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I wholly agree that "academic geography is relevant to policy and political debate" (Soapbox, August 5). It's hard to find a government department that geographers don't engage with. And, despite the pressures of research assessment, many geographers find time to engage with the media. The problem is often one of job descriptions - few of us are portrayed as geographers. Instead, we are seen as "experts" in global warming, migration, transport and the many other areas we deal with. The challenge is ensuring that everyone gives us the label of which we are proud - geographers.

Rita Gardner
Director, Royal Geographical Society (Institute of British Geographers)