Leading soil scientist feted with fellowship

Professor McLaughlin's research covers soil and environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, risk assessment, food quality, crop nutrition and fertiliser technology. 

“I congratulate Professor Michael McLaughlin AM on being elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors,” said Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Adelaide.

“His outstanding and innovative research combines fundamental science and commercial application, and his laboratory is regarded internationally as a leader in developing and evaluating fertiliser technologies. Professor McLaughlin’s work is closely aligned with the University’s strategy to develop and accelerate solutions that deliver sustainability, equity and prosperity for the planet and its people, underpinned by breakthrough research.”

The NAI announced the election of 170 exceptional inventors worldwide into the 2024 Class of Fellows, who join more than 2,000 peers globally elected since 2012.

Professor McLaughlin established the Fertiliser Technology Research Centre at the University of Adelaide in 2007 supported by The Mosaic Company LLC and his various projects have received support from Australian rural research corporations and the Australian Research Council.

“Being elected Fellow to the NAI is a great honour and really bears testament to the quality and dedication of the research staff and students that have worked with me in the Fertiliser Technology Research Centre over the years,” said Professor McLaughlin AM.

“Seeing research getting translated into tangible technologies and products is very satisfying for our team and a great motivation to ensure our work is always outcome focussed.”

After completing his PhD with the University of Adelaide in the early 1980s Professor McLaughlin pursued a career that has included positions interstate and since the early 1990s, he has conducted his research at the Waite campus with the CSIRO and the University.

The NIA Fellowship recognises Professor McLaughlin’s exceptional achievements as an inventor and his contributions which have made a significant impact on innovation, economic development, and society’s welfare.

NAI fellows are considered as belonging to the top tier of scientists globally. The 2024 Fellows hail from 135 research universities, governmental and non-profit research institutions worldwide and their work spans across various disciplines. They are not only phenomenal researchers holding prestigious honours from their home country’s academies of science and distinctions such as the Nobel Prize but are also incredible inventors who collectively hold over 5,000 issued US patents.

Professor Michael McLaughlin AM is the fourth University of Adelaide expert to be honoured by the NAI as a Fellow. He joins Professor Peter Høj AC, Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), and Professor Nelson Tansu, Head of School, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering as a Fellow.

An NAI Fellowship is considered to be a most prestigious distinction awarded solely to inventors.