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Towards a sustainable biosociety

Forests and Bioeconomy (FOBI)

The ambitious goal of the multidisciplinary FOBI research community is to provide the necessary scientific knowledge needed to transform from current forest-based bioeconomy into a biosociety – the bioeconomy’s 3rd wave. FOBI research provides science-based solutions needed to improve the sustainable and multifunctional management and use of forests for different ecosystem services. FOBI research contributes to creating and accelerating sustainable bioeconomy markets and business in a forest-based bioeconomy.

FOBI logo.

In sustainable and multifunctional management and use of forests we need to consider both the changing operative environment, increasing risks and uncertainty, and the need to adapt to, and mitigate, climate change.

Heli Peltola

Professor

Heli Peltola

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Forests and Bioeconomy Research Community has four interconnected thematic research focus areas (RFAs)

RFA1 Efficient acquisition and utilisation of forest resource data focus on the development and applications of different remote sensing methods (terrestrial, airborne and spaceborne sensors, particularly LiDARs) in acquisition of forest resource data and information.

RFA2 Climate smart forest management focus on the development and applications of novel solutions and tools (simulation and optimization systems, forest ecosystem and risk modelling and multicriteria decision aid methods) for climate smart management and utilisation of forest resources.

RFA3 Sustainable processes, products, and services focus on the upgrading forest biomass and industrial side streams to higher value products, and natural resources to services.

RFA4 Sustainable business models and consumer behavior focus on the identifying financially viable business models and market segments for bio-based products and services.

Two people walk along a wooden nature trail in the forest.

Forests and Bioeconomy Research Community (FOBI) will enhance multidisciplinary research collaboration between research groups within and between the four interconnected thematic research focus areas. Research groups working in different disciplines but interested in the same global challenges and research themes, will apply together external competitive research funding from different national and international funding instruments. They hire joined researchers working across disciplines. FOBI RC will also enhance joined acquisition and efficient use of UEF research infrastructures.

The Forests and Bioeconomy Research Community (FOBI) will be in the future the leading research centre in Europe providing science-based solutions for a sustainable transition from the current forest-based bioeconomy into a biosociety, that relies on sustainably managed and utilised forests and sustainable production and consumption of pro-environmental products and services to mitigate climate change.

Members of the management group

Professor Heli Peltola (director)
Professor Tommi Laukkanen (vice-director)
Professor Matti Maltamo (leader of RFA1)
Senior Researcher Antti Kilpeläinen (leader of RFA2)
Professor Marjukka Kolehmainen (leader of RFA3)
Professor Mika Gabrielsson (leader of RFA4)
Secretary RC coordinator Dr Marja Kolström

FOBI Researchers

  • Grönlund, Krista
  • Korpelainen, Pasi
  • Lajunen, Eeva-Liisa
  • Ritakallio, Aleksi
  • Salmikoski, Maritta
  • Sorsa, Sinikka
  • Tiitta, Valtteri

Our partners

The success of new bioeconomy products and services in international markets requires innovative business models and an understanding of consumer behavior and decision-making criteria.

Tommi Laukkanen

Professor

Professor Tommi Laukkanen.

Forests and bioeconomy research related education

Further information