Mema Te Apārangi | Member profile: Hadee Thompson-Morrison
In this month’s Member profile, we hear from Hadee Thompson-Morrison, who has recently taken up the role of Early Career Researcher (ECR) Observer on the Society's Council (our board).
The Society has recently established this governance development programme for ECRs, with one ECR supported each year. Through this opportunity, the Society will support the ECR observer to develop or extend their governance experience. In addition to ‘on the job’ learning around the board table, the ECR observer will also be supported through online learning and development.
Tell us about your day job and research interests
I'm a researcher in soil chemistry at the newly-minted Bioeconomy Science Institute. I specialise in trace element chemistry, and a lot of my work looks at how the presence (or absence) of things like cadmium and zinc affect soil quality, and the environmental behaviour of these elements. My research interests include looking at impacts of trace elements on soil processes and functioning, and how this in turn affects things like human nutrition and greenhouse gas emissions. I'm also a huge advocate for realising the value of our urban soils, and the reuse of 'surplus soils' excavated during urban and infrastructure development.
How long have you been a member of the Society and what has your involvement been?
I've been a member of the Society since 2024, and I joined the ECR Forum Committee in 2025. I was appointed as a Co-chair to this Committee in late 2025, however I've suspended this role to step into the ECR Board Observer position on the Council for the next year. My involvement in the ECR committee has largely entailed planning for He Pito Mata (our two-day ECR event in September 2026), collaborating with other Committee Members to write a paper that advocates for the recognition of different forms of ECR impact within Aotearoa NZ's RS&T system, and contributing to ECR responses to science system changes. As our system undergoes massive upheaval, it's crucial that ECRs have a voice and can contribute to the future direction of research in Aotearoa.
Can you tell us about the ECR Forum?
The Society’s ECR Forum is a professional group for researchers within ten years of completing their highest qualification. Our members come from different research organisations including universities, public research organisations, and institutes of technology and polytechnics. The Forum aims to represent, advocate for and celebrate ECRs and their research, across physical, biological and social sciences, and the humanities.
What has been a defining highlight of your career?
In 2024 I was awarded the Zonta Science Award, which celebrates emerging female scientists demonstrating both scientific excellence and advocacy for women in science. This award was a huge honour, and it allowed me to contribute to the International Centennial Union of Soil Science Conference in Florence, Italy, and to visit Rothamsted Research in the UK. This visit has led to a solid collaborative relationship and has served as a bridge between my organisation and Rothamsted.
What do you love about science?
About my science specifically, I love that soil is so complex – we can think we have a solution to one issue, but actually that solution causes ten more issues because of the hundreds of processes and reactions that take place, unseen, beneath our feet.
I think of soil science as one gigantic puzzle that we'll probably never truly solve.
When not working, I enjoy...
Anything in the outdoors - tramping, running, climbing, surfing to name a few hobbies. I'm also a very keen rogainer and have recently started organising events with the NZ Rogaine Association.