Cornelia Rumpel

The 2026 Philippe Duchaufour Medal is awarded to Cornelia Rumpel for pioneering interdisciplinary research on soil organic matter and exceptional leadership advancing soil science through mentorship and global engagement.

Cornelia Rumpel has made transformative contributions to the field of soil science through her pioneering work on the dynamics of organic carbon in soils. Her research has illuminated the processes governing the composition, stabilization, and persistence of soil organic matter, particularly in subsoil environments that had long been overlooked. Her groundbreaking studies on the role of plant roots, earthworms, and microbial communities in shaping carbon dynamics have reshaped scientific understanding of the terrestrial carbon cycle. Her approach is marked by scientific creativity and a strong interdisciplinary orientation. By combining techniques from soil chemistry, biogeochemistry, and ecology, she has offered new insights into how organic matter interacts with mineral surfaces and biological agents across diverse ecosystems and climatic zones, inspiring many colleagues’ research. Her contributions have directly informed strategies for climate mitigation, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem restoration.

Beyond her scientific output, that is reflected in over 250 peer-reviewed articles, Rumpel has played central roles in international initiatives, such as chairing the scientific committee of the '4 per 1000' initiative, and contributed to bridging science with policymaking at major global forums. Her leadership has also been felt through editorships of leading scientific journals and her active service in professional societies, including the European Geosciences Union. Equally impressive is her commitment to mentorship and education. Rumpel has guided numerous PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scientists from around the world, helping launch careers and foster global collaboration in soil science. Her impact extends across the global scientific community she has helped to shape, and she is widely recognized as an inspiring role model for women and soil scientists of all backgrounds.

Cornelia Rumpel exemplifies the values of the Philippe Duchaufour Medal through her scientific excellence, collaborative spirit, and dedication to advancing soil science for the benefit of society and the environment.