Cranfield University’s Professor Jane Rickson will today be appointed as the President of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers. In taking up her post, Professor Rickson, who is Professor of Soil Erosion and Conservation at the University, will become the first female President of the Institution in its 80-year history.
The Institution of Agricultural Engineers works for the public benefit through bringing together academics, practitioners and industry to share knowledge and promote professionalism in the advancement and application of technology in the land-based sector.
This year, Professor Rickson was part of the team at Cranfield who were responsible for the University being awarded its fifth Queen’s Anniversary Prize, for research and education in large-scale soil and environmental data for the sustainable use of natural resources in the UK and worldwide.
Professor Rickson is involved in research for Government and private sector clients investigating soil degradation and loss of ecosystem goods and services; soil quality indicators; and the total costs of soil degradation. She is also involved in the training and teaching on postgraduate courses in Land Reclamation and Restoration, Environmental Engineering and Soil Management.
Professor Leon A. Terry, Director of Environment & Agrifood at Cranfield University, said: “Throughout her career, Jane has been an inspiration to soil scientists and agricultural engineers across the world and I’m delighted that she is taking up this position.
“Jane’s work, both through her teaching and research, played a key role in the University being awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize this year for our soil science work. I’m sure that, under Jane’s stewardship the Institution will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Commenting on her appointment, Professor Jane Rickson, said: “In its 80th year, the Institution’s role in bringing together academics, practitioners and industry has never been more important, with major opportunities to promote the profession through the Government’s Industrial Strategy and 25-year Environment Plan.
“I hope over my tenure that the Institution continues to play its crucial role in encouraging people into the profession and supporting the career development of agricultural engineers.”
