Ronald Buliung awarded Edward L. Ullman Award by the Association of American Geographers

 

Ronald Buliung has been awarded the 2026 Edward L. Ullman Award by the Transportation Geography Specialty Group of the Association of American Geographers (AAG). The prestigious award, established in 1990 in honour of transportation geographer Edward Louis Ullman (1912-1976), recognizes scholars whose work has made exceptional contributions to the field of transportation geography. 

Buliung is celebrated for his influential body of scholarship and now joins a distinguished list of past recipients, including some early recipients such as William Garrison, who helped lead the seismic shift in 20th century geography to computers and statistics (1994) and Bill Black (1995) who, in his Fleming Lecture, challenged the audience to think carefully about sustainability in transportation.

A professor in the Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment (GGE) and UTM’s Vice-Dean, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, Buliung is also a Provostial Distinguished Professor in the study of Geographies of Disability and Ableism. He is widely known for his work on geographies of disability and ableism, as well as the mobility experiences of children and families. 

Over time, and for reasons deeply personal, his scholarship has evolved from analyses of travel behaviour to a focused and impactful exploration of the lives of parents and people with disabilities.

Sometimes the most important research questions can be found very close to home; none of this work would have been possible without my youngest daughter, who has taught me, through our journey together, to think about and advocate for accessible cities.

“This work has helped reframe mobility as a socially embedded and equity-critical phenomenon,” said the TGSG board on their decision, commenting as well on Buliung’s strong record of mentorship and graduate training. They also made a point of noting that his research “speaks directly to the urgent need to improve everyday accessibility for people with disabilities.”

Buliung’s award will be formally announced at the AAG Annual Meeting later this month. In keeping with TGSC tradition, he will deliver the Fleming Lecture in Transportation Geography at the subsequent meeting next year. For Buliung, the lecture will be a full-circle moment. 

“I can recall sitting in the audience for past Fleming Lectures, somewhat awestruck by the volume and depth of the work and thoughtful provocations shared by past recipients,” says Buliung. “Never did I see myself as a likely candidate for such accolades. I feel truly honoured to receive this recognition.”

Across UTM and the broader University, colleagues and students are extending warm congratulations for what many see as a well-deserved honour. Using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and collaborating with researchers across disciplines, Buliung’s most recent work has examined everything from inclusive playground experiences and public toilet provision to ableism in school transportation, and the ways in which institutional barriers can produce extra, often invisible, work for families living with disability. Through his work he takes great care to consider and advocate for greater representation of disability (and the dismantling of ableism) in scholarship and practice centered on transportation, health, and urban planning.

“This recognition speaks to Prof. Buliung’s leadership in transportation geography and planning and to the power of collaborative, interdisciplinary research to influence policy and improves lives,” says France Gagnon, UTM’s Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation. “His work reflects the mission of our university: advancing knowledge that strengthens communities and shapes better futures.”

“I dedicate this award to the families who shared their stories over many years,” says Buliung. “And thank my students for their brilliance, energy, and creativity.” 

“I also wish to acknowledge my teachers — especially those who believed there was a serious person in here,” he adds with a smile.

“Most of all,” Buliung says, “sometimes the most important research questions can be found very close to home; none of this work would have been possible without my youngest daughter, who has taught me, through our journey together, to think about and advocate for accessible cities.”