BSSS Past President, Dr Bruce Lascelles, is confirmed as one of three candidates bidding to become the next President of the International Union of Soil Scientists (IUSS). This is a highly respected position within the global soil science community and we look forward to working with the future president.
The International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) was founded as the International Society of Soil Science (ISSS) on 19th May 1924, and is the global union of soil scientist. The objectives of the IUSS are to foster all branches of the soil sciences and their applications, and to give support to soil scientists in the pursuit of their activities.
The IUSS Executive Committee have formalised the candidacy of Bruce Lascelles, Ravi Naidu and Renfang Shen, and have officially declared them eligible to be voted in at the next IUSS Presidential Election. The IUSS Council will vote on this during the Inter-Congress meeting in Nanjing this coming October. As a voting member of the IUSS Council, BSSS will submit our vote based on the responses of our membership. We are therefore asking members to submit their votes for their preferred candidate via the form linked here. Voting will close on Friday 27 September.
Candidates
Dr Bruce Lascelles
Bruce is 2021 – 2022 President and a Trustee of the British Society of Soil Science. He is also Chair of the Grants & Awards Committee and was Chair of the World Congress of Soil Science Working Group and a Director of the company World Congress of Soil Science 2022, set up to deliver the event.
Bruce has an extensive experience in delivering large-scale national infrastructure and restoration projects that demand complex soil science technical expertise. He has delivered numerous presentations at major conferences and meetings (e.g. IUSS Centennial, COP28) highlighting his ongoing commitment to advancing the field of soil science.
Bruce is currently the UK Director for Sustainable Land Management at Arcadis and is passionate about promoting the importance and wider understanding of soils. Bruce is also Chair of the CIRIA Soil Community of Practice, a member of the CIWEM Natural Capital Network Steering Group and sits on the Cranfield University Environment Industry Advisory Panel.
Learn more here
Nomination Letter 1 | Nomination Letter 2
Prof. Ravi Naidu
Professor Ravi Naidu is a global leader in soil contamination studies and has been tirelessly committed to excellence in soil science research and innovation for over 30 years. He is a respected educator, innovator, manager, advisor and advocate for soil contamination and management, and among only a handful of scientists who have dedicated their research careers to contaminants in concert with the key principles of sustainable soil management. His research is founded on excellence and impact, demonstrated by his continuing efforts and outputs on the world stage.
He leads and organizes international workshops, and conferences in Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, Fiji, Switzerland, Spain, Poland, Austria and Papua New Guinea on contaminants, nutrients as contaminants, risk, and remediation of brownfield sites. One of the first conferences that he organised focused on Agricultural productivity in the South Pacific in 1990s- this conference was in Fiji and fully sponsored by Frederic Erbert Foundation – and despite moving to Australia, he continues advocacy for soils.
Nomination Letter 1 | Nomination Letter 2
Prof. Renfang Shen
Prof. Shen is the Director General of the Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ISSCAS) and has been since 2010. The Institute takes an important responsibility on serving agricultural development as well as ecological and environmental protection in China. The leadership skills of Prof. Shen have been consistently demonstrated in various roles, and his ability to inspire and guide colleagues and students has been instrumental in driving forward the mission of the ISSCAS. His dedication in soil science have reflected in a wide range on research achievements and international cooperation.
With over 40 years of experience, Prof. Shen has authored numerous influential papers in top-tier journals and has been a key speaker at major international conferences. His research on soil acidification prevention and productivity improvement has not only advanced our understanding of soil processes but has also provided practical solutions to critical agricultural challenges. Prof. Shen has successfully led initiatives to enhance research collaboration, promote sustainable soil management practices, and mentor the next generation of soil scientists. His visionary approach and ability to inspire colleagues and students have earned him immense respect and admiration within the scientific community
Learn more here
Nomination Letter 1 | Nomination Letter 2 | Nomination Letter 3
