Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences

Could the trees themselves whisper secrets of sustainable forestry? Here at the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences (FFWS) of the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, they just might. The FFWS isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to a century of dedication to the understanding and preservation of our forests. Founded in 1919, this faculty has evolved from a branch of Forest Engineering into a renowned international research center. The faculty’s roots trace back to 1848 when Forestry Sciences were taught at Prague Polytechnic. Today, the FFWS encompasses nine departments, covering everything from forest ecology to wood processing. The faculty offers three levels of education: bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Students here benefit from both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, leading to nearly 100% employment upon graduation. The FFWS takes its commitment to research seriously. They coordinate international teams, contribute to impactful reports, and develop innovative techniques like using dogs to detect bark beetle infestations. The faculty is involved in cutting-edge projects like EXTEMIT-K and EVA 4.0. These projects tackle critical issues such as climate change effects on forest ecosystems and the development of new biomaterials. The faculty’s state-of-the-art educational and technology center, completed in 2019, stands as a testament to their dedication to advanced research. Scientists at the FFWS are even growing more climate-resistant tree species through genetic research. They are investigating introduced and less common domestic tree species, always striving to better understand our environment. The FFWS has a global impact as well, with its scientists describing new species, like the Roisinitermes ebogoensis termite from Cameroon. Their research on African swine fever in wild boar played a crucial role in containing the disease’s spread in the Czech Republic. Over 8,000 graduates have emerged from these halls, ready to contribute to the forestry and wood processing industry worldwide. Today, nearly 2,000 students continue that legacy, benefiting from international collaborations and exchange programs. So, the next time you look at a tree, remember the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, where the whispers of the forest become the science of tomorrow.