Many Latvian researchers living abroad maintain professional contacts with Latvia's research environment and collaborate with colleagues in related scientific fields. For this purpose, a diaspora scientist database has been created on Latvia's science communication portal researchLatvia, which brings together researchers working abroad and systematizes information about their professional activities.

The database was created in 2024 and is open to all researchers who live outside Latvia and wish to maintain a professional connection with Latvia's research environment: https://www.researchlatvia.gov.lv/lv/diaspora
Social anthropologist, doctoral candidate Mg. sc. soc. Anna Žabicka shares her experience: "Living outside Latvia, the researchLatvia database became a significant resource for maintaining professional ties with Latvian science. It helped me discover colleagues in my field and expanded my international network. The platform provides an opportunity for the diaspora to maintain contact with Latvia's research environment."
Such examples demonstrate that the database is both an information tool and a resource that reflects the professional diversity of Latvian researchers and promotes new collaborations.
Why join the diaspora researcher database?
By registering in the database, researchers gain the opportunity to:
- maintain professional contacts with Latvian and diaspora colleagues;
- find collaboration partners for projects, publications and innovation development;
- participate in community networking activities;
- access information about current developments in Latvia's research environment;
- be part of an international research community that promotes Latvia's science recognition worldwide.
The database is integrated into the science portal researchLatvia.gov.lv, providing convenient profile management and information accessibility.
A community that grows with each new application
The more diaspora researchers join the database, the broader the opportunities become for collaboration and knowledge exchange. This is a significant resource for promoting cooperation with Latvia's research environment – especially in the circulation of international projects, innovations and the latest findings.
The database expands with each new application, while strengthening the presence of Latvian researchers in the international environment and promoting new collaboration opportunities. The more diaspora researchers join, the wider the network becomes and the greater the opportunities for long-term cooperation. For example, repatriated researchers can become a significant link between Latvia's and foreign research environments. Experience and international perspective promote closer cooperation and strengthen Latvia's science recognition worldwide.
All personal data in the database is processed in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation requirements, ensuring secure and responsible use of information.
The digital scientist database is being developed within the framework of project No. 1.1.1.1/1/24/I/001 "More Effective and Smarter Implementation and Management of Latvian Science Policy" implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science.