It is with profound sadness that we report to the passing of one of South Africa's most distinguished geographers, Professor Lindisizwe Morris Magi, who died on Monday, 27 July 2026. The news of his passing has been received with deep sorrow by colleagues, former students, and friends across the discipline, both within South Africa and [...]
The IGU regrets to announce the passing of a Swiss geographer whose great influence on the discipline has been widely recognized. Below is a letter of announcement compiled by two of his colleagues (version in French follows). Note also that The Faculty of Geosciences and Environment at Lausanne University has published a tribute to Jean-Bernard [...]
Prof Jef Vandenberghe, distinguished physical geographer and Quaternary scientist and long-standing supporter of the IGU, has passed away after a career that left a deep and lasting imprint on international geography. He was for many years a Professor of Physical Geography at the Vrye Universiteit Amsterdam, where he played a central role in advancing research [...]
Following a request sent by the President of ANPEGE (Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Geografia), the IGU Executive Committee met on 11 and 12 April 2025 and reaffirmed the following: The IGU affirms the important role of geographers in advancing peace and shared prosperity among all peoples and nations. This commitment is rooted [...]
Brazilian geography, an indeed geography globally, has lost one of its most influential thinkers: Professor Ariovaldo Umbelino de Oliveira passed away on August 2nd, in São Paulo, Brazil. A towering figure in academia, he shaped the minds of over a hundred doctoral and master’s students, leaving an indelible mark on geographic scholarship. I was privileged [...]
It is with great sadness that IGU mourns the passing of a much loved colleague. Itzhak Schnell was full professor in the Department of Geography and the Human Environment at the Tel Aviv University. His research specializations included social space, notably spaces of human activity in a global reality and minority group inclusion, Arab citizens [...]
Professor Ioan Ianos, Emeritus Professor of the University of Bucharest, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Constanţa (Romania). This highest distinction of the institution was imposed by the Rector of the University, at the request of the Faculties of Science (where the Department of Geography is located), Philology and Mathematics. Professor [...]
The International Geographical Union (IGU) has awarded its prestigious Planet and Humanity Medal to the renowned conservationist, broadcaster and author Sir David Attenborough. The medal will be presented at the opening ceremony of the International Geographical Congress (https://igc2024dublin.org/) on Saturday 24th August 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. Founded in 1922, the IGU promotes the discipline of [...]
At its last meeting, the Council of the Academia Europaea (London) confirmed the election Prof. Dr. Benno Werlen, chair of the IGU Commission on Global Understanding and IGU Laureat d'honneur winner, as chairperson of the social science section "Human Mobility, Governance, Environment and Space". This section is concerned with interdisciplinary and internationally comparative studies of [...]
Following the recommendation of the IGU Honors and Awards Committee, chaired by former IGU President Professor Ron Abler, we are delighted to announce the winners of our 2024 awards. These will be presented to the awardees at the closing ceremony of the 35th International Geographical Congress on 29th August 2024 in Dublin. Congratulations to our [...]
