PARC SUISSE SCIENTIFIQUE DU BOIS

Establishment of a global research, technological development and experimentation center in the fields of the wood industry, forestry and wood-based composite materials, and the built natural environment on the reserved land in Villarlod in the flysch zone of Gibloux, halfway between EPFL and the federal city of Bern, offering a symbolic location for sensitive areas. To this end, the foundation conducts an in-depth analysis of the needs in Switzerland for a Swiss Wood Science Park, in accordance with the response of the Federal Council of November 22, 2000, in response to the Glasson interpellation; the foundation creates a world-class center of excellence in all aspects that enhance the short, medium and long-term use of the wood industry, forestry and composite materials; the foundation strengthens the EPFL's chair of wood construction and the Institute of Wood Construction (IBOiS) created in 1977 and entrusted to Professor Ing. Julius Natterer, in terms of university teaching and cutting-edge fundamental research with a view to the global positioning of EPFL. This chair will likely be integrated into the future "Department of Built Natural Environment" of EPFL; the foundation provides industry and SMEs with technological transfer and support; the foundation ensures the continuity of the postgraduate courses created at EPFL by Professor Julius Natterer and the sustainability of his world-renowned research work; the foundation makes a substantial contribution to the construction and operation of the Swiss Wood Science Park, whose objectives will be defined in due time by the Federal Council.