Lecture “From Excellence to Impact: How to Plan Meaningful Research”

From 14 to 16 April, the University of Latvia (UL) will host its 84th International Scientific Conference, whose overarching theme this year is “The University of the Future – Impact‑Driven Leadership.” At the Opening Academic Plenary Session, a keynote lecture will be delivered by Evelyn Uuemaa, recipient of a European Research Council (ERC) grant and Professor of Geoinformatics at the University of Tartu.

The conference will feature nine thematic plenary sessions dedicated to UL’s priority research directions, as well as 52 thematic sections where participants will have the opportunity to explore more than 600 scientific presentations and 185 poster presentations. Researchers from UL, other Latvian institutions, and abroad will take part, and all interested attendees are welcome.

The opening plenary session, featuring Prof. Uuemaa’s lecture “From Excellence to Impact: How to Plan Meaningful Research?”, will take place in person on 14 April at 9:00 in the UL House of Science, Alfa Auditorium. The lecture will highlight the main thematic direction of the UL 84th International Scientific Conference — strengthening the link between science and society by emphasizing the role of research in addressing contemporary challenges.

Professor Uuemaa successfully combines innovative research with practical societal and environmental impact. Her achievements include receiving an ERC grant in 2023 and leading the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Land Use funded by the Estonian Research Council.

In her lecture, the professor will address how to unite scientific excellence with societal impact, transforming them from competing goals into mutually reinforcing factors, and will encourage a broader discussion on the role of research quality in long‑term development.

The second part of the plenary session will feature a panel discussion in which researchers and policymakers will examine how to communicate scientific excellence clearly and effectively to different audiences — the academic community, policymakers, and society at large. Special attention will be given to the responsibility of scientists and the role of academic institutions in fostering research that is meaningful and sustainable for society.

About the Conference

The aim of the UL 84th International Scientific Conference is to highlight the essential role of universities in generating knowledge, contributing to societal development, and creating sustainable solutions. The conference programme places special emphasis on nine UL priority research directions, reflecting the significant impact of higher education and science on society, the economy, and national development:

• development of human capital and the creation of a healthy, knowledge‑based society
• history, languages, and identity resilience
• technological and digital development of the state
• strengthening global competitiveness
• increasing innovation capacity
• development of the national financial system and capital market; tax system and its principles
• strengthening external and internal security
• environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation
• efficiency of public administration

The conference will take place in person at the UL Academic Centre (Riga, Jelgavas Street 1 and 3) and online. Participation is free of charge, and registration is open until 11 April.

**Registration for the conference is available on the UL 84th International Scientific Conference website: **
konference84.lu.lv, where participants can select specific thematic sessions.