Since 1832, the Society’s prestigious Medals and Awards have recognised excellence in geographical research and fieldwork, teaching and public engagement.
They are presented annually in recognition of those who have made outstanding achievements within the sphere of geography.
Dr Mills has been given the Gill Memorial Award in recognition of her ‘outstanding early career research in cultural geography’.
Her research at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ explores the geographies of youth citizenship, informal education and volunteering. She has published widely across these themes, co-edited two books, and held two prestigious Economic and Social Research Council Fellowships.
Dr Mills is currently Chair of the Society’s Geographies of Children, Youth and Families Research Group and a Fellow of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Democratic Participation’s Political Literacy Oversight Group.
Speaking about the award she said: “I am overwhelmed by this news and so grateful to the Royal Geographical Society for this award. I owe a huge thanks to colleagues and mentors, but most of all to my family and friends for their love and support.”
Professor Stephen Rice, Head of º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s Department of Geography, added: “We are thrilled that Sarah’s achievements have been recognised by the Royal Geographical Society with this prestigious award. She is a very worthy recipient and the entire University community would like to congratulate her.”
Dr Mills will be presented with this award by the Society’s President, Nicholas Crane, at its Medals and Awards celebration on Monday 5 June 2017.