PORTLAND, OR – An initiative is underway at Oregon State University to build a $60 million complex to supports its forestry education programs and advanced wood products research.

OSU said the Oregon Forest Science Complex will "showcase innovative uses of wood in building design; and allow the College of Forestry to help meet the world’s growing demand for energy efficient, tall buildings made from sustainable building products." The complex will also feature a 25,000-square-foot Advanced Wood Products Laboratory, with computer controlled and robotic manufacturing systems, plus a pilot plant. 

The project includes $30 million in donations with matching bonds from the state. Bonding was included in the governor’s capital budget for consideration in the upcoming legislative session.

“We are excited about leading a new national effort to advance the science and technology necessary to primarily use wood in the construction of 5- to 20-story buildings,” said Thomas Maness, the Cheryl Ramberg Ford and Allyn C. Ford Dean of the College of Forestry. “Developing these new, competitively priced, environmentally friendly products will not only increase the value of Oregon’s natural resources, but also grow jobs in our rural communities, with substantial benefits for our state.”

A 2014 survey by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings ranked OSU seventh among the world's best schools for forestry and agriculture.