The competition encourages young people to think creatively and analytically about geographical themes. This year, the theme was Understanding islands, which invited students to explore islands and highlight the geographical themes, challenges and solutions that connect across both human and physical geography to make islands unique.   

There were 1250 entries received by the Society and the judges were looking for eye catching, creative and informative posters and StoryMaps that delved into the socio-economic, cultural, political and physical aspects of a range of islands. They selected 16 young people for recognition, with two winners and two highly commended entries selected for each age category. 

The winning and highly commended students who submitted outstanding entries were presented with their certificates by Alan Parkinson at a ceremony held at the Society.

Professor Joe Smith, Director of the Society said: “I'd like to give my warmest congratulations to all the winners and to everyone who entered this year’s Young Geographer of the Year competition. Islands, including the one we live on, are uniquely affected by climate change, but they also have unique opportunities to address these challenges. The high standard of entries we received across this year’s competition gives me confidence that the next generation of geographers is already asking the right questions about the issues facing island communities and how these can teach us about the wider world.”

The Young Geographer of the Year competition and the Rex Walford Award is run by the Society in conjunction with Geographical magazine and is kindly supported by Esri UK, Ordnance Survey and Philip’s Atlases.

Congratulations Ben on receiving this prestigious award.