"Innovation in Action" RTU Scientists will Discover how Modern Laboratory Equipment Helps Create International Innovations

On December 12, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Riga Technical University (RTU) scientists will introduce representatives of industry and academia to the laboratory equipment purchased with support from SIA "Mikrotīkls". With it, scientists conduct research and develop innovations in various areas critical to the national economy, including future communications and traffic infrastructure, while students gain practical skills in demand in the labour market.

The event will take place in the hall of the RTU Engineering High School, Āzenes Street 12, 4th floor.

At it, leading researchers from RTU will introduce the use of laboratory equipment in studies, science and industry, for example, Professor Sandis Spolītis and Leading Researcher Jānis Braunfelds from the Institute of Photonics, Electronics and Electronic Communications of the Faculty of Computer Science, Information Technology and Energy will reveal how a high-resolution optical spectrum analyser and a multifunctional programmable specialised optical fiber welding machine help them develop world-class innovations in the field of optical sensors and photonics microchip technologies. In turn, Associate Professor Viktors Kharitonovs from the Institute of Civil Engineering of the Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (BMF) will tell how modern equipment, including an accelerated ageing chamber, an asphalt concrete analyser and equipment for the production of high-precision samples, contributes to the development of road construction materials and technologies.

The event will also be attended by leading researchers from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, Jānis Lungevičs and Ernests Jansons, who will demonstrate the possibilities of using a microhardness measuring device in materials research. At the same time, Irina Novosjolova, Associate Professor at the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology (FST), will discuss the development of analytical methods using gas and liquid chromatography. With the support of SIA "Mikrotīkls", the faculty acquired a new gas chromatograph with a mass selective detector, without which modern analytical chemistry is unthinkable.

SIA "Mikrotīkls" is a long-term supporter of RTU, having donated 5.79 million euros since 2016 to modernise laboratories, improve infrastructure, and purchase equipment. One of the newest devices - a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer for rapid identification of microorganisms - was acquired this fall by the Institute of Water Systems and Biotechnology of the FST. Previously, with the company's support, the institute's scientific equipment was supplemented with equipment sets for sample collection and processing, which are essential for biotechnology and molecular genetics research. Brigita Dejus, the institute's leading researcher, will discuss how RTU scientists use nucleic acid analysis methods to generate new knowledge at the event.

RTU also invites other researchers and companies to use modern research equipment to implement contract research, national and international scientific projects in cooperation with RTU.

SIA "Mikrotīkls" is the most significant supporter of RTU. Donations are administered by the RTU Development Fund, which annually attracts about 2.5 million euros.

Program.