Blue Sky Young Researcher and Innovation Awards

Ibá is responsible for the national-level stage of the Blue Sky Young Researcher and Innovation Awards granted by the International Council for Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA). This competition selects researchers under 30 years of age who can contribute to the development of forest-based industry in terms of innovation and process improvement throughout the production chain.

After the winners of the regional stages are selected, those responsible for the projects taking first and second-place move on to the international stage. At this stage, all the projects nominated by ICFPA members (currently 16 members, including Ibá) are evaluated by an international panel. The three finalists have the opportunity to present their projects during the ICFPA CEO Roundtable. The awards are granted every two years. 

Meet the winner of the 2022-2023 edition 

Ivana Amorim Dias of Brazil won the international stage of the 2022–2023 Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation Award granted by the International Council for Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) and organized by Ibá.

Ms. Dias holds an undergraduate degree in Forest Engineering from the Federal University of Reconcâvo da Bahia; she received a master’s and is also pursuing her doctorate from the Federal University of Paraná. Her award-winning project was developed under advisor Dr. Pedro Henrique Gonzalez de Cademartori, in partnership with Suzano. The project developed sustainable processes for obtaining high value-added products that transform wood waste through combustion to generate bio-oil with high potential for new applications.