Phil Robertson Elected to National Academy of Sciences

By Andi Anderson

Phil Robertson, a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University (MSU), has been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences (NAS), one of the highest honors a scientist can receive in the United States.

Robertson’s election recognizes his extensive work in sustainable agriculture, ecosystem science, and the biogeochemistry of field crop ecosystems.

For more than 40 years, Robertson’s research has focused on understanding how farming practices affect climate stability, water quality, and crop yields.

His pioneering studies have been instrumental in advancing knowledge on how agricultural management influences global warming, particularly regarding nitrous oxide emissions from soils.

“I’m deeply honored by the election, made possible only by colleagues and others at Michigan State University who have provided outstanding opportunities to collaborate through the years,” Robertson stated. “MSU has been an exciting place to advance the science I care most about and to teach the next generations.”

Robertson’s impact extends beyond research. He has led influential agricultural programs, including the Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program, the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network, and the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), where he served as Science Director.

His research spans multiple scales, from soil microbial interactions to global assessments of agriculture’s environmental impact.

“We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and honored to have him in our community,” said Matt Daum, interim dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU.

Robertson’s contributions to science policy have also been extensive. He has served on numerous national committees, including the U.S. Department of Energy’s Biological and Environmental Research Advisory Committee, and was a lead author for the 2014 U.S. National Climate Assessment.

As a Fellow of several scientific societies, including the Soil Science Society of America and the Ecological Society of America, Robertson’s work continues to shape the field of sustainable agriculture and environmental science.

Robertson earned his Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Indiana University and has held research appointments in Sweden and Australia. His work remains a cornerstone in the ongoing efforts to make agriculture more sustainable and environmentally responsible.

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