News
IRG54
Information on the IRG54 meeting to be held in Cairns, Australia commencing on May 28, 2023 is available at this link and will be updated continually as further information comes to hand.
IRG54 Keynotes and Special Sessions
Keynotes at IRG54
Jeff Morrell
Wood protection in Australia, Include on-going research at the National Centre for Timber Durability & Design Life
Phil Evans
Virtual reality of wood protection
Special Sessions at IRG54
Special Session 1
Tropical woods: Natural and conferred durability
Convener: Kévin Candelier
We invite submissions on the utilization of tropical wood species. Topics of interest include extractives defense mechanisms against fungi, insects and marine borers, protection of tropic wood in service (including modification and design), and valorization of tropical wood with low natural durability.
Authors of papers in this special session will be invited to submit their work for publication in a special issue of the scientific journal Bois et Forêts des Tropiques [Tropical & Mediterranean Woods & Forests] (https://revues.cirad.fr/index.php/BFT/index). This special issue should be published in late 2023 or early 2024.
Partnership of Bois et Forêts des Tropiques journal with IRG54 in regards to this Special Session
Partnership of Bois et Forêts des Tropiques journal with IRG54 in proposing a special issue linked with the special scientifique session at IRG54 "Tropical woods: Natural and conferred durability"
The latest issue of the journal "Bois et Forêts des Tropiques" is now online: https://revues.cirad.fr/index.php/BFT/issue/view/4185
There one can find the IRG54 advertissement at Page 97:: https://revues.cirad.fr/index.php/BFT/article/view/37029
This annoucement has also posted on the journal website: https://revues.cirad.fr/index.php/BFT/announcement/view/106
Special Session 2
Termites: Biology and Management
Convenors: Mark Mankowski and Maite de Troya
The majority of the world’s 3,000 termite species play an important role in ecosystem services as they breakdown cellulosic material contributing to nutrient cycling. However, approximately 80 species are considered pests causing severe damage to wood in service. Due to their cryptic habits, termite damage associated with construction often goes unnoticed. Although mostly associated with warm tropical and subtropical regions, the effects of climate change may play a role in expanding the ranges of some species into areas that were once considered inhospitable for their survival.
We invite submissions from termite researchers and termite enthusiasts to present on topics of interest including termite biology, geographical distribution, detection methods, structural protection and control based on insecticides or chemically treated wood systems in hopes to provide information on recent advances associated with termite biology and management.
Special Session 3
Novel strategies for wood protection – progress and challenges
Convenor: Anna Sandak and Katarzyna Kurkowiak
Wood is an extremely versatile natural material that has been used for centuries in various applications. Recent initiatives share common interest in advancing and exploiting nature-based materials, innovative building systems and smart solutions. This special session aims to raise awareness of innovative wood protection solutions related the discovery of highly innovative treatments/processes that enhance the properties of natural timber, prolongate its service life and decrease the risk of unexpected failure.
I would like to encourage submission dealing with innovative treatments methods, hybrid modification, multi-functional treatments, implementation of green chemistry for wood protection, entirely biobased treatments, bio-inspired wood protection and wood protection in extreme environments among others. Novel concepts, work in progress, experimental trials and challenges related to new treatment methods aiming at innovative wood protection methods are especially welcome.
Potential topics include:
1. hybrid modification methods
2. multi-functional treatments
3. implementation of green chemistry for wood protection
4. entirely biobased treatments
5. bio-inspired wood protection
6. wood protection in extreme environments
Interest in or Submissions for the Special Sessions
For any of the Special Sessions, please contact the IRG Secretariat directly to express your interest, and/or to submit your paper, indicating your wish to participate in the Special Session.