Raiz - Informations

RAIZ is a private non-profit research institute committed to support the competitiveness of the Portuguese Pulp and Paper Industry, through research, technology transfer and training. RAIZ was officially formed in September 1995 and initiated its activity in January 1996.

RAIZ scope of action goes from tree to paper. Its mission results from the recurring need of the industry to identify priority areas for applied research, and optimize the cost/benefit ratio of different aspects of the forestry and industrial sectors, in order to assure its sustainability.

RAIZ activities are financed by partner companies in a perspective of transforming knowledge in technology, in order to increase forest productivity, improve pulp quality (reducing production costs and improving paper quality) and implementing sustainable forest management practices.

Applied research includes Pulp & Paper Technology and Forestry. Both are developed in intimate contact with industry and implemented in the form of projects with clear objectives. Each project has a manager, responsible for its implementation and coordination. All projects are submitted for approval to the funding partners and the Scientific Council of RAIZ.
Consultancy exists not only for RAIZ partners but also for any other interested entities in the forestry and technological areas.
In terms of training, RAIZ helps to put together resources that contribute to the formation of specialized professionals in all relevant areas of Eucalyptus forestry and technological activities.

RAIZ management includes representatives of the industrial and forestry partners, and has a major role in the definition of the objectives of RAIZ activity. The close connection with company professionals and national (i.e. Universidades de Aveiro, Coimbra, Beira Interior, Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro e Instituto Superior de Agronomia) and international scientific institutions (12 Brasilian universities and 8 Research Institutes, Tasmania University, CINRAD and Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Production Forestry, among others), place RAIZ in a privileged spot to successfully accomplish its mission.

RAIZ budget for 2007 is three million Euro. This money supported the work of 41 permanent professionals (21 with a university degree, 5 with a Masters degree and 2 PhD’s).

The RAIZ are located at Quinta de S. Francisco (9 km from Aveiro). The 2600 m2 of buildings include central administration, office, laboratory, pilot plant, documentation, training, social and welcoming areas.

The research nursery and seed orchards are located at Herdade de Espirra, 60 Km away from Lisbon

The molecular genetics laboratory is integrated in the ITQB II / IBET institute in the Estação Agronómica Nacional campus in Oeiras, near Lisbon.