The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) expresses deep dismay and concern regarding the military offensives being carried out in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis unfolding as a consequence of these actions.
BSSS is a member of membership bodies who have released their own statements regarding the current conflict, including:
- Royal Society of Biology
- International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS)
- the International Science Council (ISC).
We will continue to support soil scientists from both Russia and Ukraine who wish to further their scientific knowledge in a peaceful and respectful manner. We will no longer seek to work with organisations based in Russia, although recognise that this could pose challenges for individuals who are funded by Russian organisations and are seeking to share the outcomes of their research. For those submitting abstracts to either the World Congress of Soil Science or one of our journals, the European Journal of Soil Science or Soil Use and Management, submissions will be peer-reviewed to ensure that as far as possible, we are not supporting Russian business, whilst continuing to seek to publish high quality scientific research.
We appreciate that there will be operational challenges for scientists when making international payments or travelling. Individuals affected and hoping to travel to the World Congress should contact wcss2022@speak.co.uk.
We will keep this position under review and amend it as it changes occur.
