Events
Engaging with industry and research partners
Be sure to check back for any upcoming events hosted by AFWI, our Research Centres, or our partners.
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AFWI Research Centres Webinar Series
A monthly webinar series to promote AFWI research and capability to our broad range of stakeholders across our three Research Centres: AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures (University of the Sunshine Coast), AFWI Centre for Climate-Smart Forestry (University of Melbourne), and AFWI Centre for Sustainable Resource and Product Solutions (University of Tasmania).
This webinar series will cover topics across our broad research portfolio based on our four innovation pillars: housing innovation, healthier forests, maximising fibre and climate solutions.
Webinar #1: Managing the forest-to-product value chain with systems-based thinking and AI integration
Date: Thursday 18 August, 2026 Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm AEST
Hosted by: Australian Forest and Wood Innovations Centre for Sustainable Futures
Australia faces a widening timber supply deficit, yet much of the fibre and value the country already grows is lost not through any single poor decision, but through good decisions made in isolation across planning, harvesting, logistics, and processing.
In this seminar, Professor Mauricio Acuna introduces his role as AFWI CFS Industry Chair in Systems-Based Thinking and AI Integration, and outlines a five-year vision for managing the forest-to-product value chain as an integrated system.
Drawing on his recent experience leading AI and automation research in Finland, he will discuss the drivers of innovation in European forest research, his work using technologies such as LiDAR and AI to support optimal tree selection for thinning and real-time forest inventory, and the lessons that can be applied to Australian forestry.
As Coordinator of OptiForValue, a €5 million Horizon Europe (CBE JU) project involving partners from seven countries, he will also explore the opportunities created by Australia’s association with Horizon Europe and how industry can engage in international research and innovation initiatives.
Details coming soon.
Details coming soon.