UniSC Forest Research Centre (UniSC-FRI)

University of the Sunshine Coast

Formerly known as Forest Industries Research Centre (FIRC)

The Forest Research Institute (FRI) at the University of the Sunshine Coast leads research that connects forests, people, and industry for a sustainable future.

We are shaping a forest future that is productive, climate-positive, and socially inclusive, through our Research Centres; the Tropical Forests and People Centre, the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life, The Centre for Forest Health and Resilience, The Centre for Innovative Sustainable Forestry, and The AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures.

Each Centre has an individual identity and research focus while working collaboratively for greater impact. We welcome new research students and industry collaborations.

Website

https://www.unisc.edu.au/research/forest-research-institute

Organisation type

• University Research Institute
• Queensland Government – Partner

Number of research staff

20-100 research staff

Address

Forest Research Institute – Building B, 950 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs QLD 4556

Strengths and capabilities

• Optimised forest supply chain planning and management
• Sustainable biomass/bioenergy supply chain systems and management
• Subtropical forest and plantation management systems
• Forestry pest & disease management incl. biological control systems
• Tropical and subtropical plantation species selection and breeding
• Plantation and regrowth timber processing for engineered wood products

Facilities and major equipment

• Research glasshouses and shade houses
• Permanent sample plot networks
• Soil research labs
• Tropical and sub-tropical improved tree genetics

Lead researchers

• Prof Mark Brown - Director of the FRI, AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures and Chair of the IEA Bioenergy
• Ass. Prof David Lee—World leading research on Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Khaya, Grevillea and Acacia tree improvement
• Prof John Herbohn—World leader in developing sustainable strategies for reforestation that form part of the livelihood strategies of communities
• Dr Andy Howe—Co-winner of the national 2024 Eureka Prize for Innovation in CitizenScience
• Dr Helen Nahrung is a leading researcher in biocontrol of pests of pine plantations such as the Sirex wasp
• Dr. Madaline Healey and A/Prof Simon Lawson have significantly advanced forest health and biosecurity through their work with ACIAR.

Achievements of the centre

• Development of bioenergy supply chain optimisation strategies to meet sustainable renewable energy needs
• Development of improved breeding genetics material for the growth and management of plantations in the tropics and subtropics
• Establishment of improved, sustainable industry collaboration structures for the delivery of innovation across the forest supply chain

Key science sectors

More information about the sectors this centre is involved in:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Biotechnology
• Energy
• Engineering
• Environment and nature
• Food and agriculture
• Transport
• Tropical