UPSC Berzelii Centre for Forest Biotechnology - Phase 4

Purpose and goal

Our goal is to develop the research environment at Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) to the world’s most innovative milieu where top-class basic research in plant science is translated into innovations with commercial potential. This will help the Swedish wood-based industries to develop a more efficient and advanced production of wood and wood-derived products for new materials and biofuels. Today UPSC is world-leading in forest biotechnology research and has established close collaboration with industrial partners leading to new innovations, patents and products.

Expected results and effects

The Centre has during stage 4 published 200 scientific papers in high quality journals. Innovations within the centre has lead to new patent applications, and the first products derived from Centre innovations have reached the market. The Centre has trained 8 industrial graduate students, employed by forest industry partners and is hosting two adjunct professors that share their time between the industrial and academic environments. The Centre activities have already transformed the way the industrial and academic partners are operating and will increasingly continue to do so.

Planned approach and implementation

The Centre is directed by a board where all participating parties are represented. Daily activities are lead by a steering group. All research groups are divided into three so called ”Task Forces” where groups with different expertise are stimulated to collaborate on questions of importance for basic research, and at the same time of importance for forestry and the forest industry. Resources are reserved for new projects of strategic importance for the Centre, early innovations and collaboration projects with industry. Proposed projects are prioritized by the Centre board.