Australia has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform its forest-based industries and use forest science to solve many of its challenges, but its success will depend on its capacity to commercialise world-class research. That is according to Dr Joseph Lawrence, executive director of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations, who chaired the closing session at Forestry Australia’s Conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Lawrence, who leads the $100 million\u2011plus Commonwealth\u2011supported research institute, which is co\u2011matched by industry and partners, chaired a cross\u2011sector panel exploring where forestry is heading over the next decade. “Our industry is operating in a fast\u2011changing environment. Emerging technologies, shifting markets, climate impacts and the increasing importance of social licence all play a role in shaping what’s next,” he said. “Transformation doesn’t come easily. It takes long\u2011term thinking, collaboration across sectors and supply chains, and a willingness to explore new approaches.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Headlined by Professor John Warner of the Warner\u2011Babcock Institute, the panel centred on translating research breakthroughs into impact. Warner, one of the co-founders in the field of green chemistry with more than 360 patents and 120 publications, identified several near-term priorities \u2014 including lower-impact binders and resins, higher-value uses for lignin and cellulose, and processing changes to reduce hazardous inputs and energy use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n