Professor Asunción Blanco Elected President of the Spanish Geographical Association – UAB Barcelona

Professor Asunción Blanco Elected President of the Spanish Geographical Association – UAB Barcelona

Background and Academic Achievements

Professor Asunción Blanco Romero, a long‑standing member of the University of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) Department of Geography, has been elected President of the Spanish Geographical Association (AGE). The election was confirmed during the Extraordinary General Assembly held on 16 October 2025, where the odd‑numbered fraction of the Board of Directors was renewed. Professor Blanco brings a record of academic excellence, distinguished research, and active participation in national and international geospatial dialogues that positions her as a natural choice for the speakership.

Robust Research Portfolio

Blanco’s scholarly work spans thematic cartography, spatial analysis, and the integration of geographic information systems (GIS) into climate policy. Her publications in peer‑reviewed journals such as the *Journal of Environmental Information Systems* and *Advances in Spatial Economics* have influenced how policymakers model ecological risks in the Mediterranean basin. These contributions have earned her several national awards, including the UAB Medal for Science and the Spanish National Award for Cartography.

Pedagogical Leadership

Within the UAB Department, Professor Blanco has directed the Bachelor’s and PhD programmes in Geography, ensuring that both curricula remain at the forefront of technology and theory. She spearheaded the introduction of a two‑year joint master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, a hybrid course that pairs GIS analytics with design pedagogy. Her commitment to mentorship has shaped the careers of dozens of junior scholars now leading research projects across Europe.

Significance of the AGE Presidency

The AGE, Spain’s preeminent professional body for geographers, serves as a hub for knowledge exchange, policy influence, and professional development. Blanco’s presidency will steer the association for the next four years, a period that will coincide with several key initiatives: the EU’s Sustainable Urban Development Programme, the global push toward data‑driven environmental governance, and the next edition of the International Congress of Geography.

Enhancing Inter‑Regional Collaboration

Under her leadership, AGE is expected to foster tighter collaboration between Spanish provinces and international counterparts. Blanco’s history of coordinating cross‑border research—most notably the *Mediterranean Spatial Data Collection* project—positions her to streamline data standards, promote open access repositories, and harmonize research agendas across the Iberian Peninsula.

Advancing Geographic Literacy

Blanco places a strong emphasis on increasing geographic literacy among the broader public. Through community outreach events, her team is developing a series of visual storytelling workshops that translate complex spatial data into accessible formats for schools and civic groups. These initiatives aim to elevate public understanding of climate change, urban resilience, and resource management.

Implications for UAB and Spanish Geography

Professor Blanco’s dual role as a UAB faculty member and AGE President offers a bridge between academic research and policy application. The university stands to benefit in several ways:

  • Enhanced Visibility – Projects that co‑fund with AGE can attract funding from national bodies such as the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.
  • Curriculum Development – Students will have direct access to AGE’s annual conferences and workshops, creating a pipeline of industry‑ready graduates.
  • Research Synergy – Collaborative research grants can leverage AGE’s network to partner with universities across Spain, opening doors to multidisciplinary studies.

Contact the UAB Department of Geography for more details on new research opportunities and network events.

New Initiatives and Opportunities

Blanco’s inaugural statement as president highlighted a vision that prioritizes data transparency and regional sustainability. Key forthcoming programmes include:

GIS for Good Initiative

A public‑private partnership that utilizes GIS to identify vulnerable communities and develop mitigation strategies for natural hazards. Student teams from UAB will assist in mapping exercises and field data collection.

Digital Cartography Fellowship

Weekly newsletters featuring new cartographic tools, international case studies, and career advice. The fellowship will offer stipends to early‑career researchers who publish spatial datasets in open‑access repositories.

Co‑Organized AGE Conferences

UNESCO‑backed conferences held annually in Spain, covering topics from urban informatics to biodiversity mapping. UAB faculty and students will serve as co‑organizers, gaining experience in event management and scholarly communication.

Pathways for Emerging Geographers

Those aspiring to pursue a career in geography can take the following actionable steps:

  1. Enroll in Advanced GIS Courses – Courses such as “Spatial Analysis with GIS” and “Remote Sensing Applications” are offered both online and on campus.
  2. Join Professional Societies – Membership in the Spanish Geographical Association provides access to journals, seminars, and networking events.
  3. Participate in National Projects – Apply for internships at organizations like the *Geographic National Data Center* (IGN) under the AGE’s mentorship programs.
  4. Publish and Share – Use open‑access platforms to disseminate research; acknowledge GEA’s open‑data policies.
  5. Attend AGE Annual Conference – Present abstracts, engage with senior scholars, and evaluate emerging trends in spatial science.

How to Engage with AGE

For professionals, students, and policymakers interested in AGE initiatives, the following avenues are recommended:

Conclusion and Next Steps

Professor Asunción Blanco’s appointment as President of the AGE marks a significant milestone for Spanish geography and for UAB’s Department of Geography. Her leadership promises to strengthen research, education, and public engagement across the field. If you are a geography student or professional looking to advance your career, now is an opportune time to connect with AGE and the UAB community.

Ready to take the next step? Explore UAB’s Geography Program, apply for a PhD, or contact the Department to discuss collaboration possibilities.

Have questions or experiences to share? Write to us or leave a comment below. We encourage you to discuss how you envision the future of geography in Spain and beyond.