معرفی
Richard Bardgett is a Professor of Ecology at Lancaster University, UK, where he founded the Centre for Sustainable Soils in 2025. Previously, he held professorial positions at the University of Manchester (2013-2024) and Lancaster University (2002-2013), along with lecturing roles at Manchester and Lancaster. His early career included research at the Nature Conservancy Council and Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research. He earned his PhD in Soil Ecology from Lancaster University (1991) and a BSc in Soil and Land Resource Science from Newcastle University (1987).
Research Focus: Professor Bardgett's work centers on understanding soil ecosystem dynamics, with emphasis on:
- Biodiversity patterns in soil microbiomes
- Ecological linkages between plant communities and soil biota
- Carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems
- Impacts of climate change on soil functions
- Conservation strategies for soil biodiversity
Awards and Recognition:
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to soil ecology (2023)
- ERC Advanced Grant recipient (2020)
- Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2017, 2019-2024)
- Doctor Honoris Causa, University of Hasselt (2015)
- Fellow of the Society of Biology (2011)
- Marsh Ecology Book of the Year Award (2006)
- Honorary Fellow, Royal Society of New Zealand (2006)
- Distinguished Scientist Lectureships at UC Berkeley (2015) and Colorado State (2011)
Leadership and Service: He co-founded and co-directs the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative (GSBI), served as President of the British Ecological Society (2017-2019), and sits on DEFRA's Scientific Advisory Council. His extensive committee work includes leadership roles for BBSRC, NERC, and editorial positions for Journal of Ecology, Ecology Letters, and Ecosystems.
Initiatives: Established the Centre for Sustainable Soils at Lancaster to address soil degradation challenges through interdisciplinary research. As 'Thinker in Residence' for Belgium's Royal Flemish Academy, he developed policy frameworks for soil conservation and climate resilience.
