Call for Expert Committee on Forest Science members

The Board of Forestry Commissioners established the Expert Committee on Forest Science (ECFS) to provide independent, expert advice and assurance on the quality of science and evidence provided by the Forestry Commission’s (FC) research agency Forest Research (FR) and other providers. As a committee member there is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of forest science in the UK. This is at a time of unprecedented interest in the benefits which forestry can provide to society, the importance of objective evidence in guiding choices, and new working relationships between devolved administrations.

The Committee are seeking to appoint two new committee members:

1. A representative from the forestry sector
2. An early career forest scientist with research interests and experience relevant to the woodland and forestry sector in the UK

The Committee expects to appoint a new member with expertise in tree health research, subject to a separate advertisement later in 2026.

The appointees will be expected to actively contribute to the work of the committee in reviewing and providing feedback and guidance on applied research, particularly in relation to forest science, forest genetics, silviculture, tree-breeding, forest management and related topics. Membership of the committee will allow access to some leading UK forest scientists and provide insights into the latest thinking – and unique opportunities to shape the future research agenda.

Role

As member of the Forestry Commission Expert Committee on Forest Science (ECFS) you will have responsibility for:

• Participating in the activities of the ECFS – including assessing the quality and relevance of current research
• Providing insights into the role of forest sciences in the development of the forestry research agenda
• Suggesting ways in which knowledge exchange and the impact of research could be enhanced
• Contributing to shaping future research programmes and recommending opportunities for science team development
• Helping report the committee’s advice to the Forest Research Board (and the Forestry Commissioners) including alerting them to new evidence likely to have an impact on current policy and practice
• Providing informal advice to researchers seeking to make links with other workers in forest sciences
• Contributing as an individual and not as a specific organisational representative

Term and expenses

The Member will be appointed for a term of three years. A maximum of two terms may be served. The early career scientist will be appointed as an Observer for a single, two-year term with an optional one-year extension. Expenses will be paid in line with Forestry Commission policy. Remuneration in the form of an optional per diem payment is available.

Person Specification – i. sector representative

Essential Criteria

The successful applicant must have:

• A proven track record of working within the forestry sector with an understanding of the current research and evidence needs in temperate forest systems
• A background understanding of current UK land use, forestry and familiarity with the work of Forest Research
• Interest in the application of research findings to policy or practice.
• Enthusiasm for new ideas and curiosity to explore new concepts.
• Ability to engage confidently and positively in debate and discussion.

Person Specification – ii. early career forest scientist

Essential Criteria

The successful applicant must have:

• Some experience or academic background related to forestry or environmental science, with an interest in the research and evidence needs of temperate forest systems
• Understanding of current UK land use and forestry, and awareness of the role and work of Forest Research
• Interest in applying research findings to policy and practice, and a willingness to learn how science informs decision-making
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for new ideas, with a proactive approach to exploring innovative concepts
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to engage positively and confidently in discussion and debate

Diversity and equality of opportunity

The Forestry Commission values and promotes diversity and is committed to equality and opportunity for all and appointments are made on merit.

Time requirements

2 x two-day meetings per year, plus occasional extra involvements (e.g. quarterly brief teleconferences; review and reporting compilation). Meetings are held in person when possible, at either of the main Forest Research sites in Hampshire and Midlothian and typically focus on review of a particular area of forest science, including where relevant, site visits to experiments or other study sites.

Interview date

Interviews will be held remotely by Microsoft Teams call on Monday 23 February 2026.

How to apply

Candidates should submit the application form including the names and contact details for two referees.

The narrative provided in the application form should give evidence of the strength and depth of your ability to meet the essential criteria for this role. Please provide specific examples to demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria.

Your application form should be sent by the closing date: 12:00 midday on Friday 30 January 2026 by email to chief.scientist.office@forestresearch.gov.uk quoting reference “ECFS Forestry and Science” in the subject line.