Edward Malecki, professor, geography, has been selected by the American Geographical Society (AGS) to receive the Van Cleef Memorial Medal. The award is conferred on scholars who have done outstanding original work in the field of urban geography, preferably though not necessarily, in applied rather than theoretical research. The Van Cleef Memorial Medal, which has not been awarded since 1999, will be presented to Malecki on Nov. 19, during the AGS Fall Symposium at Columbia University. 

Malecki has spent almost 40 years pursuing sustained research excellence in the study of cities and regional economic development. His research focuses on urban, rural and regional economic development; technological change; regional policy; technology policy; telecommunications and corporation location and behavior. His work embraces both the applied realm and the theoretical, in keeping with the intent of the award, named in honor of Eugene Van Cleef (professor emeritus of geography, also of Ohio State).

“World society is more urban than ever,” said Jerome Dobson, AGS president. “Thus, never before in history has the study of urban geography been more important than today.  Ed’s research now serves as a base on which scholars and practitioners are helping to understand and plan urban centers.”

In 2007, Malecki was elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), for pioneering research defining technology's role in economic and regional development, and for distinguished research on the dynamics of local, regional and national competitiveness. In 2011, Ohio State’s Department of Geography selected Malecki The Dr. Martha L. Corry Faculty Fellow in Geography.

Malecki has three degrees from Ohio State:  BA, international studies, 1971: MA, geography, 1973; and PhD, geography, 1975. He is former director of Ohio State’s Center for Urban and Regional Analysis. He is the author or co-author of five books and has published more than 100 journal articles, more than 60 book chapters and dozens of book reviews.

AGS is the oldest professional geographical organization in the United States. Established in 1851, AGS is recognized world-wide as a pioneer in geographical research and education and has been awarding medals for outstanding accomplishments in geography for more than 117 years.