Professor Brajesh Singh recognised in NSW Premier's Prizes for Science and Engineering
Distinguished Professor Brajesh Singh, a world-leading soil scientist from Western Sydney University, has been awarded the prize for Excellence in Biological Sciences as part of this year’s prestigious NSW Premier's Prizes for Science and Engineering.
Professor Singh, based at the University’s Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, has been recognised for his groundbreaking research in soil ecology, sustainable agriculture, and global environmental management.
Critically, his work shows that a loss of soil biodiversity leads to a decline in ecosystem function and demonstrates how soil microbial information can be used to predict, mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, warmly congratulated Professor Singh on his outstanding contributions.
“Brajesh’s research is transforming how we understand and manage soil, driving innovation in sustainable agriculture, and shaping policy and education. Contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, his work is delivering real benefits to communities in Australia and across the globe. We congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition,” said Professor Williams.
Professor Singh has led the development of practical tools to help farmers adapt to climate change, strategies to increase soil organic matter, and initiatives to expand export markets for agricultural producers. He also provides training for farmers, consultants, and policy advisors on sustainable agriculture, supporting the advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Professor Singh said he was honoured and humbled to receive this recognition.
“The award is recognition of collective works of our past and current lab members, and national and international collaborators, and I’m happy to receive this award on their behalf,” said Professor Singh.
“It highlights the increasing recognition of soil biodiversity and health – on which the survival of all terrestrial life, including humans, depends – and their critical role in delivering key governmental goals including the Nature Positive Plan, Net Zero target, and ensuring food and environmental security.”
Professor Singh leads the Global Initiative of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment, serving as Chair of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN’s International Network on Soil Biodiversity, and advising several other international organisations on soil health.
His achievements include the Humboldt Research Award in 2019, the JA Prescott Medal in 2020, the Dorothy Jones Award in 2023 and the Arrell Award for Research Innovation in 2024. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, the Australian Soil Science Society and the Australian Academy of Science.
Western Sydney University is proud of Dr Singh’s work, which exemplifies the academic, research and community expertise that helps contribute to the University’s success in securing first place for four years in a row in the global Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, based on the UN Sustainability Goals. Our strategic plan, WESTERN 2030, emphasises our commitment to sustainability which features as one of the seven university-wide priorities.
ENDS
19 November 20255
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
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