International Master of Science in Soils and Global Change

Increased population pressure, industrialization, and intensive land use cause depletion of natural resources and limit the performance of land with respect to its functions such as biomass production, carbon sequestration, and water purification. The additive effects of climate change and the abovementioned aspects of global change influence the capacity of soils to sustain functions to provide planetary services and human wellbeing. Soil (pedosphere) forms the interface between the air (atmosphere) and the earth (lithosphere) and interacts with surface and groundwater (hydrosphere) and living organisms (biosphere). It is thus a vital component of ecosystems and needs to be secured.

Specialized soil scientists are needed to understand and address the impact of climate change on soil conditions and processes, and vice versa.

The International Master in Soils and Global Change (IMSOGLO) educates this next generation of soil scientists who have the knowledge and skills to characterize soils, and understand soil evolution in an ecosystem context under global change based on a deep insight into the underlying processes and interactions, and develop strategies to implement climate-smart soil management policies.

Graduates of IMSOGLO are able to contribute to multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary work in different ecosystems. This allows them to navigate the often competing interests of land users, managers, and other stakeholders, and to understand and appreciate the various viewpoints at play. Additionally, students have a deep understanding of high-order targets such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other international and European ambitions, such as the EU’s Green Deal. They are able to make conscious contributions to policy-relevant research , crucial for sustainable soil use and conserving soil health in the face of climate change.

IMSOGLO is a 2 year Master of Science program that brings together the expertise of 4 renowned European universities:

• Ghent University (Belgium)
• University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (Austria)
• University of Göttingen (Germany)
• Aarhus University (Denmark)

The Faculty of Bioscience Engineering within Ghent University is a European research leader in the field of applied biological and life sciences or bioengineering.

We educate generations of scientists in leading-edge research and high-impact work with governments and communities, industry, and NGOs, to support innovation and sustainability in life sciences while managing and protecting natural and man-made ecosystems.