Louisiana Tech University continues to move forward on its Forest Products Innovation Center (FPIC) which will serve as a resource for forestry education, research, and innovation in Louisiana and the south-central United States.
The center will expand the economic impact of forests and advance innovative applications of wood-related products, to enhance the sustainability of forests and forest-related industries.
The Louisiana Tech FPIC, located in Ruston, Louisiana, will support a knowledge-based, value-added industry and will provide space for a transdisciplinary approach to solving the challenges associated with the timber industry, including:
- Cutting-edge research that identifies new opportunities and new business models to improve forest product efficiency;
- Proactive engagement with partners and stakeholders in sustainable growth;
- Commitment to innovative solutions to enhance forest productivity for the region
An ongoing goal is to create greater economic opportunities for Louisiana and the region through more efficient and effective processing of forest products.
“The forestry and forest products industries have a multibillion-dollar impact on Louisiana’s economy, including more than 37,000 jobs,” said Dr. Gary Kennedy, dean of Louisiana Tech’s College of Applied and Natural Sciences. “Louisiana Tech University has a discovery-driven culture that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship among industry partners, students, and faculty, with a long track record of mutually beneficial collaborations.”
The University has benefitted from several industry partners, including Southern Forest Products Association lumber manufacturer members Hunt Forest Products and Weyerhaeuser committing their support to the project. They join other industry leaders such as as Louisiana-based RoyOMartin,
The new building will provide space for research collaborations, not only within the forestry industry but also with other state and national industry partners. Academic programs in forestry, agriculture, biology, engineering, science, and other disciplines will contribute to the learning, research, and service created by the FPIC.
The FPIC will house wood processing and testing labs as well as chemical engineering labs where industry can work with research faculty and students. The collaborative work and diverse leadership teams will prepare and give students the skills needed for tomorrow’s innovative workforce, as well as meet the demands of a global economy.
A U.S. Forest Researcher also will be housed in the FPIC to bring another research perspective and identity to the center that will provide more opportunities for enhancing the sustainability of forests and forest-related industries.