Maynooth University Academics recognised by Association of American Geographers

The Association of American Geographers (AAG), the largest and most respected organisation of geographers in the world, has recognised two Maynooth University academics, conferring the AAG Media Achievement Award on Professor Rob Kitchin and naming Professor Gerry Kearns as its Distinguished Historical Geographer for 2015.

Professor Rob Kitchin is awarded the AAG Media Achievement Award in recognition of his exceptional work both on media and in media, with the Association noting that rarely has a geographer engaged with media on so many levels. 

Professor Gerry Kearns’ achievements in the field of historical geography, society and spatial justice, were cited as “greatly enriching historical geography.”
 

Professor Kitchin’s scholarly work on media and social media has made important contributions to the field of media geography, from advancing understanding of how to comprehend space (cognitive mapping) through current and future spaces (from cyberspace to science fiction). He has published twenty-one books and over 130 articles and book chapters. He was awarded the AAG’s Meridian Book Award in 2011 for his book with Martin Dodge, ‘Code/Space: Software and Everyday Life.’

In addition, Professor Kitchin’s research has been widely cited in a broad range of media, including the New York Times, CNN, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Wired magazine, The Guardian, the BBC, Irish Times, Reuters, and other media. Professor Kitchin has also served as a media commentator on radio, television, podcasts, and other media outlets.
 

Professor Kearns’ work is at the intersection of historical, political and medical themes in geography. His book ‘Geopolitics and Empire’ won the Murchison Award from the Royal Geographical Society in 2009 as the most significant contribution to geographical scholarship that year. He is currently writing about the cultural politics of AIDS for his latest book, ‘Making Space for AIDS.’

President of Maynooth University, Professor Philip Nolan said that an award from the AAG is a significant tribute. “Professor Rob Kitchin and Professor Gerry Kearns are leading experts in geography and we are very proud of their achievements. The AAG Award is the most prestigious honour in the field and Maynooth University is proud to have the international community recognise such talent and expertise within our University.”

The AAG is a non-profit scientific and educational society founded in 1904 with members from more than 60 countries with a shared interest in the theory, methods, practice and advancement of geography.