The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) Murchison Award dates back to 1882 and it is given for publications judged to have contributed most to geographical science in preceding recent years. This is the third year in a row that the Royal Geographical Society has presented its prestigious Murchison Award to a University of Birmingham researcher.
Professor of Hydrology David Hannah was recognised for a body of publications that have contributed significantly to understanding of water cycle processes, hydrological events such as floods and droughts, and water-related impacts under climate and other drivers of change.
I am delighted and very honoured to receive the Murchison Award 2022 from the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). Working in collaborations, I plan to continue to expand our knowledge frontiers in hydrology and water science, to develop the next generation of geographical researchers, and to continue to advocate the importance of our work for sustainable development and water security to a wide range of stakeholders.
Professor David Hannah, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
In 2021 the Murchison Award was given to Dr Patricia Noxolo, a Birmingham researcher known for her work in reconceptualising spatial ethics through place-based practices and her effective advocating of postcolonial and decolonial thought in geography and beyond.
The previous year, Professor Peter Kraftl, was the 2020 Murchison recipient, in recognition of his research into children’s geographies, in particular the emotions, affects, materialities and practices that make up their everyday lives.
This is a tremendous recognition of the quality of research carried out at the University and is a truly amazing institutional streak for the Murchison Award.
Professor Jonathan Oldfield, Head of the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
The Murchison Medal is one of 23 Medals presented annually by the Society. It was established under the will of Sir Roderick Impey Murchison (1792-1781), the Scottish geologist who first described the Silurian and Devonian successions in Britain. He was born in Tarradale House, Ross-shire, where coincidentally David Hannah spent his first year field course as an undergraduate at the University of Aberdeen.
