This is the latest blog article in a series featuring the Scopus Content Selection and Advisory Board (CSAB). The CSAB is an international and editorially independent group of scientists, researchers and librarians who represent the major scientific disciplines. Using strict title selection criteria, these experts determine whether journals are eligible for indexing in Scopus, and they continually re-evaluate these titles to make sure quality is maintained.
Throughout this series, we will introduce you to individual board members, offering insights into their roles within the CSAB and exploring their perspectives on the purpose of the board.
In the article, we profile Dr. Jan Willem van Groenigen, one of the foremost researchers in soil science. The soil beneath our feet often goes unnoticed, yet it is an immensely important system which holds the key to countless ecological processes and sustainability efforts. Known not only for his groundbreaking research in soil biogeochemistry but also for his collaborative spirit, Dr. Van Groenigen is an esteemed academic and a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture.
“I self-identify as a soil biogeochemist” is how Jan Willem introduces himself. His research primarily revolves around elemental cycles within the soil, especially the key elements of nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon, and the effect that soil organisms have on these cycles. As such, his research relates strongly to various aspects soil fertility and environmental sustainability.
With respect to nitrogen, his work investigates how agricultural practices influence nitrogen cycling, from enhancing fertility to curbing environmental pollution like nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions. While the chemistry of these processes is essential, Dr. Van Groenigen’s unique approach integrates it with soil biology, emphasizing the interplay between soil organisms and nutrient cycles.
One of the stars in his research is the humble earthworm. Often overlooked, earthworms, according to Dr. Van Groenigen, play an essential role in improving soil structure, fertility and nutrient cycling. Through their burrowing in the soil and decomposition of crop residues, they are crucial for sustainable agriculture
His current projects span an impressive range. One endeavor looks at earthworms as a potential human food source, linking sustainable protein production to his core theme of agricultural efficiency. Another high-impact project challenges traditional “chemistry-focused” views on soil phosphorus cycling, highlighting how biological processes are equally important to understand the availability of phophorus to crops in agroecosystems.
Beyond his scientific research and teaching, Dr. Van Groenigen lends his expertise as the Chair of Agricultural and Biological Sciences on the Scopus CSAB. The CSAB oversees Scopus database inclusions, evaluating journals for quality and credibility.
“I’m deeply convinced of the need to look critically at the quality of scientific publications, not only at the level of individual articles but also at the level of journals,” Dr. Van Groenigen emphasizes. For him, this role is not just about administrative oversight but about ensuring that researchers, policymakers and students can trust the content they find in Scopus.
The board’s work has taken on even greater importance as scientific misconduct in scientific publishing is strongly increasing in size and variety over the last years. These issues, combined with the rapid development of AI tools, have made maintaining the integrity of scientific databases more complex and important.
Dr. Van Groenigen’s enthusiasm for his work in the CSAB is rooted in his strong conviction that the foundation of a scientist’s credibility lies in the quality of their published research. His role in the CSAB allows him to preserve that foundation for future generations while addressing the unique needs of various scientific disciplines.
Dr. Van Groenigen is keenly aware of the broader implications of his work. His research directly contributes to the global challenge of creating sustainable food systems. With a growing population and a rising demand for resource-intensive foods like meat, the pressure is on agricultural systems to innovate.
“The transition to more sustainable food systems is almost as large a challenge as climate change,” Dr. Van Groenigen explains. He advocates for better nutrient recycling and reduced environmental losses in agriculture. Whether it’s addressing greenhouse gas emissions in The Philippines or exploring the potential to store carbon in the soil in the Netherlands, his collaborations extend globally, reflecting the interconnected nature of ecological challenges.
Jan Willem describes himself as “an eternal student,” a reflection of his passion for lifelong learning and exploration.
His hobbies include cooking, with a particular passion for Indonesian and Italian cuisine. He also takes weekly piano lessons and enjoys playing with his wife, who (unlike him) is a talented violinist. Recently, he has started learning Italian — another testament to his curiosity and passion for knowledge that he also applies to his scientific endeavors.
