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Ph. D. Edgars Butanovs, Lead researcher at the Thin Films Laboratory of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia and head of the Semiconductor Thin Film Nanotechnology Group, PhD Edgars Butanovs focuses on developing ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor coatings – materials with the potential to transform high-power electronics and next-generation energy systems. His research explores how these advanced thin films can improve efficiency, reduce losses and enable new applications in optoelectronics, sensing and renewable technologies.
 

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.

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.

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.

Dr. biol. Ingrīda Andersone, Head of the Experimental Hydrobiology Department

Ingrīda Andersone is working at the Institute for 30 years, since its establishment. Most of this time has been devoted to studying underwater habitats and marine ecosystems. Her work involves analysing living resources, biodiversity and the human impact on the Baltic Sea, with particular attention to ecological processes beneath the water surface.

Mg. art., Mg. soc. D. Baltiņa is Director of the National Library of Latvia.

The scientist is also a lecturer at the Latvian Academy of Culture, former Secretary General of the UNESCO National Commission of Latvia, an internationally recognized cultural heritage expert with extensive experience at UNESCO. Her professional interests focus on the role of libraries in societal planning, well-being and development. Since 2018, she has led the Special Collections Department of the National Library of Latvia, developing scientific research work and the organization and management of special collections, leading the largest research projects and grants, for which high national and international recognition has been received, ensuring international representation at UNESCO, CERL, LIBER, Europeana, cooperation with other world libraries, and leading the National Library of Latvia event series "500 Years of Latvian Books".

Ph.D. Baiba Tjarve is Deputy Director and Leading Researcher at the Institute of Culture and Arts, Latvian Academy of Culture.

The scientist actively participates in national and international research projects, including European research collaboration networks and State Research Programs. B. Tjarve has participated in numerous applied research projects in the cultural sector, accumulating significant experience in cultural consumption, cultural management, audience development, and participation issues. Her research helps strengthen the foundation for cultural policy development in Latvia and provides practical recommendations to municipalities and cultural institutions for the development of the cultural environment.

Dr. sc. ing. Sergejs Gaidukovs  Riga Technical University, Tenured Professor in the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology.

Professor Sergejs Gaidukovs specializes in research on biomass polymers and promotion of a sustainable environment, contributing to the development of polymer science through his research work.Together with his colleagues, he has developed a technology to turn biomass waste from renewable forestry and agricultural biomass, its waste and by-products of production into sustainable bioplastic products – biodegradable plastics. In 2021, the Latvian Academy of Sciences has named it an important achievement in applied science. In 2024, he received the RTU award "Scientist of the Year".

Dr.  phil. Raivis Bičevskis is a tenured professor at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Latvia, specializing in social philosophy within the field of philosophy, ethics, and religion. He also serves as the Head of the Department of Philosophy and Ethics at the University of Latvia and is a widely recognized philosopher both in Latvia and internationally.

His research interests are focused on social and political philosophy, continental philosophy, phenomenology, hermeneutics, and the influence of Heidegger’s philosophy on contemporary thought. R. Bičevskis also examines the interaction between philosophy and society, as well as ethical issues and the development of cultural philosophy.