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

space

Latvia Signs Agreement with NASA and Joins the International Artemis Accords Initiative

Latvia has taken another step forward in the field of space – during a visit to the headquarters of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Washington, United States, Minister of Education and Science Dace Melbārde and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman signed an agreement on Mon…

Ministry of Education and Science

April 20, 2026

science communication

Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre – where science meets the future

The Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (BMC) is a place where modern science is transformed into solutions that impact the health, safety, and quality of life of each of us. Here, scientists study humans, diseases, and the environment at the deepest possible level—from molecules to s…

Latvijas Biomedicīnas pētījumu un studiju centrs

April 20, 2026

research

Latvia becomes an ELIXIR observer country – a significant step in the development of bioinformatics

On 15–16 April 2026, the 25th meeting of the ELIXIR Board of the European life science infrastructure for biological information was held at the Wellcome Genome Campus in the United Kingdom, bringing together representatives of member states, observer countries, and heads of national nodes. During …

Rīga Stradiņš University

April 20, 2026

innovation

Food Scientists’ Green Buckwheat Drink ‘Fermentful’ Conquers European Store Shelves”

Buckwheat plus kefir – Latvia’s export product. The fermented buckwheat drink Fermentful is rapidly gaining shelf space in stores both in Latvia and across Europe. The unique product was created in collaboration with food technologists, and the company has earned an internationally recognized susta…

Latvian Public Media

April 20, 2026

science policy

Minister of Education and Science Dace Melbārde Expands Cooperation with NASA, Technology Companies and Leading Universities on U.S. Visit

Latvia’s Minister of Education and Science, Dace Melbārde, together with representatives of Latvia’s leading universities, will undertake a working visit to the United States from 18 to 26 April. The main objectives of the visit are the signing of a cooperation agreement of strategic importance to …

Ministry of Education and Science

April 17, 2026

research space

How Latvian Scientists Are Creating a New Power Source for Space Missions

Providing electrical power during long-duration and deep-space missions has always been a challenge. Scientists at the Institute of Physics of the University of Latvia (UL) are developing a new technology that could provide electricity for extended space missions. At the end of last year, we c…

University of Latvia Faculty of Science and Technology | Artūrs Brēķis | Valters Dzelme

April 17, 2026

science policy

Advancing a Unified Regulation for Academic and Research Careers in Higher Education and Science

On Tuesday, 14 April, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the package of amendments to the academic career regulation proposed by the Ministry of Education and Science, covering the Law on Higher Education Institutions, the Vocational Education Law, and the Scientific Activity Law. The amendments int…

Ministry of Education and Science

April 17, 2026

research opportunity

The European Competitiveness Fund Will Open Opportunities for Latvian Entrepreneurs and Researchers

The European Competitiveness Fund is part of the European Commission’s proposal for the new European Union multiannual budget and aims to establish a single financial instrument that brings together existing programmes in innovation, digital development, defence, health, and other areas. The Fund w…

LIAA – Enterprise Europe Network

April 16, 2026

research opportunity collaboration

Applications Open for the Pre Acceleration Programme EIT Jumpstarter 2026 – Latvian Winners Boreal Cacao Share Their Experience

From an idea born during a market crisis to an award‑winning solution at the European level - Boreal Cacao share their experience of how the EIT Jumpstarter pre‑acceleration programme helped transform their idea into a viable business direction. The journey of Boreal Cacao is a strong example …

Riga Technical University

April 15, 2026

science communication

University of Latvia Secures Prestigious MSCA Grant for the Science Communication Project Aurora Nexus

The University of Latvia (UL) has secured prestigious funding from the European Commission’s Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA) and is launching an ambitious science communication project, Aurora Nexus, which over the next two years will strengthen the connection between society, science, and th…

University of Latvia Communication Department

April 15, 2026

upcoming events

Conference

BTechPro Conference

2026-05-06

All day

Siguldas Devons

Conference

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

2026-05-11

All day

Valmiera

Conference

Environmental and Climate Technologies Conference “CONECT 2026”

2026-05-12

All day

Zunda krastmalā 8

Forum

Deep‑tech Commercialization forum “Innovation Impact Forum 2026”

2026-05-12

8:30 am

University of Latvia’s House of Science, Jelgavas Street 3, Riga, in the “Alfa” auditorium

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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