On 22 April 2021, Professor Janet Hering, since 2007 Director of the aquatic research institute Eawag, was named to the Fellows of the International Association of Geochemistry (IAGC). This honour – which is held by fewer than 50 researchers globally – is bestowed to no more than two scientists each year who have made significant contributions to the field of geochemistry. Geochemists practicing in all facets of the subject are eligible for this award, but particular emphasis is given to people working in applied geochemistry.

Understanding processes in environmental systems through molecular chemistry

Professor Hering’s most important contribution to the field of environmental geochemistry is the work she did that showed how the molecular perspective of chemistry could yield great insight into processes occurring in environmental systems. “I came to realize that we needed to add ‘bio’ to environmental biogeochemistry because microbes are key agents of chemical transformation in the environment”, says Hering. The use of chemical tools to study microbially-mediated processes has helped her research group and their collaborators to understand the mobility of inorganic contaminants in environmental systems.

International Association of Geochemistry and the Fellow Award

IAGC was founded in 1967. It is an affiliated member of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). As a first-class international academic organization in the field of geochemistry, it aims to promote international cooperation and development of the subject. IAGC members nominate their colleagues for the Fellow Award.

For Janet Hering, “It’s a great honour to have my work recognized by the scientific community”. She is thrilled to be joining the ranks of IAGC Fellows, many of who she knows professionally, as well as personally.