Soil Science Society of China and Soil Science Society of America Begin Joint Initiative

A screenshot of the virtual meeting

The Soil Science Society of China (SSSC) and the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) have begun a project to expand opportunities for scientific cooperation and collaboration. In March 2021, the two societies signed a letter of agreement to explore and promote collaborative opportunities at joint meetings and workshops, and joint society memberships, which aimed to encourage the exchange of research scholars and students, enhance educational opportunities for members and students, and increase access to society journals and other publications. Each society has formed a working group of members who are charged with exploring the best ways for the two societies to work toward these goals. On 6 December 2021, the day following World Soil Day, the two working groups came together at an inaugural meeting to begin the new initiative.

At the inaugural meeting, the presidents of both societies, Prof. April Ulery and CAE Academician Prof. Jiabao Zhang, spoke about the critical roles that soils play in agriculture, environmental quality, and climate change. They expressed the hope that closer ties between the two professional organizations can facilitate communication, education, and cooperation on many levels – for the benefit of humankind. Scientific cooperation is essential to addressing global challenges such as food security, climate change, and environmental restoration. In addition, opportunities are needed for both professionals and students to broaden their understanding of agricultural and environmental issues so as to nurture diverse, multicultural perspectives. Prof. Ole Wendroth, past president of SSSA, and CAS Academician Prof. Yongguan Zhu, advisor to the International Collaboration Working Committee of SSSC, also spoke at the event.

At this meeting, the inaugural members of the bilateral collaborative working group of SSSC and SSSA was officially established. Prof. Yongguan Zhu, Vice President of SSSC, was appointed as advisor; Prof. Xiaoyuan Yan, Standing Vice President of SSSC and Prof. Fang Wang, Chair of the International Collaboration Working Committee of SSSC, were appointed as Chinese Executive Co-chairs; Prof. Ole Wendroth, the former President of SSSA and Prof. Michael Thompson, committee member of SSSA, were appointed as American Executive Co-chairs. This meeting lays a solid foundation for the comprehensive promotion of bilateral collaboration between SSSC and SSSA, and is of great significance to SSSC in strengthening international cooperation and exchange.