Become a member
Membership of IUFRO is open to any institution concerned with the promotion, support or conduct of research related to forests, trees and forest products.
Description
Building on the experience of the former IUFRO Special Programme Directors’ Forum, the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) has initiated a co-development process with heads of forest research organizations and deans of forest faculties to strengthen regional science-policy networks.
Regional Science-Policy Networks provide a strategic platform for exchanging and developing views on topics relevant to managing research organizations or universities, and for communicating scientific results and processes to policymakers.
Through its informal nature and by bringing together research representatives on a regional level, the network provides participating institutions with an innovative opportunity to learn from each other and address critical issues for forest-related research. It aims to provide a platform for quality science and deliver it to society.
Furthermore, they offer a platform to enhance the visibility of existing regional research networks and activities. Building on the successful approach of IUFRO’s Science-Policy Programme, the Network will specifically compile the latest research results on clearly identified topics and feed them into regional policy discussions and processes.
As we advance, the network is expected to contribute to the following:
• Networking Function: An attractive science-policy platform can provide an excellent networking opportunity within the forest policy space and beyond.
• Increased visibility for research outcomes: Through the organization of regional webinars and/or conferences, increased visibility will be given to existing research networks, activities, and outcomes of research projects.
• Increased understanding of policy developments: The network provides a platform to communicate the latest information on policy processes and developments of interest to Member organizations (through its ‘Members briefing’ activities).
• Identification of issues requiring political action: As a strategic platform at the senior management level, the network allows to identify themes and important issues where policy action is needed. Specific attention would be given to the integration and presentation of regional information distilled from the outcomes of IUFRO’s assessment reports.
• Development of science-based policy options: To effectively communicate with governments and decision-makers, a Core Group will steer efforts in developing initial science-based policy options for those previously identified issues of interest.
Since December 2024, the concept is being co-developed under the lead of the Science- Policy Programme in partnership with representatives of regional research networks and IUFRO member organisations. First consultations have taken place in June 2024 at the occasion of the 26th IUFRO World Congress in Stockholm, Sweden.
Regional Core Groups brings together interested regional representatives and provides strategic guidance on priorities, structure, and envisaged activities for the coming years. A first meeting has taken place in November for the African Region, an initial meeting is scheduled for beginning of January for the Pan-European Region.