As we mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate the extraordinary women leading the charge in fields far and wide.
Their involvement does more than just enrich research—it transforms it, bringing new perspectives that tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
Take Soil Science, a field that, though it might not grab the headlines, is crucial to our understanding of everything from climate change to food security. Women like Dr. Deborah Bossio are at the forefront of this field, exploring how healthier soils underpin sustainable agriculture. Dr. Claire Chenu delves into how soils lock away carbon, and Dr. Johanna Wetterlind integrates cutting-edge technology to measure soil properties with unprecedented precision. Then there’s Dr. Maria Uriarte, whose work at the intersection of soil and forest ecosystems helps us understand how our planet breathes.
The DeepHorizon project is one of many innovative initiatives redefining soil science today. Its ambitious approach—integrating advanced technology and interdisciplinary methods—embodies a broader commitment within the scientific community to uncover the hidden potential of our soils. While the trailblazing work of the aforementioned scientists continues to shape the field, projects like DeepHorizon illustrate how collective innovation can drive sustainable solutions for our planet.
DeepHorizon project itself is a beacon of multidisciplinary research, drawing on the expertise of scientists across Europe to probe the mysteries of the subsoil. The project thrives on collaboration, with women playing key roles in every layer of its operations. Their leadership ensures that DeepHorizon isn’t just a standard research endeavor—it’s a dynamic powerhouse pushing the boundaries of what we know about the ground beneath our feet.
On this special day, as we champion the progress we’ve made towards inclusivity in science, we also look to the horizon for what is still to come. The achievements of women in Soil Science and projects like DeepHorizon illuminate the path forward—a path paved with perseverance, innovation, and the collective effort of countless dedicated women.
Their legacy is not just in the soil they study or the data they gather but in the young women they inspire to follow in their footsteps.
This celebration is a reminder of the transformative power of diversity in science. The work of these women doesn’t just change the way we look at the earth—it changes the world.
