This Thematic Issue originates from the Symposium on Systems Analysis in Forest Resources (SSAFR), held in San Sebastián (Donostia), Basque Country, Spain, 17–21 May 2026, and aims to capture emerging research on how analytical methods can improve forest-related decisions across scales, from tree-level harvesting decisions, stand-level management, to policy design. The deadline for manuscript submissions is OCTOBER 31, 2025.

This Thematic Issue originates from the 6th International Forest Policy Meeting (IFPM6), held in Prague in May 2026, and also draws on discussions and contributions from early-career researchers participating in the associated PhD School in Zvolen. The aim of this Thematic Issue is to advance understanding of how mismatches between perception and reality shape forest governance, policy processes, and outcomes. The deadline for manuscript submissions is OCTOBER 31, 2025.