Autumn, Events and Highlights

A few weeks ago, the Faculty Board and the Heads of department had the privilege of spending two half-days at the Asa Research Park. Two days filled with sunshine, fresh air, and new knowledge. We learned more about the research trials taking place there – and about the incredible treasure trove of forestry experiments spread across Sweden. Did you know that some of them were started as early as the beginning of the 1900s?

It made us realize the legacy we are truly managing – a living knowledge bank that shows how forests change over time. In upcoming newsletters, we plan to highlight some examples from this treasure chest to inspire further use and exploration.

Let me tell you a bit more about this treasure. It’s called Silva Boreal, a database owned by SLU and managed by the Unit for Field-based Forest Research. Together with Skogforsk and the Swedish Forest Agency, the database is continuously being developed.

It’s almost dizzying to think that SLU and Skogforsk together have registered over 4,000 long-term, active field experiments – and that forest companies also contribute with their own. Each experiment is a time capsule, a puzzle piece in the story of how we understand and manage our forests.

Events and Highlights

Recent months have been filled with energy and engagement – and a lot is going on!

• SLU Day in Umeå attracted 700 visitors – a day full of curiosity, meetings, and pride. A warm thank you to everyone who participated and made the day possible!
• The podcast “Skogen och människan” (The Forest and the Human) has released three new episodes, with five more on the way. Perfect company for an autumn walk or your commute.
• On November 20, the Faculty, Skogforsk, and the Swedish Forest Agency invite you to a seminar day on continuous cover forestry – a topic sparking much curiosity and important discussions about the forest of the future.
• The evaluation of student recruitment at SLU is now complete – the report is available for those who want to see what we’ve learned and how we can continue to grow. Read the full report here
• The Forest Inquiry has been sent out for consultation. At SLU, the work is coordinated by Göran Ståhl. Have thoughts or ideas? On October 31 at 13:00, an open meeting will be held to collect input. Contact Göran Ståhl to receive the meeting link.
• Learn how to communicate your research – Being able to present your research clearly and engagingly is an art – and something we can all improve on. Media training courses are offered at SLU’s campuses in Uppsala and Alnarp, and on November 12 and 13, two media courses will be held in Umeå. During the sessions, you’ll receive practical tools, exercises, and inspiration to help you feel more confident in media settings. You’ll learn what journalists are really looking for, how you can contribute as an expert, and you’ll get to practice interviews on camera. Interested? Contact susanna.bergstrom@slu.se. The course will be held in Swedish.
• Do you know young people interested in biology? SLU has launched a new collaboration with the youth organization Ung Vetenskapssport (Young Science Sports). The organization is now seeking young people who want to get involved and organize biology camps in Alnarp, Uppsala, and Umeå. Sign up here. 

Autumn is a time for reflection – but also for curiosity and new beginnings. So let’s continue to explore, share knowledge, and make the most of all the amazing things happening within our faculty.

See you out in the forest, in the lab – or perhaps in the podcast!

Pernilla Christensen, deputy dean