Professor Tony Champion and Professor Rachel Franklin have been honoured as part of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)’s prestigious annual medals and awards that recognise excellence in geographical research and fieldwork, teaching and public engagement.  

This year the Society’s medals and awards recognise 24 individuals who have made outstanding achievements in the field of Geography. This year’s recipients join a prestigious list that includes Sir David Attenborough and Captain R. Scott.

Tony, Emeritus Professor of Population Geography, said: “I am delighted that my contributions to population geography and migration studies have been recognised in this way, along with my administrative inputs to the Institute of British Geographers earlier in my career.”

Rachel, Professor of Geographical Analysis, and a Visiting Professor in the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies (CURDS), said: “I am honoured and delighted to be recognised with this honorary fellowship. It’s a privilege also to be receiving this award alongside Professor Tony Champion, a veritable giant in the field!”

Professor Franklin is currently co-leading one of four projects announced in October 2024 by Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK) — a UK Research and Innovation investment in digital infrastructure, and part of an investment of £22 million in new data services — enabling researchers across the UK to access new forms of smart data including via mobile apps, navigation systems, social media and shopping, to understand society and improve lives.

Geography at Newcastle University has a strong international reputation for the quality of its globally-relevant research and education and was ranked in the top 40 for Geography in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830 for 'the advancement of geographical science', today it delivers this objective through developing, supporting and promoting geographical research, expeditions and fieldwork, education, professional practice, public engagement, and geography input to policy.

Press release adapted with thanks to the RGS (with IBG)