Society of Wood Science and Technology

08/18/2026

Special Issue Published

BioProducts Business Special Issue, Volume 11, No. 2 & 3 (2026) is now available.

This special issue, “Scaling up innovation for sustainable value creation,” presents research on:
• Multi-rater assessment in systematic reviews in forest higher education https://biobus.swst.org/index.php/bpbj/issue/view/201
• Innovation and R&D across the US and Nordic European forest sectors https://biobus.swst.org/index.php/bpbj/issue/view/200

Submissions are still encouraged for Original Research Articles, Case Studies, Comparative Analyses, and Systematic Investigations.

Submission deadline: September 30, 2026

07/29/2026

New Issue Published

Wood & Fiber Science – Volume 58, No. 3 (2026) is now available.

This issue presents new research on:
• Identification of Pinus palustris and Pinus elliottii
• Shear wall performance using Japanese lumber
• Biological durability of preservative-treated CLT
• Interface shear capacity of veneer-based CLT
• Seismic lateral force resisting systems for mass timber

🔗 Read the full issue: https://wfs.swst.org/index.php/wfs/issue/view/244

07/24/2026

Leadership transitions are more than a change in title!

Leadership transitions are an opportunity to celebrate the people who shape our Society and those who will lead it into the future.

At the 2026 SWST–KSWST Convention in Seoul, Francesco Negro officially passed the presidency of the Society of Wood Science and Technology to Matthew Schwarzkopf.

Over the past year, Francesco has led SWST with dedication, helping strengthen our international community and advancing the Society's mission. Thank you, Francesco, for your leadership, commitment, and service.

As our new President, Matthew brings not only scientific expertise in wood anatomy and mechanics, but also a deep appreciation for the community that SWST has built.

"SWST has helped me keep up with progress in the field while staying connected with peers around the world. I wanted to give that same opportunity and experience to others." – Matthew Schwarzkopf

Interestingly, their SWST journeys began a decade apart:

🌍 Matthew Schwarzkopf attended his first SWST conference in Austin, Texas (2013), where he discovered not only a "Turtle Pond" on campus but also a global network that would shape his career through collaborations, friendships, and professional opportunities.
🌍 Francesco Negro joined his first SWST conference in Asheville, North Carolina (2023). He describes the experience as "a continuous discovery", from inspiring presentations to meeting colleagues from around the world. By the end of the first day, he was so energized (and exhausted!) that he simply collapsed on his hotel bed.

Their stories remind us that SWST is more than a professional society, it is a community where scientific collaboration, mentorship, and lifelong friendships begin.

Please join us in thanking Francesco Negro for his outstanding service as President and in congratulating Matthew Schwarzkopf as he begins his term as SWST President.

Here's to the next chapter of SWST!

07/03/2026

06/19/2026

Thank you for making the 2026 SWST International Convention a success

As we concluded the 2026 SWST International Convention in Seoul, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this memorable event.

Over six inspiring days, researchers, students, industry professionals, policymakers, and partners from around the world came together to exchange knowledge, share innovations, and discuss the future of wood science and technology. From fundamental research and advanced materials to sustainable construction, circular bioeconomy, and forest sector innovation, the convention showcased the breadth and impact of our global community.

🌏 A truly international gathering
The convention provided a platform for meaningful scientific exchange, new collaborations, and discussions on how wood science can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.

🤝 Thank you to all participants
We sincerely appreciate the dedication of our speakers, session chairs, authors, reviewers, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees. Your enthusiasm, expertise, and engagement made this convention both scientifically enriching and personally memorable.

🌲 Looking ahead
The connections established and ideas exchanged during the convention will continue to strengthen our global network and drive future advances in wood science, technology, and innovation.

On behalf of the organizing committee, the Korean Society of Wood Science and Technology (KSWST), and the Society of Wood Science and Technology (SWST), thank you for being part of this remarkable event.

We hope you had safe travels home and look forward to meeting again as we continue advancing wood science for a sustainable future.

06/19/2026

🌳 InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM participated in the SWST International Convention 2026 in Seoul, South Korea, bringing together experts in wood science, timber engineering and sustainable construction.

Dr. Mohammad Derikvand, Dr. Matthew Schwarzkopf, Dr. Lei Han and Dr. Michael Burnard presented their research on timber structures, bio-based materials and sustainable construction innovation.

The event enabled international exchange and collaboration in the field of sustainable wood-based technologies.

https://innorenew.eu/2026/06/innorenew-coe-iam-swst-international-convention-2026-seoul/



UP Inštitut Andrej Marušič

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