Society of Wood Science and Technology (SWST) – A

Bridge Linking Academia, Community, Industry and

Government

OUR VISION: To be the world leader in advancing the profession of wood science. OUR MISSION: To provide service to SWST members; to develop, maintain, and promulgate the educational, scientific, and ethical standards that define the profession; and to advocate the socially responsible production and use of wood andlignocellulosic materials.

1958 = Incorporated as the “American Institute of Wood Engineering”

1960 = Name changed to “Society of Wood Science and Technology”. 1st Newsletter

1968 = 1st Issue of Wood & Fiber Science Journal

1976 = Critical Matters Committee Formed

1984 = Accreditation of undergraduate Wood Science and Technology Programs began

History:

1986 = First George Marra Award for Excellence in Writing presented

1995 = Student Poster Competition initiated – 27 students received awards to date

1996 = SWST Website

2001 = Teaching Units Introduced

2007 = Electronic publishing of Wood and Fiber Science Journal available at Metapress.com

History (cont):

2008 = Held first International Convention in Chile

2010 = International Convention held at United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland

2012 = International Convention held in Beijing, China at International Center for Bamboo and Rattan

History (cont):

2014 International Convention held June 23-27 in Zvolen, Slovakia

2015 International Convention held June 7-12 in Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, Wyoming

2015 BioProducts Business eJournal initiated

2016 International Convention to be held March 6-10 in Curitiba, Brazil

Executive Director presence at international meetings

History (cont.):

SWST Benefits/Services:Wood and Fiber Science Journal

Official publication, quarterly

Original papers of professional concern, or based on research dealing with the science, processing, and manufacture of wood and lignocellulosic materials

Electronic Version now available

SWST Benefits/Services:BioProducts Business eJournal

Official publication, published online upon layout completion

Original papers of business and management topics in forest-based resources

Open access

SWST Benefits/Services:Accreditation

Professional accreditation of wood science and technology baccalaureate educational programs has been a very important function of the Society since 1984.

Through accreditation, the Society seeks to improve the quality of professional wood science and technology education at the baccalaureate level and ensure that successful graduates entering the profession are highly qualified.

Programs Reviewed: Initial Accreditation

Current Accreditation

Expires

Mississippi State University 1987 2017

North Carolina State University 1984 2025

Oregon State University 1990 2023

Pennsylvania State University 1992 2015

Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia 2014 2024

University of Idaho 1996 2025

University of Maine 1993 2023

University of Minnesota 1985 2017

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 1985 2025

West Virginia UniversityUniversidad del Bío-Bío, ChileBogor University, Indonesia

1989 20082014

201920192024

SWST Accredited Programs (12)

Teaching Units 1 & 2

Classroom use in high school science classes

Introduce forest products and wood science

Topics include: structure of wood, identification equipment and technique,

properties of wood, and activities

SWST Benefits/Services:Educational Materials

SWST Benefits/Services:Visiting Scientist Program

International and national travel grants Enhance the professional growth of our

members Broaden their research perspective and

develop collaborative linkages Promote SWST in the international arena

SWST Benefits/Services:Awards

Distinguished Service Award

Fellow Award

George Marra Award for Excellence in Writing

Distinguished Educator Award

Student Poster Competition Award

SWST Benefits/Services:Membership Brochure

SWST Benefits/Services:International Developing

Country Membership

OnlineAccessOnly

SWST Purposes:

• Develop, maintain, and communicate the unique body of knowledge distinctive to wood science, lignocellulosic materials, and their technologies

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SWST Purposes:• Promote policies and procedures

which assure the wise use of wood and lignocellulosic materials

SWST Purposes:• Assure high standards for

professional performance of wood scientists & technologists

SWST Purposes:• Foster quality educational

programs at all levels of Wood Science, lignocellulosic materials, and their technologies

SWST Purposes:• Represent the profession in

public policy development

Manufacturer10%

Consulting11%

Education39%

Government8%

Association4%

Supplier1%

Student15%

Retired12%

SWST Membership (n=532):

Next International Convention

2016 InternationalConventionMarch 6-10

Salão de Atos Parque BarigüiCuritiba, Brazil

http://www.swst.org/meetings/AM16/

Upcoming International Conventions

2017 International Convention – Cooperatively with University of British Columbia and IUFRO D5, Vancouver, BC, Canada

2018 – Proposals are being accepted