The University of Aberdeen's Professor Paul Hallett has been appointed president of the British Society of Soil.
He commenced his term for 2025 and 2026 on 1 January 2025.
Professor Hallett is Chair in Soil Physics at the School of Biological Sciences and coordinates soil science teaching to senior undergraduate and postgraduate students. His research is finding solutions to agricultural and environmental threats to soils health, both in the UK and internationally. Current projects are diverse including microplastic contamination, crops requiring less fertiliser, and collaboration with Ethiopian scientists to improve soils, biodiversity and farmer livelihoods.
The BSSS is an international organisation committed to the study of soil. They promote research and education, both academically and in practice, and build collaborative partnerships to help safeguard our soil for the future. It has over 900 members that include professionals, academics, students, researchers, technicians and the public.
Professor Hallett said: “It’s a real honour to have been appointed as President of the British Society of Soil Science. Together, our membership makes major international impact, ensuring that soils are protected through better understanding, practices and policies.
“Soils are not dirt but a fascinating mix of geology, geography, biology, chemistry and physics that have huge impacts on society and the environment. With the BSSS I will champion soils to attract the next generation of specialists and the support needed to ensure that soils are sustainable into the future.”
Professor Graeme Paton, a fellow soil scientist and Head of the School of Biological Sciences added: “Aberdeen has a long and proud legacy of soil science education and research and in supporting the BSSS. I am proud that Paul has taken on this role and I look forward to him delivering a vision for the future that will engage a broad audience. Paul is a world class researcher and a respected educator so it is great that someone with such esteem can steer national interests in soil science.”
The University of Aberdeen has an internationally renowned centre of excellence in Soil Science striving for solutions to some of society’s greatest threats – the climate crisis, food security and environmental change. In 2022 it was presented with the Queen's Anniversary Prize - the highest Honour for UK further and higher education - for world-leading research and education in Soil Science. The University is one of the few remaining institutions in Europe with focussed education and research in soil science.