Researcher Spotlight 2026

Extraordinary personalities and their achievements

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Researcher Spotlight: Edgars Butanovs

Ph. D. Edgars Butanovs 

Lead Researcher at the Thin Films Laboratory and Head of the Semiconductor Thin Film Nanotechnology Group at the University of Latvia, Institute of Solid State Physics

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We are building a stable and strong national research environment, enabling international and public-private partnerships to emerge.

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Latvia's research policy is developed in order to create the maximum number of opportunities both in the research and education system and in the business environment.

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We believe that a culture of knowledge offers the best opportunities for creating and sustaining a strong civil society in a world that is constantly changing.

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research spotlight

public health research

Aija Linē: “What is discovered in oncology reaches patients slowly.”

On the day when I interview Professor Aija Linē, she is still the Scientific Director of the Biomedical Research and Study Centre (BMC), as well as leading the cancer biomarker research group at this centre. From June, this work will continue at the National Research and Innovation Institute, in wh…

Zinātnes Vēstnesis

May 28, 2026

public health

Do pollen make you sneeze? Researchers have created an app for personalized allergy risk prediction

During the spring and summer months, when everything is blooming and flowering, allergy symptoms intensify for many people. Pollen in the air can cause both mild discomfort and serious health problems.To help people predict potential risks in a timely manner, researchers at the University of Latvia…

lsm.lv

May 28, 2026

science communication

Radio SWH TV launches a new programme ‘Science in Latvia’ with Gustavs Terzens

Already this Thursday, May 28, at 20:00, a new programme “Science in Latvia” will premiere on Radio SWH TV. In it, the programme’s host Gustavs Terzens will meet with the brightest minds in Latvia, whose ideas, research, and achievements resonate not only in Latvia but also around the world. T…

Radio SWH

May 27, 2026

science

In memoriam. Juris Upatnieks (07.05.1936.–17.05.2026.)

On May 17, 2026, the outstanding physicist of Latvian origin, a pioneer of holography, and foreign member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Professor Juris Upatnieks, passed away. He was one of the most significant optical scientists of the 20th century, whose work has had a substantial impact on…

Latvijas Zinātņu akadēmija

May 27, 2026

Riga Technical University will ceremonially open the Sustainability Competence Centre

On May 26 at 15:30, at the atrium of the Riga Technical University (RTU) Institute of Architecture and Design, at 6 Ķīpsalas Street, by signing a cooperation memorandum between RTU, the Ministry of Economics, and the Ministry of Climate and Energy, the Sustainability Competence Centre will be cerem…

RTU

May 26, 2026

innovation

Star Wars in the Carrot Field: “WeedBot” Has Created a Device for Weed Control

The startup WeedBot has developed an AI‑powered weed‑control machine capable of precisely identifying and eliminating weeds in carrot fields using laser technology. Over six years, the idea has evolved from a research concept into a commercial product, and this spring the company sold its first mac…

Zane Ozoliņa | Latvian Public Media

May 26, 2026

science communication

Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia: Where Science Meets Innovation

The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) is an internationally recognized leader in materials science and interdisciplinary research fields.For 48 years, ISSP UL has been researching various materials, films, and related innovations, as well as educating future generatio…

The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia

May 25, 2026

space

Latvian Students Invited to Apply for ESA National Graduate Trainee Programme

A unique career opportunity in the European space sector is now open exclusively to candidates from Latvia. The European Space Agency (ESA) National Graduate Trainee (NGT) Programme is currently accepting applications for two positions, offering recent graduates and final year Master’s students the…

researchLatvia

May 25, 2026

entrepreneurship science

In a former lipstick workshop – microalgae. How ‘SpirulinaNord’ is expanding the cultivation of ‘superfood’

It turns out that green thinking can be not only environmentally friendly but also practical and not a hindrance to business, but even beneficial. In a production facility in Ziepniekkalns, in the former lipstick workshop of the “Dzintars” factory, microalgae — the freshest spirulina in the world —…

Zane Ozoliņa | LSM

May 25, 2026

innovation

The best student ideas have been identified in the RTU financial innovation challenge ‘FinQuest Coopetition 2026

In the financial innovation challenge “FinQuest Coopetition 2026”, students develop solutions over the course of a month for preventing fraud and financial scams in the age of artificial intelligence, promoting investment habits, as well as developing sustainable pension savings. The financial…

kursors.lv

May 22, 2026

upcoming events

Conference

BTechPro Conference

2026-05-06

All day

Siguldas Devons

Workshop

Training program Venture Catalysts

2026-05-19

All day

Online

Hybrid event

Interdisciplinary symposium “From Looking to Seeing: Visual Literacy in the Visual World”

2026-05-27

All day

Jelgavas iela 1, Rīga

Face-to-face event

Spectral Flow Cytometry with Imaging: Theory and Practice as Part of the EATRIS Infrastructure

2026-05-28

1:00 pm

Rīga, Rātsupītes iela 5

top videos

May Researcher Spotlight: Edgars Butanovs

Ph. D. Edgars Butanovs, Lead researcher at the Thin Films Laboratory of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia and head of the Semiconductor Thin Film Nanotechnology Group, PhD Edgars Butanovs focuses on developing ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor coatings – materials with the potential to transform high-power electronics and next-generation energy systems. His research explores how these advanced thin films can improve efficiency, reduce losses and enable new applications in optoelectronics, sensing and renewable technologies.
 

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April Researcher Spotlight: Monta Brīvība

Dr. biol. Monta Brīvība is Head of the Genome Centre and Researcher in the Precision Medicine Group at the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre. At the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, genome research drives Monta Brīvība's efforts to understand how genetic variation shapes human health. As Head of the Genome Centre and researcher in the Precision Medicine Group, she explores how genomic data can reveal disease risks and support the development of more accurate, personalised healthcare. BMC is one of the centres established by the National Research and Innovation Institute (NIRI), promoting excellence in biomedical research.

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March Researcher Spotlight: Žanete Šteingolde

Mg. med. vet. Žanete Šteingolde is Head of the Microbiology and Pathology Laboratory at the Institute "BIOR", working at the intersection of animal, environmental and public health, developing research based on the "One Health" approach. Her work focuses on animal infectious diseases, including zoonoses, combining laboratory diagnostics with epidemiological analysis. The researcher participates in a European co-funded international "One Health" surveillance project, studying diseases that affect both animals and humans – including West Nile fever, which was detected in Latvia for the first time in 2024.

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