Research
Our aim is to create knowledge and build capability in the innovative uses of sustainably-managed timber resources for high-performance timber products. Wood is the most renewable and sustainable material on the planet which provides both environmental and performance benefits. Thus, by ensuring sustainable forest practices and regenerating this natural product there are real possibilities to significantly improve the environmental credentials of the building and construction industry by choosing timber in the built environment. The Group works closely with architects, engineers, and other professionals to provide sustainable solutions for structural and non-structural applications.
Through national and international research collaborations in Australia, South-East Asia, Papua New Guinea and Europe, the Group is leading or is involved in multiple projects in the field of value-adding to plantation timber resources. Our research is addressing the issues of utilisation of young plantation timbers to enhance value-adding through the development of high-value wood products and engineered wood products; innovative processing and manufacturing technologies; wood waste reduction and waste utilisation; wood products performance in various environmental conditions and value-chain analysis for plantation wood products.
For more than 15 years, the Sustainable and Renewable Forest Products Group has been actively involved in international aid program initiatives with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), with projects in Indonesia, Vietnam, Lao PDR and Papua New Guinea to a total value of $9.3 million. The Group has developed a unique expertise in developing innovative wood processing industries to enhance markets for planted timber resources. ACIAR projects are an important part of the Group’s work and the vision is to maintain its important role in assisting developing countries to further enhance their teaching and R&D in wood science and to support their industries in adopting innovative wood processing and manufacturing technologies.
The Sustainable and Renewable Forest Products Group has been very successful in attracting externally funded international students with a high rate of successful completion. The Group will continue working with postgraduate students working on innovative research projects.
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Prof. Barbara Ozarska with researchers from the University of Gadjah Mada, Indonesia, exchanging on how forests can be managed efficiently to produce the wood quality desired by manufacturers. Photo taken by Dr Kris Sugiyanto, Forest Research and Development Agency (FOERDIA), Bogor, Indonesia. -
ACIAR project FST/2016/151 Advancing enhanced wood manufacturing industries in Laos and Australia. Project researchers from the Faculty of Forestry, the National University of Laos, Lao PDR, conducting wood recovery study for plantation eucalypt. Photo taken by Benoit Belleville. -
Dr Benoit Belleville providing training to researchers at the Forest Research Institute, Papua New Guinea, on testing mechanical properties of PNG timbers. Photo taken by Mr Gerry Harris. -
Prof. Barbara Ozarska during a project’s visit to Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. Photo taken by Braden Jenkin, Sylva Systems Pty Ltd. -
Improving the performance, durability and designs flexibility of hardwood-based housing components for outdoor and indoor applications through enhancing bonding and structural performance of hardwood products based on solid wood. Dr Benoit Belleville laminating wood components with research assistants Kristopher Orlowski and Aruna Ukwatta. Photo taken by Prof. Barbara Ozarska. -
Prof Barbara Ozarska discussing wood waste reduction and waste utilisation during a visit at Bio Gro, Dandenong, Victoria. Photo taken by Benoit Belleville.
More on our research activities
Centre for Advanced Manufacturing of Prefabricated Housing (ARC CAMPH)
https://camph.eng.unimelb.edu.au/
ACIAR Project “Advancing enhanced wood manufacturing industries in Laos and Australia”
https://www.aciar.gov.au/project/FST/2016/151
www.laoplantation.org
https://www.facebook.com/laoplantation
ACIAR Project “Enhancing value added wood processing in Papua New Guinea”
https://www.aciar.gov.au/project/FST/2012/092
ACIAR Project “Enhancing key elements of the value chains for plantation-grown wood in Lao PDR”
https://www.aciar.gov.au/project/FST/2010/012