The Innovation Award of the IUSS, established in 2024, is an award for a specific scientific innovation, research method, or device in soil science. The Innovation Award can be awarded to an individual or a research group. In particular, the award is to be given for a scientific innovation or method development that significantly influences or has influenced a subfield of soil science.
Eligibility of nominator. Any active member of a national soil science society belonging to the IUSS may nominate. Members of the IUSS Committee on Prizes and Awards may not make nominations.
Eligibility of nominee(s). At least one nominee must be an active member of a national Soil Science Society belonging to the IUSS. Self-nominations are ok. A current officer of the IUSS Committee on Prizes and Awards may not be nominated.
Award Frequency. The Prize will be awarded every two years, but will be presented every four years during the IUSS World Congress.
Criteria for nominating a scientist or group of scientists.
The nominee has made a significant contribution to the advancement of soil science, or a subfield by a specific innovation. This can be the adaptation of highly specialized methods or processes from other scientific disciplines, which have not been applied to scientific discovery in soil or that makes soil analyses and characterization more accessible. Furthermore, new robust theories, newly developed (analytical) methods, mechanistic models and simulation tools, measurement devices, as well as scientific equipment can serve as a basis for the application. Aspects of interdisciplinarity in innovation are desirable.
Application Requirements.
All nomination materials must be submitted to the Chair of the Committee on Prizes and Awards (CPA).
- Submit a two-page description of the specific innovation/method including
- The type of innovation and its degree, as well as the development in relation to the current state of the art;
- Discussion on the potential for impact on soil science research and/or outreach;
- Description of the Technology Readiness Level; and
- List and summarize publications and patents resulting from the innovation.
- Resumes of all nominees involved, two-page limit per nominee.
- A two-page limit letter of nomination. The nomination letter should summarize outstanding contributions to innovation(s) and put them into context regarding impact on soil science and society. The application can optionally explain how the innovation(s) significantly benefits diverse users and currently disenfranchised communities.
- Two letters of support, one page limit each letter.
Nomination Format.
Preparation of the best nomination possible for a distinguished colleague is a compliment to both the nominee and the nominator, and it provides maximum assurance that the nominee will be selected to receive the award. Obtaining the assistance of the nominee in supplying information is permissible and may improve the accuracy and completeness of the documentation. Clearly identifying and evaluating the nominee’s contribution is the most important part of the nomination, because nominations are ranked primarily on this basis.
Application documents must be in one PDF file and contain all application requirements. The first page of the nomination should include the following at the top of the page: Title of the award, the name of the nominee, and name of nominator.
Nominee: Include the name, position, affiliated institution, mail address (with zip code), and E-mail address.
Nominator: Include the name, position, affiliated institution, E-mail address, and signature.
Deadline. The deadline for receipt of a nomination is 12 months before the beginning of the next WCSS at which the prizes are to be bestowed.
Prize. The award consists of an engraved medal, a certificate, conference registration, financial assistance for travel and accommodation for one recipient to attend the presentation of the award at the upcoming WCSS.
Note. The award will not be awarded if the Prizes and Awards Committee considers that there is no outstanding candidate or outstanding group to receive it.
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