Nominations for the 2026 CG Stephens PhD Award are open for submissions.
The award will be made to successful applications for the best PhD thesis in soil science granted by an Australian University in the previous calendar year.Â
Eligibility & Conditions:
 – Open to financial student and ordinary members with a PhD in soil science from an Australian university in the previous year.
 – Thesis must have completed examination, but the degree need not be conferred.
 – Students who join after submitting their thesis are ineligible.
Nominations must contain:
 – the Title of PhD thesis being considered for the Award
 – an electronic copy of the whole thesis
 – an electronic copy of the Abstract
 – at least two electronic copies of the External Examiners’ reports.
Assessment of each thesis will be based upon the originality of the work, its significance to soil science and its clarity of writing. Â
The CG Stephens PhD Award is presented by the Federal President or proxy at the Soil Science Australia national conference or another event determined by the Federal Council.
Soil Science Australia is pleased to announce Dr Ruby Hume as the recipient of the C.G. Stephens PhD Award in Soil Science, recognising the most outstanding PhD thesis based on originality, significance to soil science, and clarity of presentation.
The assessment panel commended Dr Hume for her innovative and methodical research, which explored the use of infrared spectroscopy to detect soil pH and lime status, and applied spectral assessment of wheat to evaluate crop responses to soil acidification. Her work also examined surface versus subsurface acidity, the effectiveness of incorporation techniques, and alternative soil amendments which are topics of ongoing importance to Australian agriculture.
The committee noted the strong methodological development, high-quality writing, and clear communication of complex concepts throughout the thesis. External examiners provided supportive reports, highlighting the rigour of the research, its successful execution, and the impressive publication record accompanying the thesis, including multiple peer-reviewed journal papers.
Dr Hume’s work contributes meaningful insights to soil acidity management and demonstrates solid potential for future leadership in soil science.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Dr Yuxin Huo |
| 2023 | R. Orr |
| 2022 | C. Krohn |
| 2021 | C. Janke |
| 2020 | Q. Xu |
| 2019 | M. Cheng & H. Mikkonen |
| 2018 | A. Dang |
| 2017 | N. Robinson |
| 2016 | N. Creeper |
| 2015 | B. Ryan |
| 2014 | A. Marchuk |
| 2013 | B. Malone |
| 2012 | R. Setia |
| 2011 | U. Stockmann |
| 2010 | C. Scanlan |
| 2009 | C. Butterly |
| 2008 | G. Kew |
| 2007 | S. Grover |
| 2006 | M. Tighe |
| 2005 | P. Kopittke |
| 2004 | S.C. Boucher |
| 2003 | J.E. White |
was born and educated in Tasmania, completing a degree in science at the University of Tasmania. CG Stephens played a distinguished role in the establishment and health state of soil survey, classification and pedology in Australia. His participation in many surveys in all states means that he played a significant part in the development of regional Australia. C.G. Stephens was the first recipient of the J.A. Prescott Medal in 1972.
