Wood Material Science Research Programme (2003-2006)

The Finnish-Swedish Wood Material Science Research Programme was a bilateral continuation of the Finnish Forest Cluster Research Programme Wood Wisdom (1998 - 2001). The different actors of the forest cluster agreed that there was a need to continue and deepen the research into the material properties of wood according to the recommendations of the Wood Wisdom Programme evaluations. The ongoing globalisation of the forest-based industries, on the other hand, lead to a need for more active international networking also in research.

Objectives
The objective of the Wood Material Science Programme was to build knowledge base and strengthen international research cooperation in the area of wood material science in order to promote development of innovative, eco-efficient and cost-competitive products, processes and services, and thus raising competitiveness of forest cluster and creating value to the forest products industry.

Programme structure
The programme consisted of two sub-programmes, one for basic research and the other for innovation targeted research and development. Themes of the programme were:

• Raw material properties of wood
• Means to improve the material properties of wood and fibres 
• Modification and processing of wood raw material into innovative, eco-efficient products
• Socio-economic aspects related to material-scientific innovations 

The planning of and the calls for the programme as well as the review of the applications were organised on a collaborative basis. Each country financed its own researchers. Meetings and seminars were organised during the programme with a view to promoting networking among researchers.

The programme was networked with the other European research programmes through Woodwisdom ERA-NET.

Funding
The volume of the programme for 2003 - 2006 was around EUR 20 million. The Academy of Finland is funding the Wood Material Science Programme with EUR 1.7 million. The other public funding organisations of the programme were the National Technology Agency, Tekes; the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Finland; the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning (Formas); and the Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems (VINNOVA).

Duration
2003-2006

More information
http://www.woodwisdom.fi/