The Importance of the Vega Medal
The Vega Medal is one of the most distinguished recognitions in the field of geography. It highlights research that not only advances scientific knowledge but also provides insights crucial to society,
such as understanding environmental change, land use, ecosystems,
and the relationship between humans and their surroundings. By awarding this medal, SSAG not only honors individual excellence but also raises the visibility of geography as a discipline, underlining its central role in tackling today’s global challenges, from climate change to sustainable development.
For researchers, receiving the Vega Medal is a mark of international distinction. For the broader community, it is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on how geographic research contributes to a better understanding of our planet and informs decisions that shape the future.
Celebrating Past Laureates
Over the years, the Vega Medal has been awarded to scholars whose work has shaped our understanding of the physical environment. Recent laureates include John P. Smol (2023), David R. Montgomery (2020), Tandong Yao (2017), and Compton James Tucker (2014). A full list of medal winners is available on SSAG's website.
Nominations for the 2026 Vega Medal
The time has now come to nominate candidates for the 2026 Vega Medal. This is an opportunity to recognize researchers whose scientific contributions have had a lasting impact on physical geography.
How to Nominate a Candidate
- Deadline for nominations: 25 October 2025
- Format: Maximum 1 page nomination letter
- Submission: Send to Associate Professor Lina Polvi Sjöberg, Secretary of SSAG, at sekreterare [at] ssag [dot] se
The SSAG board will review all nominations and make a decision on the medalist during autumn 2025.
Award Ceremony in Stockholm, April 2026
The Vega Medal will be presented in April 2026 at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, by either H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf or H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria. The award ceremony coincides with Vega Day, which also features a symposium at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, followed by a formal Vega dinner in the evening.
A Call to Our Community
This is an important opportunity to honor excellence in physical geography. We encourage our colleagues here and across the wider academic community to put forward deserving candidates and help highlight the groundbreaking work being done in this field.