The King awards the Vega Medal and the Johan August Wahlberg Medal

The Vega Medal was instituted in 1880 by the Swedish Society for Anthropology and Geography(SSAG), of which The King is the highest patron. In accordance with the society's regulations, the medal is awarded to "people who have promoted geographical research in an excellent manner".

This year, the medal was awarded to Anssi Ilmari Paasi, Professor of Geography at the University of Oulu in Finland. Professor Paassi received the award for his significant contributions to geographic research, in particular his critical renewal and broadening of political geography. Professor Paasi's research focuses on the relationship between territory and the individual.

The Johan August Wahlberg Medal

The King also presented the Johan August Wahlberg Medal in Gold to Professor Emerita Margareta Ihse and Professor Emerita Karna Lidmar-Bergström, both from Stockholm University.

Professor Emerita Ihse and Professor Emerita Lidmar-Bergström were recognised for their significant and pioneering research within natural geography. With these medals, SSAG aims to raise awareness of their roles as early female role models, both within their own fields and within natural geography as a whole.