Researcher Spotlight 2026

Extraordinary personalities and their achievements

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Researcher Spotlight: Līga Lepse

Dr. agr. Līga Lepse 

Head of Scientific Board and Leading Researcher at the Agrotechnical Research and Variety Evaluation Department at the Institute of Horticulture

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Latvia’s Diaspora Scientists Database Unites Researchers Worldwide

 

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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 science policy

A new regulation has been approved for the commercialisation of innovations created by state scientific institutions

On Tuesday, 14 July, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a new regulation that will create a clear and modern legal framework for the transfer of scientific results to the national economy, promoting the development of innovation, cooperation with companies and more effective use of the value created…

Ministru of Education and Science/ Research Latvia

July 14, 2026

natural sciences public health science

Meet the young scientist — Dagnija Tupiņa

Dagnija Tupiņa is a microbiologist and researcher at the National Research and Innovation Centre (NIRI)*, where she is carrying out the postdoctoral project “Structural Characterisation of the B. burgdorferi Flagellar Collar and Motor Proteins”. Dagnija’s work is related to the development of vacci…

Latvijas Jauno zinātnieku apvienība

July 14, 2026

social sciences

How the digital environment changes our reading abilities: a UL study on reading processes on screens

Researchers from the Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technology (FEST) and the Faculty of Humanities (FH) of the University of Latvia (UL) have launched a fundamental interdisciplinary study to find out how digital devices affect reading habits, attention and text comprehension. Nowadays, texts …

Ilze Ceple, UL FEST Department of Optometry and Vision Science

July 13, 2026

science communication

July Research Spotlight Līga Lepse: Sustainable Vegetable Cultivation Begins with Smart Soil and Resource Use

As a Head of Scientific Board, Leading Researcher at the Agrotechnical Research and Variety Evaluation Department at the Institute of Horticulture (IH) Dr. agr. Līga Lepse, where she has dedicated several decades to researching vegetable cultivation technologies and plant breeding. Her work ad…

researchLatvia

July 13, 2026

research research international collaboration

BioPhoT teams strengthen ties with investors and accelerate the advancement of innovation

In mid-June, more than 20 innovation teams from the BioPhoT platform took part for the first time as a unified Latvian delegation in one of the world’s most important deep technology events — the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit in Amsterdam. Participation in the forum enabled Latvian researchers to st…

BioPhoT

July 10, 2026

space

The Ministry of Transport discusses the opportunities of the European satellite communications programme IRIS² in Latvia

On 9 July, a discussion took place at the Ministry of Transport (MoT), in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science and the European Space Agency, on the European Union’s secure connectivity satellite communications infrastructure programme IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interco…

Ministry of Transport

July 10, 2026

public health medicine

Medicine of the future — an X-ray at the dentist could also warn about osteoporosis

In the future, an X-ray examination carried out at the dentist’s office could help not only to treat teeth, but also to provide timely warning of serious bone health risks throughout the body — including osteoporosis, Anda Slaidiņa, Leading Researcher at the Department of General Dentistry of Rīga …

lsm.lv

July 9, 2026

space

Apply now to ESA's Junior Professional Programme

Are you passionate about space and looking to build a long-term career in the European space sector? Do you have less than three years of professional experience and a Master’s degree? The European Space Agency is offering a unique opportunity through its Junior Professional Programme (JPP), design…

The European Space Agency

July 9, 2026

social sciences

Packing suitcases is easy — the hardest part is feeling at home again. UL studies the feelings of return migrants

Returning to one’s homeland after many years abroad often seems simple – pack a suitcase and go home. In practice, however, for many people it is an emotionally complex process. Researchers at the University of Latvia (UL) have developed the first conceptual model that explains not only the stress …

Iveta Ozola-Cīrule (Mg. psych., candidate for a scientific degree, Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, University of Latvia), Baiba Martinsone (Dr. psych., Professor, Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, University of Latvia)

July 8, 2026

international collaboration

UL BA School of Business and Finance students develop an innovative prototype for the circulation of construction materials

Students of the University of Latvia BA School of Business and Finance have developed an innovative prototype of a self-service point for the exchange of construction materials as part of an international research project, which, with the help of artificial intelligence, would be able to assess the…

University of Latvia BA School of Business and Finance

July 8, 2026

upcoming events

Face-to-face event

Travelling Exhibition “Science for Latvia 2026” at the Institute of Horticulture

2026-07-03

All day

Dārzkopības institūts, Graudu iela 1, Ceriņi, Krimūnu pagasts, Dobeles novads

Online event

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks Call Brokerage Event

2026-07-15

All day

Online

Seminar

Online Seminar Introducing EMBL and EMBO

2026-07-22

12:00 pm

Online

Face-to-face event

Science Festival “The Mērsrags Apple”

2026-08-15

All day

Jēgerlejas brīvdabas estrāde, Lielā iela 126, Mērsrags, Mērsraga pagasts

top videos

July Researcher Spotlight: Līga Lepse

As a Head of Scientific Board, Leading Researcher at the Agrotechnical Research and Variety Evaluation Department at the Institute of Horticulture (IH) Dr. agr. Līga Lepse, where she has dedicated several decades to researching vegetable cultivation technologies and plant breeding. Her work addresses questions of growing global importance – how to produce healthy, high‑quality vegetables while protecting the environment and using resources responsibly.

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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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