Forest Research Institute (FRI)

University of the Sunshine Coast

Back to directory

Sawn ends of a pile of logs

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.

The Forest Research Institute is comprised of five Centres, each with an individual identity and research focus. These Centres are: The Tropical Forests and People Research Centre, National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life, the Centre for Forest Health and Resilience, the Centre for Innovative Sustainable Forestry and AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures. These Centres work collaboratively for greater impact.

Website
https://www.usc.edu.au/research/forest-research-institute
Organisation type
  • University Research Institute
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
  • Tropical silviculture
  • Forest ecology
  • Forest restoration with communities
  • Biodeterioration, Common Preservatives & End-of-life opportunities for Treated wood and EWPs
  • Managing mould on timber
  • Timber Bridges: Durability, design and details for extended service life
  • Sensors at the Mass Timber Buildings

Facilities and major equipment

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

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:

Update details

Is this your centre? See any issues? Send a request to update your listing.