The travelling exhibition “Research Latvia 2026”, created by the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia, offers a unique opportunity to become acquainted with 12 outstanding Latvian scientists and their contributions to the development of society and research. In January, the traveling exhibition and science calendar highlight the work and researchers of the Daugavpils University agency Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (LIAE), emphasizing the institute’s role within Latvia’s research landscape. The exhibition is on display in the foyer of Daugavpils University at 13 Vienības Street and at the Latvian Academy of Culture, Gara māja, 2nd floor, 58A Miera Street.
Twelve scientific excellence representatives from 12 leading Latvian research institutions demonstrate the strength and diversity of Latvian science within the European Research Area. In cooperation with the science communication platform researchLatvia, the calendar and exhibition “Research Latvia 2026” reflect the research topics explored by Latvian scientists that influence our society, environment, and culture. Each scientist represents a unique field of research.
“Most people see the sea as a mirror-like surface of water. Those of us who are destined to look into the depths of the sea must become storytellers of the sea, revealing to society what is invisible to the naked eye about how we interact with the sea!” Dr. biol. Ingrīda Andersone, Head of the Experimental Hydrobiology Department and Leading Researcher at Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology.
Throughout the year, the traveling exhibition will be displayed at various higher education institutions as well as other public and cultural venues across Latvia. By scanning QR codes, visitors will be able to watch all 12 video stories. This initiative not only promotes the visibility of science but also strengthens the connection between science and society.
After last year, when higher education institutions were included in the calendar, the Science Ambassadors initiative is being continued this year, with a focus on national research institutes. The 12 researchers featured in the calendar represent a wide range of research fields:
- Dr. biol. Ingrīda Andersone, Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology
- Ph. D. Edgars Kuka, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
- doktora grāda kandidāte Mg. med. vet. Žanete Šteingolde, the Scientific Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”
- Dr. biol. Monta Brīvība, Latvian Biomedical Research & Study centre
- Ph. D. Edgars Butanovs, Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
- Ph. D. Jānis Ozoliņš, Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of University of Latvia
- Dr. agr. Līga Lepse, Institute of Horticulture
- Mg. soc. sci. Ieva Leimane, The Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics
- Ph. D. Jānis Ārents, EDI - Institute of Electronics and Computer Science
- Dr. chem. Gints Šmits, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis
- Mg. sc. comp. Baiba Kaškina, The Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Latvia
- Dr. silv. Dagnija Lazdiņa, Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava"
The science calendar was developed within the framework of European Regional Development Fund 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. Developers: Izstrādātāji: SIA “VFS FILMS” un “researchLatvia” team; Photographer Ieva Romaško, video director Guntars Graiksts, producer Kristīne Pleša, operator Jānis Šēnbergs, design by Anna Skane.
