Researcher Spotlight 2026

Extraordinary personalities and their achievements

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Researcher Spotlight: Jānis Ozoliņš

Ph. D. Jānis Ozoliņš 

Leading Researcher at the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia

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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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research spotlight

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Innovative 3D‑printed concrete insect houses installed in Victory Park

This summer, a pilot project is being implemented in Riga — to promote biodiversity in the urban environment, experimental 3D‑printed concrete insect houses for solitary bees and other pollinators have been installed in Victory Park. They have been produced at the scientific laboratory for 3D concr…

RTU

June 8, 2026

natural sciences research

Microplastic pollution becomes a topical issue in Liepāja

Microplastics are one of the most dangerous and also one of the most common types of pollution worldwide. On World Environment Day, everyone had the opportunity on the Liepāja beach to assess how much microplastic is currently present on the seashore and to learn how it can be collected. Equip…

TV Kurzeme

June 8, 2026

public health research

Pilot project at Eastern Hospital improves treatment of colorectal, endometrial, and gastric cancer

Precise cancer diagnostics and targeted treatment today are based on tumour biology, which is enabled by molecular diagnostics, and this is also possible in Latvia. At a completely new level and on a broad scale, the possibilities of molecular diagnostics were tested by doctors at Riga Eastern Clin…

Laura Dzērve

June 5, 2026

public health research

New diagnostics at Stradiņš Hospital enables early detection of hidden heart diseases

At Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, within the pilot project “FFRct diagnostic method for patients after peripheral vascular revascularization”, it has been possible to detect clinically significant coronary artery disease in a timely manner even in patients without pronounced symptoms …

LSM.lv Ziņu redakcija

June 5, 2026

public health

A salivary enzyme may help predict an increased risk of harmful fats

Overweight and related metabolic disorders are now one of the global public health challenges. Visceral fat is particularly dangerous – the fat that accumulates around internal organs and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular disease. Until now, the assessment of ove…

Gita Erta, RSU

June 4, 2026

entrepreneurship science policy

Latvian Investment and Development Agency and the European Investment Bank (EIB): Latvia has strong start-up potential

The European Investment Bank (EIB), in cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and the international professional services company PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), has presented initial conclusions on the financing ecosystem for Latvian start-ups and scale-ups, while al…

LIAA

June 4, 2026

public health

Antibiotics in children in Latvia are used cautiously, but not always appropriately

Rapid diagnostics and targeted physician education can help to further reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics more effectively. The author of the doctoral research study “Prescribing Patterns of Antibacterial Therapy for Children with Acute Infections in Primary Care in Latvia and the Impact of Mu…

Zane Līkopa, RSU

June 3, 2026

technologies science

Agreement reached to develop unmanned systems and dual‑use technologies in Latvia

To create an environment where unmanned systems, autonomous technologies, and other innovative solutions can be tested under real conditions, while at the same time promoting cooperation between companies, research organisations, academia, and international partners, the “Baltic Forces Hub” will be…

Rīgas Tehniskā universitāte

June 3, 2026

technologies social sciences

First Open Model for Latvian Handwritten Text Recognition Created at the University of Latvia

The first open text recognition model for Latvian handwriting has been created on the Transkribus platform. Developed for the research and digitisation of Latvian handwritten manuscripts, the model will be useful to anyone working with 19th-century Latvian handwritten materials. The model was …

Latvijas Universitāte

June 2, 2026

research natural sciences

How to replicate on Earth a process that occurs in the Sun? Researchers are working on future nuclear fusion technologies

Nuclear fusion is a process in which a large amount of energy is released when light atomic nuclei merge. This process also takes place inside the Sun. Although nuclear fusion is not yet used for commercial energy production, scientists around the world are working on its development, as in the fut…

Matīss Sondars (LU Eksakto zinātņu un tehnoloģiju fakultātes Ķīmiskās fizikas institūta pētnieks)

June 2, 2026

upcoming events

Workshop

Training program Venture Catalysts

2026-05-19

All day

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Seminar

EIFL seminars on AI tools in research and the study process

2026-06-11

12:00 pm

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Conference

International Conference Functional Materials and Nanotechnologies

2026-06-15

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Latvijas Universitātes Zinātņu māja

Workshop

Workshop on the potential of AI and social sciences in preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage

2026-06-16

5:00 pm

Kalpaka bulvāris 4, Rīga

top videos

June Researcher Spotlight: Jānis Ozoliņš

Ph. D. Jānis Ozoliņš is a Leading Researcher at the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia. As a leading researcher at the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia (UL ILFA), PhD Jānis Ozoliņš also serves on the Institute’s Scientific Council, contributes to international research organisations, and teaches at the Art Academy of Latvia as a lecturer and doctoral thesis supervisor. His academic profile reflects a deep engagement with contemporary cultural processes and the role of the humanities in understanding society.

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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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