The Chancellor of the University of Leeds, Professor Dame Jane Francis, has been elected President of the Royal Geographical Society.
Professor Francis’ four-year term in the prestigious role will see her lead the society and implement its business and fundraising plans.
The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is a professional body for geography. Formed in 1830 with the purpose of advancing geographical science, the charity today develops, supports and promotes geographical research, education and public engagement.
Professor Francis said: “The Royal Geographical Society holds a unique position at the heart of geography, a discipline that is increasingly important as we look to solve the global challenges facing us all.
“I am honoured to be stepping into the role of President and helping the geographical community to develop and thrive.”
Director of the British Antarctic Survey since 2013, Professor Francis’ study of fossil plants and their use as tools for climate interpretation is recognised internationally. In 2002, she was awarded the Polar Medal for outstanding contribution to polar research.
This prestigious position recognises Jane’s contribution and commitment to the sector. She is an inspiration to our University community and will no doubt be equally influential in this new role.”
Before joining BAS, Professor Francis worked at the University of Leeds from 1991, when she started as a Lecturer in the Department of Earth Sciences. She was promoted to Professor of Palaeoclimatology in the School of Earth and Environment and was the Director for the Centre for Polar Science before becoming Dean of the Faculty of Environment in 2008.
She left Leeds in 2013 and received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University in 2014. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (DCMG) for services to polar science and diplomacy, in the 2017 New Year Honours, and became Chancellor at Leeds later that year.
Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Interim Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said: “I share my warm congratulations to Professor Dame Jane Francis and thank her for outstanding work in the crucial area of polar research.
“This prestigious position recognises Jane’s contribution and commitment to the sector. She is an inspiration to our University community and will no doubt be equally influential in this new role.”
Professor Francis takes over as the Society’s chair of its elected trustees from Nigel Clifford, former Deputy Chair of the Geospatial Commission, whose term as President concludes.
Professor Joe Smith, Royal Geographical Society Director, said: “I am delighted that Professor Dame Jane Francis is the Society’s next President. Her wide-ranging knowledge and experience working within education, government policy, research and industry, across the UK and internationally, will be of huge benefit to the Society.
“I offer Professor Francis my sincere congratulations on her new position and very much look forward to working with her to drive forward the Society’s aims and vision.”
Further information
For more information, please contact Rebecca Hurrey at r.hurrey@leeds.ac.uk in the University of Leeds Press Office.
The Royal Geographical Society merged with the Institute of British Geographers, a body for academic geographers, in 1995.