Augusto Gansser-Biaggi was a Swiss geologist who specialised in the geology of the Himalayas. He was born in Milan.

The Royal Geographical Society's Gold Medal consists of two separate awards: the Founder's Medal 1830 and the Patron's Medal 1838. Together they form the most prestigious of the society's awards. They are given for "the encouragement and promotion of geographical science and discovery." Royal approval is required before an award can be made.