Wood and its products science research department Research and production with an emphasis on sustainable development today, research in the industrial and agricultural sectors is an important factor for economic development in the world. This need is also strongly felt in Iran in line with economic and industrial growth. The use of human capital to increase the quality and quantity of manufactured products will not be possible except through education, research, and production. In this regard, research institutions and organizations play a significant role in the field of research. In parallel with economic growth and development, research in Iran has also been increasingly considered. The Wood Science and Its Products Research Department at the National Forest and Rangeland Research Institute is one of the research departments that have been responsible for raising the status of research and development in the wood and paper industries. The general axes of the Wood Science and Its Products Research Department are based on access to alternative lignocellulosic resources, increasing productivity in the wood and paper industries, reducing waste, using existing wood resources correctly and in a principled manner, and increasing the useful life of wood. This strategy has a significant impact on reducing pressure on natural resources and thus achieving sustainable development. Given the country’s conditions, applied research in the field of science and technology development, which leads to the introduction of newer and higher-quality products, has been considered by this department. This department has pursued programs to help resolve the fundamental problem of overuse of the Caspian forests, which are the only commercial forest area in the country, as well as the problem of shortage of raw materials for the country’s growing cellulose industries. Therefore, the goals and policies of the Wood Science and Forest Products Research Department have been based on the development of wood science and wood products with an emphasis on sustainable development. Considering this important mission .and important tasks, the Wood Science and Products Research Department has placed the following goals at the forefront of its research planning .Identifying different wood species in terms of structure and properties in order to determine their best use Proper use of available wood resources, wood modification, determining the best conversion and wood preservation methods Identifying and evaluating the potential of various sources of raw materials, including wood from natural forests and plantations, as well as .lignocellulosic materials that replace wood for the production of pulp and paper and composites Determining how to optimally utilize small-diameter trunk wood, forest and logging waste, non-timber industrial plant stem wood, and agricultural waste in the wood and paper industries Research and evaluation of methods for increasing the durability and improving the properties of wood and its products, and the correct method of use .at the place of use Research and development of improved papermaking processes using wood and other lignocellulosic materials .Developmental-applied research in cellulose industry processes in order to apply new processes and develop optimized and localized processes Increasing productivity in the wood and paper industries with the aim of reducing waste Providing research and development services to organizations that produce and consume lignocellulosic raw materials and manufacturing plants, and mutual cooperation Providing research and educational services to educational institutions at various levels of education Efficient interaction with universities and research institutions Since its establishment, this department has been engaged in research and development in the field of wood science and its products, together with research institutions in developed countries, by experienced researchers and appropriate laboratory equipment. Therefore, this department has been one of the pioneers of research in this field in the country, so that while carrying out hundreds of research projects, it has contributed significantly to the training of specialized human resources in cooperation with universities in the country. Currently, this department, while carrying out basic and applied research in the .form of special projects and programs, is trying to overcome the shortcomings and problems of the wood and paper industry sector.
