James Jones & Sons funds new UK/Australia bursary

This annual award will fund a recent UK-based graduate to undertake between three to six months of forestry and timber-related research in Australia, based at James Jones’s recently acquired interests in Hyne Timber and XLam; businesses that have timber processing operations in Queensland and New South Wales.

The annual bursary will support a recent BSc and MSc graduate to undertake a research project of their choice which will help transfer best practice in forestry from Australia to the UK.

The scope of transfer of best practice is broad but should build on Australian forestry and forest products industries’ world leading approaches to developing an end-to-end approach connecting the sector with its end users and understanding their needs.

Research could cover any aspect of this, 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 topic.

“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,” said Eddie Balfour, joint managing director of James Jones & Sons.

“James Jones & Sons continues to grow and our partnership with Hyne Timber in Australia allows us to be able to offer our first international research opportunity. 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 Australasia”.

Applications for the 2023 bursary are now encouraged and a closing date has been set for February 24, 2023 with the successful applicant being informed in April this year.

All travel and research costs will be paid, and the successful recipient will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of their research project. They will also receive a year’s free Associate Membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

The application form and guidance is available on the Scottish Forestry Trust’s website.