Join UniSC's Forest Research Institute (FRI) each month to learn about forestry and sustainability.
At each event, researchers and HDR students from the Institute will share insights from their latest projects, and discuss challenges and innovations in forestry, with a particular focus on sustainability and the vital role forests play in tackling climate change. A free brown bag lunch is provided for those who come in person, or you can join online.
When: 10 June (usually the first Wednesday of each month)
Time: 12–1pm
Where: LT2, UniSC Sunshine Coast or join online via Teams
Speaker announcement
Dr Vilius Gendvilas will present: ‘Teak in the Tropics – Testing Wood Quality in Papua New Guinea’
What’s it like to chase world-class timber research in some of the most remote tropical landscapes on Earth?
Teak is one of the world’s most valuable timbers, prized for its beauty, durability, and versatility in fine furniture, flooring, joinery, and luxury boat building. This presentation by Dr Vilius Gendvilas shares research on teak grown in PNG, with field trials in Morobe Province and East New Britain Province.
This is more than a story about wood. It’s a journey into incredibly remote tropical communities, working alongside local landowners, and adapting to whatever the rainforest, weather, and logistics present each day. Hear about the challenges, discoveries, and the rewarding experiences that come with conducting science in isolated regions of PNG.
Bio: Vilius is a Research Fellow at UniSC's Forest Research Institute. He has a decade of experience in forestry and wood science, specialising in non-destructive wood testing techniques. He has studied and worked in forestry across Lithuania, Finland, Ireland, and Australia. In his role as a forest researcher, Vilius has focused on both softwood and hardwood plantation silviculture, exploring wood quality peculiarities, and connecting knowledge relevant to the wood processing industry and end-users. He has collaborated with research partners in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, enhancing his regional and global perspective in the field.
Click here to register for lunch on June 10
*(register by COB on June 3 for your free lunch)
