This year a number of important events are headed for our shores. It speaks volumes about how well regarded Australian forestry research and development is on the global stage and is testament to the efforts of the talent and hard work of our scientists across the country.
Following are details of some exciting events either organised by or in collaboration with the FWPA-supported Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life in Queensland.
Third annual showcase for Centre for Durability and Design Life
The Centre’s third annual showcase will be held on Wednesday 19 April at the EcoSciences Precinct in Brisbane.
Program details can be found at: National Centre for Durability and Design Life
The International Research Group on Wood Protection (IRG) meeting
For the first time in 20 years, the annual International Research Group on Wood Protection (IRG) meeting will take place in Australia. It will be held between Sunday 28 May and Thursday 1 June at the Pullman Hotel in Cairns, Queensland.
The meeting is a significant annual event where delegates from around the world get together to discuss and share insights on wood protection, treatment and durability.
Cairns was selected for its great advantages:
- one of the most spectacular scenic vistas in Australia in a warm tropical climate
- proximity to two of the most beautiful and interesting National Parks in Australia
- excellent meeting facilities of a size appropriate for the IRG meeting
- an affordable hotel capable of accommodating all IRG meeting attendees
- opportunities for many pre-and post-conference activities.
For more information, visit the event website.
International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) All Division 5 Conference
The International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) All Division 5 Conference will be held in Cairns from Sunday 4 June to Thursday 8 June.
The local organisation and conference committee invites people to remain in Cairns post-IRG54 for the gathering at Cairns Convention Centre.
IUFRO Division 5 focuses on products sourced from both natural and planted forests. While traditionally there has been a focus on solid wood products, Division 5 has expanded to include research on the wealth of offerings from living forests.
At its core, Division 5 seeks to understand the varied factors impacting the way forest plants grow and produce woody biomass, and how forest materials are used by industries and local communities.
Specific topics to be covered during the event include:
- the microscopic and macroscopic structure of wood and its utilisation
- engineering properties
- protection in storage and use
- wood physics
- drying, conversion and performance of solid wood and wood composites
- production of energy and chemicals from trees.
Also included will be details of research into the production, characteristics, and use of non-wood forest products, such as bamboo and rattan, in addition to the medicinal and edible components of forest crops.
An overarching theme is the efficient and sustainable use of forests for the good of mankind, today and into the future.
More information can be found at the event website.
2023 Forestry Australia and The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (ANZIF) Conference
The 2023 Forestry Australia and The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (ANZIF) Conference is an exciting joint venture and the premier Asia-Pacific Conference for forest scientists, foresters and forest growers.
This year’s event will be held between Sunday 15 October and Wednesday 18 October, with the theme Embracing Our Natural Capital: The Science, Technology and Art of Managing Forests For All Values.
The goal is to facilitate structured and informal conversations, networking and collaboration highlighting the need for active and adaptive management of our natural capital using evidence-based and emerging innovation, technology, skills and knowledge to support our forests and secure the future of our industry.
The program will incorporate a day of field sessions as well as a number of social functions. This year’s event is set to build on the enormous success of the 2019 ANZIF Conference held in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Forestry Australia’s 2021 National Conference in Tasmania.
In 2023, the ANZIF Conference will be based on the Gold Coast at the Twin Towns Conference Centre on the border of Tweed Heads and Coolangatta.
Visit the event website for more information.
Professor Jeffrey Morrell, Director of the Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life, said these events will provide locals with easy access to the very latest information on timber durability and treatment research, while international delegates will have the opportunity to visit a truly spectacular part of the world, as well as experience first-hand some of the world-leading research happening right here in Australia.
It’s wonderful to see so many world-class events headed to Brisbane in 2023.
