In March 2026, the Department of Forest and Wood Science at Stellenbosch University had the privilege of hosting a delegation from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), marking an important milestone in an ongoing international research collaboration. Travelling approximately 9,500 kilometers, the LMU team; Prof. Lukas Lehnert, Dr. Wolfgang Obermeier, and PhD candidates Matthias Bechon and Vinzenz Zerres, visited Stellenbosch to engage with researchers and students and to further strengthen collaborative efforts in forest science. 

Figure1: From Left to Right: Richard Carkeek, Prof. Dr. Lukas Lehnert, Matthias Bechon, Dr. Leandra Moller-Hanekom, Prof. David Drew, Dr. Wolfgang A. Obermeier, Vinzenz Zerres, Dr. Isáira Leite e Lopes

The visit formed part of a broader partnership linked to the work of postdoctoral researcher Dr Isáira Leite e Lopes and the EucXylo research programme, which focuses on advancing knowledge in eucalypt systems, wood formation, and ecophysiology. A key highlight of the visit was time spent at the IMPACT Open Air Laboratory (OAL), a flagship research site that enables large-scale, field-based experimentation under natural environmental conditions. The site visit provided a valuable opportunity for in person discussions, where theoretical approaches could be explored within the context of real-world forestry systems.

Beyond fieldwork, the visit also included a dedicated research exchange session hosted by the Department of Forest and Wood Science. The day featured a series of presentations by postgraduate students, showcasing current research projects spanning diverse aspects of forestry and wood science. These presentations created a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, critical discussion, and interdisciplinary engagement. The LMU delegation offered key insights from their own research perspectives in geography and environmental sciences, which aided in broadening the scope of discussion.

Such interactions underscore the importance of international collaboration in addressing complex, global challenges facing forestry and natural resource management. By bringing together researchers from different institutional and disciplinary backgrounds, partnerships like this foster innovation, enhance research quality, and create opportunities for future joint projects and student development.

The visit also highlighted the value of integrating field-based research infrastructure, such as the IMPACT OAL, with academic exchange. Exposure to Stellenbosch University’s research platforms and ongoing projects not only strengthened existing collaborations but also opened avenues for new research questions and comparative studies across different environmental contexts.

The Department of Forest and Wood Science and the EucXylo programme remain committed to fostering global partnerships that drive impactful, solution-oriented research. As forestry systems face increasing pressure from climate change and environmental demands, collaborative efforts such as this play a critical role in advancing scientific understanding and developing sustainable management strategies.

The department looks forward to continued engagement with LMU and other international partners, with the shared goal of producing high-impact research, training the next generation of scientists, and contributing meaningfully to the global forestry sector.

Figure 2: Prof David Drew talking about the IMPACT open air lab.

Figure 3 Presentations hosted by Forestry department

Figure 4 Equipment demonstration at the IMPACT OAL site.