The memorial page for our wonderful friend and inspiring colleague Russell Hitchings, Professor of Geography at UCL.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Russell Hitchings, a very much loved member of our community. Russell passed away on Sunday 26 May 2024, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence and, more importantly, a deep impact on all who knew him. His contribution to the field of Human Geography and his kindhearted and welcoming presence in our Department over the past 17 years will be remembered with great respect and admiration.
"Russell has been central to the Department’s education and research for close to two decades. Russell’s easy laugh, his care for students, and his iconoclastic approach to research have been a highlight of the UCL Geography experience for so many of us. His passing leaves a huge hole in our collective life together." - Professor Jason Dittmer, Head of UCL Department of Geography
Courtesy of Rebecca Collins, Russell’s PhD student, 2009-2013
From left to right : Hao WU (Russell's phd student); Hanzhi LUO (a PhD student); Yidan CAO (Russell's phd student); Russell; Jin LI (Russell's PGTA); Xiaoxue CHEN (Russell's phd student); Chiao-Yuan KO (a PhD student). Courtesy of Jin L. Li
Courtesy of Rebecca Collins, Russell’s PhD student, 2009-2013
Russell and Alan Latham handing out chocolate in the last Research Methods class before Christmas. Courtesy of Yidan Cao
Russell's selfie with his new door plate of his office, when he became a professor last year, from his Instagram, Nov 2023. Courtesy of Danqing Xie
Vienna 2023 field trip with Russell. Courtesy of Bejna Doldur
Vienna 2023 field trip with Russell. Courtesy of Bejna Doldur
Vienna Fieldtrip, Class of 23/24. Courtesy of Ajoa Adu
Russell at a workshop on comfort in Geneva, February 2024. Courtesy of Marlyne Sahakian.
Russell on the MSc Fieldtrip in 2000. Courtesy of Gail Davies
Russell on the 2019 Stockholm Fieldtrip. Courtesy of Akasya Guner, UCL Geography Alumni Student
At the bottom of this page, you will find memories shared by Russell's friends and colleagues. You can share your own memories via this form:
Russell began his academic journey studying for his BA in Geography at Cambridge University from 1994 to 1997. He first joined the UCL Geography community as an MSc student before going on to achieve his doctorate in 2004. His academic appointments included:
2023 - 2024: University College London: Professor of Human Geography
2018 - 2023: University College London: Associate Professor of Human Geography
2013 - 2018: University College London: Senior Lecturer in Human Geography
2012 - 2013: Wollongong University: Senior Visiting Research Fellow
2007 - 2013: University College London: Lecturer in Human Geography
2005 - 2007: University of Hull: RCUK Academic Fellow in Human Geography
2004 - 2005: University College London: ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow in Human Geography
Russell recently finished writing How to Study Social Life (co-authored with Professor Alan Latham). This book came out of his research and his teaching at UCL. Exploring a range of different methods of doing social research, the twin impulses of the book are that research methods are important, but also that social research is fun. How to Study Social Life will be published by SAGE in December 2024.
You can find a full list of Russell's publications on his Google Scholar page:
Professor Hitching's research explored significant aspects of everyday life with implications for social wellbeing and environmental sustainability. His projects included studies on:
People and plants in the gardens of London
Investigating the changing relationships between people and plants in domestic gardens.
In his own words:
“"These interests first took shape during my doctoral work on how people live with plants in the domestic gardens of London. Domestic gardens were, at the time, being repositioned in terms of their media portrayal and, given that these spaces cover over three per cent of our national land mass, I reasoned that any corresponding changes in physical practice would likely have significant impacts in terms of issues ranging from social wellbeing and wildlife preservation to water consumption. With this in mind, this project deployed conceptual ideas about material culture and nonhuman agency across a series of London sites (the garden centre, the garden design studio and different types of domestic garden) to understand how and whether these changes were actually taking place. Through interview and ethnographic work, the study particularly considered whether the ways in which people related to 'living' plants were changing and why this was so as a means of stimulating debate about the roles that domestic gardens were, at the time, coming to assume."
Professional office workers and the urban outdoors
Examining how office workers in London interact with outdoor environments.
In his own words:
“"Since then I have become interested in exploring the value of cultural studies of ambient experience through a further grant from the Economic and Social Research Council. People in the west now spend over ninety per cent of their time within buildings that are increasingly air conditioned and this trend is troubling in terms that range from resource consumption to social sustainability. With this in mind, this second project took a sample of professional office workers in the city of London, as those at the forefront of a wider movement towards sanitised indoor existences, and tracked their activities as they passed through the changing outdoor conditions presented by one calendar year. In the context of a need to understand the mundane adaptations entrained by global climate change and the means by which we might steer cities toward more sustainable futures, this study considered how a societal indifference to the seasons, the weather, and other aspects of immediate climatic change might be practically engineered and subjectively experienced."
Older people and the winter transition
Studying how older adults manage their winter warmth.
In his own words:
“"There are many reasons to be interested in how older people organise their winter warmth within ageing societies such as ours. Winter mortality rates are highest amongst this group and several initiatives have been set up to alleviate the fuel poverty some older people are prone to experience. Yet many older people are also wealthier than ever and this leads to alternative environmental anxieties about how their home heating could exacerbate wider climatic changes. By straddling these two issues, this third project in collaboration with Rosie Day (Birmingham) began with the contention that existing studies of older person winter adaptation were relatively neglectful of evolving social conventions of keeping warm at home. We argued that it was only through close consideration of how these changes are lived out that we will fully understand the reasons why older people are inclined to organise their winter experience in some ways instead of others and what this means for positive intervention. By applying a novel approach to the evolution of personal practice to a stratified sample of older people in UK, this project aimed to address this issue and thereby uncover policy relevant and academically instructive insights about this increasingly important sector."
Indoor versus outdoor running
Understanding preferences and experiences of runners in different environments.
In his own words:
“"This project, in collaboration with Alan Latham (UCL geography) and Courtney Kipps (UCL Surgery and Interventional Science), sought to understand how recreational runners come to find themselves running either indoors on treadmills or outside along streets or in parks. By spending time with those who generally ran in one or other of these two environments and talking with them about the physical experiences involved we sought to generate fresh suggestions about the effective promotion of public health through regular exercise."
Dirt and disruption at summer music festivals
Exploring cleanliness norms at music festivals and implications for sustainable water use.
In his own words
“"This project in collaboration with Alison Browne (Manchester) and Tullia Jack (Lund) also focussed on physical experience. This time, however, the spotlight was on dirt at summer music festivals in the UK. More specifically, we were interested in whether and how festival goers develop new cleanliness norms and ways of relating to being ‘dirty’ when at these festivals and what that tells us about the wider establishment (and potential unsettling) of different ways of using water in everyday life. Framing the festival as a naturally occurring ‘practice disruption’, our ambition was to extract wider lessons about how more or less sustainable ways of living with dirt come about and about how this process may be influenced to positive effect."
Post-retirement leisure travel and energy demand
Investigating changes in leisure mobility among retirees.
In his own words:
“"Most recently I have joined a team of academics across the UK and France aiming to develop an original line of research focussed on how energy demand can be usefully studied as an outcome of wider processes of social change. For more information on this see the ‘Demand Centre’ website. My role within the centre is to jointly lead a collaborative project seeking to understand how post-retirement leisure mobility may be changing in the UK. The core question we ask here is: how have certain policies and pressures led to the current situation and what does that tell us about the future of post-retirement mobility?"
Thermal modernity and air-conditioning in Qatar
Examining cultural aspects of thermal comfort in Qatar.
In his own words
“"Together with academics from Australia and Singapore, this project developed my interest in how 'thermal comfort' and the energy demand associated with this idea can be examined through a cultural lens. Through a series of different research activities, and funded by the Qatari National Research Fund, we have been examining the link between ideas of social and cultural 'progress' and the provision of air-conditioning in Qatar. The broader aim is to see what such an exercise reveals about whether alternative, less energy consumptive, answers to the question of human comfort may yet be possible in this context. My own work has particularly sought to explore this by comparing how different social groups (older Qataris, younger Qataris, ex-pat residents) talk and think about air-conditioning in their everyday lives."
Throughout his career, Russell's research focused on combining academic originality with policy relevance. His work has influenced various sectors, from energy consumption to urban planning. He was actively involved in disseminating his findings through policy reports, public presentations, and academic publications.
His project on how older people keep warm during winter, for example, was developed in collaboration with Help the Aged (now AgeUK) and his study of city office workers and outdoor experience was supported by the Corporation of London. See below for more details in Russell's own words.
Older people and winter adaptation
“"We ended the fieldwork for this project with a policy workshop hosted at UCL. This provided policymakers from across government departments (DECC, DEFRA), the energy sector (EDF and EON), and campaigning groups (Help the Aged, Attend Rights to Warmth) with the opportunity to discuss how they might work together to tackle the issues identified in our study (reluctance to respond to campaigns targeted at older people, the social stigma of particular energy-saving actions etc.). This also led to various further policymakers requesting the report we went on to write upon completion of our analysis. Indeed we used the feedback from this policy event to ensure our recommendations were practicable and sensitive to the wider policy context at that time. Since then I have been involved in various further knowledge exchange activities around the topic of ‘thermal comfort’, most notably a policy workshop hosted at UCL with colleagues at Lancaster University, and civil servants at DECC on the matter of ‘thermal comfort standards’, how they evolve, and how they may be encouraged to take more sustainable paths."
Office workers and the urban outdoors
“"The end of this project was marked by a tailored policy report being distributed to identified stakeholders. I also wrote a short opinion piece for the journal ‘GreenSpaces’ which targets those working in city green space policy. As a result of this work, I was asked to give expert advice at a Corporation of London strategy meeting and a keynote speech at the annual conference of their ‘green spaces’ team. As a consequence, they have since piloted an innovative mobile phone text-based service that alerts city workers to the potential benefits of spending time outside at particular points in the year. One paper from this project has also since been selected by the European Commission’s environmental news service to be distributed to policymakers in all member countries."
A dedicated teacher, Russell supervised many Postagraduate Research students throughout his career. Below you can find a list of those he shared his knowledge and insights with in the pursuit of their PhDs.
Antonia Hodgson - Weather experience and recreational running in London
Yaqian Zhang - Community gardens as social infrastructure in Shanghai
Hao Wu - Social media and gay life online in Chengdu
Wanhao Zhang - Intergenerational negotiation around air-conditioning in Shenzhen
Helene Shultze - Cultures and practices of seed sharing in London
Xiaoxue Chen - Nature and technology in everyday life in China
Yidan Cao - Square dancing in public space in Shanghai
Catherine Willan, 2016-2019: Energy targets in the Construction Industry
James Hudson, 2015-2019: Older collaborative housing communities in Berlin
Michael Nattrass, 2015-2019: Cycling policy and cycling practice in the UK.
Faye Wade, 2012-2016: An ethnographic approach to boiler installation in UK homes
Anna Plyushteva, 2011-2016: City mega projects and new modes of commuting in Sofia
Rebecca Collins, 2009-2013: Young people and sustainable consumption through divestment
Regan Koch, 2009-2013: Eating in public and ways of making cities more hospitable
The sudden loss of Professor Hitchings is deeply felt by all of us in the UCL Geography community and the broader academic world. His contributions to Human Geography and his dedication to teaching and mentoring will be greatly missed.
In the section below, you will find messages of condolence and memories from the many people who knew and loved Russell. Please feel free to add your own via the button below or the form at the bottom of the following section.
Below, you will find a celebration of Russell's life at UCL as well as an opportunity to add your own memories of a friend who will be very sorely missed. If you would like to add your condolence messages, you can do so via the form below.
Your messages
Dr Joanne Norcup, Open University
"There are too many memories I hold dear of Russell: as a colleague at UCL, firstly in Geography when I shared an office with him (Bedford Way Basement B08!) then later as a Fawcett Fellow in 2004, and as a geography teacher on a term (that ended up a year) working with fantastic UCL colleagues who inspired my return to completing my PhD and current academic work. Returning to UCL in 2007, I was able to reconnect with him socially before returning to work with Russ in 2009 after he took over Claire Dwyer's role as Geography adviser to the Humanities Geography course I created for the Centre for Languages and International Education - a course that evolves and continues to this day, informed by those founding advisory influences. Russell was always kind, welcoming, and generous. He was always thoughtful and his intelligent insights enriched courses beyond those within the Geography Department itself. He was generous with his time, genial and convivial, creative and wickedly funny without ever diminishing anyone. His principles were always for the betterment of the many, his capacity to welcome and connect with all was a gift, as was his finding joy and purposefulness which was infectious. He lit up rooms and made places better. I feel so blessed to have had him consider me a friend as well as a colleague. His life force, love and wonderfulness will always enrich my life, even if I will acutely miss seeing his sparking eyes, hearing his glorious voice and hearty laugh, and his big embracing hugs. Sending all love to his family, friends, colleagues, and past and present students, all of whom he took immense pride and care for. The ripple effects of working and living well, through his work, teaching, mentoring and friendship will continue. He will live on in the tree I have planted in his memory (urban greenery - yay!) and in all he knew. He is a star."
Katja Garson
"I first met Russell in 2023 at the RGS-IBG session which he had co-organised, and stayed in touch with him as he guided me through the process of editing and submitting my first journal article. From the beginning, it was clear that he was a kind, funny, down-to-earth and brilliant person. I remember him gently suggesting that I come along to the pub with him and a few others after the session, writing his number on the back of an envelope just in case I needed to catch up later. I did go and will be forever grateful for this and subsequent exchanges which we had, including one video call where he was sitting on the sofa wrapped in a fluffy blanket, apparently at his mum's house. Russell generously provided incredibly detailed and thoughtful comments on my work, and in a short time taught me so much about writing and ways of thinking about research. I will carry this forward with me. I was shocked to hear of his passing, and my thoughts go out to all those who knew and loved him."
Jacopo Torriti, University of Reading
"I have worked with Russell as a Co-Investigator in DEMAND. I will always remember Russell for his clever remarks. He always asked questions to find out what the hidden secret was behind phenomena and dynamics which most of us took at face value. He used to say other colleagues knew more about a certain topic. But I am quite sure he knew more than any of us."
Jenny Robinson, UCL Geography
"I had the great pleasure of talking often with Russell about his research publications, and his career path. These were set in quite formal contexts e.g. reviewing ref papers, or annual appraisals and promotions. But each time I met Russell I left with a smile. Every piece of work that I read from him was outstanding, careful and full of detail which he had taken a lot of time and close attention to pull together. Each conversation started with a sense of modesty about the work which we then spent time turning into pride and plans for confidently publicising these successes and expanding conversations with others in the field. It was pure pleasure to see Russell's successful promotion come forward and the much-deserved Professorship awarded. I have also quite a few incidental memories of Russell which I love coming back to, as he always cheered up what is often a tough working environment. The best was an apology for some meeting (Exam Board perhaps) which simply stated that he was "camping in Wales"! Completely not an excuse, but everyone in the meeting burst out laughing and liked him more for that. It is incomprehensible that he is taken from us and the world now, while he was so full of energy, life and ideas, and reaching a phase in which he could look forward to more and more success. He made himself a colleague who was both valued but also very much liked. My thoughts go out to his family, at this very difficult time."
Amy Horton, UCL Geography
"I remember Russell's massive, warm smile from when I first came to UCL as a job candidate - his welcoming presence instantly put me at ease, even if I found his shorts a bit shocking. In the years since, he became a close colleague, a good friend over drinks in the Housman room, and a solid comrade on the picket line. When the rest of us were griping away about work, Russ seemed to wear it lightly, in all but the grimmest moments of marking season. From our chats, it was clear how much he loved his family, visiting his mum and working from his 'favourite cafe by the big local reservoir!'. He is deeply missed by all of us here in the Department."
"Russell has been an inspiration and friend to so many of us. Throughout my undergraduate time at UCL, Russell always stood out as an incredibly popular lecturer. It was only until the Vienna trip that I got to know him more closely. The trip came at a challenging time for me but became one of my fondest memories of university. This was not only because of the great lecturer that Russell was, but also because of the sincere, funny, and kind-hearted person he was. Russell's impact on us will forever be remembered. Thank you for touching so many of our lives." - Anonymous
Kai Syng Tan, University of Southampton (UCL BA and PhD Fine Art)
"The Running Cultures group has lost a dear friend. Russell joined our group when it started in 2014, having also participated in the inaugural "RUN! RUN! RUN! Festival of Running" #r3fest held nearly exactly ten years ago at UCL. UCL Professor of Geography Alan Latham was the co-curator of #r3fest and co-founder of the Group, as well as Russell's long-time and frequent collaborator. Russell worked with Alan as well as others to produce several projects and papers to advance how we understand running (eg indoors vs outdoor running; pollution and urban running; the value of equity in the discussion). I was introduced to Russell and his work through Alan. I had the pleasure of getting to know Russell through a number of running-related platforms apart from #r3fest, such as the American Association of Geographers conference in Chicago. I don't remember if we'd gone for a run together before (the male human geographers liked their runs fast!), but Russell's big eyes, big smiles and unpretentiousness as a person will stay with me. I was, and remain, very sad and shocked also, as a UCL alumni. We are welcoming researchers and practitioners of running to share their memories of Russell, which you are welcome to join."
Tabea Bork-Hüffer, University of Innsbruck, Austria
"During the last four years, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Russell. I was devastated to learn of his death. It was only a week before he died that we had submitted the final revisions of a mutual article and he was writing about the activities he was doing at that time and the many plans he still had. It fills me with great sorrow knowing that he will not be able to pursue these. Throughout our work together, I have been deeply impressed by Russell's wisdom, originality, high level of reflection and creative thinking."
"Russel was a great, humorous dissertation supervisor, who gave me confidence in my idea and project. He was Welsh and loved talking about that. May he rest in peace" - Anonymous
Akasya Guner, UCL Geography Alumni Student
"Russell was such a fantastic lecturer, as well as a such a positive person to be around. He taught so well and inspired everyone around him to think differently, and gave the Geography Department a great reputation - I will always remember Russell being the first person who welcomed me to the Department! We had lots of laughs as a cohort on the geography field trip to Stockholm and I’d like to thank him for everything he taught us. Such a huge loss and he will be very missed by many I’m sure. Grateful to have met Russell and to have learnt lots from him."
Catherine Willan, UCL
"Russell was my PhD supervisor. I joined UCL as a mature student, to study a PhD on energy targets in construction. I had plenty of experience with energy and business, but no idea how to approach social science theory. Russell was the best supervisor I could have had, and I could not have completed my thesis without his centring influence. He was a brilliant teacher because he would push me to think with academic rigour about the very complex theories I had chosen to use, and also gave me really practical tips about that helped me manage my interviews and my analysis. He would always take the time to comment in detail on my work and helped me understand what I needed to do and how to develop as an academic. I completed the PhD in 2019, but I can still remember the advice he gave me and hear him saying it in my mind’s eye. I can remember him describing his research interview technique as trying to keep focussed on the questions that needed to be asked, whilst thinking really hard about theory, and attempting all of the time to be very charming! I stayed at UCL, where I now teach, and I’m using what he taught me with my students, which is a testament as to how useful his advice was. I simply would not be here if it wasn’t for Russell’s mentorship."
Guanyu Yang, UCL
"Russell was an inspiring mentor throughout my academic journey. He offered me a great amount of help at times when I felt lost, and his difficult and challenging questions made me stronger. I can't express my gratitude for him enough."
Vanesa Castán Broto, University of Sheffield
"I met Russell a few times while working at UCL from 2011 to 2017, and he left a deep imprint on me. I loved his passion for and commitment to energy and social science and his research on energy appliances and inequality ended up shaping my own research agenda. I have gone back to his work, especially his methods writing, again and again.
I am shocked and saddened by Russell's passing. Thank you for putting this together, it really helps to remember what an exceptional person and colleague he has been for many of us."
Philip Howell, University of Cambridge
"Russell came to my current college at Cambridge whilst I was on a 10-year hiatus at another college down the road. When I came back home, as it were, Russell had graduated. But his spirit lived on, not least because (he claimed) he was the model for a mocked-up 19th-century undergraduate mannequin that decorated for a time the Emmanuel College museum: moustache, stripy summer jacket, that sort of thing, as if he had just come from the river, or perhaps an am-dram production of The Importance of Being Earnest. We later laughed at the fact that the mannequin had been retired, but was still in some closet or other at Emmanuel. I had met Russell for supervisions but only got to know him properly on the conference circuit or alumni get-togethers or some other shindigs. Russell was always massive fun, that slightly sly, slightly cheeky, mixture of irony and sincerity making him a person that you listened to as well as laughed along with. He was an excellent scholar but at the same time a transparently lovely human being. Others' hearts will be heavier, and I send my best wishes to all who knew and loved Russell, but I am heartbroken too."
"I met Russell in Geneva. He was such a passionate and fascinating speaker but also made everyone laugh at every break we had. A beautiful person." - Anonymous
Saffron O'Neill, Geography, University of Exeter
"Russell and I had been in touch about ‘summer geographies’ recently, and on other work and ideas over the last years. We joked on many things, including what counted as being a ‘proper Geographer’ (or not) and promotion (and not). He was such a fun person to talk with. I’m always recommending his ‘Unsettling Outdoors’ book (I think its brilliantly readable, as well as really insightful and thought-provoking on environmental change as well as interviews as methodology) – I can’t go for a run now (always going for a run, never as a 'runner') without thinking again of the chapter in that book (and article) on running. Russell was so very kind, fun and collegiate. He will be so missed, by such a wide group of people. What a loss."
Alasdair Jones, University of Exeter
"I only got to know Russell and his work over the past few years, but in that short time, he became a hugely influential figure for me, in particular for his work to interrogate and demystify qualitative research methods practice in human geography. Contributing to the 'thinking with method' sessions he co-organised at recent RGS-IBG conferences, I really welcomed the opportunities he opened up for human geographers to talk openly about their experiences of working with different methods and the challenges he brought to those discussions. For me, this is such an important endeavour, and I am so grateful for his astute efforts to open up this area (and so sorry not to be able to discuss these issues with him again). Such a shock to hear of his passing - you'll be sorely missed, Russell."
Jo Waters, UCL
"I will miss Russell a lot. I always felt happy in his presence. We would speak (very) basic Welsh together and talk about Wales. He was a lovely, lovely person and I feel so sad that he is gone."
Gordon Walker, Lancaster University
"Whenever I met up with Russell at conferences, in a café, in his office, it became a thing that I had to comment on him wearing shorts – which he did at every opportunity, looking fantastic of course. And then we would talk about something academic, some gentle gossip, how our lives were going, something funny. And he would shift between his serious concentrating, attentive face and his big sparkly smile with ease. It's hard to believe that those lovely and generous conversations will not happen again. When it was suggested he apply to become a Professor, in his self-effacing way he thought it was too early, that it wasn’t for him. But Professor Hitchings he rightly became and it was great to celebrate with him. In a review forum on his fantastic ‘Unsettling Outdoors’ book, I wrote that it was ‘written with verve, warmth and some humour … and in a way that is in constant dialogue with the reader, it draws you in, keeps you engaged and makes you think, reflect and question’. That’s what Russell could do. A life cut far too short."
Ray Harris, Emeritus Professor of Geography UCL
"Russell came with me to lead a UCL Geography year 3 field class to Tunisia in November 2007. While he was new to the study of Tunisia, he threw himself into the challenge enthusiastically. He was very engaging with students and really enjoyed lecturing and working with students in the field. His style was understated yet very effective. He was a lovely man and will be greatly missed."
Elizabeth Shove, Lancaster University
"I’m not the only one to be truly shocked by news of Russell’s death. I was the external examiner for Russell’s PhD in 2004 and have known him for twenty years or more. We had a few days together after a conference in Brazil and we invented ways of entertaining ourselves on the long journey back, including a small-scale photographic competition. I often stayed with Russell when I was in London, and on one memorable occasion, he took a taxi from the station to meet up with me and others in some woodland in County Durham. There was no specific address and I found him walking along the road. Russell was great fun, and completely unpretentious. I’m glad he published his book and that he was made Professor, but as these accomplishments show, he had so much more to give."
N. Vittal, Fellow-striker from a BW department and Member, UCL UCU Executive
"Striking staff from three departments have over the years met on the steps of Bedford Way. Geography staff and students joined their fellows from other departments, the air thick with music, chatter, teach-outs and chanting. Coffee and snacking were a regular feature. Hours of standing in the cold and rain are never pleasant. Russell was always present and generous with his walnut cake.
Success needed strike stalwarts. It took five long years to win back USS pension losses, while the sturdy fight for pay and conditions continues. In future industrial action, a familiar face will not join our numbers on those brutalist steps. It's a shock to hear Russell is no more. Striking comrades offer sympathy to Russell's friends and family, and students and staff of the Department of Geography.
Russell's spirit will wander future pickets and affectionately urge us to keep fighting the good fight. He will be missed, and toasted with coffee and cake.
UCL UCU thanks all trade unionists for making unpaid service a part of your life, for sacrificing income and often reputation, as you seek to improve life for everyone. Rest in power, Russell."
Tom Roberts, University of Surrey
"I first met Russell soon after starting my PhD at UCL. A few years ahead of me in his career, Russell was always a brilliant source of advice and inspiration about how to develop an academic career. In particular, I found him a hugely entertaining and inspirational educator. Since finishing my PhD more than 15 years ago, I have kept in touch with Russell, enjoying many fun evenings out at conferences! Russell continued to be supportive and gave several guest lectures at events I have organised. He was a wonderful man and a brilliant academic"
Nicola Spurling, Sociology Department, Lancaster University
"Russ was an open and bright colleague. I feel lucky to have met him and very sad that he is no longer with us. His encouragement, insights and sense of humour are things that I will always treasure. He came up to Lancaster in 2022 to give a keynote sharing his thoughts on autobiographical methods and mobilities. It was inspiring and thought-provoking, although I don’t think he quite believed me when I said it! We had some great chats then, to add to a string of great chats across 15 years. No topic is off the table, and he was always the one with an interesting question. More recently, he was very supportive of some of my new ideas and made himself available to talk them over. I can’t believe the conversation is ending here. Much love to Russ and to everyone who will miss him. A lovely human, leaving too soon."
Marlyne Sahakian, University of Geneva
"Russell was generous, brilliant and a joy to be around. He came to Geneva just last February 2024, and I would gladly share a picture of him eating fondue with all of you. A rather funny shot, where you catch a sense of his fun-loving character. We had organized a workshop on summer comfort, with Lenneke Kuijer and some others, and he generously contributed to the organization and brought all his great ideas and good energy to our few days together. We knew each other from many moons ago, back when he was working on air-conditioning in Singapore, and I was on the same topic in the Philippines. Little did we imagine then that artificial cooling would become a pressing issue in Europe as well. I asked him to sign a copy of his last book while he was here, and I assured him that I had read it cover to cover. He looked at me with some uncertainty, and I said that I had even caught the riff on the 'the Prince of Wales' somewhere in the middle. We chuckled. During his visit, he spent about 8 euros on a coffee; yes, Geneva is expensive, but I explained that the plastic cup was reusable and in returning it he would receive some 5 euros back. Well, he ended up taking it back to London as a souvenir and sent me a photo of this memory of our time together. To remember being together such a short time ago, and to now know that he no longer walks the earth is deeply saddening. What a very bright light has gone out. As we say in Armenian, 'his space is missing'. I hope to read about him from others and join all of you in this period of mourning."
"Dear Professor Russel Hitchings, I've never met you but as a student in urban geography learning your research, and as a friend of your students, I felt so sad to hear that you have left. May you rest in peace. Your academic legacy will be remembered forever by us." - Anonymous
Mary Kin Chan
"Russell was my personal tutor during my first year at UCL. While he was my tutor for only a very short period of time, tutorials with him were always enjoyable and made my transition into university life (in a foreign country) a lot easier. His easygoing character and sense of humour will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Russell"
Undergraduate student, 2013-2016
"Professor Hitchings was an incredibly engaging lecturer. He was the first to expose me to the concept of the action–value gap, as well as inadvertent environmentalism, both of which I have since imparted to students as a secondary school geography teacher. I am very saddened to hear the news of his passing and want to pass on my best wishes to his friends and family."
"Russell was such a charming scholar, who wouldn't like him? His passing leaves an indelible void, but his legacy endures in the countless lives he touched. We feel Russell's impact every time we write or approach a research topic, recalling his advice and striving to honour his memory." - Anonymous
"Russell admitted me into the Department as a transfer student and immediately made me feel at home there. There was just something warm and inspiring about him: he was so brilliant, but he did not take himself too seriously (he even put his shoes on his desk!) and it gave me a wonderful first impression of Geography. I was lucky enough to have him as a lecturer in Year 2 and he helped me to discover (and fall in love with) qualitative research. What a great lecturer!" - Anonymous
Michelle Shipworth, UCL Energy Institute
"Warm-hearted, generous, supportive and fun; Russell was a joy to work with."
Jiayang Chen
"I was honoured to meet Russell and have a chat with him. He was a really nice and interesting person. He always made some jokes and brought laughter to us. It was such a pain to hear this news."
Xiaoxue Chen, Russell's PhD student
"Russell was my primary PhD supervisor. I came to UCL Geography with a pure dream of learning to do qualitative geographical research, and Russell was the best person I found to help me with that. I still remember how excited I was when I read that he was ‘interested in interdisciplinary research using qualitative methods’ and that he sought to ‘examine various dynamic aspects of everyday life’. Russell was genuine and sincere, always looking at me patiently with his blue eyes when I was talking about my project during our meetings. He was intelligent and innovative, always coming up with his genius ideas so suddenly that it surprised me very much. He was also strict, always reminding me to think carefully about the details of the methods that I chose. On the one hand, he was my supervisor who questioned me, guided me, challenged me, and supported me. On the other hand, he was my friend who I could turn to whenever I felt confused and not confident. He was always there, sitting in his office and waiting for us to come to him with a lot of questions. He taught us selflessly. In only eight months, I learnt from him how to think about theories and methods, what were good writing practices, how to organise classes more effectively, how to design coursework more practically, and how to think about the big project as a whole and link every part of it more cohesively. Even several days before his passing, I told my other friends that I felt I started to speak like Russell, and I knew that was because I had begun to think like him. Russell once said to me, ‘part of my job is to help you do a really good PhD project, and part of my job is to help you become a really good geographer.’ Thank you, Russell."
"Russell's dynamic and entertaining teaching first introduced me to geographical methods during my master's degree. I remember his classes with great fondness - his kindness, clarity in explaining things, and the positive and joyful learning environment he created. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues." - Anonymous
"I was fortunate enough to meet with Russell on a handful of occasions - the first few in the margins of the Research Methods course he co-taught, and the last to discuss early ideas for my MSc dissertation. Russell's humility and humour - combined with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for the areas of Geography he worked in - has been, and will continue to be, a huge inspiration to me. Ultimately, it was following our last conversation that I decided I wanted to push myself to use photos as my main method for my project on community gardening - and it is to him that the project shall be dedicated. A true geographer - following his interests, while trying to make the world a better place." - Anonymous
Beck Collins
"Russell was so much more than a PhD supervisor from the start. He had a way of listening to you that was more than just attentive, it was like - in that moment - what you were saying was the most important thing in the world (even if it was gibberish, as I'm sure in my case it sometimes was). There is so much I will treasure about the memories I have of him, but the thing I will probably remember most is that he was always my champion - as I'm sure he was to so many others. He had a wonderfully understated way of saying, "you can do this, I know you can" - but with his characteristic low-key-ness, so that it was supportive without being pressurising. He was the most gorgeous, kind, encouraging, funny and sweet man. I wouldn't be half the academic I am, had it not been for his support. I will miss him and the good times I know we'd have gone on to have every day. All my love to you, Russ, and my thoughts are with your family and UCL Geog."
"I had never particularly enjoyed learning about research methods throughout my three years of undergraduate but Russell and Alan made the lectures thoroughly enjoyable for the term they taught the MSc students. They engaged the class with witty humour, Santa hats and the promise of a sweet treat and made two hours of what could be a dry and dull subject incredibly interesting and one of the highlights of my week. His passion for his subject and human geography more broadly shone through in every lecture he gave. As my personal tutor, he also helped me transition into life living and studying in London and was always ready to offer advice and guidance which I found invaluable in my first months at UCL. My deepest condolences to his family and friends." - Anonymous
"I remember him in the research methods module, and he was always trying to make students enjoy his lectures, and I enjoyed his lectures. I also remember him trying to make students participate in class with chocolates, especially orange chocolate. During the week before Christmas, he gave his lecture while wearing a Santa hat, which made us laugh. I can't believe he is not here anymore, but what's certain is that he was trying his best and always was a friendly, nice professor. I appreciate and will remember what he has done for his students." - Anonymous
Sam Balch, Director of UCL Grand Challenges
"Russell was my Masters dissertation supervisor in 2004/05. He was kind, a patient teacher, and deeply wise even at an early stage in his career. He was one of the people I remember most vividly from my time at UCL as a student, and embodied much of what encouraged me to return to UCL this year. I am very sorry to hear about his passing."
Tessa Bell, Roskilde University (Denmark)
"I was a student at UCL Geography from 1999-2005 and Russell was always a vibrant part of my academic knowledge. Reading papers about gardening (!) and being so dedicated to the teaching and knowledge of geography. It just felt like he had found his belonging, a professor at UCL and what a beautiful personality and so kind and helpful. I am truly saddened by this."
Divya Praful Tolia-Kelly, Sussex Geography
"A wonderful example of a cheerful presence and an understated scholar"
"It has been such a shock to learn this news. Russell's MSc methods course with Alan was a real revelation - I had assumed this would be a dry topic but it was the most fun I've had at UCL. Russell was so full of life and laughter and it's hard to believe he's gone. His loss will be felt very deeply in the Department and my thoughts are with all those affected." - Anonymous
"Russell was a wonderful lecturer. He had such an interest and passion for his subject and always wanted to listen to the ideas of his students. He made the Vienna field trip an incredibly fun and memorable experience for those of us who went. He always gave a kind smile or asked how you were if you walked past him on campus. He will be greatly missed." - Anonymous
"I was extremely fortunate and privileged to have Russell as my personal tutor throughout my three years at UCL, where he guided me through both personal and academic challenges. I will forever be grateful for all the hours he spent with me, where he taught me how to write as well as challenged my way of thinking; invaluable assets which formed me into a better geographer and person. His wit, knowledge, and caring nature will be the things I will always associate with him; a true testament of his character and a reflection of why he was loved by all students." - Anonymous
"My condolences to the family. I didn't interact with Russell much except for him being my tutor for my first year. Although I didn't have to ask for his advice, I felt very at ease. Russell's kindness was an important part of starting my time at UCL, and I am very grateful for it." - Anonymous
"My condolences to his family and loved ones. Russell was the first lecturer I met in person after having my first year in lockdown. He was very insightful and entertaining, often making us laugh with his jokes. He also genuinely cared about his students and always offered to support us in any way he could. Russell has had a significant impact on my academic life and I am sure that he has inspired anyone who had the privilege of being taught by him." - Anonymous
"Russell left a deep impression on me when I took his methods class back in 2019. His banter with Alan never ceased to make all of us laugh and I will forever remember these fond memories of him. Thank you for being such a great joy to all of us." - Anonymous
"Russell was a friendly, humorous and great professor who was passionate about his work and never failed to make his lectures for Methods in Human Geography engaging. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. He will be missed dearly." - Anonymous
"I will always appreciate Russell’s creativity and effort in making teaching on our MSc during Covid as interesting and engaging as possible. He was passionate, enthusiastic, calming, funny, and knowledgeable. I’m very sad to hear of his passing and I send my condolences to his loved ones and family." - Anonymous
"Even though I completed my MSc at UCL a few years ago, I have many clear memories of Russell in lectures and the hallways. He was consistently warm, kind, funny and engaging. He made every student feel comfortable to ask a question, and some of his descriptions of his own research have stayed with me even now because he was always so focused on how people's lived experiences could be improved. In his teaching, his research and his demeanour, he was so committed to improving the lives of others which is the best possible legacy anyone could have. His loss will no doubt be widely and profoundly felt." - Anonymous
"Rest in peace, Professor Russell. Your humour, kindness, and passion for life will forever be cherished by all your students. It was a great honour to have you as my tutor for my independent study, and I will always treasure the lessons you imparted. My deepest condolences to your family and loved ones during this difficult time." - Anonymous
"I would like to express my deepest condolences to Russell’s friends and family. As my personal tutor, he played a crucial role in helping me adapt to university life with ease. Beyond his academic guidance, Russell's genuine interest in his students' lives, even remembering the names of my cats, endeared him to me not just as a professor, but as a friend. He shared in my academic difficulties and provided unconditional support throughout my time at university. His absence will be deeply felt, and his unique place in the Department can never be replaced. Rest in peace." - Anonymous
Jin Li, Research Student
"Russell was truly an inspiring, humorous, and cool friend and teacher. Every time he raised his hand during a Q&A session, we would smile, already knowing he was about to ask, 'How about the research methods?'. I had the privilege of being his PGTA and learned so much about being a good teacher from him — his attitude, his class design, his engagement with students, and his humour. His values and inspiration will always be with us. I hope his family and friends find comfort in their memories of him and smile when they think of him because he was always trying to bring laughter to everyone. Thank you, Russell. "
"Russell was a fantastic teacher and also one of the few I had the opportunity to talk to beyond classwork during the Vienna field class. A particularly fond memory was when we realised we shared a love of the outdoors and swapped advice on good spots for wild swimming. He showed a love for his studies and for life that was infectious. I hope he may rest in peace, he will be sorely missed." - Anonymous
"'Outside the pavilion, beside the ancient road, the green grass reaches the sky. The evening breeze carries the faint sound of willow flutes, and the sun sets outside the mountains. At the end of the sky, at the corner of the earth, there are only a few close friends. A pot of turbid wine has exhausted all the joy, don’t sleep in the cold tonight.' - Li Shutong (Grand Master Hong Yi)" - Poem submitted anonymously, translated from Chinese
"Russell was a wonderful teacher who cared so deeply for his students and for his subject. In each methods seminar of 2nd year, he would lend me a pen when I inevitably forgot one myself. A small action, but a testament to his kind and steadfast character. Condolences to his family, and may he rest in peace." - Anonymous
"Condolences to his family. It was as if we had him for our Methods lecture yesterday and everything was all right. But, alas, we didn't know how short life is and, sadly, all good things come to an end. He made all the lectures and seminars especially fun and interactive for us all. I again send condolences to his friends and family." - Anonymous
"A remarkable professor in human geography, who provided immense support in lectures and seminars. You offered helpful guidance on assessments and helped me get a high score" Rest in peace, with cherished memories." - Anonymous
"Russell was an amazing teacher and really inspired me to take an interest in social research methods. I learned so much from him and found him to be an incredibly warm person - even through Zoom. I am so sad to hear of his passing." - Anonymous
"Russell’s passion and enthusiasm for his subject always shone through in his teaching. He never failed to make the effort to engage and involve students by speaking with every one of us during lectures and seminars and, importantly, he always listened carefully and valued our contributions. It is a precious honour to have been taught by Russell, who will be most sincerely missed by all of us. His passing is a profound loss for the Geography Department, which is much greater because of him." - Anonymous
"Russell was a great teacher, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his work. He always found creative and practical ways to make his seminars lively and interactive. I chose him as my dissertation supervisor as he inspired me to pursue social science research. He continuously motivated me throughout the process, listened to my ideas and helped me find the right approach for my work. I will always be grateful to him for his support. My condolences to his family and loved ones." - Anonymous
"Russell was my MSc dissertation supervisor and his insight and support were invaluable. I will always remember our final meeting, where he challenged me to think differently, not only about my topic but also about the practical significance of my research more generally. It is so rare to encounter mentors who shift your way of thinking so significantly. I will remember Russell and his warmth and humour deeply". - Anonymous
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