Nominations for the 2025 Fellowships Award can be submitted until August 31st by using the form below.
Nominations are to include:
– a proposer, a seconder and five supporters, all of whom are financial or honorary members of Soil Science Australia
– a nomination statement up to 1000 words stating why the nominee is worthy of receiving a Fellowship and, where applicable, up to five of the nominee’s most significant publications or other works
– the nominee’s curriculum vitae
– names of at least three referees who can be contacted to provide a written report as to the standing and reputation of the nominee in the profession of soil science.
Soil Science Australia may honour up to three members each year as new fellows. The honour is conferred in recognition of outstanding achievements and distinction in any areas related to soils and soil science. The nominee must be an active financial Ordinary or Honorary Life member of Soil Science Australia.
– Fellows serve to inspire and develop extraordinary future leaders.
– They champion our associations’ impact and leadership in soil science.
– When called on. they may help to create solutions to the most critical issues affecting our profession.
Fellowships are announced by the Federal President or proxy at each Soil Science Australia national conference or another event determined by the Federal Council.
“Dr. Andrew Biggs embodies the qualities of an exceptional soil scientist and leader. His outstanding contributions to soil science, unwavering commitment to mentoring and education, and dynamic leadership in addressing critical soil- related issues make him an exemplary candidate for the Fellowship of Soil Science Australia. Dr. Biggs’ passion for soil science and his dedication to advancing the profession have left an indelible mark on the field, inspiring both current and future generations of soil scientists.
A notable example of his leadership is Chairing the Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook (Yellow Book) Working Group and rewriting of the fourth edition.
Dr. Biggs’ has demonstrated exemplary achievements in mentoring in his extensive involvement in the Australian Soil Judging Competition. His dedication to this event has provided students with hands-on training and exposure to real-world soil science applications, significantly enhancing their educational experience and professional development. The competition has also fostered greater interaction between academic and professional soil scientists, leading to improvements in teaching standards and professional practices.
Dr. Andrew Biggs’ awarding of a fellowship recognises his outstanding achievements and dedication and his contributions will continue to inspire and elevate the profession for years to come
Professor Jim He has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of soil science knowledge, with a focus on soil microbial ecology and microbial processes of nitrogen cycling and nutrient management for 30+ years.
Professor He has published 330+ papers in high-profile international journals including Science, Nature Geoscience, Nature Ecology & Evolution, Nature Food, The ISME Journal, Environmental Microbiology and Soil Biology & Biochemistry. His publications have strong impacts in the fields of soil microbiology and microbial ecology with total citations of 30,000+ and H-index of 91.
Professor He has trained 30 PhD and MSc students and 10 Postdoc fellows to successful completion during his employment at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and 6 postdoc/research fellows and 20 PhD students at the University of Melbourne from all around the world. Professor He has shown dedication for supporting and imparting knowledge on to the next generation. Twelve of his PhD graduates and Postdocs have been promoted to full professors in academic institutions and/or received prestigious research awards and fellowships.
Professor Jim He is deserving for the award of SSA Fellow from his exceptional publication record and training of next generation scientists and he will be an asset to the Soil Science Australia Fellows.”
| Year | Name | State |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Gupta Vadakattu | SA |
| 2022 | Brajesh Singh | NSW |
| 2021 | None Awarded | |
| 2020 | None Awarded | |
| 2019 | Professor Robert Fitzpatrick CPSS | SA |
| 2019 | Professor Leigh Sullivan CPSS | ACT |
| 2019 | Associate Professor Damien Field CPSS | NSW |
| 2018 | Dr Melissa Salt CPSS | SA |
| 2018 | Professor Caixian Tang | VIC |
| 2017 | Professor Michael McLaughlan | SA |
| 2017 | Professor Balwant Singh | NSW |
| 2016 | Emeritus Professor Lynette Abbott | WA |
| 2016 | The Late Professor Steven Raine | QLD |
| 2016 | Professor Neal Menzies | NSW |
| 2015 | Professor Alexander McBratney | NSW |
| 2015 | Professor Deli Chen | VIC |
| 2014 | Professor Pichhu Rengasamy | SA |
