Short Term Scientific Mission Report Alessio Mencarelli

Alessio Mencarelli, a PhD student at the University of Padova, completed a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) under the EU-PoTaRCh COST Action. Over two weeks at the Thünen Institute in Hamburg, he worked with Dr. Volker Haag on wood species identification in commercial barbecue charcoal. Alessio gained specialized microscopy training and gathered crucial images for wood composition analysis. This collaborative effort marks significant progress in wood identification research and product transparency in charcoal. The data from this STSM will support a joint publication to advance charcoal characterization and address future trading challenges and risks in the charcoal trade.