WALES –     The International Panel Products Symposium (IPPS), a major global event focused on research and technology in the wood-based panel industry, has been cancelled this year.

Originally scheduled for October 2025 in Wales, the event has been postponed to October 2027 due to ongoing restructuring at Bangor University and internal changes at the BioComposites Centre.

The decision follows cost-saving measures at Bangor University, which recently reported a EUR 15.3 million deficit and is cutting 78 jobs to save EUR 6.2 million. According to a statement from the BioComposites Centre, it was a “tough” decision to postpone the symposium, despite strong interest.

“While we had substantial interest in the event, it became clear that the quality of experience might be negatively affected by the ongoing situation,” the Centre said.

Instead, the organisers will focus on delivering an industry-focused IPPS Master Class in September 2026, addressing challenges in recycling and innovative feedstock systems. The full symposium will return in 2027.

Professor Graham Ormondroyd stated: “We are planning an exciting event with expert speakers and hands-on lab sessions that provide real industry value.”

The Centre also announced plans to establish an IPPS Scientific Committee to help guide future events. Interested professionals can contact Dr Morwenna Spear (Conference Organiser) at ipps@bangor.ac.uk with a short biography and expression of interest.

Dr Spear highlighted the benefits of committee participation: shaping topics, aligning content with company needs, and gaining access to cutting-edge industry and academic developments.