On the occasion of its 60th anniversary, the International Academy of Wood Science (IAWS) has appointed its first female Vice President. Professor Andreja Kutnar of the University of Primorska was elected to this historic role on June 2, 2026. She has been a Fellow of the IAWS from 2021.

Founded on June 2, 1966, in Paris, the IAWS is a non-profit global organization that brings together leading experts across all fields of wood science and related technologies. With more than 400 Fellows representing every continent, the Academy has, for six decades, fostered international collaboration and excellence in wood science. Fellowship in the IAWS is awarded through a rigorous process of nomination and election, recognizing outstanding contributions to the field.

Marking a significant milestone in its history, the IAWS has, for the first time, elected a woman to its executive leadership. Professor Kutnar succeeds Professor Ingo Burgert from ETH Zurich, who assumed the role of IAWS President on the same day.

The 60th anniversary celebrations took place during an international conference held from June 1 to June 4, 2026, in Zurich, Switzerland, hosted by ETH Zurich. The event brought together more than 100 participants from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in wood and wood-based materials. During the conference, Professor Kutnar delivered a plenary lecture highlighting the research activities of InnoRenew CoE in the field of wood science.

Her election as IAWS Vice President further strengthens the international standing of the University of Primorska within the global scientific community.

Reflecting on her appointment, Professor Kutnar stated: “The IAWS is home to many renowned wood scientists with exceptional knowledge from around the globe. My ambition is to open doors for young wood scientists, supporting them in becoming the future leaders of wood science worldwide.”

Professor Kutnar is a full professor of wood science at the University of Primorska and department chair of InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM. She is coordinator of the New European Bauhaus Academy Alliance (NEB Academy) and co-authored the Horizon Europe New European Bauhaus Nexus Report. Her research focuses on wood composites, thermo-hydro-mechanical treatment of wood, and adhesive bonding. She served for six years as a member of the Executive Board of InnovaWood and was President of the Society of Wood Science and Technology in 2020 and 2021. In 2018, she received the Zois Certificate of Recognition for important scientific achievements in wood science, and in 2020 she was featured in the European Commission’s #EUwomen4future campaign.