Welcome

I want to extend a warm invitation to all researchers working on hardwood processing and products, as well as researchers active in wood quality modelling, to attend our ISCHP26 conference in Stellenbosch, South Africa from 8-11 September 2026. We would love to welcome you here, in what one of the early seafarers, sir Francis Drake, called the “the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth”. The ISCHP conference is a well-established event where you will have a chance to interact with colleagues from all over the world working on hardwood product and processing research. This time we will be joined by the Wood Quality Modelling working group from IUFRO, which I believe is an excellent fit for hardwood products research. Apart from the stimulating interaction with colleagues, you can enjoy the scenic town Stellenbosch, surrounded by several mountain ranges and more than 200 wine estates. If you have the time available, join the pre-conference tour from 5-7 September 2026 where we will visit Cape Town, the world famous Kirstenbosch gardens, Table Mountain, view whales from a boat, and go on a one-day safari to a local game reserve.

I look forward to meet you here in September 2026!

Brand Wessels
Chairperson ISCHP26