Erasmus Forestry Network (ERFONET) meet-up at PULS

On March 25-26, 2026, the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology of the Poznań University of Life Sciences (PULS), hosted a meeting of members of the international Erasmus Forestry Network (ERFONET). The event was attended by 32 representatives from 22 universities across 16 countries, creating a unique opportunity to exchange experiences, build relationships and develop cooperation in the fields of forestry and wood technology.

The Erasmus Forestry Network functions as a network of European universities dedicated to fostering collaborative initiatives, enhancing the mobility of students, faculty, and researchers. Its primary objective is to promote and strengthen cooperative efforts within higher education, specifically focusing on forestry and related disciplines. The mission of the network is to raise awareness and share updates between universities. It aims to streamline, enhance, and improve the quality of student, teacher, and research mobilities.

The first day of the meeting was full of intensive academic and organisational discussions. The event began with an official opening and a welcome speech by the hosts and representatives of the ERFONET network. This was followed by a presentation on the activities of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, with a focus on the structure and significance of the forestry and timber sector in Poland.

A key part of the programme comprised presentations by partner universities and new members of the network. The following institutions, presented their activities, academic offer and research areas:

• University of Banja Luka
• L’Ecole Supérieure du Bois
• University of Thessaly (Dept. of Forestry, Wood Science & Design)
• Università degli Studi di Palermo
• Salzburg University of Applied Sciences
• Mendel University in Brno
• Estonian University of Life Sciences
• Häme University of Applied Sciences
• University of Applied Forest Sciences, Rottenburg
• AgroParisTech
• Van Hall Larenstein
• University of Inland Norway
• Transilvania University of Brasov
• University of Ljubljana
• University of Belgrade Faculty of Forestry
• ENSTIB – Université de Lorraine

The meeting also was an opportunity to discuss the further development of the ERFONET network, opportunities for expanding cooperation, and initiatives supporting the mobility of students and academic staff. On the agenda was also a tour of the campus of the Poznań University of Life Sciences and a meeting with the university’s authorities, incl. the Vice-Rector, Prof. Piotr Ślósarz. Participants had the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the university’s infrastructure and its research and teaching potential. The day ended with a gala dinner in the centre of Poznań, which, in a friendly and informal atmosphere, fostered integration among the participants and further discussions on international cooperation.

The second day of the meeting was a full-day study tour designed to showcase the practical aspects of forest management in Poland. The programme included, i.a.:

• a visit to the Morasko Nature Reserve, where issues relating to nature conservation on the outskirts of a major city were discussed,
• a meeting at Goraj-Zamek – the State Forests Promotion Centre, where the principles of forest operation and management in Poland were presented,
• a drive through the Noteć Valley and a visit to the Potrzebowice Forest District, where the distinctive features and challenges of one of the country’s largest forest complexes were presented,
• a visit to the Research Station in Rzecin, run by the Poznań University of Life Sciences,
• a tour of the STEICO wood-based products plant – one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of wood fibre insulation materials.

The ERFONET meeting in Poznań was a unique event that demonstrated the immense potential of international collaboration within the academic community. With its intensive programme, high-quality presentations and the participants’ enthusiasm, the meeting was a source of inspiration, new ideas and prospects for the future.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants for attending, for their active involvement, and for the time we spent together!

The forthcoming annual meeting is scheduled to take place from 17 to 18 March 2027 at the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences. More information at https://erfonet.com/ 

prof. dr hab. Magdalena Zborowska
dr inż. Tomasz Najgrakowski
Photos: Jakub Zubowicz, Tomasz Najgrakowski, Przemysław Mumot z Nadleśnictwa Potrzebowice