TU Dublin Researcher from LOESS consortium Selected as Finalist for EU TalentOn 2026
TU Dublin are delighted to announce that Dr Saurabh Singh, a postdoctoral researcher on the LOESS project, has been selected as a finalist for EU TalentOn 2026, the European Commission's contest for Early-Career Researchers. The competition finale will take place in Brest, France, from 7 to 11 September 2026.
EU TalentOn brings together around 100 early-career researchers from across Europe, selected through a competitive multi-stage evaluation. Participants work in international, interdisciplinary teams to develop creative and actionable solutions to societal challenges linked to the five EU Missions: Adaptation to Climate Change, Cancer, Restore our Ocean and Waters, Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, and A Soil Deal for Europe.
Dr Singh was selected to participate following a competitive application under the “A Soil Deal for Europe” mission arena drawing directly on his work in the LOESS project. His application built on LOESS approaches to soil health literacy, including Communities of Practice methodologies, the mapping of awareness needs and educational gaps across Europe and stakeholder engagement with educators, policymakers and community groups.
As part of his application, Dr Singh proposed SoilBridge, a concept for a practical toolkit designed to help communities understand their local soil condition and take evidence-based steps to improve it. The concept combines accessible soil health indicators with clear, plain-language guidance tailored to local contexts. It also includes a structured workshop model that brings together farmers, educators and local decision-makers to support collaborative learning and action. The SoilBridge concept is directly informed by the knowledge, experience and methods developed by LOESS partners across participating countries.
His selection highlights the recognition of LOESS approaches to the wider EU Mission Soil community and offers an opportunity to showcase soil health literacy within a competitive European arena alongside researchers and practitioners working across complementary disciplines.
About LOESS
LOESS (Literacy boost through an Operational Educational Ecosystem of Societal actors on Soil health) is a European project dedicated to improving soil health literacy. Funded under the European Union's Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe” as part of the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 101112707), the project brings together 20 partners across 16 countries and runs from June 2023 to November 2026.
In Ireland, the project is led by Dr. Claire McDonnell of TU Dublin’s School of Chemical and BioPharmaceutical Sciences. The project convenes an Irish Community of Practice bringing together educators, researchers and others with an interest in soil to help develop and share educational resources while connecting Irish soil challenges to a wider European effort.