Soil health is essential for global sustainability — but communicating soil science effectively remains a challenge. SoilTribes wants to change that and is looking for 10 young soil scientists and 10 young media professionals to take part in a free Online Crash Course and Competition.

The idea is simple but powerful: participants work in pairs — one soil scientist, one media professional — learning from each other while producing compelling media content about key soil challenges. Soil scientists will gain media literacy and communication skills; media professionals will deepen their understanding of soil science. Together, they will create a new generation of Soil Ambassadors.

Who Can Apply?

The call is open to people under 35, including MSc final-year students, recent graduates, PhD students and fresh PhD graduates, and young professionals.

For young soil scientists, relevant backgrounds include — but are not limited to — agronomy, forestry, pedology, geology, soil ecology, soil engineering, soil chemistry, soil microbiology, environmental monitoring and protection, soil management and conservation, architecture, landscape architecture, sustainable land management, and urban planning.

For young media professionals, relevant backgrounds include journalism (print, broadcast, digital, investigative), digital media, public relations, marketing, podcasting, visual and performing arts, land art, new media sociology, communication for business, political communication, creative industries, media strategies and technologies, and storytelling.

What Will You Do?

Over a 40-hour online Crash Course, paired participants will collaborate to produce a communication piece that effectively communicates the importance of soil health for a sustainable future.

A Do-it-yourself Guide with Soil & Media sources, materials, and links will be provided at the start of the course. The course platform is designed as a collaborative learning environment where pairs support and inspire each other throughout the process.

The communication piece produced will then enter the final competition, judged by a board of experts in soil science and media.

Beyond the course itself, participants will:

• Raise awareness of soil issues by learning to translate complex science into accessible, engaging media formats
• Build communication skills to convey soil science to diverse audiences
• Form lasting partnerships across disciplines, acting as Soil Ambassadors well beyond the course
• Mobilise action among urban and rural communities on soil health and restoration

The winning pair from each participating country will receive a €2,500 reimbursement for travel, accommodation, and meals to attend the Award Ceremony and the SoilTribes Final Festival.

When and How to Apply

The call closes on May 30.  Applications will be assessed by a Board Commission of experts in soil science and media, based on experience and passion for soil science communication.

Read the full call text here: SoilTribes Open Call for Online Crash Course Competition

Apply here: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/IMPORTED_SoilTribes_crash_course_2026 

Read more about SoilTribes on: https://soiltribes.eu/ 

For questions, please contact SoilTribes Event Coordinator Ida Brems at ib@dca.au.dk.