ISWFPC 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the 2025 International Symposium on Wood, Fiber, and Pulping Chemistry (ISWFPC 2025)
What is the International Symposium on Wood, Fiber, and Pulping Chemistry (ISWFPC)?
The ISWFPC is the premier global event for scientific research in wood, fiber, and pulping chemistry. This symposium focuses on wood components, lignocellulosic materials, forest biotechnology, and biorefinery. It attracts hundreds of scientists, technologists, and experts from around the world, aiming to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of innovative ideas and discoveries, and fostering collaborations in these fields.
Where will the ISWFPC 25 be held in 2025?
The ISWFPC 25 will be hosted at NC State University (NC State) in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Who are the organizers of the ISWFPC 25?
The 22nd edition of the ISWFPC will be organized by the Department of Forest Biomaterials from NC State. The event will take place from June 2-6, 2025, at Talley Student Union on the NC State campus in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
What are some topics that will be discussed at ISWFPC 25?
The International Symposium on Wood, Fiber, and Pulping Chemistry (ISWFPC 25) will cover a wide range of topics related to wood, fiber, and pulping chemistry. Key sessions will explore the latest advancements in lignin research, including its structure, reactivity, and holistic valorization. Experts will present on cutting-edge techniques such as multidimensional solid-state NMR, MALDI-ToF MS, and DFT simulations to study the carbohydrate-aromatic interface in lignocellulose and the molecular characteristics of technical lignins. Additionally, the symposium will delve into cellulose and hemicellulose interactions, with presentations on lattice strains, stress transfer in wood, and the dynamics of cellulose-water interactions.
Biorefinery topics will also be a significant focus, examining innovative processes for converting biomass into valuable products. Presentations will cover various aspects of biorefinery, including the use of steam explosion, eutectic solvents, and microwave-assisted extraction for biomass fractionation and the recovery of polyphenols. Discussions will also address the role of AI in optimizing biorefinery processes and the development of sustainable, bio-based materials. These sessions aim to foster collaboration and the exchange of ideas among scientists, technologists, and experts from around the world, promoting advancements in the field.
Who are the Plenary speakers for the event?
The International Symposium on Wood, Fiber, and Pulping Chemistry 25 (ISWFPC 25) is honored to feature a distinguished lineup of plenary speakers, each a leader in their respective fields. Yuji Matsumoto from the University of Tokyo, Japan, brings a wealth of knowledge in wood chemistry and materials science, with groundbreaking research that has significantly advanced our understanding of lignocellulosic biomass. Gregg Beckham of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, USA, is renowned for his work in bioenergy and bioproducts, particularly in developing innovative technologies for converting renewable resources into valuable chemicals and fuels.
Adding to the prestigious roster, Orlando Rojas from the University of British Columbia, Canada, is an expert in the surface and colloid chemistry of renewable materials. His research has profound implications for the sustainable use of forest resources. Antje Potthast from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Austria, is a leading figure in the field of lignin chemistry, known for her insights into the structural analysis and valorization of lignin. Finally, Seong Kim from Penn State University, USA, specializes in the physical chemistry of biomaterials, with notable contributions to the study of cellulose and its applications. Together, these speakers will provide invaluable perspectives and stimulate vibrant discussions at the symposium.
Could you give more information about NC State’s Department of Forest Biomaterials?
The Department of Forest Biomaterials has been a distinct program for over 70 years, founded in the 1950s. It includes 21 faculty members, with 12 specializing in Pulp and Paper Science and Engineering (PSE). The department offers undergraduate programs in PSE and Sustainable Materials and Technology (SMT), as well as graduate programs leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. It is a global leader in research and educational excellence in the areas of pulp and paper manufacturing, biomass utilization, and sustainable biomaterials.
What are some key highlights about NC State University?
NC State is a leading institution with 9,000 faculty and staff and 34,000 students who are world leaders in their fields. It is the flagship university for applied science, engineering, and technology in the Southeast U.S. NC State occupies one vertex of the Research Triangle Park (RTP), the largest research park in the U.S., with over 170 national and international companies employing over 45,000 scientists. The university’s 1,000-acre Centennial Campus provides a model of a “university of the future” with its cooperative model in research efforts between university, corporate, and government R&D facilities. It has excellent facilities for meetings and conferences, including an onsite hotel, world-class golf, and a Top Ten university library.
What is the history of the ISWFPC?
The ISWFPC has a rich history, with past symposia held in various locations around the world:
- 1981 – Stockholm, Sweden
- 1983 – Tokyo, Japan
- 1985 – Vancouver, Canada
- 1987 – Paris, France
- 1989 – Raleigh, USA
- 1991 – Melbourne, Australia
- 1993 – Beijing, China
- 1995 – Helsinki, Finland
- 1997 – Montreal, Canada
- 1999 – Yokohama, Japan
- 2001 – Nice, France
- 2003 – Madison, USA
- 2005 – Auckland, New Zealand
- 2007 – Durban, South Africa
- 2009 – Oslo, Norway
- 2011 – Tianjin, China
- 2013 – Vancouver, Canada
- 2015 – Vienna, Austria
- 2017 – Porto Seguro, Brazil
- 2019 – Tokyo, Japan
- 2021 – Raleigh, USA (cancelled due to COVID)
- 2023 – Venice, Italy
- 2025 – Raleigh, USA