Soil is literally the foundation of our lives. It provides 95% of the food we eat, helps regulate the climate, stores water, and supports enormous biodiversity. Yet we often treat it as something obvious – “just dirt under our feet.”
The SoilTribes project, funded by the European Union, wants to change that. We invite you to join a unique online Crash Course that brings together science and media to tell compelling new stories about soil.
Why is soil so important?
Healthy soil is far more than just the basis for agriculture. It is essential for food security, climate stability, and the health of the entire planet. According to FAO data, soil is responsible for food production for over 8 billion people. Unfortunately, more than one third of the world’s agricultural land is already degraded due to erosion, pollution, intensive farming, and climate change.
Healthy soil acts as a natural carbon sink – it absorbs CO₂ from the atmosphere, improves water retention, protects against droughts and floods, and supports a rich network of microorganisms. Its degradation can reduce crop yields by 13–23% and, in the long term, threatens the entire food system and our resilience to climate change.
Simply put: when we take care of the soil, we take care of our food, clean air, water, and the future of the next generations.
The power of media communication
Soil science is rich and fascinating, but it often remains locked away in laboratories and academic publications. Real change happens when this knowledge reaches people – farmers, decision-makers, city dwellers, and young people.
That is why the SoilTribes Crash Course focuses on collaboration in pairs: a young soil scientist + a young media expert. Together you will learn from each other – scientists will discover how to communicate their research in accessible and inspiring ways, while media professionals will gain a deeper understanding of solid scientific knowledge to create credible, engaging content.
Good storytelling can genuinely shift attitudes. It presents problems in a human way, builds empathy, inspires action, and influences political decisions. In the age of social media, podcasts, and short videos, a well-told story about soil can reach thousands of people and encourage real changes – from home composting to supporting sustainable farming practices.
About the programme – application details
As part of the project, 7 Soil Lab Activators (including ERDN) from different EU countries are recruiting 10 pairs (20 people in total):
Who we are looking for:
- Young soil scientists (under 35) – final-year students, PhD candidates, recent graduates or young professionals in fields such as pedology, agronomy, soil biology, environmental protection, landscape architecture, and related disciplines.
- Young media and communication professionals (under 35) – journalists, digital content creators, podcasters, marketing specialists, new media experts, and storytelling enthusiasts.
What we offer:
- A free 40-hour online Crash Course (October–December 2026) – collaborative work in pairs and hands-on science communication training.
- A ready-to-use DIY Guide with materials and sources.
- Creation of your own communication product: short video/film, podcast, and/or social postcard.
- Opportunity to become a Soil Ambassador and build long-term partnerships.
- The winning pairs will receive a €2,500 grant to participate in the SLA Award Ceremony and the SoilTribes final Festival across Europe (February–May 2027).
Timeline:
- Call for applications: March–May 2026 (deadline: 31 May 2026)
- Admission results: July 2026
- Course kick-off: October 2026
- Competition final: January 2027
Why apply now?
This is not just another course. It is a chance to make a real impact, develop valuable skills, build international connections, and become part of a wider movement to rebuild humanity’s relationship with the earth. SoilTribes promotes “back to Earth” narratives – returning to our roots with modern tools and creativity.
If you feel that soil is more than just a growing medium – if you want to combine knowledge with the passion for storytelling – this is your moment.
How to apply? Fill in the application form: https://bit.ly/4ux5XGn
Pairs will be selected by a commission of experts in soil science and media, based on experience, passion, and collaboration potential.
Join SoilTribes. Together we can make soil visible again – a topic we talk about with respect, curiosity, and hope.
