The Forest Research Institute (FRI) at the University of the Sunshine Coast leads research that connects forests, people, and industry for a sustainable future. Our new five-year strategy positions FRI as Australia’s foremost centre for applied forest and forest product research, where ecological stewardship, social wellbeing, and innovation converge to create global impact.
Our focus
We are shaping a forest future that is productive, climate-positive, and socially inclusive.
To do this, we focus on healthy forests through communities, innovative durable timber applications, healthy, resilient forests, sustainable forestry systems, and innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in forestry and wood product sectors.
1. Healthy Forests Through Communities:
Through our Tropical Forests and People Centre, we work with communities and governments to restore forests, protect biodiversity, and strengthen livelihoods.
2. Innovative Durable Timber Applications:
The National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life advances timber performance, durability, and circular design to enable carbon-friendly construction.
3. Healthy, Resilient Forests:
The Centre for Forest Health and Resilience delivers science-based solutions for pests, disease, and fire, building adaptive, climate-ready forests.
4. Sustainable Forestry Systems:
The Centre for Innovative Sustainable Forestry develops production systems that optimise timber, carbon, biodiversity, and water values for the circular bioeconomy.
5. AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures
The AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures leads applied research to enhance timber production, maximise forest value, and support the development of carbon-friendly building solutions.
Driving Innovation and Impact
Our cross-cutting research themes integrate the latest digital tools, climate-smart systems, and market mechanisms:
- Climate-Smart Forest Systems for biodiversity and resilience
- Carbon, Water and Biodiversity Accounting to underpin new nature markets
- Digital Forest Innovation using AI, sensors, and data to guide decision-making from seedling to supply chain
Every project is designed to deliver measurable outcomes, for industry, communities, and the environment.
Partnerships that Matter
The FRI’s success depends on deep, enduring partnerships. We work with community and industry leaders, First Nations custodians, governments, and international collaborators to co-create solutions. By aligning with UniSC’s Better Tomorrow Research Strategy, FRI connects regional strengths to global priorities and delivers research that makes a difference.
Our Ambition
By 2030, the Forest Research Institute will be recognised globally as a leader in partner engaged, applied forest research. We will:
- Strengthen and grow our community and industry partnerships.
- Achieve measurable adoption of research outcomes across industry, environment, and policy.
- Grow and diversify annual research income.
- Train the next generation of forest scientists, innovators, and leaders.
A Call to Collaborate
The FRI Strategy 2025–2030 is a call to action, to join us in advancing forests and forest products for people, environment, and prosperity. Together, we will grow a future that is sustainable, resilient, and inspired by the world’s forests.