13
Oct
ARC Advance Timber Hub Leaders present at Gottstein Trust Understanding Wood Science Course
On September 11 & 12 2025. the, ARC Advance Timber Hub (ATH) Director and 1990 Gottstein Fellowship recipient Prof Keith Crews along with QLD DPI Forest Product Innovation Team Leader and 2024 Gottstein Fellowship recipient Adam Faircloth, were invited to present at the biennial Understanding Wood Science Course hosted by the Gottstein Trust in Canberra. The event that brings together industry, researchers, and fellows to share insights into the evolving role of timber and wood products in Australia’s built environment.
Professor Crews, delivered a presentation highlighting the intersection between novel technologies, wood design, and sustainability. He detailed how the ARC Advance Timber Hub’s work across eight nodes and 26 research projects is driving the transformation of timber into a central material for achieving a carbon-neutral built environment.
Professor Crews emphasised that the Hub’s research is not only pushing the boundaries of timber product innovation but is also directly contributing to Australia’s climate goals by demonstrating how engineered wood can replace carbon-intensive materials in construction. His address underscored the role of collaboration between academia, government, and industry in positioning timber as a cornerstone of sustainable design.
Mr Faircloth, went on to share findings from his recent international study tour, supported by the Gottstein Fellowship, see The Global Perception and Understanding of Vibration and Acoustics in Timber Structures, which is already informing the direction of Project 1.1 and Project 2.3 with Griffith University and QLD DPI. His research is helping understand the product specific factors that correspond to vibration, acoustic, damping performance on the dynamic and acoustic properties and manufacturing procedures of lightweight timber, mass timber, and hybrid floors.
Other Hub investigators who contributed as speakers at the event included:
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Kim Harris from AKD, presenting on Softwood Sawmilling
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Ralph Belperio from Aurecon, presenting on The Characteristics of Timber Suiting Major Projects
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Ian Blanden from Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA), presenting on How Australia’s Research & Development Assists Industry to Meet Challenges & Create Opportunity
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Dr Fabiano Ximenes from NSW DPI, presenting on Forests, Plantations, Wood Products & Australia’s Carbon Balance
- Professor Tripti Singh from University of the Sunshine Coast, presenting on Durable Timber – Nature Plus Nurture
The ARC Advance Timber Hub were proud to see several of its Partner Companies—inclusive of AKD, Aurecon, Forest & Wood Products Australia, Hyne Timber, NSW DPI and University of the Sunshine Coast supporting the course and contributing to its success.
The Gottstein Trust Fellowship, awarded annually, supports innovation and professional development within Australia’s wood products and forest industries. For decades it has provided opportunities for leaders like Crews and Faircloth to advance the science and application of timber in the built environment.
Applications for the 2025 Fellowship round are now open until 27 October 2025, inviting project submissions from professional’s keen to contribute to the future of Australia’s forest and wood products industries. To apply please click on the link.
Images courtesy of Adam Faircloth & Gottstein Trust.