InnoRenew CoE and University of Primorska hosted the Society of Wood Science and Technology (SWST) 63rd International Convention from 12-15 July 2020. The online convention brought together 656 registered participants from 58 countries, one third of whom were students.

Dr Andreja Kutnar on the first convention day. Image: UP

In keeping with tradition, the convention started with a welcome reception on Sunday and continued for the next three days across ten thematic sessions.

On Monday, Dr Andreja Kutnar, SWST president and InnoRenew CoE director, welcomed everyone and introduced Dr Bohumil Kasal, the convention’s keynote speaker, who presented the topic of wood aging. Early stage researcher presentations and the poster session followed, which included several InnoRenew CoE researchers and their topics.

Tuesday started with a session on composites and adhesives co-chaired by Dr David DeVallance, InnoRenew CoE research group leader for Renewable Materials Composites. Following, there was a business meeting and awards ceremony where the student poster competition award winners were announced. InnoRenew CoE researcher Faksawat Poohpajai received third place. Congratulations, Faksawat!

On Wednesday, the session on wood in health and well-being was co-chaired by Dr Michael Burnard, InnoRenew CoE deputy director, and the session on wood modification and preservation was co-chaired by Dr Anna Sandak, InnoRenew CoE research group leader for Wood Modification.

Dr Kutnar closed the convention, thanked everyone involved and highlighted that 270 presentations were shared over three days.

“It is great to see people from across the globe connected in different time zones,” she noted. “I am happy to invite you all to Slovenia and meet you in person for the 2024 SWST Convention.”

Visit the SWST website to see all the student posters and read the convention’s proceedings.