RGS-IBG Annual Review 2019
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Annual review 2019 The Society Vision Society objectives A world-leading learned and The Royal Geographical Society (with professional body for geography, IBG) exists for ‘the advancement of widely respected for its independence, geographical science’. For the current quality, innovation, and for the breadth strategy, 2017-2021, this purpose has of its activities promoting and been expressed as six strategic supporting geography as the means objectives for the organisation. These for everyone to discover, understand focus the activities of the Society and and respect the world’s people, ensure that the Society’s operational places and environments. development is planned, integrated and responsive to the needs of the Mission discipline, its practitioners, the public A world centre for geography and at large and the membership. Three geographical learning dedicated to objectives concern first and foremost the development and promotion of the discipline. These are to safeguard knowledge together with its application the discipline, to develop and share to the challenges facing society and geographical knowledge and the environment. understanding, and to support practitioners and students. Three objectives concern the Society. These are to grow our reputation, enhance our membership and sustain the future. The Society’s work is organised into thematic departments, each of which The Society is a charity that exists for contributes work to several objectives. public benefit and which also has a broad-based membership that supports its mission and aims. The Society was independently recognised in 2013 as the leading scholarly geographical society in the world. Registered Charity 208791 Rt Hon Baroness Lynda Chalker From the President President Looking back over 2019, the mid-point As a former government minister and However these are just a few examples of the Society’s current strategic period, a member of the House of Lords, I am of the Society’ current work. I encourage I am heartened to see the progress encouraged to see the reinvigoration you to explore the full details of the of the organisation and how together of the Society’s knowledge exchange breadth of activities that are outlined we are striving to achieve our charitable activities. Ensuring that current over the following pages. objective to advance geographical geographical research informs As President, part of my role is to ensure science. policy by providing opportunities for the Society’s governance is in good geographers and policymakers to order. I am therefore very pleased to share ideas, sound evidence and report that after a review during 2019, understanding is a vital element of the Society’s governance processes the Society’s work. have been improved. The main outcome A range of impacts that have resulted of this has been aligning the terms from geographical research can of references of the committees of also be seen in the collection of case Council to ensure they are clear and studies published on the Society’s complementary. website. Individually they demonstrate The governance review also reminded the successes of particular research me of the commitment of so many projects, but together they champion the of our Fellows and members and the vital role geography and geographers enthusiasm you show in helping the play in understanding and managing organisation not just to function, but some of the most important challenges to achieve beyond everyone’s facing us today. expectations. Therefore I would like to As well as demonstrating the impact end by thanking you sincerely for your of the discipline, it is also important continued support of the Society. that we highlight the value of studying Every Fellow, member, donor, advisor geography to young people and and volunteer makes a difference. This their parents. And the new career is greatly valued by the Trustees and all profiles that showcase the diverse who work so hard for the Society. and rewarding paths that studying geography can open up for young geographers do just that. 2/3 2019 Frederick Soddy Schools Award recipients The 2019 Annual Conference was attended on the Isle of Cumbrae by over 2,000 delegates © Rowena Ranger © Panel 8 Photography Climate change challenges event 2019 Ralph Brown Expedition Award recipient © RGS-IBG Dr Maria Beger studying a subtropical reef ecosystem © Carrie Sims Professor Joe Smith From the Director Director As a member of the Society, you will A YouGov poll commissioned by In 2019, the Society demonstrably be well aware of the central role that the Society and carried out during the did make a difference. We supported geography plays in how we understand summer of 2019 demonstrated that teachers by providing them with up and make sense of the world around the majority of the public recognise to date case studies, award-winning us. Geographical skills and knowledge geography as the GCSE subject that teaching resources based on real world play a prominent role in progressing teaches pupils about climate change. situations and training to develop their insight and action on climate change And we also know, from independent subject knowledge and skills. We and sustainability. They also bring research we commissioned on the supported professional geographers distinctive insights into the interactions geography of geography students, by enhancing the mentoring offered between social, technological and that at GCSE the fastest rate of to Chartered Geographers, celebrating economic change. growth is among pupils from black their successes and highlighting the and minority ethnic (BAME) and impact of geographical knowledge disadvantaged backgrounds. in the workplace. We supported academics by providing spaces to In this period of geopolitical and exchange and test ideas, and teaching economic upheaval, and of increasingly and learning resources for early career evident climate risks, it is heartening researchers. Through our awards, to see the levels of engagement, publications and media work we also particularly by young people, with such ensured that they received recognition issues. Geographical insights can inform for their achievements. We enabled the and support anyone who is determined work of those undertaking fieldwork to change the world for the better. and expeditions by providing advice The Society is a rarity in that we connect and training, and ensuring their stories geographers at all levels and across all reached a wider audience. We supported sectors, from enthusiasts, students and members of the public by providing teachers, to academics, professionals accessible, informative and engaging and expeditioners. This is where we events, publications and social garner our strength and ability to make media content. a difference. As you will read in the following pages, this represents just a selection of the Society’s work over the last year, but it also signals our ambitions for the future. 4/5 1 Geography Promoting and sustaining a vibrant discipline Objective Represent, promote The Society is a highly influential and effective voice for geography in the UK, and advocate for geography as and is valued across the geographical community for its advocacy on behalf of a leading discipline, so that its contribution to understanding our the discipline. During 2019, we increased the visibility of our work with decision changing world is appreciated by makers, reinvigorated our work to connect researchers with policy makers and the public and it maintains a strong showcased the breadth of careers open to those who choose geography. position in education, research, fieldwork and expeditions, in civic society and in informing policy 1.1 Making the case for geography In the autumn our series of knowledge and business. During 2019, the development of a series of exchange events, the Environment and Context Geography has an resources and the hosting of several events Society Forum, was relaunched. Again the essential role in the 21st century was made possible by the Society’s research community was involved from the in helping everyone to understand convening power and strong networks with beginning to ensure a close and effective our world. 2012 to 2016 saw significant strengthening in the individuals and organisations across the connection could be built between them standing and study of geography. government, business, education, and and the business, professional and policy 2017 to 2021 has uncertainties research sectors. In particular, valuable communities. The first event, on the barriers in the face of UK political and economic change. engagement with the Geographers and opportunities surrounding the financing in Government group was sustained progress towards net zero carbon emissions, throughout the year, alongside strong links generated constructive discussion across with other geographical societies and sectors and a report that will help to inform relevant sister bodies worldwide. future action in this area. Over 30 case studies that demonstrate the Geographers from across the breadth of value of geographical research and its the discipline were invited to submit career impacts were published on the Society’s profiles to demonstrate the range of paths website. This bank of easy to access that studying geography can open up. By the materials was produced in partnership with end of 2019, nearly 100 profiles, ranging from the research community and one strand of early career researchers and teachers, to them focuses on geospatial applications senior figures in industry and government while other strands include health and social had been published on our website. These care, environment and natural resources, profiles have been shared across our social and service delivery. This evidence base is media platforms to raise awareness among now being shared widely with stakeholders parents, as well as young people themselves, and influencers to ensure they have the of the value of a geographical education. greatest reach. More profiles continue to be added. One of nearly 100 new career profiles on the Society’s website: Terri Freemantle in the field © Terri Freemantle 6/7 Colouring London data skills project Earth Photo competion entry.