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

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

innovation

Applications Now Open for Venture Catalysts - Empowering Science-Based Innovation in Latvia

As Latvia continues to strengthen its innovation ecosystem, the Venture Catalysts program is once again opening its doors to researchers, entrepreneurs, and deep tech enthusiasts. Applications for the upcoming cohort are now officially open until May 12, 2026, inviting participants to take the next…

Latvian Investment and Development Agency

April 10, 2026

medicine

Exploring How Small Changes Can Increase Participation in Cancer Screening Programs

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and early detection is often crucial. For this reason, cancer screening programs play a vital role as one of the most important tools in disease prevention. Although screening programs are available, participation rates in many places remain i…

Labs of Latvia

April 10, 2026

science policy

Reforms have strengthened the international competitiveness of Latvian science

The reforms implemented to date in higher education and science, along with the successful scientific performance of institutions, have enhanced the international competitiveness of Latvian science. This is evidenced by the growing involvement of Latvian scientific institutions in significant Europ…

Ministry of Education and Science | researchLatvia

April 9, 2026

space

Seminar on the ESA National Programme – Support for Business and Research

On March 31, the annual seminar on Latvia’s participation in the European Space Agency (ESA) national programme (Requesting Party Activities – RPA) took place at the Space Exploration Centre. During the event, ESA representatives provided practical guidance on developing project proposals, the stru…

researchLatvia

April 9, 2026

science communication

Meet the Young Scientist! – Aina Semjonova

Aina Semjonova is a researcher at the Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Latvia, and an Assistant Professor (acting) at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Rīga Stradiņš University. Aina is currently implementing a postdoctoral project entitled “The Importance of Co‑former Selection in Cocry…

Latvian Young Scientists Association

April 9, 2026

innovation

Latvian Scientists Develop a Beverage to Activate Anti‑Obesity Genes

On 7 April, World Health Day is celebrated across the globe. One of the most pressing public health challenges worldwide today is obesity and excess weight. Due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits, an increasing share of the population — including children and young people — is aff…

Ministry of Education and Science

April 8, 2026

innovation

Latvia to Receive European Investment Bank Support for Technological Innovation; RTU to Launch Pilot Project

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will advise Latvia on how to accelerate the development of rapidly growing business sectors. The pilot project will assess the development plan of Riga Technical University (RTU) to demonstrate how major investments in universities can support national innovation …

Rīgas Tehniskā universitāte

April 8, 2026

upcoming events

Online event

Online training on preparing applications for the 2026 call of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

2026-04-13

All day

Online

Lecture

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

2026-04-14

9:00 am

UL House of Science, Alfa Auditorium

Lecture

Open Lecture: “Novel Food and Genetically Modified Organisms“

2026-04-15

9:00 am

LU Dabas māja, Jelgavas iela 1, Rīga

Online event

European Research Infrastructures Information Day

2026-04-15

10:00 am

Online

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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