CEMARE scientific programme

 

The scientific programme is divided into four areas and based on workshops and strong networks created by Working Groups (WG):

Working Group	Field	Leader	Deputy
WG1	Biosynthesis and structure of cellulose and polysaccharides	Anne Mie Emons	Uwe Schmitt
WG2	Biosynthesis and modification of lignin	Kurt Fagerstadt	Katia Ruel
WG3	Formation and induction of reaction wood	Meriem Fournier	Geoff Daniel
WG4	Relating wood and fibre properties to structure and formation	Barry Gardiner	Pekka Saranpaa

Knowledge transfer

This has the highest priority since the Working Groups are connected in a way that data transfer is absolutely necessary, each providing relevant information for the others. In addition to workshops and conferences, the exchange of researchers using the Short-Term Scientific Mission scheme guarantees this transfer.

Links between Working Groups

WG1 and WG2 are naturally linked to each other because they both deal with the characterisation of the main cell-wall constituents, which cannot be completely separated.

WG3 exchanges with WG1 and WG2 because the cell growth stress generation is a mechanical consequence of cell-wall formation and RW influences the production of macromolecules.

WG4 benefits from WG1 giving insights into cell-wall organisation:

• From WG2 because of the relation between the lignification process and growth stress generation
• From WG3 explaining the process of material elaboration.

In return, it stimulates the work on cell-wall composition and wood formation, developed in WGs 1, 2 and 3.

In addition, there exists a potential link of WG4 with WG1 “Microstructure and Micromechanics” of COST Action E35 “Fracture mechanics and micromechanics of wood and wood composites with regard to wood machining”.

Instruments and methods being used

• Growth and stress assessment on standing trees
• 3D digitising, kinematics and biomechanical analysis of stem shape
• Preparation and micro-preparation equipment
• All appropriate microscopic methods for observing behaviour and structure
• Quantitative anatomy and image analysis
• All appropriate spectroscopic methods
• X-ray and Laser scanning and diffraction
• Biochemistry, immunocytochemistry and autoradiography
• Nuclear magnetic resonance
• Facilities for conventional mechanical and physical characterisation
• Equipment for micromechanical testing, e.g. micro-balance and laser micrometers
• Workstations for numerical simulations, e.g. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Mechanical Event Simulation (MES).