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Meet the New Executive Director Steering Australia’s $100m AFWI

AFWI welcomes new Executive Director


Mon 13 Jan 25

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Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) has appointed Dr Joseph Lawrence as its new Executive Director starting today. The $100m AFWI, established last year to advance research, development and innovation in the forest and wood products industries, is a key pillar in the Albanese government’s strategy to drive the next generation of Australian forestry.

Julie Collins, Australia’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, said the new appointment “means the AFWI is in extremely capable hands,” with Lawrence becoming “a vital point of contact for industry and providing direction and security for the AFWI and (greater) timber sector.”

“Joining AFWI at this pivotal moment for the organisation and the forestry and wood products sector is an incredible opportunity,” according to Dr Lawrence, who said his focus “will be on strengthening partnerships between researchers, industry, and Government to position AFWI as a leader in transformative, industry-led research.”

“By advancing innovation and sustainability, we aim to deliver tangible benefits that directly support and grow the sector. I’m eager to collaborate with our partners to drive impactful outcomes that address the industry’s evolving challenges.” 

AFWI Chair Bob Gordon is “thrilled to welcome Dr Joseph Lawrence as AFWI’s Executive Director,” adding that his impressive track record in fostering collaboration and delivering innovation makes him uniquely qualified to lead AFWI: “With the support of our Board of Directors and a team of expert staff, we are confident Joseph will help shape the future of the forestry and wood products sector.”

Dr Lawrence’s 20-plus year career in specialised research

Holding a PhD in Engineering Management from the University of Canterbury, a technical MBA (MEM) and a Bachelor of Engineering where Lawrence’s research focused on business models for collaborative research centres. Over the past twenty years, he has led manufacturing, agrifood, energy, engineering, digital, and health initiatives. 

Dr Lawrence’s previous roles include Pro Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Partnerships) for Research and Innovation at Deakin University, Director of New Zealand’s Centre of Excellence for Electric Power, Executive Director of Industry Recovery and Engagement, and Executive Director of Strategic Skills Projects at the Victorian Government’s Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions. 

Diana Hallam, the CEO of the Australian Forest Products Association, has welcomed the new appointment: “AFPA and the broader forestry sector are excited to have Dr Lawrence start as AFWI’s Executive Director this week,” Ms Hallam said. “Dr Lawrence’s appointment marks an important new phase for AFWI as it embarks on a program of transformative research that will help Australia’s forestry sector find new avenues of innovation and enterprise; at the same time, the world is looking for ways to decarbonise.”

About AFWI

In March, Wood Central reported that the University of Tasmania joined the University of Sunshine Coast and the University of Melbourne to form part of the $100m Commonwealth-funded program. According to (then) Australian Agriculture and Forestry Minister Murray Watt, the research from the centres “will help to support our Australian forest and wood product industries, as well as our journey to generate greater value from our sustainable forestry industries; forests are fantastic carbon stores, after all. The investment in AFWI will support innovation and research that will change how we use wood to benefit our community into the future.”

“The three research centres will help us to enhance our wood products and systems, manage and sustainably expand our Australian forestry resources, transform wood residues into renewable products and energy solutions – all while helping to address the threat of climate change,” former Minister Watt said. “Innovation is key to progress and efficiency, and this funding will allow these centres to look at new ways to ensure our forestry industries keep sustainability at their core.” 

Author

  • Jason Ross

    Jason Ross, publisher, is a 15-year professional in building and construction, connecting with more than 400 specifiers. A Gottstein Fellowship recipient, he is passionate about growing the market for wood-based information. Jason is Wood Central's in-house emcee and is available for corporate host and MC services.

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