UniSC’s Forest Research Institute undertakes work in the broad spectrum of forestry research areas that make direct and meaningful contributions to the sustainability of our wooded landscapes.
This includes important areas of studies such as smallholder and forest conservation-based research, along with work to ensure industries are meeting regulatory requirements and public expectations.
Research centres
The Forest Research Institute is comprised of four Centres, each with an individual identity and research focus. Centres work collaboratively for greater impact.
Forest Industries Research Centre
The Forest Industries Research Centre (FIRC) is focused on the forestry value chain and the economic and environmental sustainability of forest industries.
Tropical Forests and People Research Centre
The Tropical Forests and People Research Centre brings together researchers interested in the interactions between people and tropical forests.
National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life
National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life Research Centre's aim is large-scale replacement of energy-intensive materials with sustainable biomaterials (wood, bamboo and plan-fibre-based composites).
AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures
Leading applied research to enhance timber production, maximise forest value, and support the development of carbon-friendly building solutions.
Seminar Series and Research Showcase
Forests for our Future: Lunch & Learn
Join UniSC's Forest Research Institute on the first Tuesday of each month to learn about forestry and sustainability. At each event, researchers and HDR students from the Institute will share insights from their latest projects and discuss challenges and innovations in forestry, with a particular focus on sustainability and the vital role forests play in tackling climate change.
Forest Research Institute Showcase
Following a successful event in 2024, our UniSC Forest Research Institute is planning another Research Showcase from 27-29 Oct, 2025 at the Innovation Centre, UniSC Sunshine Coast campus. Join us for three inspiring days of networking opportunities, workshops, awards and presentations from leading national and international experts in Forestry, Forest Products and Forest Science, including a dedicated Student Day.
Registration link and program details to follow soon.
Events
More eventsLatest News
UniSC Professor to lead International Energy Agency program
10 Jan 2025The UniSC’s Professor Mark Brown is leading the global development of the bioenergy industry as the newly appointed Chair of the International Energy Agency Bioenergy program
Researcher Spotlight
Forestry in a nature-positive economy: Meet the panel, Associate Professor David Lee
18 Sep 2025At the upcoming UniSC Forest Research Institute public lecture — Forestry in a Nature-Positive Economy — Associate Professor David Lee joins the panel to bring a future-focused perspective from forest genetics and plantation innovation.
Forestry in a nature-positive economy: Meet the panel, Dr Alexandra Catling
18 Sep 2025Fresh voices matter! At the upcoming UniSC Forest Research Institute public lecture — Forestry in a Nature-Positive Economy — Dr Alexandra “Alex" Catling steps into that spotlight as an early-career researcher in the Tropical Forests and People team, bringing her deep experience in field ecology, plant interactions and the effects of environmental change
Forestry in a nature-positive economy: Meet the panel, Professor John Herbohn
18 Sep 2025At the upcoming UniSC Forest Research Institute Public Lecture — Forestry in a Nature-Positive Economy — Professor John Herbohn will bring his 20-plus years of hands-on forestry experience to the stage as part of the expert panel, speaking from his perspective in working across tropical smallholder and community forestry
Contact us
- Email: FRIAdmin@usc.edu.au
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