The convention brought together wood science researchers and industry professionals from around the world to discuss the latest advances in wood science, timber engineering, sustainable construction, bio-based materials, the circular economy, and innovation in the forest-based sector.

Dr Mohammad Derikvand presented research evaluating timber beams for their potential use in dowel production, with a focus on material yield and structural properties. He also chaired sessions on advanced construction technologies and hybrid structural systems, as well as the design of timber residential structures for improved performance and resilience.

Dr Michael Burnard presented his study on the sensory experience of wood, examining how people perceive wood through different senses in the built environment. In addition, he chaired sessions on the circular economy, climate change mitigation and socio-economic impacts, as well as emerging approaches to education and workforce development.

Dr Lei Han presented research on the moisture-activated set recovery of thermo-hydro-mechanically (THM) densified hardwood dowels for use in high-tolerance timber joints. He discussed findings from studies on THM-densified beech and poplar dowels and their potential as self-tightening connectors in dowel-laminated timber (DLT) structures. The results demonstrated that densified beech dowels can generate high swelling pressure when activated by moisture, enabling assembly with low insertion force and the creation of strong timber joints without the use of adhesives or metal fasteners.

Dr Matthew Schwarzkopf, who will assume the role of SWST President on 1 July 2026, presented research on flexible adhesive bondlines and the enhancement of thermal performance in wood-based composites. He also discussed recent progress in sustainability and innovation in the built environment through the use of timber and bio-based materials, highlighting educational programmes at the University of Primorska.

Participation in the SWST 2026 International Convention provided an opportunity to share research findings with the international scientific community, strengthen collaborations with researchers and industry partners, and contribute to discussions on the future development of sustainable wood materials and technologies.