Researcher Spotlight 2026

Extraordinary personalities and their achievements

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Researcher Spotlight: Monta Brīvība

Dr. biol. Monta Brīvība 

Head of the Genome Centre at the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (National Institute of Research and Innovation)

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innovation

Successfully Completed Project: “Lightweight, Flexible Modified Hybrid Fabric with 3D Composite Coating and Enhanced Electromagnetic Protection in Field Conditions”

On January 31 of this year, the research and development grant project No. RTU-PA-2024/1-0091, “Lightweight, Flexible Modified Hybrid Fabric with 3D Composite Coating and Enhanced Electromagnetic Protection in Field Conditions,” was successfully completed. The aim of this project was to de…

Riga Technical University

March 4, 2026

science policy

Additional Support Will Be Available for Applied research

The Ministry of Education and Science with support from European Union funds, will increase the funding available to Latvian scientific institutes by €14.2 million for conducting applied research, with priority given to projects in the fields of external and internal security. As a result, the tota…

Ministry of Education and Science

March 3, 2026

competition youth

RTU Announces LACHMAT Scholarship Competition for Pupils and Students

Riga Technical University (RTU) invites secondary school pupils, vocational education students, and bachelor’s degree students to apply for a scholarship competition. Pupils will be able to receive a scholarship for developing a research project, project work, or module assignment, while bachelor’s…

Riga Technical University

March 3, 2026

research space security

ALPSTAR Information Day Promotes Awareness of Space Opportunities for Strengthening National Defence and Security

Today, on March 3, an information day was held at the Ministry of Education and Science, during which the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ALPSTAR initiative was discussed. The initiative aims to develop a sovereign and interconnected intelligence and surveillance infrastructure that strengthens natio…

researchLatvia

March 3, 2026

science communication

Travelling Exhibition "Research Latvia 2026" on Display at the Scientific Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR" and "AKROPOLE Riga"

The travelling exhibition "Science for Latvia 2026", created by the Ministry of Education and Science, provides a unique opportunity to learn about 12 Latvian scientific excellences and their contributions to society and research. In March, the travelling exhibition and science calendar highlight t…

researchLatvia

March 2, 2026

research

26 Research Projects Receive Funding in the Second “BioPhoT” Call

In the second research and innovation project call of “BioPhoT,” funding has been awarded to 26 top-rated projects. A total of EUR 4,710,859 will be invested in their implementation, with each project receiving up to EUR 190,000 for eight months of research and innovation activities. 26 top-r…

Amanda Boka

March 2, 2026

science communication

LU leading researcher Tatjana Pladere receives the “Optica Ambassador” title

The leading researcher at the University of Latvia (UL), Tatjana Pladere, has received the “Optica Ambassador” recognition awarded by the international professional society Optica to outstanding young leaders in the field of optics and photonics. T. Pladere is the first representative from the Balt…

Labs of Latvia

February 27, 2026

innovation

Science and Industry Join Forces to Advance Battery Technologies in Latvia

On 25 February 2026, the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), hosted the country’s first-ever Battery Industry Day, bringing together a broad spectrum of researchers, companies, and public-sector representatives to discuss the future of battery technologies and strength…

Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia

February 27, 2026

innovation technologies

Developing Smart Asphalt Technologies for Greener Road Construction

The first experiment in Latvia to build a road using a sustainable bio-asphalt mixture—replacing a large portion of petroleum-based bitumen with lignin, a by-product of wood processing, and reclaimed asphalt—has been successful. Scientists, working in close cooperation with industry, continue to im…

Labs of Latvia

February 26, 2026

innovation

“OLEC Technology” is developing next-generation lighting

The deep-tech startup “OLEC Technology” is developing a technology that allows thin, flexible, and energy-efficient lighting panels to be manufactured more simply and potentially at lower cost than with traditional LED technologies. Currently, most LED component manufacturing takes place in …

Labs of Latvia

February 26, 2026

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Maritime Synergy Forum

2026-04-16

12:00 pm

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ESA course "Teach with Exoplanets: Discover Distant Planets for Education"

2026-04-16

5:30 pm

Concert Hall Great Amber

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EIT Jumpstarter Information Session

2026-04-17

3:00 pm

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Online Training Seminar “Creating Research Data Metadata: Quality, Standards, Documentation

2026-04-24

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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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