Prof. Chris Du | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Research Fellow at Soil Science, University of the Free State, South Africa

👨‍🎓He remarkable academic journey, extensive research contributions, and dedication to the field of psychology are truly commendable. Your wealth of knowledge and diverse skill set reflect a deep commitment to understanding and addressing critical issues such as bullying, inclusion, and socialization.

🔬 He successful completion of a PhD in Psychology, along with the numerous advanced courses and workshops, showcases your continuous pursuit of excellence and expertise in your field.

🏆 The awards and recognitions, including the First Place in the Poster Award at the University of Stavanger, underscore the impact of your research and the high regard it holds in the academic community.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Prof Chris Du attended Jacobsdal Primary School from 1960 to 1966 and Jacobsdal Agricultural High School from 1967 to 1971. He pursued his university education at UFS, where he obtained a B.Sc. Agric. in 1975, specializing in Soil Science and Geology. Subsequently, he completed his B.Sc. Agric. Honours in Soil Science in 1976, followed by an M.Sc. Agric. in 1978, focusing on the causes and combating of compaction in sandy irrigation soils. He earned his Ph.D. in 1984 with a dissertation on the ammonia volatilization of certain nitrogen fertilizers after application to soil. Additionally, Prof Chris Du undertook non-formal post-school training, including a programming course in Fortran IV at UFS in 1980, a university education course in 1981, a leadership orientation course in 1983, and a plant nutrient management for sustainable agriculture course at IFDC in 1996.

Academic Experience:

Prof Chris Du has extensive teaching experience, having presented almost all undergraduate and honors modules in soil science. Additionally, he offers modules for master’s students in sustainable agriculture and environmental management. In the capacity of a supervisor, he has supervised 15 scripts, 48 dissertations, and 29 theses. Furthermore, he has served as an external examiner for 39 dissertations and 30 theses.

Research Experience:

Prof Chris Du is involved in and has led numerous research projects, as reflected in the attached list of publications. His specialization lies in soil fertility and plant nutrition, with a particular emphasis on soil nitrogen. His research focuses on various aspects of the nitrogen cycle in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum, aiming to ensure optimal nitrogen utilization, limit degradation of nitrogen fertility, and prevent nitrogen pollution. Over time, his research has expanded to encompass other aspects of soil and water quality, including the impact of land use on the conversion of organic matter in soil. Currently, he is investigating the influence of irrigation on the salt content of soils. Prof Chris Du holds a C-status as a researcher at the National Research Foundation. In summary, his research explores soil and water quality, with a specific focus on soil fertility, plant nutrition, nitrogen cycle dynamics, and the impact of irrigation on soil salinity.

Awards:

Prof Chris Du has received several prestigious awards and scholarships throughout his career, highlighting his contributions to agriculture and soil science. In 1971, he was honored with the Landbouweekblad Medal for Agricultural Theory and the Farmers Weekly Medal for Agricultural Practice. His academic excellence was further recognized with the Oppenheimer Scholarship (1972-75) for his university education. In 1984, his research efforts were acknowledged with the BP/Nampo Fellowship, which aimed to advance the maize industry. Prof Chris Du’s impactful research has also been recognized by the Soil Science Society of South Africa. He co-authored papers that received the society’s medal for best junior paper in 1990 and 1992. Additionally, his contributions to plant and soil science were acknowledged with the Sanachem Prize for Publication of Excellence in 1990. In 1992, he was awarded the Jan de Waal Memorial Award by the Fertiliser Society of South Africa for the best publication in soil fertility. His research on the dynamics of nitrogen in South African soils was recognized with the Fertilizer Society of South Africa’s silver medal in 1998. In 2007, he received the Soil Science Society of South Africa award for the best article. These awards and recognitions underscore Prof Chris Du’s significant contributions to the field of soil science and agriculture.

Prof Dr. Ary Bruand : Leading Researcher in Soil Science

Professor at Soil Science, Université d’Orléans, France

Your remarkable academic journey, extensive research contributions, and dedication to the field of psychology are truly commendable. Your wealth of knowledge and diverse skill set reflect a deep commitment to understanding and addressing critical issues such as bullying, inclusion, and socialization.

🔬 Your successful completion of a PhD in Psychology, along with the numerous advanced courses and workshops, showcases your continuous pursuit of excellence and expertise in your field.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

The user’s academic background includes a Research Tutoring (Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches) from the University of Orleans in 1993. They earned a PhD (Doctorat 3ème cycle) in Soil Science from the University of Paris 7 in 1985. In 1980, they obtained an Engineer in Agronomy degree from the National Institute of Agronomy Paris-Grignon (INA-PG) and also completed a DEA Pédologie Paris (six-year postgraduate diploma) in Soil Science. Additionally, they obtained a High School Diploma (Baccalauréat) in 1974.

Research Awards:

The user has received several honors and awards, including the Officer of the Order of Academic Palms in 2010 and the Knight of the Order of Academic Palms in 2005. They were also awarded the “Dujarric de la Rivière” Award by the French Academy of Sciences in 2008 and the “Fondation Xavier Bernard” Award by the French Academy of Agriculture in 1993. Additionally, they received the Silver Jubilee Award and Medal from the British Society of Soil Science in 1987.

Academy and Professional Experience:

The user has a wealth of professional experience, currently serving as a Full Professor at the University of Orléans since 2000. Prior to this, they held the position of Senior Scientist (Directeur de Recherche) from 1996 to 2000. From 1986 to 1995, they worked as a Soil Scientist (Chargé de Recherche) as a Civil Servant at the Soil Science Laboratory of INRA in Orléans, France. They also served as a Research Assistant (Assistant Scientifique Contractuel) at the Soil Science Laboratory of INRA in Versailles, France, from 1982 to 1985. Additionally, they worked as a Teaching Assistant at the Agricultural College in Meknès, Morocco, from 1981 to 1982, teaching subjects like Pedology, Soil Physics, and Geomorphology.

Research Managements Activities:

The user has held various leadership roles in academia and research. Since 2021, they have been the Scientific responsible of the PEPR SousSol and IRIMA at the French National Agency for Research (ANR). From 2016 to 2021, they served as the President of the University of Orléans. Prior to this, from 2013 to 2016, they were the Director of the research project “Labex Voltaire” (Excellence Laboratory). They also served as the Scientific Director of the Department “Environnement, Planète-Univers, Espace” at the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research from 2010 to 2012. Additionally, they held the position of “Chargé de Mission” for the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research from 2009 to 2010 and chaired the “Commission spécialisée Surfaces et Interfaces Continentales (SIC)” at INSU/CNRS during the same period.