About IBFRA

The International Boreal Forest Research Association (IBFRA) is a network that promotes international cooperation on boreal forest research and management. Since its founding in 1991, IBFRA has served as a platform for collaboration among scientists, governments, and organizations committed to understanding and sustaining the world’s boreal regions. IBFRA conferences provide opportunities to share research, strengthen partnerships, and inform policy for the stewardship of northern forests.

IBFRA Conference 2026

Each IBFRA conference focuses on issues of global concern such as global change, biodiversity, climate change, disturbances and the global carbon cycle, as well as on issues requiring increased coordination within the boreal community such as classification, inventory and monitoring.

This year’s theme “Living with disturbance: Resilience in boreal forests“ highlights that boreal forests are dynamic ecosystems shaped by natural and human disturbances. As the pace and intensity of change accelerate under a shifting climate, understanding how these forests - and the people and communities who depend on them - adapt and persist has never been more critical.

We invite practitioners, and policy makers to share knowledge and explore pathways toward resilient boreal landscapes that sustain ecological function, cultural values, and community well-being.

Call for abstracts
FAQs

Past conferences have included: USA (1992, 1997, 2004, 2021), Norway (1993, 1998), Sweden (1993, 2006) Canada (1994, 2000, 2013), Finland (1995, 2015, 2023), Russia (1996, 2002, 2011), China (2008), and Austria (2018).

2026 Organizing Committee

  • ALEXIS ACHIM

    Université Laval
    Conference Host

  • VINCENT ROY

    Natural Resources Canada
    IBFRA Steering Committee Liaison

  • NELSON THIFFAULT

    Natural Resources Management
    Scientific Committee Coordinator

  • NICHOLAS COOPS

    University of British Columbia
    UBC Liaison/Coordinator

  • AMY WOTHERSPOON

    University of British Columbia
    Event Coordinator

FAQs

    • Researchers and students in or outside academia,

    • Natural resource managers and representatives of the forest, wood and energy industries,

    • Representatives of indigenous communities, non-governmental organizations, government and policy advisors, and anyone interested in the implications of climate-disturbance interactions in the boreal region.

  • All registration information will be posted near the end of 2025.

    Some things to note:

    • Early bird registration fees will be available during the first month of registration. Be sure to check your email regarding these dates.

    • Reduced registration fees will be available for students and early-career researchers. Details will be posted on the registration page.

    • All presenters for both oral and poster presentations must register by April 15, 2026 to be included by the final program. If you do not register by this date, your presentation slot will be offered to someone else.

    Keep checking back to this website for more information.

  • Unfortunately we are unable to provide travel grants or financial assistance for this event. We encourage you to seek financial assistance from your home institutions.

  • Yes. Optional field excursions will take place toward the end of the conference, offering participants the chance to explore local boreal forest landscapes and management sites near Québec City.

    Stay tuned for more details, coming soon.

  • No, unfortunately this will be an in-person event only.

  • Yes. The program includes networking receptions, poster sessions, and social events designed to foster collaboration and exchange among participants.

  • A limited number of rooms have been reserved at the Hilton Quebec, 100 Bd René-Lévesque Est. (valid only for the dates of the event), right beside the Convention Centre. We will provide you with a reservation link, phone number and promotional code to book your discounted rates closer to the event.

  • Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

    Please check entry requirements well in advance at the Government of Canada webpage.

    We are happy to provide official letters of invitation and participation to those attending the events. We will provide you with more information as to how to receive these letters in the coming months.

    Note that the visa application in Canada can be very slow. We encourage you to apply for a visa application as soon as possible.

  • Registration includes daily coffee breaks and lunch on days of the scientific program, plus additional drinks or meals at select social events.

    Information about these events, what they include, the conference dinner, and their prices will be available closer to the event

  • Abstracts will be published in the conference proceedings and schedule, but presentations will not be recorded. We encourage you to contact presenting authors for which you would like to have further discussion or sharing of resources.