New research network in Bioeconomy established at SLU in Umeå

On May 13th, SLU and the European Forest Institute (EFI) signed an agreement to create a new EFI research network. The network Forest Bioeconomy Network (ForBioeconomy) will be coordinated by SLU with the support the Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE) and Nordic Forest Research (SNS). – I very much look forward to working with these issues, especially considering that the forest role in society is frequently discussed. In addition, creating cooperation between international stakeholders and SLU feels both relevant and exiting, says the network Coordinator, Camilla Widmark.

The network will primarily focus on forest-based bioeconomy in northern Europe addressing both the diversity within the region as well as the emerging opportunities and challenges within the field. ForBioeconomy will establish strong cooperation with the Bioeconomy programme at EFI, a specific focus will be given to sustainable and efficient production and use of biomass. Additional focus area will be securing sustainable provision of forest ecosystem services as well as promotion of supply and demand for bio-based products.

ForBioeconomy will offer national and international activities within the field of research and knowledge networking with for instance scientific seminars but also actively seek knowledge gaps. By identifying these gaps, they want to facilitate collaboration in international projects by establishing contact between researchers.

They will also continue to develop a knowledge capacity through for instance summer schools and build bridges across borders as well as between national and international forest stakeholders, researchers and policy-makers. – One example of this is the international conference: Barents Forest Forum 2019, organized by ForBioeconomy on behalf of the Swedish Forest Agency, says Camilla Widmark.