Nominations for the 2025 LJH Teakle Medal can be submitted until August 31st by using the form below.
– The award will be given for outstanding effort in promoting and raising the awareness of soil science in Australia via activity with the Australian Society of Soil Science Inc and the wider community.
– Candidates must be financial members of the Soil Science Australia.
– Nomination of a candidate for the award requires a nominator, seconder and signed support by the president of the nominee’s Branch of Soil Science Australia.
The LJH Teakle medal is presented by the Federal President or proxy at a Soil Science Australia national conference or at another event determined by the Federal Council.
The LJH Teakle Medal is an annual award given to a financial member of Soil Science Australia for outstanding effort in promoting and raising the awareness of soil science through activity with Soil Science Australia and the wider community. Prior to 2017 the LJK Teakle award consisted of a certificate. In 2017 a medal was included in the award.
Dr Orgill and Dr Hayden, through their professional and personal commitments, demonstrate unwavering dedication, tireless effort, and remarkable achievements in advocating for soil science. Both are highly recognized for their outstanding contributions to promoting soil science awareness across Australia. Through their involvement with Soil Science Australia and outreach to diverse community groups, industry bodies, and regions, they have effectively engaged large audiences across multiple sectors. Susan and Helen are consistently recognized for their enthusiasm, proactive approach, and positive reception across academia, government, and the broader community.
Dr Susan Orgill is an extremely knowledgeable and passionate soil scientist with an industry-wide reputation. Her scientific aptitude is combined with an excellent ability to effectively communicate outside the soil profession as well as apply her knowledge to on-ground land management issues. With her passion and drive she has effectively informed and influenced land managers and industry representatives from the intensive farm lands of eastern and southern Australia to the continent’s inland rangelands. Dr Orgill is always approachable and has shown she is willing to go the extra mile to assist a diverse range of representatives and organisations to improve soil heath and land management across Australia.
Dr Helen Hayden is a prominent researcher in soil biological systems and processes. Dr Hayden actively engages with a wide range of stakeholders, including growers, consultants, and community groups, including school children, using a variety of creative and accessible techniques. Her innovative approach to engagement includes videos, presentations, co-designed experiments and field days, helping to make complex soil science topics approachable. Dr Hayden’s efforts are inclusive, ensuring no barriers to participation, and she effectively connects her work with broader initiatives such as state World Soil Day events. Dr Hayden has shown that providing sound evidence to practitioners, such as farmers and extension officers, empowers the community to become informed and improve management and use of soil, resulting in improved health of our soils. An active online presence and philanthropic gifting of her published book “Soil Health, Soil Biology, Soilborne Diseases and Sustainable Agriculture” (CSIRO Publishing) to students and gifting of speaker fees to the Victorian SSA Branch further amplifies her influence and commitment.
| Year | Name |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Emily Leyden |
| 2022 | Chris Gazey |
| 2021 | Silvana Santomartino |
| 2020 | Bill Cotching |
| 2019 | Gillian Kopittke |
| 2018 | Cameron Grant |
| 2017 | Richard MacEwan |
| 2016 | John Standley OAM |
| 2015 | Ann McNeill |
| 2014 | Bruce Carey |
| 2013 | Robert Holloway |
| 2012 | Mark Imhof |
| 2011 | not awarded |
| 2010 | Rebecca Lines-Kelly |
LJH Teakle was born in Hawker, South Australia and was the first president of the Australian Society of Soil Science from 1956-1957. He completed his tertiary studies in Agricultural Science at the University of Western Australia and began working for the WA Department of Agriculture in 1923. Soon after he headed to the University of California, Berkley where he completed his masters and PhD. He returned to the WA Department of Agriculture for a further 19 years, and in 1946 he was gazetted WA Commissioner of Soil Conservation. In 1947 he became a Professor of Agriculture at the University of Queensland, was appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University in 1964. In 1969 he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws.
Soil Science Australia is the national soil science body and a not-for-profit professional incorporated association for soil scientists and people interested in the responsible management of Australia’s soil resources.
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Soil Science Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future.
