The former Chair of Wood Science focused its teaching and research activities on improving the reliability of wood, its components, and its derivatives, as well as on developing concepts for more efficient use of lignocellulosic resources. The materials‑science‑oriented research explored fundamental relationships within the structural and chemical organization of the wood cell wall across different scales and under various types of mechanical or environmental stress.

Insights gained from this work provided the basis for developing new wood‑based materials, engineered products, and treatment processes.

Another core area of research involved analyzing energy and material flows within the forestry and wood industry using methods of material flow analysis. These investigations were carried out both at the level of individual processes and enterprises and across broader system boundaries. The overarching aim was to scientifically examine and assess the specific characteristics of renewable resources—particularly forest‑ and wood‑based products—in the context of sustainable development.

With the retirement of Prof. Richter in 2023 (see report here), the chair was closed and the integrated research areas restructured.

A poster containing information about the former Chair of Wood Science can be found here.