Wood Research in Dresden Will Be Better Connected in the Future: HolzForschung Deutschland Founded

^{Press Release from the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute}

Wood research scientists have launched a new network in Braunschweig. Through this initiative, they aim not only to strengthen cooperation among themselves but also to address the growing importance of wood as a resource. Researchers from TU Dresden and the IHD Dresden founded the network and are playing a key role in shaping it.

Braunschweig (June 16, 2026). Around 30 renowned wood researchers from all over Germany gathered in Braunschweig on June 16, 2026, to establish the research network “HolzForschung Deutschland.” Among them are the Dresden-based researchers Prof. Alexander Pfriem (TU Dresden, Wood Technology and Wood-Based Bioeconomy), Prof. Markus Rüggeberg (TU Dresden, Forest Utilization), and Prof. Steffen Tobisch, Director of the Institute for Wood Technology Dresden gGmbH. Together, they aim to use this new network to pool the discipline’s strengths in Germany and raise the profile of Dresden as a center for wood research. For over 70 years, Dresden has been an important, internationally recognized center for application- and knowledge-oriented materials research focused on wood.

Given the growing importance of wood for climate protection, sustainable construction, the substitution of fossil raw materials, and the circular economy, the network creates a strong platform for pooling scientific expertise and promoting the transfer of knowledge to society, business, and politics. “In the coming years, wood research will address strategic topics such as resource sovereignty, wood as a high-tech material, and Wood Intelligence, among others. Wood is not only a material with proven positive properties; it also represents a positive outlook on the future,” says Prof. Rüggeberg of TU Dresden, one of the network’s spokespersons.

With the founding of “HolzForschung Deutschland,” the diverse research landscape surrounding wood as a resource now has a unified voice for the first time. “HolzForschung Deutschland” brings together individuals from numerous universities, colleges, and research institutes across various disciplines, such as materials research, Civil Engineering, architecture, process engineering, chemical technologies, and the arts. For Prof. Tobisch of the Institute for Wood Technology Dresden gGmbH, one thing is clear: “For us as an industry-oriented and application-focused wood research institute, this networking and improved collaboration in research are of particular importance so that we can work together to convert research results into economic success even more effectively.”

The goal of “HolzForschung Deutschland” is to sustainably strengthen the visibility, networking, and collaboration among scientists in Germany. In addition, the network aims to initiate and support joint research and technology transfer projects, promote scientific exchange on the topic of wood, and introduce the younger generation to wood in a targeted manner. Last but not least, “HolzForschung Deutschland” aims to become a professional association recognized by the German Research Foundation (DFG). “Knowledge-oriented research forms the basis for innovations in wood technology. That is why it is important for us to improve the visibility of wood—a material of the future—even within the German Research Foundation,” explains Prof. Pfriem of TU Dresden.

With the founding of “HolzForschung Deutschland,” the three founding members from Dresden have taken a major step toward their shared goal of making Dresden even more visible on the wood research map.

The founding event at the Fraunhofer WKI in Braunschweig was preceded by an intensive preparatory process. Since 2025, the participants have been developing the substantive and organizational foundations of the association during three meetings in Hamburg, Dresden, and Freising. The founding members hope to see a strong influx of new members following the event. Membership is open at any time. An inaugural general meeting is planned for later this year.

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Markus Rüggeberg
TUD Dresden University of Technology

Prof. Dr. Steffen Tobisch
Dresden Institute of Wood Technology gGmbH
steffen.tobisch@ihd-dresden.de

Prof. Dr. Alexander Pfriem
TUD Dresden University of Technology