In Society; RGS–IBG events
This year the Society recognised 22 different people and organisations for their outstanding contributions to geographical research, fieldwork, teaching and public engagement, with our prestigious medals and awards. The internationally renowned geomorphologist, Professor Heather Viles and former Chief Technology Advocate at Google, Michael Jones, were awarded this year’s Royal Medals, which are approved by Her Majesty the Queen, and are among the highest honours of their kind in the world. Professor Heather Viles received the 2020 Founder’s
Medal for her excellence in establishing the field of biogeomorphology and the development of nature-based solutions for heritage conservation. Baroness Lynda Chalker, President of the Society, said: ‘Professor Viles’ quality research has made significant contributions on topics from extreme landscape evolution to building stone conservation, yet her commitment to the advancement of geographical science is also demonstrated by her leadership. Her championing and support of the discipline among students, academic peers, and the wider public are why Heather is a worthy recipient of the Society’s highest recognition.’ On hearing the news of her award, Professor Viles said: ‘I am delighted and amazed to receive this award and thank everyone who has helped, and continues to help me, in my geographical journey. I think geography, and biogeomorphology, have been proven over the course of my career so far to be really useful subjects which address some of the very biggest challenges the world faces today. I think geography will continue to be the subject to go to for anybody who’s interested in how humans interact with their environment.’
Michael Jones received this year’s Patron’s Medal for his contribution to the development of geospatial information. Baroness Chalker said: ‘Michael Jones is a role model for future generations of geographers. From his beginnings as a software engineer, inventing and filing his own patents, through to his role as Google’s Chief Technology Advocate, his inspiring career trajectory is charted by his vision to redefine mapping from static lines and symbols to an interactive geographical web of context and information.
It’s hard to overstate the impact Google Earth and Google Maps have had on the public worldwide and how Michael’s pioneering work has democratised and popularised cartography and spatial awareness.’
Michael said: ‘This recognition is a signal honour for an idea that started in my head and which, through the work of many, resulted in the Google Earth used by billions of people around the world. On behalf of colleagues who laboured to make this dream of Earth and maps a reality, and in full
credit to the inspiring attainments of all who have come before us in the quest to better understand the Earth, I can only say that the “Earth-in-your-hand” idea has never had a greater friend than the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), to whom we humbly offer our gratitude.’
Professor Viles was not the only one of this year’s recipients highlighting the importance of geography and geographical thinking in tackling key issues in today’s world. Cherry Kearton Medal and Award recipient, photographer Steve McCurry, said: ‘It is critical today to have an understanding of the times we live in. How people interact with each other in their communities and their environment. It is my hope that, through my work, people will see animals as intelligent beings and nature as a sacred place, both deserving of our respect and understanding. I am honoured to be the recipient of the Cherry Kearton Medal and to be among men and women whom I admire, who have a deep understanding of the geographical and social challenges our world is facing, and who have been working to challenge old assumptions and to create opportunities for change.’
Nancy Campbell, writer and recipient of this year’s
Ness Award, added: ‘This is a time of acute sensitivity to geography, when everyone must be aware of the exact distance between bodies, and international travel can no longer be taken for granted. In recent months, the personal experience of place – the terms on which people can travel, the scale of their journeys – has altered dramatically. This award recognises that literature offers an alternative means by which to understand and interpret the world.’
You can listen to Nancy talk in more detail about this on the Society’s new podcast, Geography now, at: www.rgs.org/geographynow/nancycampbell
W: https://www.rgs.org/medalsandawards2020/
THREE WAYS TO GET STARTED
Join the Society as a Fellow. Check out the benefits of Fellowship at
It’s a great way to make connections in the wider geography community and get a taste for our professional events.
Talk to us about
Chartered Geographer or Geography Professional, by emailing or visiting
join-us. www.rgs.org/ cgeog@rgs.org www.rgs.org/ charteredgeographer.
Learn more about our work for and with professional communities at
https://www. rgs.org/professionals/.