UCL Department of Geography

04/09/2026

Elena Fiddian-Qasmiyeh, Professor of Migration and Refugee Studies has been awarded Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS). We’d like to congratulate Elena for this very well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contributions to the social sciences.

🔗 Read more: https://tinyurl.com/25pnvz3d

26/08/2026

What can happen when we give nature time to recover?

For farmer Derek Sayer, a difficult field in Norfolk was no longer worth cultivating. He stopped farming it in 2005.

His son, UCL Geography Professor Carl Sayer, saw an opportunity to study what might happen if nature was given the space to recover. Since 2011, the field has been cut for hay once a year, while the vegetation has been allowed to develop naturally.

The result is remarkable: more than 150 plant species have now been recorded, including orchids, yellow rattle and common centaury.

The story of this family meadow – and what it could tell us about approaches to habitat restoration – has been featured in The Guardian.

Carl is Professor of Limnology and Freshwater Ecology at UCL Geography and convenor of the MSc Aquatic Conservation, Ecology and Restoration.

Read the full story: tinyurl.com/ucl-med

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Farmer Derek Sayer let a boggy field run wild and just one annual hay-cut has led to remarkable biodiversity

18/08/2026

Can indoor bouldering support mental health and wellbeing?

New research led by Dr Jacob Fairless Nicholson of UCL Geography and Dr Abigail Thompson of the Anna Freud explores the mechanisms underpinning the relationship between climbing and wellbeing.

Funded by a UCL Grand Challenges grant, the study evaluates Climbing for Wellbeing, a social-prescribing style programme offering adults four instructor-led bouldering sessions at Yonder Climbing in Walthamstow.

Working in partnership with Climbing for Wellbeing and Yonder Climbing, the research explores the impact of 'flow' state, belonging and the materiality of bouldering on participants' mental health and wellbeing.

The research is ongoing, with findings currently being analysed and written up ahead of a report launch event at Yonder Climbing in November 2026. Further details and sign-up information will be shared soon.

In the meantime, read Jacob's new article with The Conversation UK on how bouldering can build confidence, focus and even a sense of humility through repeated challenge, reflection and community.

Find out more about the research: tinyurl.com/ucl-climb

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17/08/2026

Europe’s extreme summers are putting its energy systems under pressure.

Heat and drought can reduce hydropower generation, constrain nuclear power and increase demand for cooling, creating new challenges for Europe’s electricity system.

UCL Geography Professor Mark Maslin discusses these challenges in a new episode of Montel’s Plugged In, exploring what increasingly extreme weather could mean for Europe’s energy security and the transition to a more resilient power system.

Watch the episode: tinyurl.com/ucl-eur

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Extreme heat and drought are putting Europe’s power system under pr...

24/07/2026

Behind every successful research project are skilled technical professionals who make the work possible.

Congratulations to Research Technician David Fairman, who has been named UCL Technical Professional of the Year 2026 (Research)! 🏆

David has supported ocean and climate research at UCL Geography for the past eight years, specialising in the analysis of marine sediment cores and microscopic marine fossils known as foraminifera.

His work helps researchers reconstruct past ocean conditions, deep-sea currents and climate change. Alongside his research expertise, David has trained more than 40 undergraduate, MSc and PhD students in laboratory methods, analytical techniques and risk assessment.

Colleagues have praised his precision, patience and willingness to support others, recognising the vital role he plays in keeping research projects running smoothly.

We're delighted to celebrate this well-deserved achievement. Congratulations, David!

Read the full article: tinyurl.com/ucl-dav

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24/07/2026

Four members of UCL Geography promoted in 2025–26 promotion round 🎉

We’re delighted to celebrate James Kneale, Tatiana Thieme, Tom Western and Igor Tkalec, who have all been recognised in UCL’s 2025–26 promotion round.

James Kneale and Tatiana Thieme will be promoted to Professor of Human Geography, while Tom Western will become Associate Professor and Igor Tkalec Associate Professor (Teaching).

Congratulations to James, Tatiana, Tom and Igor on this fantastic achievement, and thank you for everything you contribute to our department through your research, teaching and academic community.

Please join us in celebrating their success! 👏 And check out the full list of promotions: tinyurl.com/ucl-prom

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21/07/2026

Research into wild meat, forests and food security across Amazonia has won first place in the MapBiomas Brazil 2026 awards.

The Springer Nature paper Healthy forests safeguard traditional wild meat food systems in Amazonia, co-authored by UCL Geography lecturer Dr Thais Q. Morcatty (MSc ), has been recognised for its contribution to understanding how forest loss affects traditional food systems.

Drawing on data from 447,438 animals hunted across 625 rural localities, the study shows that wild meat provides an important source of protein and micronutrients for rural communities across Amazonia.

It also highlights a critical connection: as deforestation increases, the availability of wild meat declines, underscoring the importance of protecting healthy forests for biodiversity, nutrition and the wellbeing of Amazonian communities.

Congratulations to all the researchers and partners involved in this landmark work.

Find out more: tinyurl.com/ucl-fir

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21/07/2026

How do we understand climate change and what can we do about it?

🌍 Professor Mark Maslin (MSc ), Professor of Physical Geography, has published a new book offering an accessible guide to the science, politics and solutions behind climate change.

Climate Change: Essential Guide to Science, Politics and Solutions explores the evidence for current climate change, future emissions scenarios and its impacts, from rising temperatures and changing weather patterns to melting ice and sea-level rise.

It also examines the politics of climate change, the global push towards net zero, and the challenges and opportunities facing governments, businesses and individuals.

📚 Explore the new book and discover more about studying climate change at UCL: tinyurl.com/ucl-pro

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20/07/2026

Missed Professor James Cheshire (MSc Social and Geographic Data Science) on BBC Radio 6 Music?

If you didn't catch Sunday's edition of the Cerys Matthews Show, you can now listen back on BBC Sounds.

James spoke about his book The Library of Lost Maps, sharing stories from UCL's remarkable map archive and the music that accompanied him while researching it. His playlist ranges from Blur and PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING to Paul Kalkbrenner, with each track reflecting a different aspect of the book.

🎧 Listen back and discover how music and maps come together in unexpected ways: tinyurl.com/ucl-cer

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Bristol-based artist Myer U Clark in session and talking lost maps with James Cheshire.

17/07/2026

Explore the hidden stories of cities through art and geography.

Join us for (In)Forming Urban Agency: More-than-Textural Engagements from Geographic Fieldwork, a free exhibition showcasing creative research by UCL Geography PhD researchers Hanxi Wang and Richard Müller.

Using photography, film, sculpture, installation and drawing, the exhibition explores the informal spaces and everyday practices that shape cities across Asia in ways that often go unnoticed.

📅 5–14 August
🎉 Private View: Wednesday 5 August, 5pm (free, no booking required)
📍 Studio 5, The Slade School of Fine Art, UCL

Meet the researchers, discover innovative approaches to geographic fieldwork and experience a fresh perspective on urban life.

Find out more: tinyurl.com/ucl-infor

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