Södra Foundation grants SEK 12.5 million for research

This year, the Södra Foundation for Research, Development and Education is granting a total of SEK 12.5 million to 11 different research projects. The research in the projects will pave the way for both tomorrow’s forestry and new climate-smart products, sustainable production and, eventually, jobs.

“The Södra Foundation for Research, Development and Education is a key component of a larger innovation system to promote research into both forestry and the forest industry for a green transition. By investing in research, we are building the foundation for a sustainable future where forests contribute both solutions to climate change and economic growth, while ensuring that forests remain an important resource for society,” said Henric Brage, Head of Innovation at Södra and member of the Södra Foundation for Research, Development and Education.

The successful projects cover the areas of forestry, wood, pulp and chemicals. They include a climate research project that uses a scientific radar monitoring station to observe forest health, with a focus on CO₂ and water dynamics in birch and pine forests. Another project will study whether forest fertilisation on fertile soil can increase forest production, which could benefit both forest estates and the forest industry, while increasing carbon sequestration in forests. A third projects aims to improve the use of various grades of sawn wood in load-bearing structures and building systems in order to create higher value and increase climate benefits. Finally, a major project focused on fossil-free forestry will explore various alternatives and pathways to support an efficient and sustainable transition of the forest value chain.

“We are delighted to be supporting these projects and are looking forward to the results and the knowledge that they will generate. At the same time, the Board would also like to thank those researchers who applied but were not granted funding, and ask them to return with new and exciting research proposals,” said Henric Brage.

Due to the Södra Foundation for Research, Development and Education, progress has been made in a wide range of areas related to the bio-based economy, including new opportunities for fossil-free products.

About the Södra Research Foundation

The Södra Foundation for Research, Development and Education was founded in 1995 with a mission to support research and development that is significant for forestry and forest industry operations in southern Sweden. Since then, the Foundation has granted close to SEK 300 million to nearly 250 different projects.