Researcher Spotlight 2026

Extraordinary personalities and their achievements

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Researcher Spotlight: Edgars Butanovs

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

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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

Riga Technical University will ceremonially open the Sustainability Competence Centre

On May 26 at 15:30, at the atrium of the Riga Technical University (RTU) Institute of Architecture and Design, at 6 Ķīpsalas Street, by signing a cooperation memorandum between RTU, the Ministry of Economics, and the Ministry of Climate and Energy, the Sustainability Competence Centre will be cerem…

RTU

May 26, 2026

innovation

Star Wars in the Carrot Field: “WeedBot” Has Created a Device for Weed Control

The startup WeedBot has developed an AI‑powered weed‑control machine capable of precisely identifying and eliminating weeds in carrot fields using laser technology. Over six years, the idea has evolved from a research concept into a commercial product, and this spring the company sold its first mac…

Zane Ozoliņa | Latvian Public Media

May 26, 2026

science communication

Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia: Where Science Meets Innovation

The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) is an internationally recognized leader in materials science and interdisciplinary research fields.For 48 years, ISSP UL has been researching various materials, films, and related innovations, as well as educating future generatio…

The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia

May 25, 2026

space

Latvian Students Invited to Apply for ESA National Graduate Trainee Programme

A unique career opportunity in the European space sector is now open exclusively to candidates from Latvia. The European Space Agency (ESA) National Graduate Trainee (NGT) Programme is currently accepting applications for two positions, offering recent graduates and final year Master’s students the…

researchLatvia

May 25, 2026

entrepreneurship science

In a former lipstick workshop – microalgae. How ‘SpirulinaNord’ is expanding the cultivation of ‘superfood’

It turns out that green thinking can be not only environmentally friendly but also practical and not a hindrance to business, but even beneficial. In a production facility in Ziepniekkalns, in the former lipstick workshop of the “Dzintars” factory, microalgae — the freshest spirulina in the world —…

Zane Ozoliņa | LSM

May 25, 2026

innovation

The best student ideas have been identified in the RTU financial innovation challenge ‘FinQuest Coopetition 2026

In the financial innovation challenge “FinQuest Coopetition 2026”, students develop solutions over the course of a month for preventing fraud and financial scams in the age of artificial intelligence, promoting investment habits, as well as developing sustainable pension savings. The financial…

kursors.lv

May 22, 2026

public health science natural sciences

Latvian scientists will create a digital twin: an innovative model for predicting diseases and pollution

An ambitious project has been launched in the Latvian scientific community, the aim of which is to develop a modern digital model, or a “digital twin”. This technological solution will enable more precise than ever prediction of the spread of various diseases and environmental pollution risks, usin…

Latvijas Biomedicīnas pētījumu un studiju centrs

May 22, 2026

science communication

‘STEAM Hub’ at Forest Days in Tērvete will invite children and families to create, explore, and discover the professions of the future

On May 22 and 23, 2026, at the Forest Days organised by “Latvian State Forests” in Tērvete Nature Park, the “STEAM Hub” initiative will continue its outreach to a wider audience, inviting children and families to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through practical expe…

Latvijas Finieris

May 21, 2026

science international collaboration

Swiss–Latvian Digital Centre launched in Riga to boost innovation in the energy sector

On May 15, the Swiss–Latvian Smart Energy Digital Centre was officially launched in Riga as part of the international conference Deep Tech Atelier 2026. The centre has been established within the framework of the LACISE project, led by the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISS…

LU Cietvielu fizikas institūts

May 21, 2026

science policy science

In the discussion on gender equality in science, challenges are openly addressed

On 13 May, a discussion “Gender equality plans in higher education institutions: exchange of experience on implementation” took place at the EU House. It was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Welfare, higher education institutions, and scientific …

researchLatvia

May 20, 2026

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Conference

BTechPro Conference

2026-05-06

All day

Siguldas Devons

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Training program Venture Catalysts

2026-05-19

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An academic lecture will address the application of theoretical mechanics in the analysis of extreme processes and the development of optimal solutions

2026-05-26

3:00 pm

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Interdisciplinary symposium “From Looking to Seeing: Visual Literacy in the Visual World”

2026-05-27

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Jelgavas iela 1, Rīga

top videos

May Researcher Spotlight: Edgars Butanovs

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.
 

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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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