The Glinka World Soil Prize is named after Konstantin Glinka, an eminent Russian soil scientist known for his work on the geographical distribution of soils. The prize honours distinguished individuals or organizations that promote sustainable soil management and the protection of soil resources, which have a direct impact on people’ well-being.

This year’s eighth Glinka prize is awarded to Laureate Professor Ravendra (Ravi) Naidu. Professor Naidu is a global leader in contamination studies and has made monumental contributions within research and beyond. In his career spanning over three decades, he has over 900 articles, contributing breakthrough research in fundamental knowledge of contaminant-soil interaction. This research has significant implications for soil management, and Professor Naidu launches his research into practical action through capacity building, raising millions in external funds, training programs, and organizing workshops to foster the remediation of contaminated sites. With his team at the University of Newcastle and crcCARE, Professor Naidu’s research has significantly contributed to the scientific community’s understanding of soil science and management, particularly in the areas of nutrient cycling, soil formation, and soils-to-crop and soils-to-groundwater as exposure pathways for contaminants. In addition to his research, Professor Naidu has spearheaded a wide range of initiatives to see the results of his research implemented across a wide audience for the development of sustainable soil management and remediation of polluted soil. These projects include remediation efforts across India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and AUSaid from 1994 to 2007, a collaborative project to research and address chromium cleanup strategies in South India, and many others. He is also the chair of the UN FAO’s International Network on Soil Pollution (INSOP) and was the chair of the International Soil Science Society Congress Commission for Soil Degradation, Control Remediation and Reclamation from 2002 to 2010.

Additionally, he presided over the International Society for Trace Element Biogeochemistry from 2005 to 2007 and assumed other guiding roles in international organizations. Professor Naidu has demonstrated remarkable leadership and initiative, hosting and organizing international conferences, raising international awareness, and influencing policy as a champion for sustainable soil management and remediation of contaminated soils. Not only has Professor Naidu organized conferences such as the inaugural conference on agricultural soil and contamination in the South Pacific, but consistently engages those beyond research and academia. For example, Professor Naidu started an essay writing competition for school students with the theme of soil pollution, clean earth, and leadership. Professor Naidu has successfully engaged with a wide audience in the battle against soil contamination. The Glinka World Soil Prize, launched in 2016, rewards eligible candidates who contribute to raise awareness and bring possible solutions to confront acute problems of soil degradation. It encourages and recognizes field-oriented work directly contributing to preserve soils and increase food security. Former winners of the Glinka World Soil Prize include Instituto Geografico Augustin Codazzi (IGAC from Colombia) in 2016, Argentine No Till Farmers Association (Aapresid from Argentina) in 2017, Professor Rattan Lal (USA) in 2018, Dr Xu Minggang (China) in 2019, in 2020 Dr Luca Montanarella (JRC/European Commission), Ms Lydie-Stella Koutika (The Republic of the Congo) in 2021, and Dr Ashok Kumar Patra (India) in 2022.