Dr Zidi Yan, Chief Investigator at the ARC Advance Timber Hub, has been awarded a Timber Queensland 2026-2027 Growth Scholarship Award – the $5,000 AKD Award. The scholarship supports individuals pursuing learning and development opportunities that will strengthen both their careers and Queensland’s forest and timber industry.

Dr Yan’s project, AI Driven Treatability Prediction for Queensland Softwood Processing, will explore how artificial intelligence, computer vision and machine learning can improve timber treatment quality assurance and treatment performance. By analysing characteristics such as sapwood, heartwood, density and visible defects, the research aims to improve treatment outcomes, reduce waste and enhance manufacturing efficiency.

“The timber industry has a significant opportunity to harness artificial intelligence and digital technologies in practical ways that improve productivity and confidence in timber products,” said Dr Zidi Yan. “My goal is to bring back knowledge, industry connections and practical ideas that can help Queensland timber processors make better and more informed decisions.”

A key component of the project will involve engaging directly with sawmills and timber processors across Queensland to understand real-world production environments and identify opportunities where AI can deliver practical value.

“I am keen to better understand how treatability challenges appear in real production environments, what data are already available, and where AI could realistically support existing processes and decision making.”

Dr Yan’s scholarship project will also include participation in international timber research forums, including either the International Research Group on Wood Protection (IRG) conference or the World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE 2027).

Reflecting on the project, Dr Yan said: “Timber is such a beautiful material, but no two pieces are exactly the same. I believe AI gives us another way to better understand this variability, learn from the data we already have, and support more consistent and informed decisions.”

The ARC Advance Timber Hub congratulates Dr Zidi Yan on this achievement and looks forward to the industry impact of his research.

For further information please see:

Timber Queensland Media Release: AI, Data and Future Leaders: Queensland Scholarship Recipients Drive Timber Industry Innovation

Zidi Yan’s post on LinkedIn