The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) has announced that Professor Mark Green, from the Department of Geography and Planning, is the recipient of the 2025 Back Award.
The Back Award recognises applied or scientific geographical research that makes an outstanding contribution to national or international public policy.
Professor Mark Green’s work explores how places imprint on our health and well-being – focusing on how data can be used to support local and national policy decisions for tackling health inequalities.
Professor Green developed one of the UK’s largest small-area health database—Access to Health Assets and Hazards—which supported decision making by Public Health England/Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. Mark also co-produced data tools for Local Authorities to guide pandemic policy.
Responding to the news, Professor Mark Green said: “I am truly honoured to receive the 2025 Back Award. I’m fortunate to work in a field where I can dedicate my time and energy to using data and evidence to inform key policy decisions. I always tell my students that the power of geography lies in its ability to make a real-world impact—so it’s deeply meaningful to have this work recognised.”
Professor Green will be formally presented with the award at a ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society’s headquarters in London on Monday, 2 June.
The Back Award is part of the Royal Geographical Society’s annual honours which celebrate exceptional achievements across geographical research, fieldwork, expeditions, teaching, policy, professional practice, and public engagement.
The Royal Geographical Society’s awards and medals, approved by His Majesty the King, are among the highest accolades in the field of geography. Awarded since the 1830s, previous recipients include renowned figures such as Sir David Attenborough, Dame Fiona Reynolds, and Lindsey Hilsum.
The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is the UK’s learned society and professional body for geography.