Research and teaching in Soil Science is recognised by the highest UK Honour awarded in higher education
by Mireia Jimenez
Courtesy of Aaedan Brennan
Queen’s Anniversary Prize, granted by Her Majesty The Queen every two years, is awarded to the University’s internationally recognised Soil Science centre of excellence.
Research involves the promotion of the control of greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable food production, which contribute to the fight against Climate Change.
Aberdeen University scientists are to receive the prize after actively participating in the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow.
Professor Graeme Paton, Head of the School of Biological Sciences and Soil Scientist is representing the University at a special Queen’s Anniversary Prize ceremony at St James’ Palace in London tonight 25th of November.
Professor Paton talked about receiving this Honour:
“Like many colleagues and students, I came to Aberdeen because of its international reputation in soil science. This award is a tribute to our outstanding achievements of the past and for our current world class performance.This also reflects our foundations and ambitions for the future. The issues we face in maintaining sustainable soils are greater now than ever before and at Aberdeen we have the techniques, skills and team to face these challenges”
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen Professor George Boyne said:
“It’s a tremendous honour to achieve a coveted Queen’s Anniversary Prize which is a true endorsement of University of Aberdeen research making a real-world difference in two of humanity’s greatest challenges – climate change and the deterioration of our global soil resource. Understanding soils at all scales enables us to respond to the climate crisis, address food security and rebuild our loss of biodiversity.”
Professor Marion Campbell, Vice-Principal for Research, said:
“The award of a Queen’s Anniversary Prize is testament to the outstanding research being undertaken by our soil scientists at the University of Aberdeen. Delivering excellent research with impact is at the heart of our mission and I am delighted our work is being recognised in this way”
Some of the achievements of University research include the free-to-use greenhouse gas calculator tool Cool Farm Tool currently used by governments, NGOs and big companies to measure carbon footprint; the development of a carbon model calculator for wind farms; or the creation of a drought and disease-resistant rice crop capable of helping South East Asian farmers regarding food security and environmental balance, among many others.
More information about the Queen Anniversary Prize here.
