IUFRO working party 2.08.07 – Genetics and Silviculture of Acacias

ACACIA 2026 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Sustaining Acacia Plantation in a Dynamic Changing World

Date: October 5-8, 2026
Venue: Pan-Pacific Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam

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Conference Introduction

Acacias, especially low-land tropic species, has been an important genus for commercial planting worldwide, especially in Southeast Asia, thanks to its fast growth, excellent pulp properties, suitable for sawn timber, and less intensive plantation management. The total area of acacia plantations worldwide has been reported to exceed 3.5 million ha. Although having great potential for commercial plantations, acacias have also faced serious problems restricting their expansion worldwide, including low genetic diversity, susceptibility to diseases, especially stem canker and dieback caused by Ceratocystis sp. The IUFRO 2.08.07 working party “Genetics and Silviculture of Acacias” was established in 2012 to provide opportunities for researchers, plantation growers, and industry to exchange knowledge in genetics and breeding, sustainable management, bio-security control, and wood utilization.

INVITED SPEAKER

The invited speakers of the Conference are distinguished scientists with extensive experience in relevant research fields. They are leading experts in areas such as tree genetics and breeding, silviculture, pathology, sustainable plantation management, wood processing, and forest economics. Through many years of research and practical involvement, the speakers have made significant contributions to the development and improvement of Acacia plantation systems. Their work provides valuable scientific insights and practical solutions for enhancing productivity, sustainability, and economic efficiency. The invited speakers bring international perspectives and up-to-date research findings, contributing to meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange at the workshop.

Yani Japarudin

Organization: Borneo Forestry Cooperative R&D Sdn. Bhd.
Title / Position: Industry Extension Services Manager

Assoc. Prof. Phi Hong Hai

Organization: Vietnam Academy of Forest Sciences Title / Position:President

Prof. Rod Griffin

Organization: University of Tasmania

Title / Position: Adjunct Professor

Prof. Neil BYRON

Organization: Australian National University

Title / Position: Adjunct Professor

Dr. Christopher E. Harwood

Organization: University of Tasmania

Title / Position: Adjunct Researcher

Prof. Brett Hurley

Organization: Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI)

Department of Zoology and Entomology – University of Pretoria, South Africa

Title / Position: Professor

Prof. Bernard Dell

Organization: Murdoch University, Perth/Vietnam Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi

Title / Position: Professor

Mr Ngo Sy Hoai

Organization: Secretary General of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association (VIFOREST)

Title / Position: Vice Chairman

Dr Daniel Mendham

Organization: Landscape and Forest Function Team at CSIRO

Title / Position: Principal Research Scientist and Team Leader

Prof. Pham Quang Thu

Organization: Vietnam Academy of Forest Sciences

Title / Position: Professor

Dr. Ratih Damayanti

Organization:

National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)

Title / Position: Director

Dr.Benoit Belleville

Organization: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences

Title / Position: Senior Research Fellow

Dr. Jeremy Brawner

Organization: University of Florida

Title / Position: Senior Researcher

SCIENCTIFIC COMMITEE

The Scientific Committee of the workshop comprises distinguished science administrators and leading scientists with extensive expertise in fields directly related to acacia research and plantation development. Members of the Committee include internationally recognized experts in tree genetics and breeding, silviculture, forest health and pathology, biosecurity, sustainable plantation management, and wood utilization.

With strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in research management and policy development, the Scientific Committee provides strategic scientific guidance for the workshop. Their collective expertise ensures the scientific quality, relevance, and impact of the workshop outcomes, while promoting collaboration between research institutions, industry, and policymakers. Through their leadership, the Committee supports knowledge exchange and innovation aimed at advancing the sustainable development of acacia plantations in a rapidly changing global context.

Dr Vu Tan Phuong

Organization: Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences

Prof. Caroline Mohammed

Organization: University of Tasmania

Asso. Prof. Phi Hong Hai

Organization: Vietnam Academy Forest Sciences

Dr Chris Harwood

Organization: University of Tasmania

Assoc. Nguyen Duc Kien

Organization: Vietnam Academy of Forest Sciences

Dr Tran Lam Dong

Organization: Vietnam Academy of Forest Sciences

Dr Daniel Mendham

Organization: CSIRO

Prof. Rod Griffin

Organization: University of Tasmania

Prof. Rod Griffin

Organization: University of Tasmania

Prof. Rod Griffin

Organization: University of Tasmania

Prof. Rod Griffin

Organization: University of Tasmania

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