Soil Science Australia is delighted to honour an outstanding group whose sustained contributions have advanced soil science research, education, extension and practice across Australia and beyond.
Honorary Life Membership:
Professor Deli Chen AO
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.
David Rees
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.
Fellowships:
Professor Chengrong Chen
Professor Chengrong Chen has been awarded the prestigious SSA Fellowship for his outstanding contributions to soil and environmental biogeochemistry.
Over the past 20 years, he has become a leading figure in soil science, tackling global issues such as soil degradation, climate change, and pollution—including microplastics.
A prolific researcher, Professor Chen has published over 227 peer-reviewed papers, with 16,000+ citations and an h-index of 68, placing him among the top soil scientists globally. His work has reshaped understanding of nutrient cycling, fire-affected ecosystems, and land-sea nutrient flows.
He has secured over $33 million in research funding and led the $80 million Solving Plastic Waste CRC initiative. His research has influenced national policy, including the Philippines’ National Soil Health Strategy and its first National Soil Chemistry Laboratory.
As a mentor, he has trained over 2,000 undergraduates and supervised 30+ postgraduates, many now in senior academic roles. He also serves in key international roles, including Chair of Commission 4.3 of the International Union of Soil Sciences.
He has been a longtime supporter of SSA, with many significant contributions including regular field trips and nurturing SSA Student Award recipients.
SSA proudly honours Professor Chen for his enduring impact on science, policy, and education.
Professor Helen Suter
Soil Science Australia is proud to award Fellowship to Professor Helen Suter in recognition of her exceptional contributions to soil science.
Over a distinguished career spanning research, teaching, leadership, and industry engagement, Professor Suter has advanced the understanding of nitrogen dynamics, fertiliser efficiency, and soil health in agricultural systems. Her work has had significant national impact, supported by strong industry partnerships and over $47 million in research funding.
Internationally recognised for her expertise, Professor Suter was recently elected Chair of the International Plant Nutrition Colloquium (2028) and Vice President of its governing committee. She has published extensively, mentored the next generation of soil scientists, and led curriculum development at the University of Melbourne, shaping soil science education for future professionals.
A long-standing and active member of Soil Science Australia, Professor Suter has served in multiple leadership roles and continues to promote the discipline through outreach, mentoring, and public engagement. Her contributions exemplify the highest standards of scientific excellence, professional service, and societal impact.
We are honoured to welcome Professor Helen Suter as a Fellow of Soil Science Australia.
JA Prescott Medal
Dr Cameron J P Gourley
Dr Cameron Gourley has made an outstanding contribution to soil science.
His research has had a significant impact on the assessment and improvement of nutrient management on Australian farms. It has spanned the development of soil chemical tests for phosphorus sorption, the delivery of major industry-based projects with national scientific networks, and the production of decision support tools widely adopted by the Australian fertiliser industry, consultants, and farmers.
He is nationally and internationally recognised for his critical research in nutrient and fertiliser management, developing national standards for soil sampling, testing and interpretation, as well as quantifying nutrient flows and use efficiency at the whole-farm and within farm scales. He has also promoted nutrient recycling through better re-use of manure and processing waste streams.
A deeply-committed scholar, respected international leader, and generous collaborator, Dr Cameron Gourley is praised for his abilities to build capacity in soil science, bring research teams together, attract significant research funding, communicate with next-users and end-users and ultimately generate outputs that culminated in widespread industry adoption, better soil management and protection of the environment.
CG Stephens Award for PhD Thesis
Dr Ruby Hume
Soil Science Australia is pleased to announce Dr Ruby Hume as the recipient of the C.G. Stephens PhD Award in Soil Science, recognising the most outstanding PhD thesis based on originality, significance to soil science, and clarity of presentation.
The assessment panel commended Dr Hume for her innovative and methodical research, which explored the use of infrared spectroscopy to detect soil pH and lime status, and applied spectral assessment of wheat to evaluate crop responses to soil acidification. Her work also examined surface versus subsurface acidity, the effectiveness of incorporation techniques, and alternative soil amendments which are topics of ongoing importance to Australian agriculture.
The committee noted the strong methodological development, high-quality writing, and clear communication of complex concepts throughout the thesis. External examiners provided supportive reports, highlighting the rigour of the research, its successful execution, and the impressive publication record accompanying the thesis, including multiple peer-reviewed journal papers.
Dr Hume’s work contributes meaningful insights to soil acidity management and demonstrates solid potential for future leadership in soil science.
L.J.H. Teakle Award
Mr Andrew Biggs
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.
Publication Medal
Julie Tan
Paper: A Review of Fe–S–C Dynamics in Blue Carbon Environments: Potential Influence of Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils
The Publication Medal Committee is pleased to recommend Julie Tan for the Soil science Australia Publication Medal. Tan’s paper provides a comprehensive review of Fe–S–C interactions in blue carbon environments, with particular relevance to coastal acid sulfate soils. The Committee agreed that the work demonstrates strong scientific merit, drawing effectively on existing literature and presenting complex biogeochemical processes with clarity.
The Committee noted that the paper offers useful insights into how soil and mineralogical properties influence carbon dynamics in coastal wetlands—an area of growing national and global importance. Its relevance to the management of Australian blue carbon ecosystems under a changing climate was strongly recognised.
Overall, the Committee found the paper to be well-structured, scientifically rigorous, and of clear value to the soil science community, meeting the expectations and standards of the Publication Medal. The Committee commends Julie Tan for producing a high-quality contribution to soil science and congratulates her on this achievement.
Acknowledgement
Soil Science Australia thanks the selection committees, nominators and referees who have helped us celebrate elevated excellence in our discipline. These recipients embody the passion and rigour driving soil science forward.
Read more about each award and this year’s recipients on our awards page here.