In the latest episode of Branching Out: the Forest Podcast, host Jose Bolaños (IUFRO HQ) and cohost Nilo Wijaya (IFSA) examine the intersection of physiology and genetics with Amanda de la Torre (Nothern Arizona University) and Santiago González-Martínez (INRAE), Co-Coordinators of IUFRO's Division 2. From genetic diversity to groundbreaking technologies, the conversation revealed how science could shape the future of forests.

Nilo, a forest policy student at the University of Gadjah Mada in Indonesia, brought some fresh perspectives. While Santiago shared his fascination with conifers, showcasing their remarkable adaptations to diverse environments, such as fire resistance of species in the Canary Islands, and Amanda reflected on her journey from studying Amazonian trees in Peru to exploring the genomic complexities of conifers like Douglas fir.

The two Co-Coordinators emphasized the importance of collaboration within IUFRO's global network. "Genetic diversity is our insurance for an uncertain future," Santiago noted. Amanda encouraged young researchers to ask bold questions, underscoring the role of creativity in scientific discovery.

From Gymnosperms to the transformative power of genomics, this episode offers a whole spectrum of tools for our forests' survival. We invite you to tune in to Branching Out: the forest podcast. Listen wherever you enjoy your podcasts, on Spotify and Apple Podcasts or here our website, and don't forget to subscribe, rate and review!