Emeritus Professor Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt AO receives highest award for geographer

Emeritus Professor Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt AO is the recipient of the International Geographical Union (IGU) Award for Distinguished Geographical Practice. This award recognises her outstanding professional achievements and significant contributions to the advancement and application of geographical knowledge and practice. 

The IGU is the highest international body and the professional association of geographers. This award is the highest possible recognition for a geographer, and is awarded every two years. 

Emeritus Professor Lahiri-Dutt says, “I feel very fortunate to be recognised by the IGU, especially considering the calibre of work being done in our field globally. The recognition means a lot to me, especially given my location in an interdisciplinary department and the fact that I have often selected ‘thematic’ journals rather than disciplinary ones to publish my research.”

Much of the credit for this award goes to the Crawford School, starting with people like Holly Zervos in the executive team, Thuy Nguyen (Business Manager), and my amazing colleagues at the Resources, Environment and Development Department (RE&D) and beyond, the School Manager and especially the Director Professor Janine O’Flynn. The support I continue to receive from the School, and the kind words of the professional staff and academic colleagues, have been crucial during my time at this School. 

“This is a joyful, yet humbling, moment in my life. I am delighted to share this good news with all of you,” she added. 

The award will be formally conferred during the upcoming IGU Regional Conference in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 17–21 August 2026. You can find more information here: https://igu-online.org/