AI, Data and Future Leaders: Queensland Scholarship Recipients Drive Timber Industry Innovation

Artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and digital technologies are set to play an increasingly important role in Queensland's forest and timber industry, with two of the 2026–2027 Timber Queensland Growth Scholarship recipients undertaking projects that explore how emerging technologies can improve workplace safety, product quality and manufacturing efficiency.

Timber Queensland is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026–2027 Growth Scholarship Awards Program, which supports individuals pursuing learning and development opportunities that will strengthen both their careers and Queensland's forest and timber industry.

Timber Queensland General Manager Strategic Relations & Communications Manager said this year's recipients highlight an industry embracing innovation while continuing to invest in practical skills, leadership development and workforce capability.

"Queensland's forest and timber industry has always been built on innovation, and this year's scholarship recipients demonstrate how technology, research and workforce development will help shape our future," said Clarissa Brandt.

"From artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to training the next generation of forestry workers and developing future operational leaders, these projects show an industry prepared to embrace new ways of working while remaining focused on people," she said.

"The scholarships support individuals with ambitious ideas that have the potential to create broader benefits for businesses, workers and the wider forest and timber supply chain."

The recipients of the 2026–2027 Awards are:

$10,000 Kennedy's Timber Award

Isaiah Denman

Learning Project: Beyond the Physical: Leveraging Data and AI to Predict and Prevent Psychosocial Hazards in the Timber Industry 

$5,000 AKD Award

Zidi Yan

Learning Project: AI Driven Treatability Prediction for Queensland Softwood Processing 

$5,000 HQPlantations Award

Jackson Smith

 Learning Project: Certificate III in Forest Operations plus Business and People Management Units 

$2,500 DTM Timber Award

Ian Goldie

Learning Project: Certificate IV Training and Assessment Upgrade 

Isaiah Denman, Ian Goldie, Jackson Smith and Zidi Yan (pictured clockwise)

As the recipient of the Kennedy's Timber Award, Isaiah Denman, Health, Safety and Environment Coordinator at AKD Caboolture, will investigate how artificial intelligence, Power BI, predictive analytics and psychosocial health and safety frameworks can be used to identify workplace risks before incidents occur. His project aims to create more proactive approaches to managing fatigue, burnout and psychological health in industrial workplaces.

"I want to help demonstrate that a traditional industry like timber can use emerging technologies to improve both physical and psychological safety outcomes," said Isaiah Denman.

"Ultimately, my goal is to help create workplaces that identify risks early, protect people and support a healthier, more sustainable workforce," he said.

AKD Award recipient Zidi Yan, a researcher specialising in timber structures and durability, will explore how artificial intelligence, computer vision and machine learning can improve timber treatment quality assurance. The project will include participation in either the International Research Group on Wood Protection (IRG) conference or the World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE) and visits to timber treatment and processing facilities to investigate how AI tools can support decision-making before timber enters the treatment process.

By analysing timber characteristics such as sapwood, heartwood, density and visible defects, the project aims to help processors better predict treatment outcomes, reduce waste and improve manufacturing efficiency.

"The timber industry has a significant opportunity to harness artificial intelligence and digital technologies in practical ways that improve productivity and confidence in timber products," said Zidi Yan.

"My goal is to bring back knowledge, industry connections and practical ideas that can help Queensland timber processors make better and more informed decisions," he said.

HQPlantations Award recipient Jackson Smith will undertake a Certificate III in Forest Operations combined with specialist business operations and people management training.

Having grown up in a family with deep connections to the forest and timber industry, Jackson is seeking to build the skills needed to progress into future supervisory and leadership roles.

His learning project will develop technical operational knowledge, business management capability and leadership skills to support both his personal career development and the mentoring of younger workers entering the industry.

"The forestry industry is something I have always been passionate about and I want to build a long-term career within it," said Jackson Smith.

"This opportunity will help me develop the skills to become a stronger leader and contribute to attracting and supporting the next generation of forestry workers."

DTM Timber Award recipient Ian Goldie, a trainer and assessor with more than three decades of forestry experience, will upgrade his Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to ensure his skills remain aligned with current national vocational education standards.

Ian's project will strengthen his ability to deliver industry training and support Sunchip Group's innovative simulator-based training program, which is used to engage school students and future workers with careers in forestry.

"One of the most important challenges facing our industry is developing the workforce needed for the future," said Ian Goldie.

"Maintaining contemporary training qualifications will help me continue supporting new entrants to the industry and build the skills our sector needs to remain strong and sustainable."

Clarissa Brandt said the breadth of this year's projects demonstrates the industry's commitment to future-focused thinking.

"Whether it's applying AI to improve safety and manufacturing performance, developing future leaders, or strengthening workforce training, these projects will deliver benefits well beyond the individual recipients," she said.

"The ongoing support of our Foundation Partner Kennedy's Timber, Diamond Partners AKD and HQPlantations, and Ruby Partner DTM Timber ensures the Growth Scholarship Program continues to help develop the talented people who will drive Queensland's forest and timber industry into the future."

ENDS