Dr Saurabh Singh, postdoctoral researcher on the LOESS project at Technological University Dublin, 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 applied 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.

He also proposed a project concept, SoilBridge, 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, plain-language guidance tailored to local contexts, and a structured workshop format bringing together farmers, educators and local decision-makers. SoilBridge is directly informed by the knowledge and methods developed across the countries participating in LOESS.

The selection highlights the relevance of LOESS approaches to the wider EU Mission Soil community and offers an opportunity to bring soil health literacy into a competitive European arena alongside researchers working across complementary disciplines.