Dr. Jakub Sandak and Edit Földvári-Nagy, InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM researchers, attended the 9th International Scientific Conference on Hardwood Products and Wood Quality Modelling Working Party (ISCHP 26), held 8-11 September 2026, in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Dr. Sandak presented research entitled “Automated Wood Quality Determination Along the Entire Value Chain: A Traceability-Based Approach Developed in the SINTETIC Project”. The study explores the integration of wood quality data across the forest-based value chain using non-destructive sensing, automated grading and digital traceability. Focusing on the forest-to-sawmill segment, the research demonstrates the feasibility of linking quality data from forest and log-level assessments to automated board-scale evaluation.

Edit Földvári-Nagy presented research entitled “Near-infrared spectroscopy for phenotyping Scots pine wood”. The study explores the use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for the rapid and non-destructive characterisation of Scots pine wood. Using samples from Poland and Slovenia, the research combines spectral data and chemometric modelling to assess wood properties and support high-throughput wood phenotyping.

The conference brought together researchers and experts to discuss recent developments in hardwood products, wood quality and modelling.

Cover photo: ISCHP 26