Now that we are well into 2026, this seems a good point to give a short update on where the Society stands and what is coming up. Last year we worked on several areas to get a clearer sense of where the BSSS can make the most difference. Two aims still guide most of what we do: improving the experience of members and making sure soil science receives the attention it deserves.
A quick look back at 2025
Last year saw membership rise again, now approaching 1000. We took part in events such as Rhizosphere6 and Eurosoil25, where we met many current and former members and spoke with people working across different areas of soil science. These meetings were useful for the Society and brought in around 70 new members.
We launched the Overseas Collaboration Award in honour of our former Patron, HRH the Duke of Gloucester. The aim is to support early career soil scientists from low and middle income countries by pairing them with BSSS mentors. We were also pleased that Kate Humble agreed to become the new Patron. Her involvement has already helped raise the visibility of soil science and she joined us on the Soil Matters podcast, which continues to grow in audience.
We kept a steady presence at familiar outreach events including Groundswell, the British Science Festival and Open Farm Sunday. Our Annual Conference in Manchester was the largest we have run, and the Early Careers Meeting beforehand showed that the future of soil science is in good hands.
The Year Ahead: 2026
State of Soil Science Report
A major piece of work for this year is the State of Soil Science report. It will set out where the discipline currently stands in the UK: the scale and aims of soil research, the level of funding available, the training routes that exist, the demand for skills and the areas where support is needed. A Steering Committee is being put together, but members across the Society will be invited to contribute.
The plan is to produce a clear document that draws together evidence rather than relying on scattered impressions. This will help us speak more confidently to government, funders and organisations who rely on soil science.
Education and Skills
Education is another priority. We will continue to broaden the Working with Soils courses, and we are exploring ways to link them to formal qualifications such as PG Certs or Apprenticeships.
We would also like to rebuild closer cooperation among soil science education institutions. There are not many of us teaching soil science and there is no benefit in working in isolation. With soil science often taught as a smaller part of wider degrees, students need good practical training that can be delivered consistently. The BSSS is well placed to help with this.
Preparing for the 80th Anniversary
Planning has begun for our 80th Anniversary in 2027. Part of this will be a focus on early women soil scientists whose work deserves to be more widely recognised. We are already collecting names and stories and welcome suggestions from members. I challenge you to find someone more inspiring than Frances Kay, the first female soil surveyor in the UK, who in the 1930s used to conduct surveys on a bicycle. Frances is the reason why soil maps are so beautifully coloured.
We will also form the scientific and local organising committees for Eurosoil2028. After the success of WCSS22 in Glasgow, we will reach a similar high bar in producing an exceptional international meeting.
Conferences and International Activities
The year started with the BSSS represented at the Oxford Farming Conference, where Ed Hinman and Khalid Mahmood spoke with delegates on soil policy and industry engagement. Internationally, Andy Morris and I plan to attend COP17 (UNCCD) in August and COP31 (Climate) in November to continue building our strong partnerships and ensure soil science remains part of wider environmental discussions.
Our regular external events will continue as usual. These include Open Farm Sunday and the Royal Highland Show in June, Groundswell in July, and the British Science Festival and Contamination Expo in September. These events remain important for speaking with farmers, students, teachers and the wider public.
The year will finish with the BSSS Annual Meeting in December in Aberdeen, run with the University of Aberdeen, the James Hutton Institute and SRUC. It should bring together a broad mix of soil specialists and a growing interest from allied disciplines, industry, and artists (yes, please come back – you were great last year).
Thanks
As always, the Society relies on its members. I want to thank everyone who contributes time to Council, Working with Soils courses and other activities. I am grateful to Past President Jack Hannam for her continued support, and to President‑Elect Lizzie Sagoo for stepping into her role with a huge amount of enthusiasm. I also want to thank Andy Morris and the Executive Team, whose work underpins much of what we do.
We have a full year ahead, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our events and meetings as we move through 2026.
2026 Highlights
- State of Soil Science report underway
- Expansion of Working with Soils courses and new training partnerships
- Planning begins for BSSS 80th Anniversary in 2027
- Early work on Eurosoil2028 committees
- Attendance planned for COP17 (UNCCD) and COP31 (Climate)
- Outreach at Open Farm Sunday, Royal Highland Show, Groundswell, British Science Festival and Contamination Expo
- BSSS Annual Meeting in December in Aberdeen
