Researcher measuring trees in a greenhouse environment.
Photo: Samuel Pettersson

WIFORCE Arenas

Page reviewed:  16/09/2026

WIFORCE Arenas bring together researchers and societal stakeholders in shared research environments to explore the role of forests in a changing climate and society. Through field-based experiments and data analysis, new knowledge and sustainable solutions are developed.

Latest updates
The submitted WIFORCE Arena Concepts are currently under evaluation. Applicants whose proposals are selected will be invited to submit a full application (Stage 2). Decisions will be communicated on 5 October 2026, together with guidelines for preparing the full application.

Application process

April 2026: Workshop with researchers and partners

12 June 2026: Call for WIFORCE Arena Concepts closed

25 September 2026: Deadline for comments from the WIFORCE Stakeholder Group

5 October 2026: Decision on which Arena Concepts will proceed to Stage 2.
Guidelines for the full application will be sent to the selected applicants.

6 November 2026: Deadline for full applications (Stage 2)

Week 49: Final decision on arena projects

 

About WIFORCE Arenas

A shared platform for research

WIFORCE Arenas is an initiative within the programme that includes both field-based research arenas and a data support centre. Together, these form a shared platform where researchers and partners collaborate on experiments, data and analysis.

The aim is to create the conditions for research that can address complex questions related to forests, climate and society from multiple perspectives simultaneously.

 

Data support centre

A forest-focused data support centre is being developed as a central part of WIFORCE Arenas.

The centre will collect and structure forest-related data from research, authorities and the forest sector, enabling advanced modelling, AI and analysis. It will support the field-based research arenas, but can also be used in other research projects.

About the WIFORCE Data Support Centre

 

Field-based research arenas

The field-based arenas build on existing research environments while also developing new shared experimental platforms.

The idea is that multiple research groups and stakeholders will work in parallel using the same experiments and data, allowing forest systems to be studied from different perspectives – for example production, biodiversity and climate.

The work focuses on three main areas:

Landscape-based ecosystem research

The landscape research infrastructure in Krycklan is a key component and will be further developed within WIFORCE Arenas, together with research at other sites across Sweden.

Research includes forest landscape processes, growth, soils, water and biodiversity, with the aim of strengthening the links between ecosystem research, forest management and technological development.

Forest management and biodiversity

This arena focuses on how different forest management practices affect biodiversity. Shared experiments will enable studies of how management methods influence production, biodiversity and forest function over time.

Genetics, breeding and resilience

The focus is on linking genetics to function and understanding how genetic variation affects growth, quality and adaptation to a changing climate, and how this knowledge can be applied in future forest breeding and precision forestry.

 

Collaboration as a foundation

WIFORCE Arenas are built on collaboration between researchers and partners. Actors from the forest sector are key co-funders and contribute knowledge, resources and practical implementation.

By working together, the programme creates the conditions for research that is relevant to both science and society.

 

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