Welcome to the website of the Australian Society of Soil Science Inc. (ASSSI). Our Society is a not-for-profit organisation that serves as the peak body for soil scientists across Australia, and seeks to advance soil science in the professional, academic and technical fields. For a more detailed description of our goals, see our Society Rules, Statement of Purposes and the ASSSI Strategic Plan.
Members of ASSSI are drawn from all states and territories of Australia and work in government departments, research organisations, universities and private enterprise. All members belong to one of our six Branches, each of which organises a separate program of activities every year. The Federal Council coordinates and oversees this federation of branches.
If you are involved professionally in any aspect of soil science, or simply have a keen interest in soil and soil science, you may apply for membership to ASSSI.
Benefits of joining our Society include;
- The Society Newsletter, Profile, and e-letter, Soil Crumbs
Profile is a federal newsletter published in March, June, September and December. Issues provide information on upcoming events, branch and federal meetings, minutes and schedules, conferences, feature articles on soil related topics, employment and educational opportunities.
Soil Crumbs is a monthly e-letter that is sent to members by email. It contains useful updates and alerts on matters of interest to ASSSI members.
- Soils Science Conferences
Every two years a National Soils Conference is organised by the Federal Council with the support of the branch hosting the conference. More recently the ASSSI and New Zealand Society of Soil Science have combined their conferences to create the ANZ Soils Conference every fourth year. The last joint conference with NZSSS was held at Massey University in New Zealand 2008 conference. The next joint conference with NZSSS will be held in 2012, most probably in Tasmania. There will be no National Soils Conference in 2010 due to the hosting of the World Congress of Soil Science in Brisbane in August 2010.
There are reduced conference fees for members.
- Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) Accreditation Scheme
Members of the Australian Society of Soil Science Inc. can apply for and maintain professional accreditation within the field of soil science with the Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) accreditation scheme. Such accreditation is likely to become increasingly important as employers and clients become aware of the scheme and seek out accredited soil scientists for particular jobs and contracts
Each year ASSSI makes a number of prestigious awards to members have excelled in different aspects of soil science. ASSSI also makes awards for the best presentations at each of the National Soils Conferences, and travel grants may be made available to student members of the Society to attend these conferences. ASSSI also has a Honorary Life Membership scheme for those members who have made outstanding contributions to the Society and to the discipline of soil science. Some branches also make available awards to members during the year.
- ASSSI Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance
Professional Indemnity insurance and Public Liability insurance are being offered in 2007 by Jardine Lloyd Thompson. ASSSI members interested in obtaining insurance quotes should contact Bill Hogg on 03 9613 1404 or David Piacentino on 03 9613 1482.
- Australian Journal of Soil Research (AJSR)
ASSSI members can subscribe to the journal AJSR at a discounted subscription rate prior to March each year.
- International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS)
All financial Ordinary and Student members of the Australian Society of Soil Science Inc. automatically become members of the International Union of Soil Sciences. The IUSS provides members with an opportunity to participate in international soil science activities and keep up-to-date with world soil science news.
The IUSS provides members with an opportunity to participate in international soil science activities and keep up-to-date with world soil science news.
I do hope you find our site useful and that you'll consider joining us in the important world of soil science.
Richard MacEwan, CPSS Stage 3
President, Australian Society of Soil Science Inc.
