About us

We bring together the outstanding, practice-oriented expertise of our staff within individual and interdisciplinary teams for our customers and research partners. Research at the institute involves close cooperation between experts in material sciences, wood technology, chemistry and engineering.

Organisation

The Institute for Materials and Wood Technology is one of four institutes in the Department of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering at Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH. The institutes are unique in terms of their outlook as they encompass the material, the buildings, the built environment and the company along with its processes:

 

With the Center for Development and Cooperation we use our technical knowledge also for service contracts and capacity development in emerging and developing countries.

 

The Institute for Materials and Wood Technology comprises the following areas of expertise:

  • Composite materials and furniture development – Dr Heiko Thömen
  • Surface treatment and wood modification – Dr Thomas Volkmer
  • Adhesive technology and polymer chemistry – Dr Frédéric Pichelin
  • Wood chemistry and material emissions – Dr Ingo Mayer

Employees

Partnerships

Our research teams develop scientifically rigorous solutions to real-world problems. This requires close cooperation with our partners and a deep understanding of their needs. We therefore cultivate close contacts with SMEs and the public sector. We are also active in national and international committees.

Our partners include wood-based materials producers, adhesives producers, lacquer and paint manufacturers and companies in the furniture and construction industries.

Our partners

Committees