ARC Advance Timber Hub Chief Investigator, Dr. Maryam Shirmohammadi, has recently completed an international fellowship study tour across Europe and Singapore, funded by the Gottstein Trust, where she focused on “Mass Timber Buildings Moisture Monitoring and Management.” This research, part of her ongoing work, aims to create a global network of experts in timber engineering and moisture safety, advancing knowledge and best practices in the field. The fellowship allowed for a comparative study of various building types, design approaches, and climate conditions.

Dr. Shirmohammadi’s research focuses on identifying processes and strategies to reduce moisture exposure risks while promoting optimal conditions for timber products throughout their lifecycle—from manufacturing and transportation to storage, construction, and long-term use. During her travels, she engaged with a wide range of professionals, including research teams, laboratories, R&D groups, university scholars, industry experts, building assessors, and associations. These interactions focused on both established and emerging techniques for designing timber products that can withstand moisture-related challenges.

Looking forward, Dr. Shirmohammadi plans to visit experts in the United States and Canada. This next phase of her research will further enhance her expertise in building science and broaden her understanding of the timber product lifecycle, particularly in diverse environmental conditions.

Dr. Shirmohammadi is project leader for the ARC Advance Timber Hub Project: Development of moisture monitoring, assessment and management systems for the Australian mass timber construction industry

The Gottstein Fellowship is a grant that is awarded to people who work within, or associated with, the Australian wood products and forest industries. This may be anywhere at all on the value chain. A fellow is funded to conduct a research project which they have put forward. Most projects entail international travel or domestic travel.