On the eve of this day, an open lecture event was held at the Museum of Applied Ecological Research of the Karelian Research Centre. Young scientists representing the Forest Research Institute shared interesting facts about trees and forest ecosystems with the audience.
Alexandra Serkova, Junior Researcher at the Laboratory of Woody Plant Physiology and Cytology FRI KarRC RAS, studies structural and functional changes in the trunk tissues of deciduous and coniferous woody plants in response to an excessive supply of photoassimilates. In her lecture, she spoke about the role of bark in the life of a tree. The audience learned about the differences between bark parts, their functions, and why it is important to treat tree tissues with care. Alexandra also touched upon the work of the laboratory, where she, personally, is involved in three research lines, including the study of curly birch, the formation of bark and wood in Scots pine (one of the main forest-forming species in Karelia), and research on the effects of increased light availability on growth parameters in Norway spruce advance regeneration.
Alexandra Serkova, Junior Researcher at Woody Plant Physiology and Cytology Laboratory FRI KarRC RAS
An engaging lecture, valuable from both the theoretical and the practical perspectives, was delivered by Dr. Ivan Romashkin, Head of the Laboratory of Boreal Forest Dynamics and Productivity FRI KarRC RAS. The topic, collection of deadwood, is of relevance for many residents of Karelia. The scientist described the role of woody debris in the stability and functioning of forest ecosystems as providers of ecosystem services, namely the conservation of biodiversity, the regulation of the global climate through involvement in biogeochemical cycles and trophic chains. In addition, Ivan Romashkin dipped into the details of the regulations regarding deadwood collection in Karelian forests and how they address forest productivity and wellbeing. The Laboratory Head himself has been studying woody debris in boreal forests for many years and has authored several publications in leading international scientific journals.
Dr. Ivan Romashkin, Head of Boreal Forest Dynamics and Productivity Laboratory FRI KarRC RAS
The final lecture was delivered by Junior Researcher of the Laboratory of Boreal Forest Dynamics and Productivity FRI KarRC RAS, Foma Vozmitel. His lecture was about forest fires, their role in shaping forest communities, in particular in Karelia, the fire resistance of specific tree species, and the history of forest fire research. The young scientist seeks to reconstruct the history of wild fires. In 2025, in recognition of his achievements, the researcher was granted a personal Presidential scholarship.
Foma Vozmitel, Junior Researcher at Boreal Forest Dynamics and Productivity Laboratory FRI KarRC RAS
The event was fully booked. The guests – citizens of Petrozavodsk interested in science and nature – asked questions and actively participated in discussions. After the lecture, many of them stayed to explore the museum’s display.
Congratulations on the International Day of Forests!
