Institute profile

Overview

The Forest Research Institute (FRI) was established in 1961 by the Ministry of Agriculture as Forest Research Station of Macedonia and Thrace. In the course of time it has developed into the present Forest Research Institute. In 1989 the Institute was integrated into National Agricultural Research Foundation (NAGREF) under the same official title. FRI brings together many disciplines to develop a better understanding of forests, rangelands and environment and society's interactions and impacts on it.

FRI to accomplish this mission:

• Conducts innovative research that promotes the healthy ecosystems upon which human communities depend
• Provides relevant information for policy and decision making in national organization responsible for forest sector and in Ministry of Rural Development & Food
• Develops research methods and know-how
• Organises and participates in scientific meetings
• Publishes research results and reports
• Organises and participates in forest research training
• Supports public awareness activities

Scientific Areas

FRI has a strong emphasis on bringing scientists from different disciplines together to carry out interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research. This research ranges from fundamental understanding of the forests and rangeland ecosystems, their systems and processes, through to integration of applied research to address specific issues and conflicts. Our research connects laboratory and landscape works and gives emphasis on integration of biological, ecological, physical, and social sciences in our work. The Institute's research programmes are organised into the following science areas: silviculture, genetics, forest and range plant breeding, plant physiology, soil science, meteorology and climatology, forest pathology and entomology, forest fires, forest utilisation, rangeland and wildlife resources, grazing animal management, forest management, natural resource policy and economics, remote sensing and geographic information systems, and environmental management. Our activities spread in all parts of Greece as well as abroad where we represent the country at international organisations, scientific groups and conferences, transferring know-how gained through our research.

Location

FRI is located near Vassilika, 22 km northeast of Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece with a population of about one million people. Built by Kassandros, King of Macedonia, and named after Alexander the Great’s sister, it has a history of more than 2300 years and is characterised by its rich cultural heritage, especially its numerous Byzantine monuments. It is surrounded by arable and forage crops on fertile plains as well as by forests, grasslands and rangelands.

Address

National Agricultural Research Foundation
Forest Research Institute
GR-570 06 Vassilika, Thessalonikil
GREECE

How to reach Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is connected by road and train with the capitals of the neighbouring Balkan countries. It also has an International airport located 15 kilometres southeast of the city. The flight time from Athens is 40 minutes but there are also direct international connections with several cities of Europe.

How to reach at FRI

Direction Thessaloniki – Vassilika - Polygyros: