Dr. Lei Han, InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM researcher, attended the 12th European Conference on Wood Modification (ECWM12), held on 26–27 October 2026 in Dresden, Germany.

Dr. Han delivered an oral presentation entitled “Contact Surface Charring of Poplar End-Grain: Effects on Surface Properties, Liquid-Water Uptake and Fungal Decay”. The study explored contact charring as a potential method for protecting exposed wood end-grain, focusing on surface properties, moisture resistance and biological durability.

Hosted by the Institut für Holztechnologie Dresden (IHD), the conference brought together researchers, industry professionals and other stakeholders to discuss the latest developments in wood modification, exchange knowledge and explore new research opportunities. Topics included thermal, chemical and impregnation treatments, as well as related technologies and their applications.