On 25 September 2026, the Latvian Microorganism Culture Collection organized activities as part of the European Researchers’ Night.

During the event, an informative session was held on MIRRI-ERIC (Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure - European Research Infrastructure Consortium). Visitors learned about its operating principles, objectives, and the services it offers to the scientific community, as well as how this infrastructure contributes to the preservation, accessibility, and utilization of microbial resources. The importance of Latvia's participation was also highlighted, together with the benefits that collaboration provides to local scientists and research institutions in the fields of biotechnology and biomedicine.

A separate activity was dedicated to cultivated mushrooms, focusing on their biology, cultivation, and practical applications. Participants explored the characteristics of shiitake and oyster mushrooms and learned that a mushroom is not merely its above-ground fruiting body, but rather an extensive mycelial network that can be utilized in food production, health promotion, and biotechnological processes.

The event provided an opportunity to engage with experts, ask questions, and receive informational materials, encouraging participants to view microorganisms and fungi as important resources for building a sustainable future.

The activities of the Latvian National Node of the Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure, as well as the organization of the event, are supported by the ERDF co-funded project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/011, “University of Latvia and Institutes in the European Research Area: Excellence in Research and Collaboration.”