This year’s medals and awards were presented last night in recognition of extraordinary achievement in geographical research, fieldwork, photography, teaching, and in enthusing public audiences. The medals and awards celebration followed the Society’s Annual General Meeting.
Professor Sir Gordon Conway and Lindsey Hilsum were presented with the Society’s two Royal Medals, which are of equal standing and have been approved by Her Majesty the Queen.
The Royal Medals have been presented since the 1830s and are among the highest honours of their kind in the world. Past Royal Medal recipients include Sir David Attenborough, Professor Diana Liverman and Lord Stern.
Professor Sir Gordon Conway, a former President of the Society, received this year’s Founder’s Medal for the enhancement and promotion of agricultural development in Asia and Africa.
Lindsey Hilsum, International Editor for Channel 4 News, received this year’s Patron’s Medal for promoting the understanding of global conflict and inequality.
This year, the Society’s medals and awards recognised 17 different people for their outstanding contributions to geography. Among other recipients, Harry Hook was awarded the Cherry Kearton Medal and Award for original documentation of Africa through photography.
Eight new members of Council were announced at the Society’s AGM earlier in the day.