Philipp Duchaufour Medal 2023

Andreas Richter, professor and soil ecologist at the University of Vienna’s Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, receives the Philipp Duchaufour Medal 2023. The medal is awarded by the Soil System Sciences Division of the European Geosciences Union (EGU) for “distinguished contributions to soil science” and is considered the highest award in the field of soils science. The award ceremony will take place during the EGU's General Assembly in April 2023. The EGU is the leading organization for earth, planetary and space science research in Europe and has about 18,000 members from all over the world.

“Soils are arguably the greatest frontier for ecological research. Yet, to me, soil is also the most fascinating habitat on Earth. I am very honored to receive this award and grateful to the many collaborators and students, who made this possible”, says Andreas Richter. He is Professor of Ecosystem Science at the University of Vienna since 2011 and heads the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science and its Division for Terrestrial Ecosystem Research. His research focuses on soil ecology, plant-microbe interactions and the role of soils in climate change.