A NEW forestry partnership will give one UK-based graduate the chance to spend time Down Under. 

The Scottish Forestry Trust and James Jones and Sons Graduate Research Bursary will see the winning candidate undertake three to six months of forestry- and timber-related research in Australia. 

Based at James Jones’ recently acquired interests in Hyne Timber and XLam, the annual agreement will support a recent BSc and MSc graduate to research a project of their choice, which will help transfer best practice back to the UK. Placements will either be in Queensland or New South Wales. 

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Eddie Balfour, joint managing director of James Jones and Sons, said: “We have a long tradition of creating opportunities to support young people as they learn and develop their careers, and they bring so much innovation and creativity to the business. 

“We are excited about welcoming a new graduate and their research findings will help us to learn from the forestry, timber, construction and manufacturing sectors across Oceania.” 

Research could cover any aspect of Australian forestry, including genetics, silvicultural practice, grading and timber specifications, regulations and building specifications, timber engineering and supply chain, timber architecture and building design and logistics, or other timber- or forestry-related topics. 

Applications for the 2023 Bursary are now encouraged and a closing date has been set for February 24, with the successful candidate being informed in April. All travel and research costs will be paid, and the successful recipient will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of their research project. 

Visit www.scottishforestrytrust.org.uk/applications/james-jones-and-sons-uk-australia-graduate-research-bursary