A Historic and Unprecedented Professional Achievement at the University of Sopron – Its Professor Elected President of the European Forestry Higher Education Network

From now on, Prof. Dr. Bálint Heil, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Sopron (SOE EMK), will lead the international organization uniting European forestry higher education institutions. The new president of the SILVA Network was elected during the organization’s 2025 scientific conference at the Technical University of Zvolen. At the large-scale professional meeting, the network’s members unanimously supported the Hungarian candidate in the vote.

The world’s leading trade fair for wood processing and woodworking technology, LIGNA 2025, has officially begun! Once again, the most innovative players in the industry are gathering in Hanover to showcase the latest machinery, solutions, and trends—from digitalization to sustainable technologies.

For the first time, the University of Sopron is participating as an exhibitor at LIGNA, the world’s most prestigious trade fair for the wood industry. This opportunity is not only a prestigious showcase but also a major strategic step for the institution—particularly in education, research, and international networking. For the University of Sopron, this event is more than just an introduction; it could be a key milestone in integrating Hungarian wood industry innovations into the global market.

The University of Sopron is participating as a strategic partner in the Austrian-Hungarian Interreg project titled ‘Tiny Houses – Innovative and Practical Solutions for Minimalist Living’ („Miniházak – innovatív és praktikus megoldások a minimalista életmódhoz”). This collaboration provides students at the university with the opportunity to expand their practical experience by exploring innovative technologies. The cross-border study trip held on March 14, 2025, brought together professionals, university students, and representatives of micro-communities from the border region for a one-day professional program to discover the possibilities of renewable energy-based, resource-efficient, and energy-saving minimalist lifestyles. Below, two German Erasmus students from the Faculty of Forestry share their experiences gained during the project.