Researcher Spotlight 2026

Extraordinary personalities and their achievements

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Researcher Spotlight: Monta Brīvība

Dr. biol. Monta Brīvība 

Head of the Genome Centre at the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (National Institute of Research and Innovation)

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in brief

We are building a stable and strong national research environment, enabling international and public-private partnerships to emerge.

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why Latvia

Latvia's research policy is developed in order to create the maximum number of opportunities both in the research and education system and in the business environment.

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mission

We believe that a culture of knowledge offers the best opportunities for creating and sustaining a strong civil society in a world that is constantly changing.

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research spotlight

research space

How Latvian Scientists Are Creating a New Power Source for Space Missions

Providing electrical power during long-duration and deep-space missions has always been a challenge. Scientists at the Institute of Physics of the University of Latvia (UL) are developing a new technology that could provide electricity for extended space missions. At the end of last year, we c…

University of Latvia Faculty of Science and Technology | Artūrs Brēķis | Valters Dzelme

April 17, 2026

science policy

Advancing a Unified Regulation for Academic and Research Careers in Higher Education and Science

On Tuesday, 14 April, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the package of amendments to the academic career regulation proposed by the Ministry of Education and Science, covering the Law on Higher Education Institutions, the Vocational Education Law, and the Scientific Activity Law. The amendments int…

Ministry of Education and Science

April 17, 2026

research opportunity

The European Competitiveness Fund Will Open Opportunities for Latvian Entrepreneurs and Researchers

The European Competitiveness Fund is part of the European Commission’s proposal for the new European Union multiannual budget and aims to establish a single financial instrument that brings together existing programmes in innovation, digital development, defence, health, and other areas. The Fund w…

LIAA – Enterprise Europe Network

April 16, 2026

research opportunity collaboration

Applications Open for the Pre Acceleration Programme EIT Jumpstarter 2026 – Latvian Winners Boreal Cacao Share Their Experience

From an idea born during a market crisis to an award‑winning solution at the European level - Boreal Cacao share their experience of how the EIT Jumpstarter pre‑acceleration programme helped transform their idea into a viable business direction. The journey of Boreal Cacao is a strong example …

Riga Technical University

April 15, 2026

science communication

University of Latvia Secures Prestigious MSCA Grant for the Science Communication Project Aurora Nexus

The University of Latvia (UL) has secured prestigious funding from the European Commission’s Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA) and is launching an ambitious science communication project, Aurora Nexus, which over the next two years will strengthen the connection between society, science, and th…

University of Latvia Communication Department

April 15, 2026

science policy

Advancing a Unified Framework for Academic and Research Careers in Higher Education and Science

On Tuesday, April 14, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a package of amendments to the regulatory framework for academic careers, proposed by the Ministry of Education and Science. The amendments concern the Law on Higher Education Institutions, the Vocational Education Law, and the Law on Scientif…

Ministry of Education and Science

April 14, 2026

collaboration

RTU Strengthens Link Between Academic Environment and Maritime Industry by Signing Agreement with Crewing Company "LSC"

Strengthening the link between the academic environment and the maritime industry, Riga Technical University (RTU) has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the crewing company "LSC" regarding long-term collaboration in education, professional development, and the promotion of sustainability with…

Riga Technical University

April 14, 2026

collaboration research science communication

A Different Kind of UL Conference

The overarching theme of the 84th International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia (UL), which we are organising from April 14 to 16, is "The University of the Future – Impact-Driven Leadership." This is UL’s response to the challenges of our time, reflecting on the role universities…

Latvijas Universitāte

April 13, 2026

science communication

April Research Spotlight Monta Brīvība: Unlocking the Genome for a Healthier Future

At the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, genome research drives Monta Brīvība’s efforts to understand how genetic variation shapes human health. As Head of the Genome Centre and researcher in the Precision Medicine Group, she explores how genomic data can reveal disease risks and s…

researchLatvia

April 13, 2026

research

The Latvian Academy of Sciences and Its Partners to Present Named Awards and Young Scientist Prizes

This year, the named awards established by the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) and its cooperation partners will be presented to eleven scientists, including several early-career researchers, and five prizes for young scientists will also be awarded. The awards will be presented on Thursday, Apri…

Latvian Academy of Sciences

April 11, 2026

upcoming events

Webinar

EIT Jumpstarter Information Session

2026-04-17

3:00 pm

Online

Seminar

Latvia’s partnership in the international LOFAR radio telescope network

2026-04-20

All day

Ventspils

Workshop

Online Training Seminar “Creating Research Data Metadata: Quality, Standards, Documentation

2026-04-24

9:00 am

Online

Workshop

Practical Seminar "What to Do with a Table?!"

2026-04-24

3:00 pm

Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka

top videos

April Researcher Spotlight: Monta Brīvība

Dr. biol. Monta Brīvība is Head of the Genome Centre and Researcher in the Precision Medicine Group at the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre. At the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, genome research drives Monta Brīvība's efforts to understand how genetic variation shapes human health. As Head of the Genome Centre and researcher in the Precision Medicine Group, she explores how genomic data can reveal disease risks and support the development of more accurate, personalised healthcare. BMC is one of the centres established by the National Research and Innovation Institute (NIRI), promoting excellence in biomedical research.

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March Researcher Spotlight: Žanete Šteingolde

Mg. med. vet. Žanete Šteingolde is Head of the Microbiology and Pathology Laboratory at the Institute "BIOR", working at the intersection of animal, environmental and public health, developing research based on the "One Health" approach. Her work focuses on animal infectious diseases, including zoonoses, combining laboratory diagnostics with epidemiological analysis. The researcher participates in a European co-funded international "One Health" surveillance project, studying diseases that affect both animals and humans – including West Nile fever, which was detected in Latvia for the first time in 2024.

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February Researcher Spotlight: Edgars Kuka

Ph. D. Edgars Kuka, Researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. Edgars Kuka is a researcher at the Wood Degradation and Protection Laboratory of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry.

His work is dedicated to understanding how various environmental factors, including moisture, microorganisms, and solar radiation, affect the properties of wood materials and how innovative solutions can extend their service life, making the use of biomaterials broader and more sustainable. His research promotes more efficient use and protection of wood as an environmentally friendly material.

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