Category: Hub News

ARC Advance Timber Hub Chief Investigator, Dr. Maryam Shirmohammadi, has recently completed an international fellowship study tour across Europe and Singapore, funded by the Gottstein Trust, where she focused on “Mass Timber Buildings Moisture Monitoring and Management.” This research, part of her ongoing work, aims to create a global network of experts in timber engineering and moisture safety, advancing knowledge and best practices in the field. The fellowship allowed for a comparative study of various building types, design approaches, and climate conditions.

Dr. Shirmohammadi’s research focuses on identifying processes and strategies to reduce moisture exposure risks while promoting optimal conditions for timber products throughout their lifecycle—from manufacturing and transportation to storage, construction, and long-term use. During her travels, she engaged with a wide range of professionals, including research teams, laboratories, R&D groups, university scholars, industry experts, building assessors, and associations. These interactions focused on both established and emerging techniques for designing timber products that can withstand moisture-related challenges.

Looking forward, Dr. Shirmohammadi plans to visit experts in the United States and Canada. This next phase of her research will further enhance her expertise in building science and broaden her understanding of the timber product lifecycle, particularly in diverse environmental conditions.

Dr. Shirmohammadi is project leader for the ARC Advance Timber Hub Project: Development of moisture monitoring, assessment and management systems for the Australian mass timber construction industry

The Gottstein Fellowship is a grant that is awarded to people who work within, or associated with, the Australian wood products and forest industries. This may be anywhere at all on the value chain. A fellow is funded to conduct a research project which they have put forward. Most projects entail international travel or domestic travel.

The ARC Advance Timber Hub, a key player in the sustainable timber and forestry research sector, is proud to announce its inclusion in the Queensland Science Capability Directory. This listing marks a significant step forward in promoting the Hub’s cutting-edge research, technological expertise, and industry-leading capabilities to a wider audience, both in Australia and internationally.

The Queensland Science Capability Directory is a comprehensive resource that highlights the state’s leading research institutions, laboratories, and innovation hubs. By being featured in this prestigious directory, The ARC Advance Timber Hub joins a network of forward-thinking organisations committed to advancing scientific knowledge and solving key challenges facing industries today.

By leveraging the Queensland Science Capability Directory listing, the Hub will expand its partnerships, foster collaboration, and continue delivering impactful research that meets the needs of modern industries.

To view the Hub’s listing, please visit the Queensland Science Capability Directory’s official website at:

https://science.desi.qld.gov.au/research/capability-directory/advance-timber-hub/

Coinciding with a new exhibition at Hervey Bay Regional Gallery “Forest to Fibre: FCRC Hardwood Plantation (21 Sept to 17 Nov 2024)”, on the 2^nd of October, the Harvey Bay Regional Gallery will be hosting the Timber Future: From Forest to Fibre event. Supported by the ARC Advance Timber Hub, this event forms part of the Value-Chain Innovation Node research, with ARC Advance Timber Hub investigators, Kim Baber and Dr. Bill Leggate presenting alongside presenters from Timber Queensland, Workforce Australia and Fraser Coast Regional Council (FCRC). It will include a detailed background on the timber pavilion and will conclude with a tour a native hardwood plantation, offering attendees an in-depth look at the innovative timber processing and its significance within the forestry value chain.

This event will not only celebrate the rich history of timber in the Fraser Coast but also sets a clear path forward for sustainable timber practices, positioning timber as the ultimate renewable material. Whether you’re a student interested in entering the timber industry or a professional looking to connect with experts in the field, Forest to Fibre offers something for everyone.

The Event is free and open to the public and proudly supported by the ARC Advance Timber Hub, The University of Queensland, Timber Queensland, Workforce Australia, Canopy, State Library of Queensland, Fraser Coast Regional Council and the Queensland Government

For more information see https://www.advance-timber-hub.org/event/forest-to-fibre-timber-futures/

The QLD Government announced a $200m Queensland Sustainable Timber Industry Framework on the 26 June 2024 including release of the terms of reference.

The Framework will be developed in partnership with stakeholders by mid-2025. It will present a 30-year plan to grow jobs, protect forest values and balance the many ways Queensland’s forest estate is used.

Development of the Framework will be supported by a Timber Stakeholder Advisory Group with representation from the timber industry, forestry experts, conservation sector, First Nations peoples, the Australian Workers’ Union, construction sector and outdoor recreational groups.

The ARC Advance Timber Hub is mentioned on page 6 of the Terms of Reference as part of the QLD Government’s work with stakeholders to determine key areas for supply chain development and optimisation to respond to Queensland’s priorities in housing and infrastructure, including establishing a Timber Supply Chain 2035 Strategy.

• Miles Doing What Matters: A strong, sustainable future for Queensland timber – Ministerial Media Statements
• Terms of Reference: https://www.premiers.qld.gov.au/publications/categories/plans/assets/sustainable-timber-tor-doc.pdf

WoodCentral has published an article highlighting the importance of the Gottstein Trust in their focus on Professor Keith Crews, ARC Advance Timber Hub Director, who was awarded a Gottstein Trust Fellowship 30 years ago.

The Gottstein Trust is a national educational trust of Australia’s ultimate renewable industry – wood products grown in forests and plantations.  Through its annual granting of Scholarships, Fellowship and Skills Development grants, the Trust provides financial assistance for individuals right across the breadth of the forest products industry. This is specifically for the purpose of supporting them to gain knowledge and build their skills and networks in ways that also advance the industry.

 

 

ARC Advance Timber Hub Theme & Node Leader, Associate Professor Joe Gattas, at The University of Queensland’s School of Civil Engineering, was part of a recent episode of Pryda Pod.  Joe was interviewed about his research regarding improving timber production efficiencies by just 5% could unlock supply for an extra 8,000 homes to be built in Australia each year.

 

Professor Keith Crews, Director of the ARC Advance Timber Hub along with Hub Chief Investigators, Associate Professor Joe Gattas and Kim Baber visited Chile in April, Santiago and Concepción, to learn about wood and bio-product construction lines.  This delegation from The University of Queensland was supported by UQ PhD Candidate, Tomas Bravo. Chile’s National Centre of Excellence for the Wood Industry (CENAMAD) presented its actions regarding the value chain of wood and opened the door to future collaborations.

WCTE 2025 Call for Abstracts  – due 30 June 2024

The World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE 2025) is being held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia from 22nd June to 26th June 2025.

The WCTE is the world’s leading scientific forum for the presentation of the latest technical and architectural solutions and innovations in timber construction. It is considered the most prestigious international event in the field of timber technology for construction, timber structures, and the design of timber architecture.

The WCTE 2025 Conference Committee invites authors to submit 2-page abstracts / mini papers for review by the WCTE 2025 International Scientific Committee.

Submissions are sought for both oral and poster presentations, which must address the principal conference theme of ‘Advancing Timber for the Future Built Environment’.

For more information see: WCTE 2025 or download flyer.

On the 6 February 2024 at The University of Queensland (UQ) an in-person seminar was hosted by ASCE Australia Section and UQ School of Civil Engineering.

This in-person event brought together experts in the field to discuss the latest advancements and techniques in sustainable timber construction.

ARC Advance Timber Hub Director, Professor Keith Crews, and Innovative Solutions Theme Leader, Associate Professor Joe Gattas presented including Hub Partner – Aurecon. Aurecon representatives included Major Projects Director, Ralph Belperio and Associate- Buildings Structural, Callum Lillywhite. The last presenter of the day was John Bahoric, Technical & Project Director, WGA.

To view the presentation videos please see:

LAST week’s issue of Timber&Forestry eNews Issue 789, headlined the opening of ARC Advance Timber Hub. This week’s issue 790 has highlighted one of the Hub’s key supporters Aurecon, see page 9 for article.