The travelling exhibition "Science for Latvia 2026", created by the Ministry of Education and Science, provides a unique opportunity to learn about 12 Latvian scientific excellences and their contributions to society and research. In March, the travelling exhibition and science calendar highlight the work and contributions of researchers at the Scientific Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", emphasising the institute's importance in the Latvian research landscape. From March 2 to 27, the exhibition will be on display at the institute, Lejupes Street 3, and from March 2 to March 16, it will be at "AKROPOLE RIGA". The exhibition is free and open to all interested parties.
Twelve scientific excellences, 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 "Science for Latvia 2026" reflect the issues studied by Latvian scientists that affect our society, environment and culture. Each scientist represents their own unique field of research.
"Science allows us to perceive and interpret the world more broadly and deeply, basing our decisions on research and proven facts rather than assumptions," emphasises Mg. med. vet. Žanete Šteingolde, Head of the Microbiology and Pathology Laboratory of the Institute "BIOR".
The travelling exhibition will be on display throughout the year at various higher education institutions and other public and cultural venues across Latvia. By scanning the QR codes, anyone interested can watch all 12 video stories. This initiative not only increases the visibility of science but also strengthens the public's connection to it.
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.
