Professor David Higgitt, Academic Dean of Lancaster University College at Beijing Jiaotong University, Weihai, China (BJTU), has been awarded the 2025 Wing Ip Medal by the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to geomorphology, environmental science and educational leadership across the Asia-Oceania region.

This award highlights Professor Higgitt’s leadership in advancing both scientific research and policy dialogue throughout East and Southeast Asia and was formally presented at the AOGS conference opening ceremony on Monday 28 July.

Professor Higgitt will deliver his medal lecture, “On Nature-based Solutions and Human Nature: Geosciences in Uncertain Times,” at the conference on Friday 1 August. The lecture aims to explore how new technologies are making it easier to use nature-based solutions for social problems, even as science and environmental care face growing attacks and public interest is fading.

Professor Higgitt has been based in Asia for 20 years, previously a Professor at National University of Singapore and has long standing involvement in geosciences in Asia.

The conference and receipt of the medal falls in Professor Higgitt’s last week as Academic Dean at BJTU following an eight-year tenure that has overseen growth on the Weihai campus, which began with just 250 students and now educates 2,000 undergraduates, projected to reach 3,000 within four years.

Reflecting on his time at BJTU Professor Higgitt talks about the development of both the campus and the city: “The university campus was established as a catalyst for the development of a new city, Nanhai. As such there was very limited development when our staff first arrived, making it an extremely challenging place to live and work.”

“Little by little, the local area has developed. Our BJTU colleagues have been generous in supporting LU staff. It is very pleasing to see how a strong sense of community has developed among the LU staff.”

In recognition of his contribution to the development of the campus and its socio-economic and cultural impact, Professor Higgitt was awarded Honorary Citizenship in 2021 and the Weihai Friendship Award in 2022.

Professor Simon Guy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global at Lancaster University said: “David’s work in geosciences and transnational education have made a valuable contribution to Lancaster’s international profile. His long-standing commitment to collaborative research and teaching have helped strengthen our partnership with BJTU and our reputation in China. The Wing Ip Medal is a well-deserved recognition of his sustained efforts.”

This autumn, Professor Higgitt returns to Lancaster’s Bailrigg campus, returning to his position as Professor in Lancaster Environment Centre, having helped establish Lancaster as a “premier league” institution in Sino-foreign partnerships, one of just 16 named by the China Joint Education Committee in 2025. Last year, LUC@BJTU hosted the UK–China Joint Institute Alliance conference in Weihai, welcoming over 200 leaders from current and prospective UK–China joint institutes.

Professor Christine Mortimer will take on the role of Academic Dean at BJTU in the new academic year.