KUALA LUMPUR: A woman researcher from the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) bagged the Outstanding Woman Researcher award by Venus International Foundation in Chennai India, last March.

Dr V. Jeyanny, a senior research officer specialising in the field of soil sciences with 19 years of experience, was one of the 33 researchers selected to receive the award from 974 nominees.

In an interview with Bernama recently, Jeyanny said she was honoured to receive the award for her work in the field of soil fertility.

"I have been actively studying soil sciences since 2003 and my research covers soil conservation, rehabilitation, soil and plant chemistry as well as the role of soils in climate change. I am also the current vice-president of the Malaysian Society of Soil Science.

"I am honoured to be bestowed the award as it shows that women are also able to excel in this field which is generally male dominated," she said.


Jeyanny shared that she was also given the chance to deliver a keynote address during the award ceremony in which she spoke on the challenges she faced as a woman scientist and how she overcame it.

The award ceremony, held by Venus International Women Award (VIWA), aims to recognise women for their achievements and contributions in the fields of science.

Jeyanny shared that the FRIM studies are increasingly important for the conservation of soil resources as rapid development, increasing population and food demands pose a threat to our fragile ecosystems.

"It is important to understand the ecosystems and for us to learn on how to manage our soil resources sustainably.

"We have to ensure our utilisation of soil does not harm our environment and lead to problems such as erosion, flooding and the degradation of coast lines," she said.

She explained that FRIM through its Soil Management Branch provides advisory services on soil management, recommendations based on laboratory and field analysis, soil survey as well as rehabilitation and conservation that require innovative soil amendment techniques and site-species suitability.

-- BERNAMA