The Cabinet of Ministers has approved amendments prepared by the Ministry of Education and Science to the regulations governing the implementation of State Research Programmes (SRP). The changes aim to make programme funding more transparent and better aligned with the state budget planning process.
Until now, SRP projects often had a final payment of up to 10% made in the year following the programme’s completion, which caused complications in budget planning. From now on, funding will be disbursed in accordance with the project agreement, ensuring that all payments are made within the same year in which they are planned. This will make the use of state funds more transparent and efficient.
"These changes will help ensure that public funding for research is used purposefully and efficiently, while also enabling the wider public to learn more about research results and their relevance to everyday life. Investment in science is an investment in our future – in a competitive, innovative, and sustainable Latvia," emphasised Liene Levada, Director of the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation at the Ministry of Education and Science.
In addition, the amendments provide that sectoral ministries will have the opportunity to use funding for public awareness activities related to SRP implementation – for example, by communicating the programmes’ objectives, results, and their importance for societal and economic development. This will strengthen public understanding of the role of science in national well-being and promote transparent communication between researchers, policymakers, and the public.
The circle of applicants eligible for SRP platform projects has also been expanded, allowing doctoral students and PhD candidates to submit proposals. This clarification will foster the entry of new ideas and innovative solutions into the scientific environment, allowing young researchers to implement their own initiatives that can contribute to Latvia’s economic and technological advancement.
The amendments have been coordinated with all relevant ministries and institutions, including the Ministries of Economics, Finance, Health, Culture, Climate and Energy, Defence, and Agriculture, as well as with the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia and the Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees.
The Cabinet-approved draft regulation of 14 October 2025, “Amendments to Cabinet Regulation No. 560 of 4 September 2018 ‘Procedure for the Implementation of State Research Programme Projects‘”, is available on the website of the Cabinet of Ministers.
