Three months into my Presidential term, I’ve been reflecting on our membership and how best to serve you. It’s inspiring to see BSSS grow to over 900 members across 40 countries, making it one of the most influential soil science societies worldwide. Our members drive this success, and I’m thrilled to share some exciting achievements.
Congratulations to BSSS Fellow Prof. Leo Condron, our newly appointed Editor-in-Chief of Soil Use and Management, who has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand (Ngā Ahurei a Te Apārangi). Last year saw BSSS Fellow Prof. Steve McGrath elected as Fellow of the Royal Society, joining BSSS Fellow Prof. Pete Smith. Its impressive to have soil science represented so highly in the world’s elite science societies.
On the global stage, BSSS has been making waves. Represented by our Executive Director, Andy Morris, BSSS became the Western European Civil Society Organisation representative for the UNCCD.
In the new batch of EU Mission Soil projects our members did well, complementing larger international teams to translate soil science into impact. In September, BSSS will be at Eurosoil in Seville where we will host a session highlighting research from Mission Soil projects. June sees us at Rhizosphere6 in Edinburgh and in April, EJSS Editor Prof Jenni Dungait, and SUM Editor Prof. Leo Condron, will be at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly in Vienna, working with our publisher Wiley to promote the journals (and hopefully finding material for more special issues).
Anyone who has looked at my LinkedIn page will know that I have been travelling. Back in March I spent 10 days in Ethiopia conducting soil erosion research with a PhD student and working with Ethiopian scientists on a couple of UK-funded projects combining soil restoration, plant biodiversity, and income generation for the rural poor. One morning, surrounded by birds chirping on the shores of Lake Hawassa, I filmed a video for the launch of The Duke of Gloucester Overseas Collaboration Award. This will support soil science research and impact by people in low- and middle-income countries, honouring the immense support of our previous Patron.
Soils and Impact
If you attended our Cardiff conference last December or the IUSS Centennial Celebration in May, you’ve likely noticed the growing intersection between soil science and the arts. This momentum has culminated in Somerset House’s exhibition Soil – The World at Our Feet, which received glowing reviews, with The Observer’s art critic writing “The theme of this startling, enthralling and highly original exhibition is the stuff of life itself – our common ground, our source of food, our overlooked inheritance.”
To reach new audiences the BSSS launched a new podcast ‘Soil Matters’, with the first recording in February. The podcasts make soil science more accessible to the public, featuring interviews with the authors of recent, impactful research. We have also looked further into launching a trade magazine, targeting industry members and reaching a diverse audience.
Lizzie Sagoo and I kicked off the Zoom into Soils webinar series in January, discussing our plans for the BSSS. In February the session was on Grassland Soil Health and in March the speakers discussed Evidence-based approaches for soil science outreach. Attendance remains high for these Wednesday lunchtime webinars that let you hear about the latest activities of our members and affiliates.
Our Outreach Committee and Executive Team have been hard at work planning events for the year ahead. Many members are gearing up for LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday on 8 June, including Lizzie Sagoo, who will be at the RSPB’s Hope Farm. We’re also strengthening ties with aligned membership organisations such as NFU, LI, and CIEEM to explore collaborative opportunities.
To amplify our influence, we’ve launched a new Policy Sub-Group within the BSSS Council. This team has been actively engaging with the Land Use Framework Consultation, gathering insights from a diverse range of members. Meanwhile, our Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Ed Hinman, has been leading efforts to develop a Soil Health Charter.
Training and career development activities have continued apace. A new Working with Soils course on Soil Habitat and Relocation is being developed, responding directly to industry needs. The EC Members have been busy planning their December conference and the Soil Judging Competition. We have been exploring more training options for all our members. This includes a new series ‘Unearth Your Potential’. Discussions are underway for training in specialist approaches aimed at EC and Technical members.
It has been a busy few months, but the recent groundwork will pay off with an eventful 2025!
Paul with a newly constructed rainfall simulator at Hawassa University, Ethiopia
