In this short course, we will highlight and celebrate the current leading scientists working on Land and Soil functions: individuals who have made important contributions at different scales, including: chemistry, physics, organic matter, ecology, sustainability and ecosystem processes. By bringing together scientists from different parts of soil science this short course will demonstrate how sustaining soils are critical to human well-being and underpin the resources and delivery of major ecosystem services. Primary productivity, water regulation and purification, climate regulation, biodiversity and nutrient cycling will be the highlighted Land and Soil Functions. This short course will not only be a session tying together the disparate disciplines of soil science, but one to strengthen the diversity of global soil science.

This short course will start with an introduction to Land and Soil Functions by Professor Rachel Creamer (Wageningen University), followed by 5 leading scientists giving a Quick Fire Talk of the function they mostly work with. Thereafter participants will be circulated into 5 tables to discuss the challenges faced and existing opportunities in each Land and Soil Function. The 5 leading scientists will sum up the main points of the table discussions, after which the floor will be open for discussion.

We welcome participants from a diverse background of soil science, career stages and countries. This short course aims to (1) display the breadth of talent spread across soil science disciplines, (2) provide a forum for discussion for future activities and learning from success stories from leading scientists from different fields of soil science, and (3) enable cross-fertilisation of ideas and cooperation opportunities among the participating scientists.