About WIFORCE Research School

Page reviewed:  10/06/2025

The WIFORCE Research School offers a unique combination of education, training, and networking opportunities that empower doctoral students to contribute actively to the sustainable use and conservation of forests.

With around 50 PhD students enrolled, including 16 industry and collaboration-based candidates, the WIFORCE Research School plays a vital role in supplying knowledge and expertise to the forest sector. The school is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation as part of the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research programme.

The research school offers a unique combination of education, training, and networking opportunities that empower doctoral students to actively contribute to the sustainable use and conservation of forests.

Bridging science, practice, and society

Beyond traditional coursework, students participate in a wide range of activities. Study visits to nurseries, factories, conservation sites, and field locations provide firsthand experience and strengthen ties with the forest sector and collaboration partners. These opportunities deepen students’ understanding of practical forest management and innovation in real-world contexts.

The courses and activities help students develop a broad understanding of the many interests and land uses connected to forests. We recognise that forest management involves balancing a variety of perspectives and objectives – from biodiversity and climate adaptation to production and recreation – and our research supports long-term, science-based decision-making.

Steering Group WIFORCE Research School

Chair

Göran Ericsson, Dean, Faculty of Forest Sciences, SLU

Members

Hjalmar Laudon, Programme Director, WIFORCE Research School

Ove Nilsson, Programme Director, Forest Biology and Biotechnology Research Programme

Sandra Jämtgård, Programme Director, Future Silviculture Research Programme

Maja Sundqvist, Vice Dean for Doctoral Education

Göran Sandberg, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation

Anna Karlberg, Chair, Advisory Group for the WIFORCE Research School

 

Advisory Group, WIFORCE Research School

Chair

Anna Karlberg (Stora Enso)

Members

Fredrik Klang (Sveaskog)

Olof Hansson (Södra)

Charlotte Bengtsson (Skogforsk)

Karin Fällman Lillqvist (Skogssällskapet)

Staffan Norin (The Swedish Forest Agency)

Louise Karlberg (Swedish Society for Nature Conservation)

Camilla Sandström (Umeå University)

Gustaf Lind (WWF)

Gunnar Lindén (LRF – Federation of Swedish Farmers)

Tomas Thuresson (Independent Consultant and Board Member, Kopparfors)