Dr. chem. Gints Šmits, Leading Researcher and Head of the Laboratory of Active Compounds of the Central Nervous System at the National Institute of Research and Innovation. As a Leading Researcher at the National Institute of Research and Innovation (NIRI) and Head of the Laboratory of Active Compounds of the Central Nervous System, Dr. chem. Gints Šmits also serves as an Associate Professor at the Riga Technical University (RTU). His work lies at the intersection of chemistry, biotechnology and biomaterials – particularly in the field of biomimetic solutions inspired by nature. His research focuses on how naturally occurring compounds and structures can be adapted for medical applications.