Scientist recognised for soil science contribution

Congratulations to Dr Brent Clothier who has been awarded the Grange Medal for Outstanding Service to New Zealand soil science.

Dr Clothier is Science Group Leader of Production Footprints & Biometrics at Plant & Food Research, based in Palmerston North. He was awarded the medal for his extraordinary contributions to the promotion and advocacy of soil science, notably his mentoring of students and young scientists, advocacy for funding and his major input into environmental policy, such as the “One Plan” legislation of Horizons Regional Council.

Dr Clothier has many achievements to his name. He has published over 200 papers, received five fellowships within NZ and internationally, and has carried out collaborative research in 10 countries. He is an adjunct professor at Massey University and the University of Western Australia, and also leads the multi-CRI research programme, the Sustainable Land Use Research Initiative.

The Grange Medal of the New Zealand Society of Soil Science is awarded every two years to individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the promotion or advocacy of soil science. This award commemorates war veteran Dr Leslie I. Grange’s extraordinary leadership and service to soil science and his pivotal role in helping establish soil science as a discipline in New Zealand.