Understanding Wood Science Course

Timber processors strive to satisfy stringent market demands. A lot of knowledge, expertise and information is needed in order to successfully manage variable raw material supply volumes; variable raw material (wood) characteristics which in turn impact yields and cost of processing; and the wider Australian and international market dynamics (raw material supply/demand/price and ditto for end products) which their businesses face.

Integral to managing the many challenges – is an appreciation of wood science and technology and the new techniques being introduced. This Gottstein Trust Wood Science Course of five days duration is designed to provide such information. The course may even assist some decision makers in the industry to gain greater efficiency in their operations – through access to subject matter experts, field trip inspections and through the course networking opportunities.

Wood products are recognised as carbon friendly. Yet ironically in Australia, there is still decreasing availability of various types of timber from some regions and changes in quality from others. A clear understanding of timber users’ final requirements is essential for those who process timber. Their customers’ requirements may be for high quality appearance grade products, or for a uniform quality but lower cost product. The magic lies in understanding each variety and style of timber (the raw material) to ensure efficient conversion of the raw material into a marketable and fit for purpose product.

Objectives

  • Provide an understanding of wood and the properties which affect processing and end-use.
  • Provide insights into the potential for development of new products.
  • Provide an appreciation of contemporary issues including innovation, technology and supply/demand trends for wood products.

Future Courses

Due to the high level of interest in the course after COVID impacts, the Trustees of the JW Gottstein Memorial Trust Fund have decided to hold an additional Understanding Wood Science Course in 2023 planned from Sunday evening 10th September to Friday afternoon 15th September 2023.

Course Program

The program for September 2023 is planned to be very similar to the successful 2022 course program.

To Register

Online registration is not open at this time.

If you would like to receive information on the course as it comes available, please fill in the contact form.

Who Should Attend

Senior and potential managers, operational team members, tree growers, industry and government policy people, consultants, executives, non-executive directors and service providers within the forest and wood products supply chain. The course will be of particular relevance to those who may have recently joined the industry.

Why You Should Attend

You will gain a deeper understanding of wood science and key features of the modern wood products industry – this will be an asset in your professional work environment. This course should also assist you to place your operation within a national and international context.
In order to facilitate informal exchange and discussion, the course is limited to a maximum 35 participants.

Invited Speakers

The 2023 course will feature guest presenters with deep experience in the industry. Speakers typically donate their time and expertise to the Gottstein Trust courses and the Trust is indebted to them for such generous support.

site by café media