Nominations for the 2026 LJH Teakle Medal are open for submissions.
– 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.
Soil Science Australia is pleased to award the L.J.H. Teakle Award to Mr Andrew Biggs, in recognition of his outstanding and sustained contributions to soil science extension, communication, and professional leadership.
Andrew’s record demonstrates exceptional commitment to promoting soil science to industry, government, students, and the broader community. His leadership in revising the Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook, a major, multi-year national effort, along with the development of accessible pictorial guides, has significantly improved the way soil information is communicated to soil scientists and non-soil scientists alike across Australia.
In addition to his publishing and technical contributions, Andrew has engaged widely with professional and community groups and has been an active and influential member of Soil Science Australia for more than three decades. His service includes roles as President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Regional Representative, as well as long-standing involvement in soil judging, accreditation, training frameworks, and national conference organisation.
The Committee agreed that Andrew exemplifies the purpose of the Teakle Award: promoting and raising awareness of soil science through exceptional extension and engagement. His dedication, impact, and long-term service make him a highly deserving recipient.
| Year | Name |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Dr Susan Orgill & Dr Helen Hayden |
| 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.
