In memoriam: Professor Andrew Goudie (1946-2026)

Andrew was an enormously influential figure in shaping the development and growth of geography at Oxford, having served as Head of School twice. Arriving in Oxford in 1970, Andrew was Professor of Geography and Fellow of Hertford College from 1984 to 2003. He also served as Pro-Vice Chancellor for Development for the University, and as Master of St Cross College from 2003-2011. A distinguished physical geographer, his main research interests included desert geomorphology, dust storms, weathering, climatic change in the tropics, and the impacts of humans on the environment. Andrew also had particular interest in the landforms of the Cotswolds and Dorset, especially the Isle of Portland, which he described as a 'geomorphologist's paradise' and where he and Professor Heather Viles made their home.

Andrew authored, co-authored, edited, or co-edited over 40 books and published over 200 papers. Many of his books appeared in several editions, including The Human Impact on the Natural Environment: Past, Present, and Future, the 8th edition of which appeared in 2018. One of Andrew’s key attributes was how much he gave to the discipline. He held various roles in the Royal Geographical Society, the Geographical Association, the British Society for Geomorphology, and the International Association for Geomorphology, where he played a key part in the body’s formative years. Over the nearly 6 decades of his career Andrew received numerous accolades and awards including the Founders Medal from the Royal Geographical Society (1991), the Prize of the Royal Belgian Academy (2002), and the David Linton Award of the British Society for Geomorphology (2009).

Professor David S.G. Thomas, former Head of School, said: "Perhaps above all, Andrew was interested in the development of others, and of the discipline, from its roots in schools to the highest levels. He gave so much to the development and careers of many individuals who have gone on to success in geography and geomorphology internationally, as well as in other fields and arenas. Andrew was the trunk of a very large geographical tree, and his influence will remain through others for many decades."

Andrew's genuine passion for geographical research, teaching, and travel, as well as his wicked sense of humour, were evident to everyone who knew him, and he will be missed deeply. To read more about Andrew's work and publications please see his personal website (https://www.andrewgoudie.com/) and his page on the School site (https://www.geog.ox.ac.uk/staff/agoudie.html).