The Ministry of Education and Science, in cooperation with the Latvian Council of Science, invites you to participate in a survey to identify society’s views on issues and challenges that are important for Latvia and in whose resolution a significant role is also played by projects implemented under the Fundamental and Applied Research Programme (FLPP).
Public engagement is an important step in strengthening the dialogue between science and society. Its aim is to promote mutual understanding, trust, and transparent communication about how public funding for science serves the development of society and the national economy.
We invite entrepreneurs, experts from various fields, non-governmental organizations, representatives of the public sector, and any interested individual to get involved by 8 March and share their views on the most significant challenges facing Latvia that require scientific solutions.
Public Perspective – Additional Context for Research Directions
The purpose of the survey is to identify society’s views on priority areas in Latvia where the contribution of scientists would be particularly important. The thematic directions formulated by society will be compiled and included in the regulations of the FLPP project call and made available to researchers so they can align their research proposals with societal needs and current challenges.
At the same time, it is important to emphasize that gathering public opinion does not affect researchers’ academic freedom and does not replace the evaluation of scientific quality, which forms the foundation of the FLPP and is based on international, independent expert assessment in accordance with the criteria of scientific excellence, impact, and quality of implementation.
The identified thematic directions will also be shared, in compiled form, with international experts evaluating FLPP project proposals, thereby providing broader context about the needs and challenges of Latvian society.
The FLPP is the main national instrument for strengthening scientific excellence in Latvia. Its objective is to support high-quality fundamental and applied research that generates new knowledge, develops research competencies, and creates a foundation for further participation in international programmes.
Science – The Foundation of National Development and Competitiveness
Science is a key prerequisite for national development, competitiveness, and security. It generates new knowledge, strengthens higher education, promotes innovation, and helps address challenges that matter to society.
From medical solutions and digital technologies to social policy and economic development instruments, scientific research influences our daily lives far more broadly than we often realize. For Latvia, as a country with limited resources, it is particularly important to develop high value-added knowledge and competencies that enable international competitiveness.
Public participation is essential to ensure that Latvian science develops in dialogue with societal needs while maintaining internationally recognized quality standards.
