Â鶹´«Ã½ geographers awarded prestigious Fellowship Published on: 12 May 2025 Two Â鶹´«Ã½ researchers have been awarded Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) in recognition of their service to Geography. Professor Tony Champion and Professor Rachel Franklin have been honoured as part of 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. 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.” Emeritus Professor Tony Champion 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ 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) Professor Rachel Franklin Share: Latest News Volunteers help turn Whitley Bay beach into maths experiment Members of the public joined mathematicians from Â鶹´«Ã½ to create what organisers believe is the largest aperiodic tiling ever attempted on Whitley Bay beach. published on: 15 June 2026 Student leader drives misogyny law change A Â鶹´«Ã½ student leader has helped change the law after creating a petition to make misogyny a hate crime, which gathered over 114,000 signatures, prompting action in Parliament. published on: 12 June 2026 Freemen of Â鶹´«Ã½ see construction of new Castle Leazes The Freemen of Â鶹´«Ã½ and other key stakeholders have become an indelible part of new student accommodation at Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Castle Leazes. published on: 12 June 2026 Facts and figures
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