Wood and Bio-based Materials Research Group (WBMRG)
About WBMRG
Advancing wood science and bio-based material innovation
The Wood & Bio-based Materials Research Group is a collaborative research group within TU Dublin’s School of Architecture, Building and Environment.
Co-founded by Dr Sameer Mehra and Damien Cross, the group brings together expertise in wood science and technology, timber engineering, product development, manufacturing and industry practice.
We work with Irish-grown timber, engineered wood products, plant residues, secondary raw materials and other bio-based resources to develop solutions that are scientifically robust, technically practical and environmentally responsible.
Our research pathway
Renewable resources → Material characterisation → Product design → Development and prototyping → Testing and validation → Industry, policy and societal impact
What we research
Materials knowledge translated into practical solutions.
Our themes connect resource characterisation, material innovation, structural development, laboratory testing and manufacturing improvement.
Timber quality
We investigate the anatomy, density, strength, stiffness and other properties of softwoods and hardwoods. This evidence can support tree improvement, timber grading, processing and the development of higher-value applications for Ireland’s forest resource.
Engineered wood products
We design and evaluate engineered products made from Irish-grown timber, including softwood, hardwood and hybrid material systems. Research considers structural performance, dimensional stability, durability, manufacturing and suitability for construction and other value-added applications.
Bio-based materials
We explore how forest biomass, plant residues, secondary materials and bio-based waste streams can be transformed into useful products. Areas of interest include performance evaluation of adhesives, coatings, composites and other high-performance materials for construction, manufacturing, and related applications.
Timber connections and structures
We develop and test timber connection systems and structural components, including non-metallic and adhesive-free solutions. This research aims to reduce dependence on high-impact materials while improving the circularity, performance and future reuse of timber structures.
Material performance and durability
We use laboratory and component-scale testing to evaluate physical, mechanical and long-term performance. Our work helps generate the evidence required for safe specification, product development and greater confidence in timber and emerging bio-based materials.
Manufacturing and industry innovation
We apply wood science, production management, lean thinking and project management to real challenges across wood processing, timber-frame manufacturing, biomass and the wider timber value chain. The objective is to help organisations improve materials, products, processes and resource efficiency.
Current research
From forest resources and wood-quality research to advanced materials and industry solutions.
WBMRG works with universities, research organisations and industry partners across Ireland, combining expertise in forestry, wood science, chemistry, engineering, manufacturing and product development.
01. BIOFABRICATE (2026–2030) | Research Project
• What it does: Converts Irish Forest biomass and residues into advanced materials and technologies for construction, manufacturing, packaging and pharmaceutical applications.
• Duration: 2026–2030.
• Funder: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
• Partners: Led by University of Galway, in partnership with TU Dublin (WBMRG), ATU, Trinity College Dublin, DCU, Teagasc, and industry collaborators.
02. ResilientForests (2026–2030) | Research Project
• What it does: Tests the strength, density, and timber quality of Irish trees to build climate-resilient forests and produce higher-value structural wood products.
• Duration: 2026–2030.
• Funder: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
• Partners: Led by Teagasc, in partnership with TU Dublin (WBMRG), SETU, University College Dublin (UCD), and industry partners.
03. Industry Innovation (Innovation Vouchers)
• What it does: Solves real-world company challenges by testing wood and bio-materials, prototyping new products, and improving timber manufacturing processes.
• Duration: Ongoing.
• Funder: Enterprise Ireland.
• Partners: TU Dublin (WBMRG) working directly with participating Irish businesses and timber processors.
Research with purpose
H3 Connecting material research with institutional priorities and national impact.
WBMRG connects laboratory investigation with education, enterprise, public policy and measurable environmental and societal value.
01. TU Dublin R&I Strategy
Supporting sustainable transformation, enterprise collaboration, civic engagement, research impact, and talent development.
02. Faculty & School (FEBE & SABE)
Advancing practice-based research, direct industry partnerships, and research-informed higher education.
03. Impact 2030: Ireland’s R&I Strategy
Delivering environmental and economic impact, driving enterprise innovation, and developing high-skilled researchers.
04. Timber in Construction Steering Group
Building the empirical evidence base for Irish-grown timber, engineered structural systems, mechanical testing, demonstrator projects, and regulatory adoption.
Our Team
Complementary expertise. Shared ambition.
Dr Sameer Mehra | Principal Investigator
• Role: Lecturer in Timber Technologies & Wood Manufacturing; Programme Coordinator, BSc Sustainable Timber Technology.
• Core Expertise: Wood characterisation, timber technology, engineered wood products, bio-based materials, timber connections, circular construction.
• Contact & Links: View Staff Profile | Email Dr Sameer Mehra
Damien Cross | Principal Investigator
• Role: Assistant Lecturer, consultant, and researcher (20+ years timber industry experience).
• Core Expertise: Wood processing, heavy timber, lean production, timber-frame manufacturing, industry innovation.
• Contact & Links: View Staff Profile | Email Damien Cross
Dr Marcin Wójcik | Principal Investigator
• Role: Lecturer in Architectural Design Studio.
• Core Expertise: Digital fabrication, computational design, material-oriented design, timber architecture, architectural design.
• Contact & Links: View Staff Profile | Email Dr Marcin Wójcik
Joseph Little | Co-Investigator
• Role: Head of Construction, School of Architecture, Building and Environment (SABE).
• Core Expertise: Hygrothermal risk assessment, building performance, low-carbon and circular construction, energy-efficient renovation.
• Contact & Links: View Staff Profile | Email Joseph Little
Aidan Ryan | Co-Investigator
• Role: Lecturer in Carpentry and Joinery.
• Core Expertise: Timber construction, wood machining, prototyping, wood manufacturing and finishing, cabinet making.
• Contact & Links: View Staff Profile | Email Aidan Ryan
Collaborate with us
Bring us a material, product or manufacturing challenge.
We welcome collaborations that turn research knowledge into credible, tested and useful solutions.
For industry: Research, testing, product development, student collaboration and funding proposals.
For researchers: Interdisciplinary projects across forestry, timber, bio-based materials, engineering, construction and circularity.