Who we are

The International Soil Reference and Information Centre, also known as ISRIC, is an independent science-based foundation, established in 1966, that provides quality-assessed soil information and knowledge to address pressing global environmental and societal challenges.

Accredited as the World Data Centre for Soil and home to the World Soil Museum and the World Soil Reference Collection, ISRIC serves as a global centre for soil documentation, reference and information.

ISRIC develops innovative soil information products and services, and supports organisations around the world to do the same through co-development and capacity strengthening. We also contribute to the development of international standards for soil data exchange to foster data interoperability. We have a strong commitment to open data sharing and promote the use of FAIR data principles to ensure that soil data is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.

Through its work, ISRIC is committed to promoting soil awareness and advancing the use of soil information to help build a more sustainable future.

Our vision

A world where reliable and relevant soil data, information and knowledge is freely available and properly used to address global environmental and societal challenges.

Our mission

Our mission is to increase the availability and use of quality-assessed soil data, information and knowledge to: (i) contribute to a better understanding of the Earth system, and (ii) support informed decision-making for sustainable land management worldwide.

ISRIC helps society understand and preserve the world’s precious soil by focussing our knowledge and expertise in four focus areas, which include:

Our annual report details the organisation’s key activities and achievements in the past year. Read report.