Nominations for 2026 Honorary Life Membership are for submissions..
Nominees must have had at least 15 years membership of Soil Science Australia and have given significant service to Soil Science Australia such as through committee membership, service as an office bearer, contribution to the organisation of conferences, field days and the operation of branches,
and/or eminent service to the profession of soil science.
No more than 25 people may be Honorary Life Members at any time and no more than four people will be awarded Honorary Life Membership in a calendar year.
Honorary Life Members will normally be announced by the Federal President or proxy at each Soil Science Australia national conference or another event determined by the Federal Council.
Professor Deli Chen AO has been awarded Honorary Life Membership of Soil Science Australia in recognition of his extraordinary and sustained contributions to soil science and to the Society. A member since 1990 and a Fellow of SSA, Professor Chen has demonstrated exceptional leadership in research, education, and policy. He has played a pivotal role in SSA-supported events, including chairing the 7th International Nitrogen Initiative Conference and organising the 2025 International Symposium on Advancing Green Agriculture.
Internationally recognised for his pioneering work on nitrogen management and soil health, Professor Chen is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (FAA), the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), and the American Society of Agronomy (ASA). His many honours include the JA Prescott Medal (2010), the IFA Norman Borlaug Award (2024), and the prestigious Frontiers Planet Prize (2022). In 2024, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to sustainable agriculture and international collaboration.
This Life Membership celebrates Professor Chen’s profound impact on the field and his enduring commitment to advancing soil science in Australia and globally.
Soil Science Australia is proud to award Honorary Life Membership to David Rees in recognition of his exceptional and enduring contributions to soil science in Australia. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, David has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the advancement of soil knowledge, the mentoring of future professionals, and the development of national standards and frameworks that continue to shape land management and policy. His leadership in projects such as the Victorian Geomorphological Framework and the harmonised soil map of Victoria has had lasting influence across government, academia, and industry. David’s quiet dedication, technical excellence, and generosity in sharing knowledge have earned him deep respect across the soil science community. This honour reflects not only his professional achievements but also his legacy of service, collaboration, and stewardship of Australia’s soil resources.
Internationally recognised for his pioneering work on nitrogen management and soil health, Professor Chen is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (FAA), the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), and the American Society of Agronomy (ASA). His many honours include the JA Prescott Medal (2010), the IFA Norman Borlaug Award (2024), and the prestigious Frontiers Planet Prize (2022). In 2024, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to sustainable agriculture and international collaboration.
This Life Membership celebrates Professor Chen’s profound impact on the field and his enduring commitment to advancing soil science in Australia and globally.
| Name | State |
|---|---|
| Professor Lyn Abbot | WA |
| Dr Pam Hazleton CPSS | NSW |
| Dr Pichu Rengasamy | SA |
| Mr Richard MacEwan | VIC |
| Mr Noel Schoknecht | WA |
| Mr Dennis Baker CPSS | QLD |
| Dr Graham Aylmore | WA |
| Dr Robin Bruce | QLD |
| Mr Peter Charman | NSW |
| Professor Robert Gilkes | WA |
| Mr Bernard Powell CPSS-SSLE | QLD |
| Emeritus Professor Calvin Rose | QLD |
| Mr Jim Rowan | VIC |
| Dr John Standley OAM | QLD |
| Dr Nicholas Uren | VIC |
| Dr Robert van de Graaff | VIC |
| Dr Stan Waring | QLD |
| Emeritus Professor Robert White | VIC |
| Dr Cameron Grant | SA |
| Name | State |
|---|---|
| Mr Max Churchward | WA |
| Professor Jim Quirk | WA |
| Dr Pat Walker | NSW |
