In 2008 Holzforschung Austria’s experts carried out 16 research projects in addition to the projects within the industrial competence centre wood technology (Kind). Furthermore a host of research projects and studies were conducted for individual commercial clients. For the majority of these projects financial support from the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) could be obtained. Work within the prokis04/2 program of BMWFJ, which helps cooperative research institutions in Austria to improve and expand their range of services, focused on the following topics:

• Analytical chemistry of inorganic and environmentally relevant substances
• Window and façade – competence centre
• Building diagnostics: Investigation and assessment using advanced measuring and sensing technologies
• Fasteners and joining techniques in timber engineering
• Development of methods for calibrating devices designed for measuring stem curvature
• Creation of a new field concerned with fire protection in timber construction

Within the 6th EU-framework program (FP) a specific programme was introduced aiming at integrating and strengthening the European research area. The most important element within the program is “European Research Area (ERA)“. The ERA-NET scheme is to step up the cooperation between national funding agencies and also forms an important part of the 7th FP. In Austria FGG coordinates and evaluates the respective programs and acts as the primary national source of information.

The ERA-NET “WoodWisdom-Net”  focuses on wood science topics and was established within the field “nano-science, nano-technology and new production technologies”. Research focuses primarily on fibres, wood and forestry and funding is provided for 17 individual research projects. It has to be stressed that the Association of the Austrian Wood Industry is very dedicatd to promoting the interests of the wood working and wood processing industry on the EU level in Brussels. Furthermore the Association plays a leading role in coordinating national “WoodWisdom-Net“ activities. HFA participates in this venture: WoodExter, FireInTimber as well as Gradewood.