The event, held at the Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya (CTFC) on October 22nd and 23rd, combined scientific presentations, discussions on professional career paths, and a practical session on the socio-environmental dimension of forest fires. The aim was to enhance doctoral students' scientific communication skills, foster knowledge exchange, and promote collaboration among research groups.
Participants presented the progress of their theses in areas such as forest health and dynamics, forest management, fungi, and non-timber forest products. Results were shared on forest pathologies, climate change effects, satellite observation of large fires, biodiversity, bioeconomy, truffle tourism, and ecosystem management.
The event also featured a panel discussion on post-doctoral career opportunities, titled "Beyond the PhD: What’s next? Different paths, unexpected turns and career choices", and a workshop on creativity, productivity, and well-being in research careers.
The second day focused on a field trip themed "The socio-environmental dimension of wildfire risk management". Researchers visited an area in Solsonès affected by a major forest fire to analyze on-site how these phenomena transform the Mediterranean landscape, land use, and social perception of the territory, deepening the understanding of ecological and social factors in fire prevention and management.
The 7th JRU Research School highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary training and debate in addressing current environmental challenges, strengthening the collaborative network among young researchers and expert professionals in forestry and sustainability. The CTFC-Agrotecnio Joint Unit, established in 2019, focuses on common projects concerning Mediterranean forest management and the environmental threats they face.
