What we do
We champion and advance the discipline of geography and work with many different audiences.
We are the UK’s learned society for geography and professional body for geographers. We are also a membership organisation and a registered charity in the UK (No 208791).
The Society was founded in 1830 to advance geographical science and this remains our core purpose. We achieve this through supporting geographical research, education, and fieldwork and expeditions, as well as by advocating on behalf of the discipline, supporting geographers in professional practice, and promoting geography to public audiences.
We work with a wide range of audiences including teachers and pupils in schools, academics and researchers in higher education institutions, professional geographers in the workplace, researchers and expeditioners in the field, and members of the public with a curiosity about our world.
We value our independence and welcome everyone with an enthusiasm for geography, travel and exploration as members.
Schools
The RGS-IBG education department is at the heart of the Society’s work as a learning community for geography. We are committed to promoting and reinforcing the relevance and benefits of geography
Support for research
We support cutting-edge geographical research through a wide range of activities in higher education and beyond.
Professionals
We work with and for professional communities to support geographers through their careers.
In the field
Find out about the advice, training and grants we can provide to support your field research or scientific expedition.
Grants
Our grants programme develops new knowledge and advances geographical science, supporting geographical research in the UK and overseas.
Our Collections
With over two million items, our Collections provide an unparalleled resource tracing 500 years of geographical discovery and research.
Browse our events
Our full range of events will enrich your knowledge of the world's people, places and environments.
Join us
Membership unlocks inspiring conversations, vital resources, valuable expertise, and a network of people with a passion for our planet's places and environments.