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.
Research centres
The Forest Research Institute is comprised of four Centres, each with an individual identity and research focus. Centres work collaboratively for greater impact.
Forest Industries Research Centre
The Forest Industries Research Centre (FIRC) is focused on the forestry value chain and the economic and environmental sustainability of forest industries.
Tropical Forests and People Research Centre
The Tropical Forests and People Research Centre brings together researchers interested in the interactions between people and tropical forests.
National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life
National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life Research Centre's aim is large-scale replacement of energy-intensive materials with sustainable biomaterials (wood, bamboo and plan-fibre-based composites).
AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures
Leading applied research to enhance timber production, maximise forest value, and support the development of carbon-friendly building solutions.
Seminar Series and Research Showcase
Forests for our Future: Lunch & Learn
Join UniSC's Forest Research Institute on the first Tuesday of each month to learn about forestry and sustainability. At each event, researchers and HDR students from the Institute will share insights from their latest projects and discuss challenges and innovations in forestry, with a particular focus on sustainability and the vital role forests play in tackling climate change.
Forest Research Institute Showcase
Our FRI Research Showcase is three inspiring days of networking opportunities, workshops, awards and presentations from leading national and international experts in Forestry, Forest Products and Forest Science, including a dedicated Student Day.
Events
More eventsHighlighted research project
Timber’s crystal ball: How Resi technology can help softwood timber growers 'see' 20 years into the future
Australian softwood plantations (mostly pine) take around 25–30 years to grow before they are harvested for timber. Until recently, growers had to wait until harvest to know whether the wood would be strong and suitable for building. Now, thanks to our research, you can effectively peek into the future to make better decisions about how long to grow the trees, how to manage them, or which areas of the plantation have the highest value.
News
UniSC Professor to lead International Energy Agency program
The University of the Sunshine Coast’s Professor Mark Brown is leading the global development of the bioenergy industry as the newly appointed Chair of the International Energy Agency Bioenergy program.
Dr Ghaffariyan Appointed Managing Editor of Australian Forestry Journal
In 2003, a young Master’s student at the University of Tehran celebrated the acceptance of his first-ever journal article, a moment of joy that would shape his entire career.
Four new senior roles to join our AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures
We are recruiting four new senior roles to join our Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) Centre for Sustainable Futures team at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Applications are now open and close Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
Turning wood residue into low-carbon fuel with AFWI-backed fibre-to-fuels project
AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures is proud to support HAMR Energy’s new $1.1 million Fibre to Fuels project, a national proof-of-concept turning forestry residues into cleaner, renewable methanol for aviation, shipping and chemicals.
Leanda Garvie: Forests, Figures and Forward Thinking
Molecular biology, accounting, and forestry may seem an unlikely mix, but for Leanda Garvie, these fields came together in a remarkably cohesive way.
DIY tips: How to choose the best timber for outdoor projects this summer
Learn how to choose the best timber for decks, pergolas and other outdoor DIY projects this summer with expert tips on durability, strength and maintenance.
Contact us
- Email: FRIAdmin@usc.edu.au
- More contact details
- Follow us on LinkedIn for latest news
Subscribe
Join our mailing list and receive the Forest Research Institute newsletter.
By providing your email address you are giving the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) permission to send you the Forest Research Institute newsletter and associated alerts.
Should you wish to unsubscribe from the FRI newsletter, please email the UniSC Forest Research Industry team on FRIAdmin@usc.edu.au. If you choose not to provide us with your email address, we will be unable to add you to the newsletter subscription. Personal information will be stored by UniSC and will not be disclosed to any other external third party or outside Australia without your consent, unless UniSC are required, or authorised to do so by law. Find out more about Privacy at UniSC.