Government celebrates geographers in eighth annual awards
The eighth Geography in Government awards took place on 6 July 2026.
Members of the National Situation Centre Team with David Wood (right, Head of GGP)
The annual Geography in Government Awards took place on Monday 6 July at Geovation in London, celebrating the work done by members of the geography profession across the public sector.
The awards highlight the vital role of geography and spatial thinking in shaping and delivering public policy, while celebrating the achievements of our members from a wide range of organisations.
Congratulations to the following who were the winners in each category:
Communication
This award is in collaboration with the British Cartographic Society. The award recognises excellence in communication of geographic content.
- CoastCraft, Environment Agency and Cornwall Council
Innovation
This award recognises excellence by a team or individual in advancing geography through the introduction and/or implementation of innovative methods.
- AIDriven Mapping of England’s Hedges and Trees, Rural Payments Agency Geospatial Services and Forest Research Remote Sensing Team
Knowledge-Driven Policy Making
This award recognises the application of geographic knowledge and skills to develop excellent domestic or international policy-making in action and have an impact.
- Marine Protected Area Network Review: protecting 30% of English waters by 2030, Marine Protected Area Network Review Team, Natural England, CEFAS and JNCC
Local Impact
This award recognises the breadth and depth of geographical work undertaken at a local or regional level.
- Ageing in Place Spatial Risk Model, Greater Manchester Combined Authority in partnership with Manchester School of Architecture, Manchester Metropolitan University
Making a Difference (joint winner)
This award recognises projects, teams or individuals whose efforts support sustained ‘business as usual’ work.
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Developing a statistical evidence base on access to nature, James Duffy and Spatial Data Science Team, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
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Price Review 24 Water Industry National Environment Interactive Map, Environment Agency
Leading by Example
This award recognises a team or individual who has made a difference within their work area through the application of geography or through promoting geography.
- Geospatially-enabled Situational Awareness in Crisis, National Situation Centre, Cabinet Office
and a special award in this category was awarded to:
- Niamh Jefford GGP Manager, for her contributions to GGP bringing it from a volunteer led to a fully funded and established Government Geography Profession
Rising Star
This award is in collaboration with the Association for Geographic Information.
This award is to recognise someone in the first 5 years of their career as a geographer in government or public sector organisation, who has gone above and beyond what would be expected for someone of their experience or has championed the importance of applying a geographic approach.
The 5 rising starts this year were:
- Clare Durose, Natural England
- Jess Payne, Natural England
- Jonathan Allsup, Ordnance Survey
- Bonnie Samuyiwa, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
- James Young, Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
Winner of Government in Geography Award 2026
From all of the category winners, the winner of the Geography in Government Awards 2026, was won by:
- Geospatially-enabled Situational Awareness in Crisis, National Situation Centre, Cabinet Office
David Wood, Head of Government Geography Profession, said: “Each year, the awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the outstanding contributions of Government Geography Profession members across the public sector. They showcase the value of geography, spatial thinking, and a strong understanding of place in designing and delivering effective public policy.”
If you are a crown, civil or public servant applying geographic principles in your work and would like to become a member of the Government Geography Profession, you can join via our members site.