SLU and the forest sector in new collaboration to train future experts

“The PhD projects are linked to needs identified by society. This strengthens both the relevance of the research and the future career prospects of the PhD students,” says Hjalmar Laudon, Director of the WIFORCE research school.

The recruited PhD students will work in projects where research meets real-world challenges. This includes developing soil moisture maps to reduce damage from forest machinery, testing innovative methods to control pests in nurseries, understanding how species are affected by different forest management practices, and modelling how conservation and timber production can be combined over time.

PhD students employed by partners

The PhD students will be employed by the respective partner organisations. They will pursue their doctoral studies at SLU (80 percent) while also working practically within their employer’s organisation (20 percent). After completing their PhD, they will remain employed by the partner.

“This is a fantastic opportunity. The PhD students gain a unique combination of scientific excellence and practical experience. At the same time, we strengthen the skills supply in the forest sector and help ensure that research findings are put to use more rapidly,” says Hjalmar Laudon.

The selected projects were chosen through a process in which forest sector actors shared their knowledge needs and SLU researchers submitted their ideas. The projects were then matched and granted funding through the programme.

The deadline for applications is 12 August 2025.

Read more about the positions 

• Industry-/collaboration PhD student in optimized off-road driving in forests
• Industrial PhD student in molecular biology with a focus on pest control
• Industry-/collaboration PhD student in forestry planning with LiDAR and AI
• Industrial PhD student in ectomycorrhizal population biology
• Industry-/collaboration PhD student in biology
• Productivity and ecology in mixed forests of Northern Sweden
• Industry/collaborative PhD student in Biology

FACTS: WIFORCE Research School

• The research programme, which includes the research school, is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and runs until 2030. Its goal is to develop both forestry practices and conservation to address future challenges.
• More than 50 PhD students will be trained within the research school.
• Of these, 16 are industrial or collaborative PhD students, with a main supervisor at SLU and employment at a company, public agency or municipality, where they also have a co-supervisor. 8 of these positions are now open for application.