International Geographical Union awarded Special Gold Medal

The Society is delighted to announce that this year we will be awarding a Special Gold Medal to the International Geographical Union (IGU), as part of our 2023 medals and awards. The organisation is being recognised for its exceptional work promoting geography through initiating and coordinating geographical research and teaching across the world.

The IGU has been a key institution in supporting and enabling internationalism – of individuals and of national bodies – and, having recently celebrated its centenary, it is most fitting that the IGU is recognised for its long-standing contributions to the landscape of geography.

IGU President, Michael Meadows comments: “The International Geographical Union has been promoting research, teaching and outreach in geography across the world for the last 100 years. It is an extraordinary privilege and pleasure for me to be able to accept this Special Gold Medal on behalf of the IGU. It is an award that I believe confirms the relevance and role of our discipline in addressing the key global challenges facing society and the environment.”

The medal will be presented to the IGU during the medals and awards ceremony at the Society on Monday 5 June, where it will be accepted on behalf of the organisation by Michael.