This year our medals and awards recognise 23 different people and organisations for their outstanding contributions to geographical research, fieldwork, teaching, and public engagement.
Founder of Global Canopy, Andrew Mitchell, and influential historical geographer Professor Felix Driver have been awarded the Society’s two prestigious Royal Medals. The Royal Medals, which are of equal standing, are approved by His Majesty the King, and are among the highest honours of their kind in the world. They have been presented since the 1830s and past recipients include Sir David Attenborough, Dame Fiona Reynolds and Lindsey Hilsum.
Andrew Mitchell is awarded the 2023 Founder’s Medal for his lifetime’s contribution to protecting tropical rainforests and combating climate change.
Nigel Clifford, President of the Society, said: “The fact that ‘ecosystem services’, ‘natural capital’ and ‘nature-based solutions’ are now commonplace concepts is in no small part thanks to Andrew’s efforts. His tireless work to protect the tropical rainforests of the world means he wholly deserves this honour. For over 40 years, Andrew has embraced every opportunity to achieve his objective as he moved from the world of scientific research into policy formation, and subsequently tackling the flows of money powering the deforestation economy.”
Andrew Mitchell said: “I am delighted to accept this honour and dedicate it to every leaf, and every branch, and every creature that calls towering trees their home. In the face of deforestation and changing climate, our commitment to preserve these living giants and their diverse ecosystems has become ever more critical. I thank the Royal Geographical Society for catalysing leadership in research and debate on the biggest environmental issues of our time. This award will catalyse me to continue doing the same.”
Professor Felix Driver receives the 2023 Patron’s Medal for his contributions to historical geography and to the Society.
Nigel Clifford said: “Felix is one of the most influential human geographers of his generation. A Royal Medal is suitably fitting to recognise such profound achievements. His work has been a catalyst for change across museums, national bodies and cultural institutions, including the Society. His enormous contributions to Society projects, such as Hidden histories of exploration and Everest through the lens brought to the fore the significant involvement of those hidden from history and connected our Collections to the pressing issue of the ethics of inclusion and recognition. He is also a pioneer of new fields and approaches in the geo and environmental humanities, such as plant humanities, mobile museums, indigenous mapping, and environmental movements.”
Professor Felix Driver said: “It is an honour to receive this award and I am especially grateful to the Society for recognising the value of research in historical geography and for seeking creative and effective ways of reactivating its own remarkable Collections.”
Among other recipients, photographer and writer team Harriet Fraser and Rob Fraser receive the Cherry Kearton Medal and Award for their discipline-crossing work that sheds light on the seldom-seen and seldom-heard in the context of rural landscapes. Jane Rumble OBE is awarded the Back Medal for her commitment to shaping public policy in polar settings, and inspirational academic, Professor Anson Mackay, is awarded the Victoria Medal in recognition of their transformative impact on the discipline of geography.
Thank you to all Fellows and Members who nominated individuals for our awards this year.
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 Award (two awards)
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Dr Sarah Bell For exceptional early career research with a remarkable track record of achievement
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Dr Jovan Scott Lewis For exceptional early career research with a remarkable track record of achievement
Ordnance Survey Awards (two awards)
Taylor and Francis Award
Ness Award
Alfred Steers Dissertation Prize
Area Prize
Ron Cooke Award
Geographical Award
Honorary Fellowship
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Professor Simon Catling In recognition of outstanding support for geography
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Derry Corey In recognition of outstanding support for the Society
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Ted Grey In recognition of outstanding support for geography
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Alasdair Macleod In recognition of outstanding support for the Society and geography