IRG54 Local Organising Committee

Jeff Morrell is a Professor at the University of the Sunshine Coast where he directs the timber durability program. He has been involved in organizing four previous IRG meetings and looks forward to helping make IRG54 a success.

Worked for 32 years with the CSIRO. In 1999 set up a wood products consulting business providing expert witness and consultant services in wood preservation, standards, and quality control in the timber industry. Qualifications include BTech, DIC, PhD and DSc. An active member/consultant of a number of Australian and overseas bodies, including the IRG, the TPAA and AWPA. Member of LOC IRG14, IRG34 and now IRG54.

Graduated in 1985 with a First Class honours degree in Wood Science at the University of Wales Bangor. Subsequently studied for a PhD in Wood Physics at UW Bangor. Headed the BioComposites Centre there before moving to CSIRO in 2000, where he held a variety of management positions for a decade. Established the Australian Forest Research Company in 2010, providing contract research services to industry with a focus on termites and decay fungi. Joined Arxada in 2021 as Application Development Leader Oceania, tasked with evaluating new timber preservatives for their efficacy against biodeteriogens.

Retired after 42 years with the Queensland Government, but still involved in timber protection research on a volunteer basis. Qualified in Chemistry, Business Administration, Computing Science and Chemical Engineering from three institutions. President of IRG WP and IRG34 LOC member. For recreation I like to make noise and sawdust in my workshop.

Michael Powell formerly worked with the then Queensland Dept of Primary Industries and is now a consultant to a variety of timber users. He has a BSc from the Univ of Portsmouth and has been a long time member of the IRG.