Discover Our Research
Our research addresses issues related to forest health, forest management and production, conservation ecology, forest history, as well as forest policy and planning. The research is relevant at national, European, and global levels, but often focuses on forests and landscapes in southern Sweden.
The research focuses on how forest ecosystems can help mitigate the effects of climate change and contributes to new knowledge about sustainable forests and forestry. Emphasis is placed on applied science that benefits the forest sector, academia, and society at large, and we often work in interdisciplinary collaborations.
Silviculture and Forest Regeneration
The goal of the research is to increase knowledge about the effects of different management practices in forests. These measures may aim to boost production, enhance other values such as biodiversity or recreation, or alter the characteristics of the forest.
Conservation Ecology and Forest History
Research focuses on conservation ecology, vegetation history, and plant–animal interactions, all within forest ecosystems. The knowledge contributes to strategies for preserving biodiversity and understanding how forests are affected by and can adapt to climate change.
Forest Policy and Planning
Research ranges from forest planning at the property and landscape levels to forest policy at national and international scales. Topics include forest advisory services, landscape perspectives in forest planning, participatory processes, gender equality in the forestry sector, and societal transitions.
Forest Pathology
Research focuses on pathogens causing diseases in urban and rural forests. The aim is to raise awareness of the economic and ecological impacts of native and exotic tree diseases and to find solutions that reduce forest losses and promote healthy, sustainable forests.
Our Publications
Researchers at Southern Swedish Forest Science publish their findings in various journals, reports, and books. These can be found in SLU’s publication database (SLUpub). Here are links to ours:
Other Research Initiatives
The department hosts several major research initiatives addressing current and future challenges for sustainable forests and forestry.
Research Projects
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Co-Creator: Planning and advice for diversified forests
How can forest planning and advisory services be developed to support more diversified family forestry? This is what the project aims to investigate in close collaboration between SLU, Umeå University, the forest owners' association Södra, and the Swedish Forest Agency. -
ANAFOR: Assisting natural adaptation of forests to climate change
Climate change is happening so rapidly that many tree species can’t adapt in time. Researchers are now exploring ways to give them a helping hand – through so-called assisted migration. The project focuses on how we can adapt Swedish forests to a warmer climate. -
BROADEN: Methods for diverse and continuous cover broadleaf forestry
The project investigates how to establish and manage mixed broadleaved continuous cover forests, where they are most successful, and how clear-cut-free methods impact timber production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and the balancing of different interests. -
FRAS - Future Forest Management in Southern Sweden
FRAS aims to develop and share evidence-based knowledge on forest management for sustainable forestry in southern Sweden. This is done in close collaboration with the regional forest industry and in dialogue with other stakeholders affected by forestry. -
Trees For Me
Trees For Me develop competence focused on fast-growing broadleaf trees for sustainable forestry, materials and energy in Sweden.
Research groups
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Forest Pathology at Southern Swedish Forest Science
Our goal is to raise awareness of the economic and ecological impacts of native and exotic tree diseases and to find solutions that reduce forest losses and promote healthy, sustainable forests. -
Conservation ecology and forest history
We conduct research on conservation ecology, plant ecology, forest history, and plant-animal interactions – knowledge that supports decisions on how forests can preserve biodiversity and be managed sustainably in Sweden and globally. -
Silviculture and forest regeneration
We conduct research on forest management in both coniferous and broadleaved forests in Sweden and other parts of the world. The research focuses on forest production, regeneration, and silviculture, as well as how forestry can support diverse goals and values and help mitigate climate change. -
Forest policy and planning
Our research spans forest planning and advisory services to forest policy, gender equality, and societal transitions – with a focus on both local landscapes and global perspectives.