The future of the forestry and wood sector as seen by experts from around the world. We have just concluded Wood-Science-Economy

Substantive discussions, new perspectives, and a practical look at the future of the forestry and wood industry. This is how we can sum up the fifth edition of the Wood-Science-Economy Scientific Conference, which took place on December 3-5, 2025, at the Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology.

The event was divided into a stationary part comprising thematic sessions, poster sessions, and networking, as well as a field trip. In total, over 100 representatives of science, industry, and the public sector from around the world took part in it.

The conference began with lectures by special guests. Prof. Thomas Purfürst from the University of Freiburg (Germany) spoke about the digital transformation in the forestry and wood sector, while Prof. Addo Koranteng from the Technical University of Kumasi (Ghana) presented the challenges facing this industry in Africa.

The other presentations addressed issues such as the digitization of forestry processes, modern wood quality assessment techniques, circular bioeconomy solutions, innovative wood-based materials, design inspired by the New European Bauhaus, and current market challenges and wood value chain management.

This year’s edition was complemented by a speed dating networking session, which began with a presentation of upcoming calls for proposals under Horizon Europe for 2026–2027.

Participants also went on a field trip to the Oborniki Forest District, where they learned about modern technologies used in the forestry sector, and visited the Brzechwa wooden house factory, where they saw how eco-friendly and personalized living spaces are created.

Wood-Science-Economy was organized by Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, and the Digital Transformation Industry Contact Point.

The conference partners were: State Forests, European Forest Institute, International Union of Forest Research Organizations, and door manufacturer PORTA.

Honorary patronage was provided by institutions such as: the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the National Representation of Doctoral Students, the Polish Chamber of Commerce for the Wood Industry, the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, the Provincial Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Poznań, the Association of Forestry and Wood Industry Engineers and Technicians, the Forestry and Wood Sciences Committee at the Poznań branch of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and media patronage was provided by Gazeta Przemysłu Drzewnego, Wydawnictwo Inwestor, and Drewno.pl.