LSE Geography & Environment

Huge congratulations to the LSESU Geography & Environment Society, crowned Academic Society of the Year at the 2026 SU Awards! 🏆

This well-deserved recognition celebrates the Society’s fantastic efforts in building a vibrant, welcoming and supportive community for students throughout the year.

📸 View the photos: https://zurl.co/2z7xj

📢 New optional course for students joining the MSc Urbanisation and Development

'Global Urban Natures' examines urban transformation in the Global South through the lens of urban built environments and their material ecologies - from water and electricity to garbage, air and concrete.

Through readings and seminars, students will explore how these "urban natures" shape, and are shaped by, wider social and political relations in a rapidly urbanising world facing the challenges of climate change.

Additional information about the course will be added to the programme webpage in due course.

Find out more about the MSc Urbanisation and Development programme: https://zurl.co/svwVp

📢 New optional course for students joining the MSc Urbanisation and Development

The new 'Masterclass in Urban Development and Environment' course explores the interface between research, policy and practice in relation to key issues in urban development and the environment.

Drawing on insights from academics and experienced professionals, students will develop practical perspectives on contemporary urban challenges and explore how research can inform policy and decision-making.

Further information about the course will be available on the programme webpage as details are confirmed.

Find out more about the MSc Urbanisation and Development programme: https://zurl.co/eInlB

📚 New review from LSE Review of Books

Reconstruction as Violence in Assad's Syria, co-edited by Visiting Fellow Deen Sharp and Nasser Rabbat, examines and challenges prevailing approaches to rebuilding Syria after the civil war. Reviewer Firmanda Taufiq highlights the book's innovative conceptual framework and interdisciplinary approach.

Congratulations to all our staff recognised at the recent LSE Class Teacher Awards! 😊

Winners: Vincent Chung, Ali Glisson and Oliver Harman 🏆

👏 Highly Commended: Juan Alvarez Vilanova, Ivana Beilacqua, Aretousa Bloom, Jacob Bolton, Caterina Hopkins, Joan Lopez and Annalyse Moskeland!

https://zurl.co/YwPSR

LSE Class Teacher Awards The LSE Class teacher awards are given annually to graduate teaching assistants, teaching fellows and guest teachers in recognition of their very special contribution to teaching at LSE, this page lists recent winners.

🎉 Celebrating 60 years of MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies (RUPS) at LSE!

On 18 May, we welcomed alumni, students, staff and friends to mark this important milestone and reflect on the question: What can planning still do in an uncertain world?

The evening celebrated six decades of planning education, research and practice, while recognising the outstanding contributions of colleagues Nancy Holman, Alan Mace and Erica Pani.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the past, present and future of RUPS. Here's to the next 60 years!

MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies at LSE | 60 Years Celebrating 60 years of MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies at LSE, reflecting on its impact on urban inequality, housing and climate challenges.

Book your free tickets for the LSE Festival 2026: How to save the planet

What can we do to save the Earth, its people and our environment? Join us to explore the impact of global challenges and how individuals, communities, organisations, corporations, and those with political power should tackle them at LSE Festival 2026– free and open to all.

https://zurl.co/mWeuZ

LSE Festival 2026: How to save the planet What can we be doing to save the Earth, its people and environment? See what's on and book your free tickets for talks, screenings, workshops and family events, in London or online, from 15 to 20 June.

Congratulations to MSc Environment and Development student Francesca Edralin, one of this year's recipients of the Southeast Asia Student Dissertation Fieldwork Grant from the LSE Southeast Asia Centre (SEAC).

Francesca's dissertation, "From Participation to Influence? The Role of Youth Councils in Shaping Inclusive Conservation in the Philippines", explores how young people are shaping more just and inclusive approaches to conservation and climate justice. Her fieldwork in Metro Manila and Los Baños, Laguna, will examine the role of the WWF Philippines National Youth Council in influencing conservation values and discourse.

We're delighted to see Francesca's research recognised and supported through this award. 👏

Southeast Asia Student Dissertation Fieldwork Grant SEAC undergraduate and taught postgraduate dissertation fieldwork grant

Congratulations to Hyun Bang Shin on being awarded a Leverhulme Research Fellowship for his new project, Speculative urbanisation, property hegemony and urban futures in Seoul.

The research will examine how speculative urbanisation and property-led redevelopment continue to shape housing, inequality and urban futures in South Korea’s capital.

Leverhulme Fellowship Hyun Bang Shin Seoul Urban Futures | LSE Hyun Bang Shin’s Leverhulme Research Fellowship explores speculative urbanisation, property hegemony, and Seoul’s urban futures in a 20-month project.

🌍 Green industrial policy: balancing national goals and global integration

As part of 2026: How to save the planet, this panel brings together leading voices from academia, policy and industry to explore one of the most pressing questions in the transition to net zero.

📅 Tuesday 16 June 2026
⏰ 1–2pm
📍 Marshall Building, LSE (and online)

With shifting trade dynamics and growing security concerns, green industrial policy is rapidly evolving. This discussion will examine how governments and businesses can deliver sustainable growth in an uncertain global environment, while balancing domestic priorities with international collaboration.

Speakers include:
Oliver Harman (LSE), Louise Hellem (CBI), Anna Valero (LSE) and David Willetts (Resolution Foundation)

Chaired by Riccardo Crescenzi (LSE)

🎟️ Free to attend – register now: https://zurl.co/DYQpN

Green industrial policies | Panel discussion 1pm Tues 16 Jun | Oliver Harman, Louise Hellem, Anna Valero, David Willetts | Free event at the LSE Festival: How to save the planet | Ticket required