Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI)

In October 2024, two GRAC-supported research projects were selected among eight projects to receive funding through our inaugural $5 million National Open Call for Research. These projects will drive innovation and deliver real benefits to the forestry sector: 🌱 Developing more productive plantation trees better adapted to changing environments – led by Tree Breeding Australia. 🔥 Enhancing fire resilience in Australian plantations – led by the University of Melbourne. These projects reflect the strong collaboration between AFWI and FWPA in advancing research that supports industry needs. Our shared commitment to high-quality, impactful research ensures that findings translate into practical outcomes for the sector. Find out more about these projects here:https://lnkd.in/gwy_7Kik

Thanks to Andrew Leighton and the Forest & Wood Products Australia team for hosting Joseph today.

AFWI Welcomes Dr Joseph Lawrence as Executive Director Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Joseph Lawrence as our new Executive Director. With over 20 years of experience driving innovation and collaboration across academia, government, and industry, Dr Lawrence has worked in sectors including manufacturing, agrifood, energy, and construction. His expertise positions him to lead AFWI in delivering transformative, industry-led research. Following a rigorous selection process involving representatives from Industry, Australian Forest Products Association, and the University of Tasmania, Dr Lawrence was chosen for his ability to forge impactful collaborations that drive innovation and deliver tangible outcomes. AFWI Board Chair Bob Gordon shared: "We’re thrilled to welcome Dr Joseph Lawrence as AFWI’s Executive Director. His impressive track record in fostering collaboration and delivering innovation makes him uniquely qualified to lead AFWI in achieving its ambitious goals. With the support of our Board of Directors and a team of expert staff, we are confident Joseph will help shape the future of the forestry and wood products sector.” Dr Lawrence expressed his enthusiasm for the role: "Joining AFWI at this pivotal moment for the organisation and the forestry and wood products sector is an incredible opportunity. My focus will be on strengthening partnerships between researchers, industry, and government to position AFWI as a leader in transformative, industry-led research." Read the announcement here: https://lnkd.in/gceX6EsA

AFWI Board Communique – December 2024 Australian Forest and Wood Innovations held its fourth board meeting on 9 December, chaired by Bob Gordon. A standout moment was the unanimous approval of our new Executive Director. An official announcement is coming soon, so watch this space! Our incoming Executive Director will focus on connecting with stakeholders and reviewing AFWI’s progress to ensure we’re delivering maximum value for the forestry industry. National Open Call Round One projects are moving ahead, with several contracts expected to be finalised and initial payments made by the end of the year (2024). Looking ahead, Round Two of the National Open Call will open on 21 February 2025, with up to $5 million available for transformative forestry research. Read the full Communique here: https://lnkd.in/gPG3ctnw

The AFWI office at the University of Tasmania's Newnham Campus in Launceston will be closed from Friday, December 20, until Monday, January 6, 2025. Wishing you all a safe, happy and relaxing festive period. AFWI HQ 🎄

Save the date 📆 Applications for Round Two of AFWI’s National Open Call open on Friday, 21 February 2025 and close on Friday, 2 May 2025. We’re seeking transformative, collaborative, and end-user-focused research to support Australia’s forestry and forest products industries. Start connecting with industry and research partners now to develop your proposals! Learn more about AFWI's National Open Call here: https://lnkd.in/gUcPSgZG and explore the projects funded in Round One here: https://lnkd.in/gwy_7Kik Have questions? Contact our team: Grants.AFWI@utas.edu.au.

Congratulations to the winners at the UniSC Forest Research Institute Student Showcase! AFWI was thrilled to sponsor two awards at the event: ✨ Innovation Impact Award for the best presentation demonstrating potential application and impact, won by University of the Sunshine Coast PhD student Praneet Gounda. ✨Excellence in Communication Award for the clearest and most effective communication, awarded to University of Tasmania PhD student Jamie Grimsdale. These awards celebrate the remarkable talent and dedication of emerging forestry and forest products researchers, and they reflect AFWI’s commitment to fostering innovation and research capacity within the sector. The showcase saw an impressive turnout, with 28 students attending on the first day and a total of 94 participants, including FRI members, collaborators, industry representatives, and researchers from other institutions, joining across the event's remaining days. Thank you to the UniSC Forest Research Institute for organising such a fantastic event and inviting AFWI to be part of it!

Our November newsletter is out. 🗞 This month, we’re featuring the Lightweight Timber Framing project, funded through our first National Open Call. Over the coming months, we’ll be highlighting more projects from round one. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and visit our website for the latest updates. Also, find out who the winners of the AFWI-supported awards were at the UniSC Forest Research Institute Student Showcase. Events like this are invaluable for engaging and inspiring the next generation of forestry and forest products researchers. Building research capacity is a cornerstone of AFWI’s mission, and we are thrilled to support initiatives that foster innovation and growth in the field. Catch up on the latest news from AFWI HQ, including our recent engagement with AFPA and our time spent at Forestry Australia. 👇 Read it here: https://buff.ly/3ZqJInB Subscribe here: https://buff.ly/3LbFcmi

Stay connected! 📬 Sign up to our email list to receive the latest AFWI announcements, newsletters, and updates straight to your inbox. Signup here: https://buff.ly/3LbFcmi

Last month, our second strategy day brought together the AFWI Board, Research Advisory Committee, staff, industry stakeholders and leaders from across the forestry and forest products research community. The workshop was a valuable opportunity to strengthen connections, define a shared vision, and explore how collaboration can drive innovation in forestry and forest products. Thank you to everyone who joined us and took part in meaningful discussions that will help shape the AFWI strategy. You can view our current strategy on a page here: https://buff.ly/3CGUK0n