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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research in Latvia

in brief

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

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why Latvia

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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mission

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

science policy

Latvia Strengthens Its Representation in the European Research Area - Dr. Linda Vecbiškena Begins Work in Brussels as the Latvian Council of Science Representative

The interests of the Latvian science and innovation community in Brussels will be advocated by Dr. Linda Vecbiškena, the representative of the Latvian Council of Science (LCS), who has been part of the Permanent Representation of Latvia to the European Union (EU) team since March 2026.Dr. Linda Vec…

Latvian Council of Science

May 7, 2026

science policy

Announcement of the 2026 Open Call of the Fundamental and Applied Research Programme

The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) announces the 2026 Open Call for the Fundamental and Applied Research Programme (FLPP), inviting Latvian scientific institutions to submit high‑quality research project proposals. The FLPP is the main national instrument for strengthening scientific excellence i…

Latvijas Zinātnes padome

May 7, 2026

CERN

Science Grows: Latvia’s Involvement in CERN

In just a couple of years, the number of Latvian companies in the supplier database of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) has more than doubled – from 32 to 78. Latvian companies are also achieving strong results in fulfilling CERN orders and in pilot projects. For example, “Sors…

Labs of Latvia

May 7, 2026

project

Riga Technical University and Biocatalyst Foundation Selected as EIT Food Country Representatives for Latvia

For the period of 2026-2028, Riga Technical University (RTU) together with Biocatalyst Foundation will serve as EIT Food Country Representatives in Latvia, acting as a key link between the national agrifood innovation ecosystem and the wider European EIT Food network. EIT Food is supported by the E…

Riga Technical University

May 7, 2026

science communication

A Career in Science: From Student to Researcher

The 11th episode of the Ministry of Education and Science’s EU‑funded podcast “See Further!” is dedicated to careers in science, together with experts highlighting the path from a student’s first ideas to high‑level research and international competitiveness.With the arrival of spring, many young p…

TVNET | Ministry of Education and Science

May 6, 2026

science communication

Meet the Young Scientist – Diāna Hristenko

Diāna Hristenko is a doctoral candidate at the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Humanities, where she is developing her dissertation “The Sovietization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Baltic States, 1944–1953.” To learn more about research in theology, international collaboration, and th…

Latvian Association of Young Researchers

May 6, 2026

natural sciences

Gene Banks for Biodiversity

Climate change is rapidly altering familiar environmental conditions, affecting both agriculture and natural ecosystems. The frequency of extreme weather events is increasing, precipitation patterns are shifting, and as a result, vegetation growth conditions are changing as well. At the same time, …

Ilona Noriete | the newspaper "Ogres Vēstis"

May 5, 2026

research

10 Scientist Teams to Represent Latvia at The “Hello Tomorrow Global Summit 2026

The biomedical and photonics research platform “BioPhoT”, in collaboration with “Hello Tomorrow” international experts, has selected 10 strong BioPhoT research teams through a competitive process. On 11–12 June in Amsterdam, these teams will represent Latvia at one of the world’s most significant d…

The biomedical and photonics research platform “BioPhoT”

April 30, 2026

innovation

“Alternative Plants” Addresses Medical Challenges

The Latvian biotechnology startup “Alternative Plants” has received European funding and become a partner in two projects addressing pressing challenges in medicine. One of the supported projects aims to use bioengineering solutions based on renewable resources to prevent antibiotic resistance…

Labs of Latvia

April 30, 2026

space

New guide for Latvian industry and research organisations: how to successfully participate in European Space Agency procurements

Latvia’s space sector continues to develop, and an increasing number of companies and research organisations are showing interest in participating in European Space Agency (ESA) projects. To strengthen the ability of Latvian entities to compete successfully in ESA procurements, a practical guide ti…

European Space Agency

April 29, 2026

upcoming events

Conference

BTechPro Conference

2026-05-06

All day

Siguldas Devons

Conference

International scientific conference HISTORY: SOURCES AND PEOPLE

2026-05-07

All day

Daugavpils University

Face-to-face event

Europe Day in Latvia

2026-05-09

11:00 am

Vērmanes Dārzs, Rīga

Conference

Conference “Culture and Creativity: Place-Based Innovations in Regions.”

2026-05-11

All day

Valmiera

top videos

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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February Researcher Spotlight: Edgars Kuka

Ph. D. Edgars Kuka, Researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. Edgars Kuka is a researcher at the Wood Degradation and Protection Laboratory of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry.

His work is dedicated to understanding how various environmental factors, including moisture, microorganisms, and solar radiation, affect the properties of wood materials and how innovative solutions can extend their service life, making the use of biomaterials broader and more sustainable. His research promotes more efficient use and protection of wood as an environmentally friendly material.

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