Andreja Kutnar (Ljubljana, 23 December 1980) is a Slovenian wood scientist,[1] professor of the University of Primorska and academician, who is scientific councillor and former director of the InnoRenew Centre of Excellence (InnoRenew CoE) in Slovenia.[2][3][4][5] She is an elected fellow of the International Academy of Wood Science for her academic work,[6] and currently serves as the vice-president of this academy (IAWS).[7][8]

Research career

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She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in wood science in 2003 and a PhD in wood science in 2008 from the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Wood Science and Technology.[9] She subsequently worked at Oregon State University as a postdoctoral researcher before joining the faculty of the University of Primorska in 2009.[10]

Since 2017, Kutnar has been associated with the InnoRenew CoE, a research institute established through the European Union Horizon 2020 Teaming programme, where she served as director and later scientific councillor.[11][12]

Her research has focused on wood modification, wood densification, wood-based composites, life-cycle assessment, sustainable development of the forest-products sector, and the development of renewable materials for sustainable built environments.[13][14] She has also contributed to research on timber architecture, restorative environmental design, and regenerative sustainability in construction.[15]

She has served on the Executive Board of InnovaWood and was President of the Society of Wood Science and Technology.[16] She is also a member of the Young Academy of Europe.[17]

In 2018, Kutnar received the Zois Certificate of Recognition for key scientific achievements in wood science.[18] In 2020, she was included in the European Commission's #EUwomen4future campaign highlighting outstanding women in research and innovation.[19]

Until June 2026, the research work of Kutnar has gathered more than 4,800 citations at Google Scholar.[20] In addition, she has authored various scientific publications and books, including Contemporary Slovenian Timber Architecture for Sustainability (2014), Environmental Impacts of Traditional and Innovative Forest-based Bioproducts (2016), and Wood Modification Technologies: Principles, Sustainability, and the Need for Innovation (2021).[21][22]

Awards

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  • Prometheus of Science Award for Excellence in Communication (2016).[23]
  • Zois Certificate of Recognition for scientific achievements in wood science (2018).[24]
  • Featured in the European Commission's #EUwomen4future campaign (2020).[25]

See also

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References

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  1. "ANDREJA KUTNAR DO ZGODOVINSKE FUNKCIJE: Prva podpredsednica mednarodne akademije IAWS". Regional Obala na najdi.si novicah (in Bosnian). 2026-06-04. Retrieved 2026-06-13.
  2. "Andreja Kutnar". InnoRenew CoE. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  3. "Andreja Kutnar". University of Primorska. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  4. Yeo, Cecilia (2025-11-12). "Building with life: Wood science and the built environment". Panels & Furniture Asia. Retrieved 2026-06-13.
  5. "Andreja KUTNAR". New European Bauhaus. 2026-03-13. Retrieved 2026-06-13.
  6. "ANDREJA KUTNAR DO ZGODOVINSKE FUNKCIJE: Prva podpredsednica mednarodne akademije IAWS". Regional Obala na najdi.si novicah (in Bosnian). 2026-06-04. Retrieved 2026-06-13.
  7. "Andreja Kutnar". WoodPop. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  8. https://www.iaws-web.org/organisation/executive-committee/
  9. "CV Andreja Kutnar" (PDF). Society of Wood Science and Technology. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  10. "Embracing partnership in Slovenia". Oregon State University College of Forestry. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  11. "Andreja Kutnar". WoodPop. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  12. "A new milestone in the development of InnoRenew CoE". University of Primorska. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  13. "Andreja Kutnar". University of Primorska. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  14. "Andreja Kutnar". Young Academy of Europe. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  15. "Proceedings of the 57th International Convention of Society of Wood Science and Technology" (PDF). Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  16. "Andreja Kutnar". University of Ljubljana. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  17. "Andreja Kutnar". Young Academy of Europe. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  18. "Andreja Kutnar". University of Primorska. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  19. "Andreja Kutnar". WoodPop. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  20. "Andreja Kutnar". ‪Google Scholar‬. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
  21. "Andreja Kutnar". Young Academy of Europe. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  22. "Andreja Kutnar". InnoRenew CoE. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  23. "Andreja Kutnar". University of Ljubljana. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  24. "Andreja Kutnar". University of Primorska. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
  25. "Andreja Kutnar". WoodPop. Retrieved 9 June 2026.