The travelling exhibition “Research Latvia 2026”, created by the Ministry of Education and Science, offers a unique opportunity to discover 12 outstanding Latvian scientists and their contributions to the development of society and research. In May, the travelling exhibition and the science calendar highlight the work and achievements of the University of Latvia Institute of Solid State Physics (ISSP UL), emphasising the institute’s significance within Latvia’s research landscape.
From 5 to 29 May, the exhibition will be on display at the institute, Ķengaraga Street 8, and until 20 May it will be available at the KURZEME shopping centre. The exhibition is free of charge and open to all visitors.
Twelve science excellence figures, representing 12 leading Latvian scientific institutions, demonstrate the strength and diversity of Latvian science in the European Research Area. In collaboration with the science communication platform researchLatvia, the calendar and exhibition "Research Latvia 2026" reflect the questions studied by Latvian scientists that affect our society, environment and culture. Each scientist represents their unique research field.
“Research and development of new materials are often the first steps towards innovation in high-tech industries. As a researcher, I feel pleased when discoveries at the atomic level lead to tangible results on a global scale,” admits Ph. D. Edgars Butanovs, Lead Researcher at the Thin Films Laboratory and Head of the Semiconductor Thin Film Nanotechnology Group at the University of Latvia, Institute of Solid State Physics.
Throughout the year, the traveling exhibition can be viewed at various higher education institutions, as well as other public and cultural venues across Latvia. By scanning QR codes, anyone interested can watch all 12 video stories. This initiative not only promotes science recognition but also strengthens society's connection with science.
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
- 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.
