Nanjing Welcomes Global Soil Scientists for the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science
Soil Science Society of China successfully won the bid to host the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science (WCSS) in Brazil’s 21st WCSS. For the first time, China as a host country invites global soil scientists to explore the centennial journey of soil science.
The 23rd WCSS will be held in the International Expo Center from June 7 to 12, 2026 in Nanjing, the capital city of the most developed Jiangsu province, under the theme of “Soil and the Shared Future for Humanity”. 121 sessions in five categories have been accepted.
Deprived from the Chinese character “土” (Soil), the mascot KuiKui manifests the concept of “One World for One Earth”. The emblem on its belly represents the earth, with the inner circle featuring five typical soil colors in China, while the outer circle featuring the blue ocean.
Join and follow via the official website: https://www.23wcss.org.cn/
Registration and Abstract submission open: July 7, 2025
Abstract submission deadline: November 7, 2025
Abstract results notification: February 7, 2026
Early bird registration deadline: March 7, 2026
Regular registration deadline: May 7, 2026
Cancellation and Refund deadline: May 7, 2026
Travel Awards for Attending World Congress of Soil Science 2026
1. Introduction
The International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) and Soil Science Society of China (SSSC) are pleased to offer travel awards to support early-career scientists who wish to participate in the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science (WCSS2026) from 7-12 June 2026, in Nanjing China. This initiative aims to encourage the participation of promising graduate students and early-career researchers by providing financial assistance to help cover travel and registration expenses.
A total of $40,000 USD in funding is available, aiming for gender and geographic equity. Each selected applicant will be eligible to receive up to a maximum of $1,000 USD. The award will be disbursed as a reimbursement for actual travel costs and/or WCSS2026 registration fees incurred.
2. Selection criteria
Support is only for early-career scientists who are high-quality Master or PhD students or who have completed a Master or PhD degree less than 5 years ago. Applicants must be the presenting author of a submitted oral or poster presentation abstract for WCSS2026, and must be a member of a council society (national soil science society) that is a full member of IUSS. Applicants need to send their applications to wcss2026@issas.ac.cn by 24:00 (UTC+8) on 31 December 2025.
All applications must be submitted in English and must include the following:
a) Application letter, in PDF format, specifying the amount of funding requested (max. $1,000 USD).
b) CV including gender, education, country of residence, publication list in PDF format, maximum two pages.
c) Abstract and its received confirmation for WCSS2026.
d) Proof of student status or copy of Master’s/PhD certificate.
e) Confirmation letter from your national soil science society verifying your membership.
3. Evaluation and Announcement
A dedicated evaluation committee, composed of selected members of the IUSS and SSSC Executive Committee, will review all applications. Successful applicants will be notified via email by the WCSS2026 organizing committee no later than 28 February 2026 (UTC+8). The results will also be announced on the WCSS2026 (https://www.23wcss.org.cn/) and IUSS (https://www.iuss.org) official website. The decision of the evaluation committee would be final and no discussion on the outcome will be entered into.
For any inquiries, please contact wcss2026@issas.ac.cn or +86-025-86881992.
We look forward to your participation in WCSS2026!
Attendance Grant for Council Member Representatives from Low- and Middle-Income Countries of World Congress of Soil Science 2026
1. Introduction
The International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) and the Soil Science Society of China (SSSC) are pleased to announce the Attendance Grant for the World Congress of Soil Science 2026 (WCSS2026). This initiative is designed to support the representatives of IUSS Council members from low- and middle (lower-middle and upper-middle) income countries (as classified by the World Development Indicators), enabling their participation in the Congress, which will take place from 7–12 June 2026 in Nanjing, China.
This funding aims to encourage and assist representatives of IUSS Full Member from less developed countries who are constrained by limited budgets to attend the Congress. A limited number of funding (approximately 20) will be granted. Each selected applicant will receive up to USD $3,000 to cover eligible expenses such as registration fees, flight tickets, and accommodation.
2. Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must be nominated by an IUSS Full Member (a National Soil Science Society or a National Academy). Each society can nominate only one candidate. Applications must be submitted in English to wcss2026@issas.ac.cn by 24:00 (UTC+8) on 7 February 2026, and must include the following documents:
a) An endorsement letter signed by your national soil science society.
b) An application letter (in PDF) specifying the requested funding amount (maximum $3,000 USD).
c) A Curriculum Vitae (in PDF, maximum two pages) including nationality, educational background, and professional experience.
d) A candidate is encouraged to submit an abstract for an oral presentation or poster to the congress. If the abstract is submitted, please attach the email message confirming your submission.
3. Selection and Announcement
A Selection Committee comprising appointed members from the IUSS Executive Committee and SSSC will evaluate all applications. Successful applicants will be notified via email by 28 February 2026 (UTC+8). The results will also be published on the official WCSS2026 website (https://www.23wcss.org.cn/) and the IUSS website (https://www.iuss.org). The decision of the Selection Committee is final and not subject to appeal.
For any inquiries, please contact wcss2026@issas.ac.cn or call +86-025-86881992.
We look forward to your valuable contributions to WCSS2026!
You must be logged in to post a comment.