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 spotlight

social sciences

European Social Scientists Convene in Athens to Establish New Standards in Public Opinion Research

From 21 to 23 April, Athens (Greece) hosted the 27th National Coordinators’ Forum of the European Social Survey (ESS ERIC). During the meeting, researchers from across Europe—including representatives from Latvia, Dr Jurijs Ņikišins, Senior Researcher at the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Econom…

Jurijs Ņikišins | National Coordinator of the European Social Survey (ESS) in Latvia

April 29, 2026

science policy

Improving Research Project Selection Will Strengthen Public Trust in Science

On Tuesday, 28 April, the Cabinet of Ministers approved amendments prepared by the Ministry of Education and Science to the procedures for the evaluation and administration of funding for Fundamental and Applied Research Project (FLPP) projects. The amendments provide for the inclusion of public op…

Ministry of Education and Science

April 28, 2026

medicine

From environment to body: first human biomonitoring study in Latvia reveals main sources of pollution

On 21 April, researchers from the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health presented the results of the most comprehensive human biomonitoring study conducted in Latvia to date, which for the first time, on such a large scale, analysed the presence of…

Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte

April 28, 2026

natural sciences

Intensive Forestry as a Climate Mitigation Measure: An Interview with Dr. silv. Aldis Butlers, Researcher at LSFRI “Silava”

From time to time, new or fashionable words and phrases appear in the public space. Are greenhouse gas emissions (hereafter – emissions) also “in fashion”, given how often they are mentioned? And can a scientist even answer such a question?A scientist’s work is, to some extent, tied to political pr…

zemeunvalsts.lv (Latvian environmental and land-use policy platform)

April 28, 2026

space

Space Interpreters in the Urban Environment: “NRG Solutions” Analyses Building Condition Data

Every third day, a satellite passes over our heads, collecting an enormous volume of data about the Earth. NRG Solutions uses a small fraction of this information and transforms it into an understandable and marketable product. By leveraging space‑based data, the company analyses the condition of r…

Zane Ozoliņa | Latvian Public Media

April 27, 2026

research

Food Institute Scientists Develop a Detection Method for Human Milk Oligosaccharide Analysis

Breast milk is far more than a food product — it is a complex composition that supports an infant’s immunity and development from the very first days of life. One of its most significant components is oligosaccharides — specific carbohydrates whose functions and impact on human health are still bei…

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

April 27, 2026

research project achievements

From Wastewater to Public Health: A Unique Monitoring Platform Emerging in Latvia

Systematic and comprehensive analysis of wastewater and other environmental samples for chemical and toxic substances, pharmaceutical residues, pathogens, and other biological risk factors enables the early detection of threats and allows for a much more accurate assessment of their potential impac…

Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center

April 24, 2026

science communication

Daniela Godiņa: Chemistry Is a Highly Creative Science!

When Daniela Godiņa talks about chemistry, it immediately becomes clear that for her it is far more than a dry science of formulas and laboratory calculations. In her view, chemistry is one of the most creative fields, where every day offers opportunities for new discoveries and ideas that can late…

Ministry of Education and Science

April 24, 2026

technologies

An International Deep‑Tech Commercialization Forum “Innovation Impact Forum 2026” to Take Place in Riga

On 12 May 2026, starting at 8:30, the international deep‑tech commercialization forum Innovation Impact Forum 2026, organized by the University of Latvia Innovation and Acceleration Center, will take place at the University of Latvia House of Science, Jelgavas Street 3, Riga, in the “Alfa” auditori…

University of Latvia

April 23, 2026

project

Students Explore Cutting‑Edge Road Construction Technologies and Career Opportunities

How roads were built in ancient times and how innovative technologies and advanced materials are used today — students from all over Latvia explore how roads are planned and constructed to ensure maximum durability, as well as the special vehicles used daily for road research and maintenance. …

Riga Technical University

April 23, 2026

upcoming events

Conference

BTechPro Conference

2026-05-06

All day

Siguldas Devons

Workshop

Training program Venture Catalysts

2026-05-19

All day

Online

Conference

Conference on the digitalisation of science and higher education “United in Progress”

2026-05-21

All day

Gustava Zemgala gat. 74a, Vidzemes priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1039

Conference

Latvian Academy of Culture student conference “Our Best”

2026-05-21

9:00 am

Rīga, Elijas iela 17

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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