Forestry research partnerships
We strengthen research outcomes through strategic partnerships and collaborations.
We work with national and international industries, businesses, universities, and research agencies to deliver forest and wood science and technology outcomes.
University alliances
Our partnerships with Queensland universities enhance innovation in growing productive forests and advancing wood processing technologies. Together, we've created world-class centres for the forest and timber industry—the Australian Research Council (ARC) Advance Timber Hub and the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life.
We have developed a research alliance with The Forest Industries Research Centre at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), enhancing research in tree selection and genetics, pest and disease management, ecology and biodiversity and wood product processing and utilisation.
Alongside the Queensland University of Technology, we used virtual log reconstruction to predict the harvest value in standing trees.
ARC Advance Timber Hub
Opened in 2015, the Centre for Future Timber Structures (CFTS) was formed between our department and the University of Queensland (UQ). The CFTS then negotiated with ARC to form the ARC Advance Timber Hub (the Hub) with prominent industry partners.
The Hub is a collaboration between our department, UQ, Griffith University, the University of Canterbury, the University of British Columbia, Scion, Hyne Timber, Hutchinson’s, Arup, and Lendlease Development.
The Hub offers important outcomes for the forestry, forest product and construction industries relating to fire safety and building structures. Our timber research team bring expertise in wood science and performance testing to the Hub to develop new processing systems and more durable performance.
National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life
Our department is a partner in a new, world-class National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life (the Centre).
Our forestry and timber scientists bring expertise in wood products durability research and innovation to join with USC and UQ in a three-way research partnership, led by Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA).
The Centre receives funding from FWPA, USC and UQ, with in-kind contributions from the Queensland Government.
Digital solutions
The Biological Control of Eucalypt Pests (BiCEP) networking tool provides essential communication among international professionals in forest pests and diseases.
Improving access to subtropical hardwoods
Our partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has captured improved germplasm for most northern Australian commercial tree species in seed orchards. Our tree breeding technologies, seed orchards, and clone trials have demonstrated superior growth, form, and wood properties of several key hardwoods.
International research and development
Our research partnerships deliver outcomes for forest and wood industries and communities across Australia, the Pacific, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.
Our research with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) fosters development in forest and forest products in Papua New Guinea, Laos, and Vietnam.
Forestry industry associations
Our work connects with several forestry industry associations representing the interests of forestry and timber producers and processors.
Research funding
Our research focuses on resolving issues for the forestry industry and is delivered through co-funded partnerships with industry partners, government agencies and universities.
Our current funding sources include:
- Queensland Government
- Australian Government
- Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA)
- Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
- universities
- industry partners.