Michael Darveniza, a process engineer at Visy in Tumut, has been nominated for the global Blue Sky Young Researchers Innovation Award.
The awards are held every two years and recognise excellence in forest industry research from around the world. Entries are judged by an international panel of researchers, with the three best entrants given the opportunity to present their research to industry leaders at the International Council of Forests and Paper Association’s (ICFPA) CEO Global Roundtable scheduled to be held virtually later this year.
Michael joined Visy in 2018 as Graduate Chemical Engineer. His Blue Sky Award nomination is for his research into effective utilisation of bushfire affected wood for kraft pulping and papermaking.
The Chief Executive of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) Ross Hampton said, “The 2019-20 Black Summer bushfire season impacted the forest industry in many regions across Australia, leaving destruction and burnt plantation forests across the landscape. Michael’s important research finds a way to put more of this bushfire affected timber to use and helps ensure our industry maintains its enviable record for sustainability and renewability.”
Michael welcomed his nomination.
“I am proud to be nominated for this award, and I’d like to thank Visy for supporting my research efforts. I am glad that my research can assist in my region’s recovery after the devastating 2019/20 bushfire season,” Michael said.
The Executive General Manager of Visy Pulp and Paper Jean-Yves Nouaze said the forest industry came together in the aftermath of the fires in a concerted effort to maximise fibre recovery efforts.
“Visy has been at the forefront of the effort, identifying early the need to utilise as much fire affected wood as possible. Congratulations to Michael, and the team at Visy Tumut, for this recognition of the research and work. It is fabulous to see talent like Michael, who started with us at Visy as a graduate, empowered to take on real life industry challenges… and to succeed.”
The original media release is here: 210312 South West Slopes Engineer Michael Darveniza nominated for prestigious global Blue Sky Award