Johan Bergh
Professor in Forest Management
Johan Bergh is, at his core, a forester. Besides forest management, his areas of expertise include the climate benefits of forests and how climate change impacts forestry. Johan is also a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry.
Funds Granted Since 2014
3.1 million SEK Funder: Formas
7.2 million SEK Funders: The Swedish Research Council, The Swedish Energy Agency, Södra - Southern Forest Owners Research Foundation, The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, The Ternryd Foundation, Erik Stenström Foundation for the Promotion of Deciduous Forests, The Seydlitz MP Company Foundation
The forest moves us and evokes emotions. In recent years, a debate about the forest has been ongoing on many platforms, and it has sometimes been both loud and polarized.
"The engagement involves economic, environmental, and social aspects. This is evident in discussions about everything from forestry and sustainability to the right of public access, which is deeply rooted in the hearts of people here in Sweden", says Johan Bergh, Professor of Silviculture and one of Sweden's leading experts on the forest's climate benefits.
The main focus is always on sustainable use whilst preserving biodiversity.
Johan Bergh believes that biodiversity and sustainable forestry plays a central role as we move towards a more bio-based society, which means a society that does not use fossil raw materials and fossil energy to the same extent as today.
"The forest is a complex area that needs to be studied from many different perspectives. Therefore, we approach it from a wide range of sciences and viewpoints. The main focus is always on sustainable use while preserving biodiversity."
The forest is a complex area that we need to study from many different perspectives.
Research that stands out
Åsa Rydell Blom
Associate professor in Wood Science
Åsa Rydell Blom is Vice Dean of the Faculty of Technology. Her research includes understanding the properties of wood and the use of wood as a building material. Åsa has studied biology and chemistry and holds a PhD in Forest Industrial Production Systems.
Granted funds since 2018:
4.5 million SEK Funders: Vinnova, Södra Forest Owners Foundation for Research, Seydlitz MP Companies Foundation, Swedish Forest Agency
Linnaeus University's forestry and forest industrial focus area combines forestry, wood industry, digitalization, entrepreneurship, and advanced software systems with environment, tourism, and cultural heritage. It is unique, says Åsa Rydell Blom, Associate Professor in Wood Science and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Technology.
With this broad and interdisciplinary approach, we stand out in Sweden, perhaps even in Europe.
"We take a broad approach to all the values of the forest in both research and education, from purely biological and technical aspects to digitalization, entrepreneurship, and tourism. With this broad and interdisciplinary approach, we stand out in Sweden, perhaps even in Europe. What is unique is that we look at the entire production chain and also its digitalization. From the seedling in the forest and forest management to the forest industrial production chain, finished products, and sustainable construction in wood. Everything is connected, and together we can strengthen this chain," says Åsa. "The digitalization of the production chain is a major and decisive factor for sustainable forestry, as well as keeping forest raw materials in circulation for as long as possible."
"The greatest climate benefit when we use the forest and produce materials is to produce long-lasting products and circulate the raw material as much as possible. In the end, the wood can be burned to extract bioenergy," says Åsa Rydell Blom.
Contributing to the supply of expertise in Sweden
A large part of the Swedish forestry sector's supply of competence and expertise comes from Linnaeus University. Johan Bergh has been involved in building up forestry research since 2014, and the education side has grown steadily over the past 20 years.
Collaboration with industry and other organizations is a key factor for success.
"We are now one of the largest when it comes to education. In Sweden, we are, together with the University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) the only ones that provide education in forestry. Among other things, we offer a program in sustainable forestry for private forest owners and a forestry bachelor's program that is very popular. The latter receives around 200 applicants each year. Additionally, we are launching a new master's program in 2024, Forestry for Green Sustainable Development," he explains.
To solve complex societal issues, an interdisciplinary approach is necessary. In addition to combining different research areas, perspectives from society and industry, where a large part of the research will be applied, are also needed, says Johan Bergh. An example of a strategic collaborative project is The Bridge, a partnership between Ikea, Södra, and Linnaeus University, focusing on forestry, innovation, and sustainability, with the goal of creating a common platform for knowledge development.
Åsa Rydell Blom also emphasizes collaboration with industry and organizations as a key factor.
"Here, it is important to incorporate perspectives from both large and small actors. The region around Växjö and Kalmar is one of Europe's most significant areas for forestry and the forest industry, and we have several valuable local collaborations."
Sweden can become a forerunner
Johan Bergh believes that Linnaeus University's research on the values of the forest can provide important knowledge and data for the decisions that need to be made on how to preserve environmental values while managing the forest moving forward.
"What we do with the forest has a significant impact on climate benefits in Sweden. We have good opportunities to become a forerunner in sustainable forestry and demonstrate that it is possible to replace fossil materials and unsustainable materials with forest raw materials. I am convinced that Linnaeus University can make a strong contribution in this area."