João VÃtor Felippe Silva Shares His Expertise on Mass Timber at UNESP (Brazil)!
On June 5, 2025, João VÃtor Felippe Silva, a postdoctoral fellow at the Renewable Materials Research Centre (CRMR), was invited as a guest speaker at the Institute of Science and Engineering at UNESP, located on the Itapeva campus in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. This visit was part of an academic exchange aimed at strengthening ties between Canadian and Brazilian research communities, while also contributing to the development of his professional experience in an international context.
Under the supervision of Professor Pierre Blanchet at Université Laval, João VÃtor is currently conducting postdoctoral research on the manufacturing of mass timber elements and the evaluation of wood quality for engineering applications. His work advances knowledge on bio-based materials and supports the shift toward more sustainable and eco-friendly construction.
During his visit to UNESP, he delivered a specialized course to students enrolled in the Panel Production I course, part of the Bachelor’s program in Industrial Wood Engineering. Entitled Fundamentals of Mass Timber Elements, his lecture covered topics such as types of structural products, manufacturing processes, quality standards, and the sustainability challenges associated with these materials.
This invitation also held a personal and symbolic meaning: it came from Associate Professor Cristiane Inácio de Campos, who had previously supervised his master’s degree. Returning to UNESP as a guest lecturer, João VÃtor was able to reflect on his academic journey and share his expertise with the next generation of students.
Beyond its academic scope, this initiative helped strengthen scientific exchanges between Brazil and Quebec, while highlighting the international reach of CRMR and the commitment of its members to advancing renewable materials research on a global scale.
 Par: Besma Bouslimi