University of Latvia to Invite Young People to Experiment and Meet Researchers at the “KOPUMS 2026” Youth Opportunities Festival

This year’s festival motto is “A Heart Ablaze with Courage, Eyes Shining towards the Future”, highlighting young people’s initiative, creativity and desire to shape their own future. The organisation stand area, including the “Aurora Nexus” science tent activities, will be open in the car park of the Rēzekne Olympic Centre at 30 Stacijas Street, Rēzekne, from 13.00 to 16.30.

During the event, representatives of the University of Latvia’s School for Young Physicists will invite visitors to try exciting experiments exploring the properties of light, rotation and airflows. Visitors will be able to observe surprising optical phenomena, measure the thickness of a hair using a laser and discover how the laws of physics can make objects appear to levitate.

Meanwhile, doctoral students in the humanities and biological sciences at the University of Latvia will talk about their work in science, their research and the everyday life of a researcher. Through informal conversations, visitors will be able to learn how research ideas emerge, how science affects our daily lives and how to become a researcher. Young people will have the opportunity to ask questions, take part in activities and gain a closer insight into science.

University of Latvia doctoral student in the humanities and UL Science Ambassador Dace Aleksandraviča is currently at the beginning of her research journey and studies language – what our language choices reveal about our thinking, values and relationship with the world around us.

“My path towards research began with curiosity and a desire to understand the world. The more you learn, the more clearly you realise how much there still is to explore and discover. I also want to encourage young people not to be afraid of pursuing a career in research. You do not need to know all the answers to become a researcher. It is far more important to remain curious, ask bold questions and be prepared to seek evidence-based answers. That is precisely how science begins,” says D. Aleksandraviča, who visitors will be able to meet in the “Aurora Nexus” science tent.

Participation in the festival is an activity of the University of Latvia project “Aurora Nexus: Connecting People, Science and Art”, which aims to stimulate young people’s interest in science, promote participation and engagement, and strengthen the connection between society and research.

The “KOPUMS 2026” Youth Opportunities Festival brings together young people, educational institutions, organisations and public authorities from across Latvia. The festival aims to introduce young people to opportunities in education, careers, volunteering and civic participation by offering a wide range of activities throughout the day. This year, Rēzekne is preparing to host the “KOPUMS” Youth Opportunities Festival and announce the Latvian Youth Capital 2027.