The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) annual Medals and Awards recognise achievements in researching, communicating and teaching a wide range of geographical knowledge. The speeches and citations are a record of the 2018 celebration, with contributions from Professors Wendy Larner, Mark Macklin, Yadvinder Malhi, Bhaskar Vira, and Paul Rose. The speeches include comments on: the importance of geography for solving the most pressing of societal challenges; inspiring others through teaching, public engagement and leadership; interdisciplinarity and the pursuit of common intellectual agendas; fostering environmentally, economically and socially just futures; interconnections and exploration of the ecological world; and the value of field science.