Pre-RGS GeogEd session –  Making geography matter in turbulent time

Venue: Hybrid (online and at the Royal Geographic Society, London)

In a period marked by significant uncertainty and rapid change—whether arising from shifting geopolitical relations, the escalating climate emergency, the cost‑of‑living crisis, or the increasingly precarious position of higher education—we find ourselves working and teaching within profoundly turbulent times. Geography, as a discipline centrally concerned with spatial relationships, power, environment, and society, is uniquely positioned to engage with these challenges. While there is broad consensus that geography matters, an enduring question remains: how do we effectively demonstrate its relevance and value to young people, policymakers, communities, and our own institutions?

This seminar, hosted by GeogEd, provides a timely opportunity to reflect on and critically discuss the ongoing and future relevance of geography in addressing contemporary global and local challenges. The event will also mark the 50th anniversary of the Journal of Geography in Higher Education (JGHE), celebrating its longstanding contribution to advancing scholarship, pedagogy, and debate in geography education, and its role in shaping this agenda over the past five decades.

Bringing together colleagues from across the diverse spectrum of geographical research, teaching, and practice, the seminar will create space to explore how we are collectively working to make geography matter—intellectually, socially, and institutionally—both now and in the future. The programme will combine a series of short presentations with a participatory workshop, encouraging dialogue, exchange of ideas, and collaborative reflection.

Call to attend/participate:

Participants are invited to submit an abstract for a 10‑minute Lightning Talk to contribute to the afternoon seminar on the theme Making geography matter in turbulent times. These Lightning Talks will form the basis for subsequent discussion and will be followed by a workshop facilitated by Professor David Higgitt, Editor‑in‑Chief of JGHE.

Colleagues who wish to attend and/or contribute to the seminar (online or in person)are warmly encouraged to complete the Making Geography Matter in Turbulent Times: GeogEd Pre-RGS Seminar Registration – Fill in form by 27^th June 2026.