UCL Department of Geography

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

UCL Social & Historical Sciences UCL Geographical Society

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

UCL Social & Historical Sciences UCL Geographical Society

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

UCL Social & Historical Sciences UCL Geographical Society

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

UCL Social & Historical Sciences UCL Geographical Society

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

UCL Social & Historical Sciences UCL Geographical Society

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

UCL Social & Historical Sciences UCL Geographical Society World Scientific Publishing Co.

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

UCL Social & Historical Sciences UCL Geographical Society UCL Social & Historical Sciences

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

UCL Geographical Society UCL Social & Historical Sciences Slade School of Fine Art

16/07/2026

This Sunday at 10am, Professor James Cheshire (MSc Social and Geographic Data Science) will join BBC Radio 6 Music to discuss his new book The Library of Lost Maps.

Drawing on research from UCL’s map archive, James explores how maps have helped shape scientific discoveries, influenced societies, and revealed stories about power, knowledge and place.

From overlooked collections to global histories, his work shows why maps are much more than tools for navigation, they are records of human curiosity and our changing relationship with the world.

🎧 Listen to James on BBC Radio 6 Music this Sunday: tinyurl.com/ucl-r6

UCL Social & Historical Sciences UCL Geographical Society

16/07/2026

The Gibraltar border has entered a new era, but what does this mean for identity, sovereignty and everyday life?

The removal of land border checks between Gibraltar and Spain marks a significant moment in post-Brexit Europe.

In a new interview with DW News, Professor Jason Dittmer, Professor of Political Geography, discusses what this change means for Gibraltar, its residents and the wider region.

Jason explains that borders today are increasingly shaped by digital technologies, surveillance systems and movement of people, not just physical barriers.

He also explores how Gibraltar’s geography has shaped the agreement, with thousands of workers crossing daily and the economies of Gibraltar and the surrounding Spanish region closely connected.

Watch the full interview to hear Jason discuss borders, identity and the relationship between geography and politics: youtube.com/watch?v=6Le4lWqk9XQ

UCL UCL Social & Historical Sciences UCL Geographical Society

After years of post-Brexit wrangling, border checks between Spain a...