FWPA is pleased to share that a Call for Proposals for the January 2025 Forestry Research Program is now open. This program supports collaborative research, development, and extension (RD&E) activities designed to deliver measurable benefits to Australia’s commercial forest growers and drive industry innovation.
Delivering Value to Members and Industry
The Forestry Research Program provides a unique opportunity to advance the science of commercial forestry and its practical adoption. By addressing critical challenges and leveraging industry partnerships, this program aims to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience across the sector.
“This program reflects FWPA’s ongoing commitment to supporting our forest grower members through research that drives productivity, sustainability, and innovation,” said Andrew Leighton, CEO of FWPA.
“This program is about creating tangible value for Australia’s commercial forest growers,” said Jodie Mason, Head of Forest Research at FWPA. “Our focus is on fostering innovative research with strong industry support to address key priorities and deliver impactful outcomes. Collaboration is at the heart of this effort, ensuring the research is both practical and transformative.”
Research Priorities
Aligned with FWPA’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, the program focuses on key RD&E priorities that reduce risk, loss, and cost while increasing productivity across the sector. The specific industry priorities are articulated in FWPA’s grower RD&E investment plans, across the themes of:
- Climate Change
- Damage Agents
- Forest Operations & Supply Chain
- Impact of Fire
- Native Forest Silviculture
- Plantation Silviculture & Nutrition
- Tree Breeding & Genetic Improvement
Proposals addressing topics outside these priorities may also be considered if strong support from the forest-growing industry is demonstrated.
Application Process
The Forestry Research Program follows a two-stage application process:
- Submission of Concept Notes (due Monday, 3 February 2025)
- Submission of Full Proposals (due Monday, 7 April 2025)
Funded projects must commence in the 2025/26 financial year.
Project Evaluation and Industry Collaboration
Proposals will be assessed based on their alignment with FWPA’s Strategic Plan, demonstrated industry need and support, scientific merit, and a clear pathway to delivering measurable benefits for Australia’s commercial forest growers. FWPA encourages prospective applicants to engage early with potential industry partners to ensure meaningful collaboration and alignment with industry needs. A minimum of three industry partners is required for each project.
Information and Support
For more information, including application guidelines and templates, visit the Forestry Research Program webpage.
