Since 2020, I am working as a PhD student in silviculture.
The focus of my PhD studies is on establishment and management of planted and genetically improved birch in Sweden. Why this topic? Due to changing climate and potential risks associated with the species that currently dominate the forest landscape in Sweden (e.g. Norway spruce & Scots pine), there is a need to re-evaluate our silvicultural practices and think of alternative ways of producing timber. Birch is one of the best alternatives in those terms. Still, knowledge about silviculture and management, including early management of birch is insufficient, therefore more research is needed.
Of course, for this species to be a viable alternative in terms of timber production, there is a need for a functioning industry, but there cannot be a well-functioning industry without forest owners planting birch. This is also a result of birch being considered as an undesirable species due to low quality, but as the results of genetic trials have shown that genetically improved birch can deliver fascinating results both in terms of quality and production, which is why the research on the “future birch” is so necessary and important.
Supervisors: Prof., Dr Urban Nilsson, Dr Karin Hjelm, Dr Mateusz Liziniewicz.
In addition to that, since 2019 I am a coordinating the Euroforester network and MSc programme which has been the cornerstone of education at the department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre since 2006. As a graduate myself, I am delighted to agree with the opinions of many former students that Eurforester MSc programme is on the top - as one of the best forestry MSc programmes in Europe, which is an accomplishment of many who have contributed towards it. Needless to say, when you become a Euroforester, you do not just open doors for new education, but you become a part of a vast an amazing network, which can offer you plenty of opportunities.
