As part of the World Congress of Soil Science 2022 (WCSS) we are pleased to announce the launch of the quadrennial, hotly contested, Soil Judging Competition! This is an opportunity to demonstrate your skills, whilst enjoying some time away in Stirling, the historic “Gateway to the Highlands”. In teams of four you will spend time in training with some of the foremost experts in the field of soil science, before representing your country or region in competition at sites across scenic Scotland. With prizes presented on the opening night of the World Congress, during the prestigious opening ceremony, this is an accolade worth working for. The competition is open to all registered students who are not otherwise employed in any post relating to soil surveys, and who also qualify as ‘early career’ students.
The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) is hosting the 22nd WCSS on behalf of the International Union of Soil Science (IUSS), and the competition will include the high-level training including guest speakers, which is associated with this event. Offering education, skills, support, and professional development across all stages of a soil professionals’ career is the core BSSS’ aims and we are keen to share local knowledge with researchers at the early stages of their career to enhance their knowledge and learning.
Can you take the challenge? Want to see how your team measures up against your international competitors? Are you an Early Career scientist? You can find more information, including eligibility criteria and registration, on the WCSS 22 website at www.22wcss.org or by contacting us on 22wcss@soils.org.uk.
Eligibility Criteria
All teams, and team members, must satisfy the conditions below to compete in the soil judging competition. If you have any queries, please feel free to contact the organisers on wcss22@soils.org.uk.
- Teams will be made up of four members representing a single country
- At the time of competition all members of a team must be either: a) Resident in the represented country for a minimum of 6 months, b) Registered at an academic institution based within the represented country or c) Be a national of the represented country
- Countries are limited to only one team each
- All competing team member must satisfy the following: a) All team members must be present for the entire competition, b) All team members must be a registered student at the time of competition, or alternatively be a registered member of a recognised national youth organisation in a related field, for example young farmers’ unions, c) Team members should not be employed in, or have been employed in in the six months prior to competition, a soil judging, interpretation, or analysis role, d) Team members must qualify as ‘Early Career’; within the first five years of their career post-graduation and e) All team members must be eligible for entry to the United Kingdom on the date of competition.
