R&DWorks Newsletter

  • 21.07.22: Trees on farms to help support healthy diets
    It has long been accepted that trees grown on farms bring a myriad of benefits, including better soil health, microclimate regulation, carbon sequestration and improved biodiversity. However, recent work conducted by a research team based in Denmark has uncovered how tree-based farming might help improve the diets of people living in rural communities as well. ...Read More

  • 21.07.22: Re-designing Perth’s skyline with world’s tallest timber building
    Perth could soon be welcoming an environmentally friendly addition to its distinctive skyline, with the construction of the tallest hybrid timber tower in the world, which would also be West Australia’s first carbon negative building. Architecture and design practice Fraser & Partners (a research-focused offshoot of Elenberg Fraser) has teamed up with property developer Grange ...Read More

  • 21.07.22: A natural glue for healthier plywood
    Scientists in China have developed a natural, non-toxic adhesive for potential use in the creation of composite wood products found in our furniture, décor, and flooring. Flexible plywood panels are produced by gluing thin layers of wood together and curing them under high pressures and temperatures. The glues used in this process have historically been ...Read More

  • 21.07.22: Fortifying CLT walls for earthquake-proof buildings
    Wood has similar strength to concrete, yet one fifth of the weight, meaning timber buildings naturally have much lower earthquake loads. A novel approach to the way cross-laminated timber (CLT) is used in low-rise construction could significantly reduce earthquake risk. Aotearoa New Zealand’s Earthquake Commission provided NZ$75,000 to fund a two-year research program at the ...Read More

  • 21.07.22: The sky’s the limit for malleable wood
    According to new research conducted by an international team, an innovative, rapid ‘water-shock’ process can be used to create strong and mouldable wood. The scientists behind the research say the flexible wood created through this process has enhanced mechanical properties that could make it a candidate for a whole new range of applications, which might ...Read More

  • 21.07.22: Collaborative research aims to optimise industry supply chain
     A research team at the University of the Sunshine Coast has conducted a range of research projects investigating supply chain optimisation over the past seven years.  Past timber supply chain research projects centred on machine performance and efficiency have helped to identify and deliver positive impacts over relatively short time frames, thanks to insights into ...Read More

  • 21.07.22: More than $11m in funding for projects to grow research capacity in Aussie forestry
    Australian forestry research is about to get another boost, thanks to the announcement of funding for 10 exciting new projects. The research will be funded following recommendations made by the Grower Research Advisory Committee (GRAC). It will cover everything from mitigating the risks posed by pests and diseases to improving geospatial accuracy, drought-proofing plantations, genomics ...Read More

  • 21.07.22: Australian tree breeding research revolutionising the industry
    Over the past 20 years, significant research strides have been made around tree breeding in Australia. Tree breeding is a unique science. Decisions need to be made well ahead of time, to account for the long crop cycles of our softwood and hardwood plantations. These timeframes (up to 35 years for pine trees, and up ...Read More

  • 19.04.22: How small trees and woody biomass could limit carbon emissions and curb wildfire
      New research out of the University of California (UC) Berkley outlines how creating a market for smaller diameter trees and other forest biomass could support forest managers to reduce wildfire risk without generating extra carbon emissions. Clearing the state’s forests of dense overgrowth is crucial to mitigating the risk of catastrophic wildfires. However, this ...Read More

  • 19.04.22: World-first book considers the benefits of ‘climate smart forestry’
    Maximising the forest bioeconomy to support forestry’s vital role in mitigating and adapting to climate change can best be achieved by using ‘climate smart’ forestry tailored to local conditions, according to new research A forthcoming book titled Forest bioeconomy and climate change is the first ever science-based book on the subject. Almost 30 European researchers collaborated on ...Read More

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