About the research programme
WIFORCE is a research programme seeking answers to what influences forest growth, resilience and biodiversity. The goal: new knowledge to manage and conserve forests in a changing climate.
The story behind WIFORCE
The forest is expected to meet many needs – but its growth is more uncertain than before. WIFORCE was born out of the need for new knowledge to help us manage and preserve forests in a changing climate.
WIFORCE Research School
The research school provides doctoral students with scientific competence to contribute to sustainable forest management. It brings together around 50 PhD students, including several industrial and collaborative doctoral students.
News
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Thinner snow, colder roots – boreal trees show unique cold responses
Climate change likely leads to thinner snow cover during winter in northern Europe, leaving tree roots more exposed to cold. PhD student Tuuli Aro found that boreal tree species respond differently to this kind of stress and highlights how genomic tools can help breed for more frost-tolerant trees. -
Aspen trees integrate light and temperature to time bud set
Even in summer, sudden cold snaps are common in northern regions such as Umeå. To survive, trees must know when to keep growing and when to stop and prepare for winter. Now, researchers at UPSC have discovered how aspen trees sense temperature and combine it with daylight to make that decision. -
Scientists map aspen tree genes across seasons, creating a detailed genetic roadmap
Aspen trees follow a precise annual rhythm, shaped by the changing seasons. Researchers at UPSC have mapped this natural calendar at the genetic level, comparing trees grown outdoors and in the lab. Their study offers a detailed look into the molecular choreography behind the trees’ seasonal life.