As a soil scientist Rik (H) van den Bosch has 25 years of experience in applied research in Africa and Asia in the field of soil fertility, soil and water conservation and environmental impact of agro-chemicals. Rik managed various applied research programs in these fields. As leader of the Environmental Risk Assessment team Rik developed a long term cooperation between Wageningen-UR and the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, aiming at developing environmental risk assessment procedures in the Chinese pesticide registration procedures. Based on these experiences similar programs were set up with various national governments in in East Africa. As business unit manager of the Centre for Water and Climate he contributed to the further development of the applied climate and water research of Wageningen-UR. As a board member of the Climate KIC Foundation, a pan-European network for climate innovations, he facilitated researchers of Wageningen-UR to engage innovative projects with large European corporates. In his work Rik got experience in working with research groups, stakeholders, NGO’s, public sector and private sector. Rik’s professional drive is to contribute to sustainable management of natural resources, especially in developing countries. From September 1st , 2014 Rik has become director ISRIC - World Soil Information.