SILVA Network Annual Conference 2025
Topic: Forestry Education Reimagined: Reform and Best Practices for the Future
May 21-23, 2025
in Zvolen (Slovakia) and hybrid
Read more: Second Announcement
Register here: https://forms.gle/jzhiUXjkND7EJ1Wn8
Topic of the Conference: Forestry Education Reimagined: Reform and Best Practices for the Future
About the topic:
Forestry education stands at a crossroads. The classical model—rooted in centuries-old traditions—faces growing scrutiny amidst rapidly evolving societal, environmental, and economic demands. Today, technological advancements, especially in artificial intelligence (AI), add another layer of opportunity and challenge. Is classical forestry education reformable to meet these modern demands? Can we harness AI alongside proven best practices to ensure its relevance in a data-driven world?
Forests play a critical role in addressing global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and the bioeconomy. At the same time, the rise of AI and digital tools is reshaping educational paradigms and offering innovative ways to analyse, simulate, and manage natural resources. Forestry education must adapt—not only to equip future foresters with traditional skills but also to empower them with competencies in AI, data analytics, and machine learning. This integration is essential for navigating complex environmental challenges and restoring trust and relevance within society.
This conference invites students, educators, and practitioners to explore and share perspectives on:
Reforming Traditional Models: How can established forestry education frameworks be updated to incorporate AI and other technological innovations?
Exemplary Practices: What are the best practices in curricula, teaching methods, and stakeholder collaboration that effectively blend traditional knowledge with AI-driven insights?
Societal Alignment: How can forestry education align with contemporary societal expectations and policy demands using AI-powered analytics and predictive modelling?
Interdisciplinary Competencies: What new skills—including AI, data science, and environmental informatics—are essential for addressing modern forestry challenges?
Reclaiming Social License: In what ways can education, bolstered by transparent, data-driven AI tools, help reclaim forestry’s social license to operate?
By integrating AI into the conversation, this conference aims to chart a course for a future where forestry education not only preserves its rich heritage but also leverages cutting-edge technology to tackle global challenges more effectively.
ABSTRACTS
Participants are invited to submit an abstract by March 10th 2025. Please e-mail your abstract, of up to 300 words, to Lenka Marcineková:
The SILVA Board will decide on contributions (oral presentations / posters) and all applicants will be informed as soon as possible after the deadline. Confirmed and peer-reviewed papers will be published in the Conference proceedings (SILVA Network Publications).
VENUE
The conference will be hosted by:
Faculty of Forestry of the Technical University in Zvolen
Room number: B309
Address: T.G. Masaryka 24, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia
GPS coordinates: 48.572024,19.118499
REGISTRATION & FEES
The early bird registration fee is 200€; later a fee of 220€ will apply. There is also a student rate of 120€. Registration includes coffee, lunches, the conference dinner, and the field trip.
For online only attendance the registration fee is 50€.
Registration must be paid in advance.
Please, register using this link: https://forms.gle/jzhiUXjkND7EJ1Wn8
The field trip will take place in Banska Stiavnica, a historic town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with the municipal forests of the Banska Stiavnica. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the rich history, natural beauty, and forestry heritage of Slovakia.
PAYMENT DETAILS
Account name: DREVÁRSKY KONGRES
T. G. Masaryka 2117/24
960 01 Zvolen
ID: 00623806
VAT: 2021495685
IBAN: SK36 0900 0000 0000 7164 3070
BIC/SWIFT: GIBASKBX
Bank: Slovenská sporiteľňa, a. s. Zvolen
Variable symbol: 8
ACCOMMODATION
Participants have to make their own accommodation arrangements, at their cost.
The following are examples of accommodation:
Hotel Tenis - Neresnícka cesta 13, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia https://www.hoteltenis.sk/en/
Hotel Poľana - Nám. SNP 64/2, 960 01, Zvolen, Slovakia https://www.hotelpolana.sk/
Franko hotel - Ľ. Štúra 11, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia, https:// https://www.frankohotel.sk/
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Participants make their own travel arrangements, at their own cost. We offer a shuttle service from Bratislava or Vienna to Zvolen. Please indicate if you need it.
Possible ways for arrival to the Technical University in Zvolen:
- Flight to Bratislava Airport, then taking a bus or a train to Zvolen Central Station. For more information https://www.bts.aero/en/
- Flight to Vienna International Airport, taking bus to Bratislava, then taking a bus or a train to Zvolen Central Station. Another option is renting a car at the Vienna International Airport. For more information https://www.viennaairport.com/en/passengers
- Flight to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, then taking a bus or renting a car to Zvolen. For more information https://www.bud.hu/en
- Taking a train to Bratislava Central Station, then taking a bus or a train to Zvolen. For more information https://www.zssk.sk/en/
ORGANIZATION AND LOCAL ORGANIZER CONTACTS
Prof. Dr. Ing. Jaroslav Šálka (Local organizer):
Ing. Lenka Marcineková, PhD. (organizational team):
Prof. Dr. Norbert Weber (SILVA president):
Sandra Liebal (SILVA secretary general):