MEDfOR

Congratulations to our MEDfOR alumnus, Aytolgn A. Melese, on his latest scientific publication! 🌿📚

We are delighted to celebrate the achievement of Aytolgn A. Melese, a graduate of the 12th edition of the MEDfOR Programme, whose MEDfOR Master's thesis has been published in the journal Forests MDPI.

📄 Publication: Frankincense Essential Oil Comparison Among Commercial Grades and Harvesting Locations in Ethiopia

This research provides valuable insights into the quality and characteristics of frankincense essential oils from different commercial grades and harvesting locations in Ethiopia. Its findings have important implications for promoting the bio-based economy, strengthening non-timber forest product (NTFP) value chains, supporting sustainable forest-based enterprises, creating green jobs, and enhancing the value of forest ecosystems.

We are proud to see our alumni making meaningful contributions to forest science and sustainable natural resource management through high-quality research with real-world impact.

Congratulations once again, Aytolgn! We wish you continued success in your research and professional journey.

MEDfOR Alumni Spotlight 🎓

We are pleased to spotlight Sandeep Timilsina (MEDfOR Class of 2024) from Nepal, whose academic journey reflects the international opportunities fostered through the MEDfOR network.

After graduating from MEDfOR, Sandeep worked as a First Stage Researcher at the Forest Research Centre, School of Agriculture, (Instituto Superior de Agronomia), Portugal, where he further developed his research experience in forestry and environmental sciences.

Today, Sandeep is pursuing a fully funded PhD in Wildfire Science at Oregon State University, USA. His journey highlights how MEDfOR graduates continue to build successful academic careers through the programme's international partnerships and associated institutions. We are particularly proud to see one of our associated partners, Oregon State University, playing an active role in supporting the next stage of a MEDfOR alumnus' academic development.

💬 "The strongest aspects of MEDfOR include the opportunity to study and explore in multiple countries, meet talented fellows, earn a reputed MEDfOR degree, and create lifetime memories."

Reflecting on his MEDfOR experience, Sandeep emphasizes the value of international exposure, collaboration with talented peers, and the global network built throughout the programme.

His story demonstrates how the connections established during MEDfOR can continue to create opportunities beyond graduation, supporting alumni as they advance into research, academia, and professional leadership roles.

👏 Congratulations, Sandeep, on your achievements so far. We wish you continued success in your PhD journey and look forward to following your contributions to wildfire science and sustainable forest management.

🌿🎓 We are pleased to share that Hanna , a MEDfOR alumna, has successfully defended her PhD thesis titled:

📘 “Evaluation and Characterisation of Sustainable Tools for the Control of Botryosphaeriaceae Canker (Diplodia corticola) in Cork Oak in Catalonia.”

🌳 Her research focused on improving sustainable strategies to manage one of the most important emerging diseases affecting cork oak forests in the Mediterranean region. Botryosphaeriaceae canker poses a serious threat to forest health, productivity, and long-term ecosystem resilience.

🔬 Through her work, Hanna evaluated and characterised innovative, sustainable tools to prevent and control this pathogen—contributing valuable knowledge for forest health management and the conservation of cork oak landscapes in Catalonia and across the Mediterranean.

🌍 Her achievement reflects the strong scientific training and international collaboration promoted by the MEDfOR programme, and highlights the vital role of young researchers in tackling key environmental challenges.

👏 Congratulations to Hanna on this incredible milestone, and best wishes for a bright and impactful future!