AFWI Driving National Innovation Across the Forest and Wood Products Value Chain

AFWI is Australia’s $200m+ national research institute to transform, diversify and grow the forest and wood products industries through the delivery of R&D, innovation and Australian-made solutions.

Established in March 2024, as a partnership between industry, government and the research sector, AFWI invests in research partnerships that demonstrate co-design and whole of value-chain participation to maximise commercialisation pathways. 

Artificial athlete

AFWI key focus areas include; 

• expand the adoption of engineered timber and modern methods of construction,  
• improve fibre utilisation and manufacturing competitiveness,  
• strengthen forest productivity and resilience and, 
• develop credible approaches to forests and wood products in climate and natural capital systems. 

Laboratory testing of frames

Our research is delivered through a national network of research partners and open calls for research. To date we have partnered with >160 industry and research organisations and invested over $28 M in projects. Our investments in housing innovations include projects looking at:

• optimising timber floor cassette connections, 
• creating a viable ‘Precinct’ model for manufacturing MMC ready products including trusses, framing, floor and wall components, 
• The Future Framing Initiative to optimise timber use, fabrication and installation in low-rise construction designed under the ‘Deemed to Satisfy’ pathway, 
• assessing the feasibility for regional investment in integrated medium-scale production and processing capacity, 
• innovative bio-based structural systems using lightweight bonded sandwich panels and frames made from small-diameter logs. 

Laminated beams in the press

We welcome inquiries from those looking to innovate with AFWI and our research and delivery partners.

Our 2026 National Open Call for research is currently inviting expressions of interest for project ideas at various levels of maturity. EOIs close on 14 May and we encourage prospective industry proponents to get in touch to discuss potential project ideas – for details visit https://www.afwi.au/research/national-open
call/.  

AFWI will be showcasing some of its key projects and initiatives at the FTMA conference’s trade expo and panel session, so come and have a chat.