Society of Wood Science and Technology

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Day 3 Highlights of 2026 SWST International Convention

The third day of the 2026 SWST International Convention highlighted the breadth of contemporary wood science research, from timber engineering and wood preservation to bio-based materials, biorefining, and climate solutions. Across multiple parallel sessions, participants explored how innovation in wood products and renewable materials can contribute to a more sustainable and circular future.

🌱 Innovations in Sustainable and Functional Materials

Together, these presentations demonstrated how renewable resources, circular material flows, and advanced bio-based technologies can support the next generation of sustainable products and applications.

📚 A broad range of topics was covered throughout Day 3, including:

🪵 Wood Properties, Physics, and Mechanics

Fundamental and frontier research in wood physics and mechanics
Understanding wood behavior and performance
Material characterization for advanced applications

🏗️ Advanced Timber Engineering and Structural Systems

Engineered wood products and hybrid structural systems
Timber solutions for modern construction
Performance, durability, and structural innovation

🛠️ Traditional Wood Care and Preservation

Drying and preservation technologies
Machining and finishing processes
Maintaining wood performance and service life

🧪 Wood Chemistry and Biorefining

Fundamental research in wood chemistry
Valorization of forest biomass
Biorefinery concepts and renewable feedstocks

🌱 Bio-based Nanocomposites and Functional Materials

Advanced bio-based composites
Multi-functional hybrid materials
Renewable materials for energy and high-performance applications

🌍 Circular Economy, Climate Mitigation, and Socio-Economic Impacts

Resource efficiency and material recovery
Circular bioeconomy strategies
Forest sector contributions to climate mitigation and sustainable development

🌏 International Perspectives on Wood Properties and Utilization

Research presented through the IUFRO Division 5 sessions
Global advances in wood properties, processing, and utilization

The discussions throughout Day 3 reinforced the important role of wood science in connecting fundamental research with practical solutions for sustainable construction, renewable materials, climate action, and the circular bioeconomy.

📍 2026 SWST International Convention
🗓 June 7–12, 2026 | Seoul, Republic of Korea

As the convention enters its final days, participants continue to exchange ideas, build collaborations, and advance innovations that will help shape the future of wood science and technology.

06/09/2026

Day 2 Highlights of the 2026 SWST International Convention

The second day of the 2026 SWST International Convention featured a diverse scientific program across three parallel sessions, researchers and practitioners explored how wood science can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.

📚 A broad range of topics was covered throughout the day, including:

🪵 Wood Physics and Mechanics
Fundamental and frontier research in wood structure and performance
Material behavior and mechanical characterization
Emerging insights into wood biology

🏗️ Timber Structures and the Built Environment
Designing timber structures for performance and resilience
Energy-efficient renovation of existing buildings
Sustainable construction strategies

🧬 Bio-based Composites and Advanced Materials
Innovations in bio-based nanocomposites
Multi-functional hybrid materials
Sustainable material development and applications

🌍 Circular Economy and Sustainability
Circular economy approaches in the forest sector
Climate mitigation through wood-based solutions
Ecosystem services and biodiversity in wood value chains
Socio-economic impacts of forest-based innovations

👥 People, Culture, and the Future Workforce
Cultural dimensions and societal perceptions of wood use
New approaches to wood sector education
Workforce development for the next generation of wood professionals

💻 Digitalization and Smart Processing
Smart technologies for wood processing and manufacturing
Digital transformation within the forest products sector

The breadth of topics discussed on Day 2 reflects the interdisciplinary nature of modern wood science and highlights the sector's growing contribution to climate solutions, sustainable materials, and the circular bioeconomy.

📍 2026 SWST International Convention
🗓 June 7–12, 2026 | Seoul, Republic of Korea

We look forward to continuing the discussions and discoveries throughout the remainder of the convention.

06/09/2026

06/08/2026

Day 1 Highlights of the 2026 SWST International Convention

The 2026 SWST International Convention officially opened in Seoul, Korea, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and students from around the world to explore the theme:

🌲 “Innovating with Wood: Science and Materials for a Sustainable Future”

The opening day featured four inspiring keynote presentations that highlighted the vital role of wood in addressing global sustainability challenges and advancing the transition toward a carbon-neutral future.

🎤 Eunsik Park (Minister, Korea Forest Service) reflected on Korea’s remarkable reforestation journey over the past 50 years and emphasized the importance of timber construction, wood-use policies, and fostering a wood-friendly culture to support sustainable forest management.

🎤 Yoon Soo Kim (Chonnam National University) explored wood as a form of cultural heritage, illustrating how wood connects nature and civilization while carrying history, knowledge, and human values across generations.

🎤 Tâmara França (Mississippi State University) presented wood as “Nature’s Smart Material,” highlighting the interdisciplinary skills, communication, and leadership needed to advance wood science in the future.

🎤 Sangjun Han (Korea Wood Panel Association) challenged participants to consider whether society is truly prepared for the emerging “Age of Wood,” calling for continued innovation and collaboration across the forest products sector.

The discussions set an inspiring tone for the week ahead, underscoring the essential contribution of wood science, sustainable materials, and forest-based innovation to a more resilient future.

📍 2026 SWST International Convention
🗓 June 7–12, 2026 | Seoul, Republic of Korea

We look forward to another exciting day of presentations, discussions, and networking!

05/07/2026

Keynote Speaker Announcement: 2026 SWST International Convention

We are excited to present the keynote speakers for the 2026 SWST International Convention, taking place June 7–12, 2026, at COEX, Seoul, Korea.

Join leading voices from government, academia, and industry as they share insights shaping the future of wood science and technology.

🎤 Keynote Speakers & Topics

Eunsik PARK

Minister, Korea Forest Service

Sustainable Wood Utilization Policy in Korea after 50 Years of Reforestation

Yoon Soo KIM

Emeritus Professor, Chonnam National University

Wood as Cultural Heritage: Where Nature Meets Civilization

Tâmara "Tammy" França

Associate Professor, Mississippi State University

Wood: Nature’s Smart Material

Sangjun HAN

Chairman, Korea Wood Panel Association

The Age of Wood Has Come: Are We Truly Prepared?

📍 COEX, Seoul, Korea

🗓 June 7–12, 2026

🔗 Detailed program and registration: www.2026-swst-kswst.org

04/14/2026

Deadline Extended 🔔 Call for Papers in BioProducts Business

📢 Special Issue: Scaling Up Innovation for Sustainable Value Creation

Good news! The submission deadline for this Special Issue has been extended to September 30, 2026.

Forests are central to sustainable development—providing wood and non-wood products, biodiversity, and climate regulation. As global demand rises and environmental pressures intensify, scaling innovation in the forest sector is more critical than ever.

This Special Issue invites contributions examining how forest sector innovations can be scaled effectively across five key domains:
🌱 Technological 🏛 Institutional 🤝 Social 📜 Policy 💰 Financial

We especially encourage submissions from underrepresented regions and groups, as well as comparative studies, case studies, and systematic analyses.

📄 Article types: Original Research, Case Studies, Comparative Analyses
🌍 Publishing model: Fully Open Access
🗓 Extended submission deadline: September 30, 2026
ℹ️ More information: link in bio

✨ Guest Editors: Lyndall Bull, Ivana Živojinović, Sandra Rodríguez, Judith Gisip

📩 General inquiries: Jigchen L. Norbu, Coordinator of the IUFRO Task Force on “Scaling-up Science-based Forest Sector Innovation”

📘 Journal Editor: Pipiet Larasatie

🌲 Take this opportunity to contribute and help shape the future of the forest-based bioeconomy by sharing insights on scaling innovation for sustainable value creation.

04/13/2026

2026 SWST International Convention: Early Bird Registration Reminder ⏰📢

Secure your Early Bird Registration for the SWST–KSWST International Convention now!

The convention will take place June 7–12, 2026, at COEX, Seoul, Republic of Korea, bringing together the global wood science community.

📊 With 290 abstracts submitted and 11 sponsors confirmed, this year’s convention promises a dynamic and engaging program.

🌏 In addition, participants can join full-day optional educational tours on June 12, 2026, visiting leading wood industry and research sites in Korea.

Don’t miss your chance to benefit from reduced registration fees and be part of this international exchange on wood science and sustainable bio-based materials.

🔗 link in bio!

03/26/2026

2026 SWST International Convention: Final Call for Abstracts & Early Bird Extended

The joint SWST–KSWST International Convention will take place June 7–12, 2026, at COEX, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

📢 Final Call! Abstract submission closes March 28 (23:59 KST).

This is your last opportunity to submit your work: don’t miss out!

To support our global wood science community, the deadline corresponds to:

🗓 March 28
⏰ 11:59 pm KST
⏰ 03:59 pm CET
⏰ 09:59 am EST
⏰ 06:59 am PST

🎟 Extended Deadline for Early Bird Registration

Take advantage of reduced registration fees and secure your participation early.

🗓 Early Bird Deadline: April 15, 2026 (KST)

Registration Fees (Early Bird):
• Regular: USD 700
• Retired: USD 650
• Student: USD 550

🧠 Join the global wood science community to exchange knowledge, share innovation, and shape the future of sustainable wood-based solutions.

🔗 More information via link in bio

03/13/2026

2026 SWST International Convention: Student Travel Grant Application

The SWST–KSWST International Convention (June 7–12, 2026, COEX, Seoul, Republic of Korea) is offering Student Travel Grants to support student participation in this year’s event.

Eligibility requirements:
✔️ Be an active student
✔️ Be registered for the conference
✔️ Participate in either the Student Poster Competition or Student Oral Competition if selected
✔️ Awardees will be asked to create a 90-second reel about their research

🗓 Application deadline: March 25th

This is a great opportunity for students to present their research, engage with the international wood science community, and gain valuable conference experience.

🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/yHczvepTgRAit1Qi7

Join us in Seoul and be part of the global conversation shaping the future of wood science and sustainable bio-based materials.

SustainableMaterials