork Grant recipients are heading out into the field to begin their summer fieldwork.
Elisabetta Zavoli has won the 2019 Earth Photo competition for her work The Landfill Midwife.
Professor Laura Hammond presented findings of the Migrants on the margins research team to members of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at a meeting at the Society last month.
We caught up with some of the previous winners of the Young Geographer of the Year competition who explained the role the competition played in getting them to where they are now.
Our contribution to London Climate Action Week is a joint event with the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) to share emerging knowledge on how to tackle climate change globally.
Popular photography magazine Outdoor Photography features our Earth Photo competition and exhibition in their August issue, which is on newsstands now.
This month's issue of Geographical features a dossier on earthquake prediction.
We are delighted to have received funding for the third round of the Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships scheme.
The 2018 Land Rover Bursary recipients have returned from the field after travelling over 6,300 km to investigate the challenges facing those on the front line of malaria control in Africa.
A parliamentary debate held earlier this week about teaching migration in the school curriculum highlighted the Society’s school resources about this issue.
Our 2019 Fieldwork Apprentices are heading out into the field to begin their fieldwork.
To mark Refugee Week, we’ve worked with Professor Heaven Crawley, to produce educational resources for geography teachers at GCSE and A Level.
Ahead of his regional theatre tour around the UK later this summer, we caught up with author, presenter and Professor of Science Communication at the University of Westminster, Professor Lewis Dartnell to discuss his new book Origins: how the Earth made us.
New research, published today in our journal, The Geographical Journal, reveals that children enjoy Forest School activities but can struggle to frame the skills and knowledge they develop in these more informal settings as educational.
New research, published today in the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) journal, The Geographical Journal, reveals that children enjoy Forest School activities yet some children struggle to frame the skills and knowledge they develop in these more informal settings as educational when compared with traditional learning activities that are associated with the current National Curriculum.
New research, published today in our journal The Geographical Journal, reveals the daily disruption homeless families living in temporary hotel accommodation experience.
New research, published today in the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) journal The Geographical Journal, reveals the daily disruption homeless families living in temporary hotel accommodation experience.
With over 750 Chartered Geographers now accredited, we caught up with two of our CGeog assessors, Angela Baker and Dr Stephanie Davidson.
Our current exhibition, Observed on Paper, is on display in the Pavilion until Friday 14 June.
We are delighted to announce the recipients of our 2018 Excellence Awards, and congratulate the pupils who achieved the highest marks nationally in last summer’s geography examinations.
The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) has given Excellence Awards to the school pupils who achieved the highest marks nationally in the 2018 geography examinations.
Congratulations to the newest members of our Council, who were elected at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) yesterday.
A shortlist of 50 exceptional photographs and four films that document the Earth in all its diversity, have been selected for the Society’s Earth Photo exhibition which opens on 6 July.
This month's issue of Geographical features a look at the way in which the Earth's natural geography has shaped human societies throughout history.
The deadline for early bird registration for this year’s Annual International Conference is fast approaching.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients of our Innovative Geography Teaching Grants, Dr Lisa Ficklin and Grace Healy.
The first Ron Cooke Award has been awarded to Gregory Pearson for his A Level Independent Investigation An investigation into the form and nature of scree slopes on the North side of the Ogwen Valley.
To mark International Day for Biological Diversity we have made the recording of our recent Monday night lecture Food security: a global challenge available for everyone to watch online until Monday 27 May
Congratulations to the Geography Spatial Analysts Team at the Office for National Statistics who have won the overall inaugural Geography in Government award.
RGS-IBG grant recipients, Katie and Karen recount their separate journeys along two rivers; the Murray and the Naryn. Whilst challenging themselves, they discovered the difficulties faced by the people who rely on rivers for their livelihoods.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients of our Environment and Sustainability Research Grants, Dr Agatha Herman, Dr Thomas Smith and Dr Max Martin.
We held a physical geography fieldwork day for teachers to support the better use of local sites for fieldwork and strengthen local teacher networks.
Feeding a growing population from finite resources is one of the major challenges of the 21st century. Peter explores how we can achieve more sustainable and healthy systems of food production and consumption.
The Society’s new series of online careers profiles showcase the diversity of jobs that studying geography can lead to.
This year's Research Group dissertation awards and prizes are now open.
To mark Geoweek, we have selected a collection of Discovering Britain walks to help you discover the remarkably varied geology of the UK and learn more about our rocky heritage.
This year, our medals and awards recognise 21 different people for their extraordinary achievement in geographical research, fieldwork and teaching, artwork, and public engagement.
This year’s Journey of a Lifetime Award recipient, Redzi Bernard, has begun her two week journey travelling through northern Ethiopia to uncover the stories of everyday women.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Julian Leyland as a new co-editor for our academic journal Area.
We have plenty of freely available resources on our website to help you with your revision during exam season.
The Society is delighted to have been the focus of an episode of Audible’s new podcast series ‘How to outperform: what Britain’s best brands can teach the world’.
Andy Miller, a heritage consultant specialising in post-conflict environments, gives an overview of ongoing restoration projects in the Old City of Mosul in the aftermath of its occupation by ISIS.
The current issue of popular photography magazine Photography News features an interview with award-winning photographer and Earth Photo panel chair Marissa Roth, along with our Director, Professor Joe Smith.
Today is World Malaria Day, an international day to raise awareness of malaria as a curable and preventable disease. The Mobile Malaria Project are currently investigating the front line of malaria control in Africa.
A new section of our website allows teachers to share their ideas on how to inspire students about geography.
This month's issue of Geographical takes a closer look at child labour in the tobacco industry.
To mark Earth Day this year, the Society, in partnership with Forestry England, are calling on aspiring and professional photographers alike to submit their images of what a changing forest means to them as part of our Earth Photo competition.
This year’s Hong Kong Research Grant has been awarded to Marine Roger to support her research assessing seismic hazards along the Chelungpu fault in Taiwan.
After 25 years in the business, Kate explores how geographers are influencing the digital media industries - using their knowledge of cartography, cultural systems and environmental challenges, to build engaging digital worlds.
The Migrants on the margins team have presented their findings at a stakeholder meeting with local community groups in Dhaka.
New research, published today in the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) journal Transactions, reveals the emotional impact experienced by the partners and families left behind by mobile workers.
Congratulations to Dr Peter Martin who has successfully completed his PhD research as part of the AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Awards.
Recently appointed Deputy Head of Geography, Patrick Rickles, is committed to building a geography profession which showcases the wide variety of vibrant and successful careers, and the diverse range of individuals in geography roles.
We have launched a new set of educational resources based on our Field Research Programme, Migrants on the margins.
With the Earth Photo 2019 competition deadline only one month away, we caught up with competition judge and award-winning photographer Marissa Roth.
This year’s Young Geographer of the Year competition is now open for entries.
Dr Maria Beger from the University of Leeds has received this year’s Ralph Brown Expedition Award to explore whether subtropical coral reef ecosystems could be a refuge for tropical coral communities.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of three new editorial board members for the Society’s book series.
In 1969 four men successfully completed the first surface crossing of the Arctic Ocean, led by Sir Wally Herbert. On the 50th anniversary of this exceptional achievement, Kari tells their story.
The Society has responded to the Ofsted consultation on the Draft Education Inspection Framework, which sets out how Ofsted proposes to inspect schools, further education and skills provision, and registered early years’ settings.
The 2019 Walters Kundert Fellowship has been awarded to Professor Alun Hubbard to investigate the processes of submarine melting and iceberg calving on four of Greenland’s tidewater glaciers.
Two members of the Society’s field research programme, Migrants on the margins, presented at the Mobilising Global Voices 2019 conference held at the Houses of Parliament earlier this month.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the successful completion of the British Trans-Arctic Expedition led by Sir Wally Herbert, his daughter will tell the story of the four men who were the first to reach the North Pole on foot at the Monday night lecture on 1 April.
The Arctic is changing. But how and where is it changing, and why does it matter to those who call it home and those who don't?
The current Land Rover Bursary recipients have begun their eight week journey.
Today is World Water Day, an annual observance day that highlights the importance of fresh water.
In the wake of recent strikes by young people across the UK to protest climate change inaction, this month’s issue of Geographical takes a closer look at the growing global youth protestor movement.
The Society congratulates the nine geographers elected this week as Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences.
The Society’s Immediate Past President, Nicholas Crane, is giving the 55th Annual Tyneside Geographical Society Lecture in Newcastle at the end of the month.
Scientific sensors are typically very expensive, but you can learn how to design and build your own for much less at our workshop on 1 April.
Living with the tribes of the Sinai, EmmaLucy experiences the Dahiyya – a largely forbidden dance where genders freely interact.
Focusing on the local and engaging the environmentalists of the future, Taylor realises the role of adventure in our struggle with one of today’s big challenges.
James journeys by foot and canoe along a remote and unvoiced coastline, to discover why the rainforest and its inhabitants are at risk.
A trip to the eastern Mediterranean becomes a journey into action in the face of the ongoing refugee crisis. Tom responds through food. Half a million meals later, he is still serving.
Daniel goes in search of the castaway experience in an archipelago of 99 islands. Without support, and increasingly without water, he finds it.
Alice travels to South Africa to work with the Black Mambas on tactics, self-confidence, and the fear of lions.
With another nationwide climate change strike planned for tomorrow, our Head of Education and Outdoor Learning, Steve Brace has highlighted that climate change is a key part of geography.
Drone technology is helping to identify potential malaria hotspots by mapping aquatic mosquito breeding habitats in Zanzibar, thanks to a pilot project funded by our grants programme in 2015.
Later this month, the Society’s South Committee are welcoming Professors Danny Dorling and Klaus Dodds to Bournemouth for an evening of geopolitics.
The panel of expert judges for this year’s Earth Photo competition has been announced.
Today is International Women’s Day, and to mark the occasion we’re acknowledging the work of female geographers in developing the discipline.
It's been just over a year since geography was established as a sub-discipline within the Government Science and Engineering Profession - here's an update 12 months on.
It is National Careers Week, so what better time to remember that if you want to understand our world, help to shape the future, and have a rewarding career that pays well, geography is the subject for you.
Join us for an evening of inspiration and entertainment as six new generation speakers have just 10 minutes each to share their geographical journeys in an illustrated talk.
Brexit! The Urban and Regional Implications is a free workshop which will discuss the potential economic consequences of Brexit for both regions and cities across the UK.
We are delighted to announce that our Weddell Sea Expedition resources have been selected as a finalist for The Education Resources Awards.
An incredible photographic exhibition illustrating Shackleton’s exploration of Antarctica and his crew’s epic struggle for survival is now on display at Clydebank Museum and Art Gallery.
It’s the time of year when pupils are choosing which subjects to continue studying at both GCSE and A Level and we have a range of resources to encourage them to choose geography.
Out now, March’s issue of Geographical magazine includes a look at the need for decommissioning the thousands of ageing platforms and equipment used by the offshore oil and gas industry.
Our Alexander Awards Summer School 2019 is now open for applications.
The deadline for this year’s Fieldwork Apprenticeships is fast approaching.
Our Geography Ambassadors are a great way to introduce pupils to the many benefits of studying geography, and where it can lead them in the future.
The Weddell Sea Expedition has been forced to conclude its search for the wreck of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance.
This month’s issue of Sidetracked magazine features a foreword from Society Director Professor Joe Smith.
We’re excited to announce this year’s Earth Photo competition is now open for entries.
With London Fashion Week fast approaching, join us for a discussion about the impact of the fashion industry on our planet and what we can all do about it.
Based on a research project looking at extreme weather events in the past, present and future, we have put together a series of resources to help students learn about extreme weather.
We are pleased to announce that the Society is now a partner of the Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning (CCGL) programme.
For James Aldred and Johnathan Drori, trees are an integral part of their lives. Join us for an evening where they share their passion and enthusiasm for all things trees.
Congratulations to Dr John Shears FRGS, who has been awarded the Polar Medal by Her Majesty the Queen for outstanding achievement and service in the field of polar research.
The final of the BBC’s ICONS: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century will be broadcast live at 9.00pm tonight.
William recounts his experiences of some of the world's driest places, from the borderlands of the USA to the sacred deserts of Egypt's Desert Fathers.
The Society is delighted to be continuing our Data Skills in Geography project in 2019, thanks to additional funding from the Nuffield Foundation.
Our Director Professor Joe Smith discusses his plans to take the Society forward over the coming years in an episode of ‘Direct Talk’, aired by Japan’s public broadcaster NHK World.
This month has seen the issue of air pollution consistently hitting the headlines.
Our next lecture exclusively for School Members is on the carbon cycle and takes place on 6 February at 5.00pm.
Explore South West on 9 February is your chance to learn directly from a range of scientists and explorers carrying out field research and scientific expeditions.
The February issue of Geographical is available now both online and in print.
Prior to his regional theatres tour, we caught up with journalist, author and broadcaster, Tim Marshall, to discuss his new book.
Through sharing his experiences of chasing wildfires accross four continents, Thomas will explore the science of 'pyrogeography' and what it can tell us about the drivers and impacts of environmental change.
The deadline for this year’s Innovative Geography Teaching Grants is fast approaching.
Sir Ron Cooke, an eminent physical geographer and former President of the Society, has kindly supported a new award for A Level students.
Recent neuroscience research has explored how the brain represents details of places and navigation – but how is that linked to how we navigate in the real world?
Miranda explores how powerful information about location can be used to build a system of smarter infrastructure to help the UK economy and society to thrive.
Honouring the achievements of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the men of the Endurance expedition of 1914-1917, our Enduring Eye exhibition is on display in Cheltenham until 24 February 2019.
A recent report, published by the Department for Education and the Institute for Fiscal Studies, provides new insights into what geography students are likely to earn after leaving university.
From February’s issue, Geographical magazine will be delivered to subscribers in 100% compostable packaging.
Sara returns to the thin country to mark the 25th anniversary of her bestselling book recounting a six-month journey from the Peruvian border to Chilean Antarctica.
As part of the Society’s work with Ordnance Survey (OS), two events later this month will help raise awareness of the uses of geospatial data.
The Society is delighted to announce a new grant scheme to support school fieldwork and expeditions.
Our Fellows can now opt for digital access to all our academic journals as part of their Fellowship subscription.
Our membership card for 2019 is now available.
We are closed completely between Monday 24 December 2018 and Tuesday 1 January 2019, inclusive.
December has seen climate change frequently hitting the headlines as 23,000 delegates from 197 states participated in the 24th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP24).
New research, published today in the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) journal Geo: Geography and the Environment, reveals the dangers that thrill-seeking tourists are exposing themselves to, in the name of experiencing a live volcanic eruption.
The Society has launched a new set of educational resources to help UK schools engage with the Weddell Sea Expedition.
The January issue of Geographical is available now both online and in print.
Explore South West is the perfect opportunity to learn from scientists and explorers who are undertaking field research and scientific expeditions that make a real difference to the world.
The Society’s Council has ratified the accreditation of more than 70 programmes from a wide cross-section of institutions around the United Kingdom in the first round of its undergraduate geography programme accreditation scheme.
We are delighted to announce that the Frederick Soddy Trust has become a linked charity of RGS-IBG.
To celebrate the International Mountain Day, we have put together a selection of Discovering Britain’s favourite mountain walks, trails and viewpoints, for you to discover why our mountains matter even in the UK.
Struggling for a gift for that difficult-to-buy-for person in your life? Why not give the gift of Society membership?
The Society is proud to have a vibrant and active membership community of 16,000 geographers. With Fellows and members from some 100 countries, membership is the lifeblood of the Society.
A series of animations produced by the Society were Highly Commended at the 2018 Scottish Association of Geography Teachers Annual Conference Publishers’ Awards.
To celebrate the support provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to enable our work, we’re holding a free celebratory open house afternoon on 7 December 2018.
Before his ‘In conversation’ event in Belfast later this week, we caught up with former journalist Ed Gorman to discuss his book Death of a Translator, his experiences in Afghanistan and the impact of conflict.
We are delighted to be the latest partner of the Wiley Digital Archives, and to be enabling several million items from our Collections to be digitised.
This weekend marks the end of National Tree Week, the UK’s largest annual tree celebration. To join in the celebrations, the Discovering Britain team has put together a collection of their favourite walks, trails and viewpoints in forests and woodlands throughout the country.
The winners of the 2018 Young Geographer of the Year competition and Rex Walford Award were announced on Wednesday 28 November, after answering the question ‘What makes the Arctic unique?’.