During its informational campaign “Science and Your Life: Notice and Understand!”, the Latvian Council of Science (LCS) introduces the wider public to the work accomplished by Latvian scientists within the framework of national research programme projects. The work done by scientists is not always visible in everyday life, but it is highly significant, as it improves important aspects of our lives. Innovations and solutions are being developed in the fields of health and defense, technologies are being created to improve work efficiency, considerable efforts are being made to preserve our language, and to advance teaching and learning experiences. A significant part of scientists’ work is also devoted to the preservation and sustainable use of our land’s natural resources.
Dace Melbārde, Minister of Education and Science:
“Science is not a luxury – it is a necessity. It means the creation of new knowledge and the sustainable development of society. I am truly pleased today, standing here on Science Street, to launch the educational campaign ‘Science and Your Life: Notice and Understand!’
This initiative provides everyone with the opportunity to get closer to science – to learn what our researchers are working on, how science helps us understand the world, and how it affects our daily lives.
We can be genuinely proud that Latvian scientists are part of the global scientific community, participating in international projects and contributing significantly to solving global challenges.
Our joint task is to strengthen public trust in science, boost researchers’ confidence, and ensure that important national decisions are based on scientific evidence rather than assumptions.”
Lauma Muižniece, Director of the Latvian Science Council:
“Science is all around us, in every aspect of life. Researchers are the people best equipped to share and explain research results to the public, as they are the ones who have devoted countless hours to tackling complex problems.
For example, we can view national security from a defense perspective, but also from the perspective of social cohesion—how well we can remain calm, resist provocations, and respond to conflict situations. Latvian scientists are active in both directions.
Researchers are also developing artificial intelligence technologies that help to more effectively evaluate European Union funding projects. These and many other insights will be shared with the public during the informational campaign ‘Science Made Simple: Notice and Understand’.
We are well aware that children are our future, which is why this year’s campaign will feature six new young science ambassadors visiting researchers and exploring the complex world of science together with Gustavs Terzens. This will help all of us become more informed.”
Aiga Balode, Deputy State Secretary for Digitalization and Change Management at the Ministry of Health:
“There is a lot of science in the health sector, with a large number of studies, and thanks to them, patient care is improving every day.
To ensure timely, understandable, and personalized healthcare services, we need the involvement of science and researchers.
Latvian scientists are known and professionally recognized internationally, and we need to talk more about their work and achievements, allowing society to see the results.”
Campaign Goals and Activities
Our goal is to talk about important and complex topics in a way that is understandable to the public – to show what each of us, and society as a whole, gains from scientific work.
We invite everyone to visit “Science Street”, where from September 25 to October 24, visitors can explore the results of national research programme projects. The exhibition is located in Old Riga, on Torņa Street.
During the “Science and Your Life: Notice and Understand!” campaign, we highlight six important areas of life:
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Your Land - “Exploration and Sustainable Use of Local Resources for Latvia’s Development (2023–2025)” Focuses on environmentally friendly practices in local food production and competitive forest products and services.
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Your Language - “Development of an Open and FAIR-compliant Digital Humanities Ecosystem in Latvia” Improves accessibility and usability of digital educational resources in education and language research.
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Your Quality of Life - Quality Assessment of Healthcare Services: Reducing Cardiovascular and Oncological Mortality in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease through a Multidisciplinary Approach”. Proposes systemic, legal, and practical support mechanisms to improve patient quality of life.
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Your Security - “Vectors of Social Cohesion: From Nation-State Cohesion (2012–2018) to a Cohesive Civic Community for the Security of the State, Society, and Individuals (2024–2025)” Seeks solutions to building a cohesive and secure nation.
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Your Health - “Development of New Computerized Assessment Methods for Measuring and Monitoring Adolescent Mental Health Outcomes in the Post-COVID Pandemic Context” Addresses pressing health issues affecting youth mental well-being.
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Your Work - Artificial Intelligence Tools for Improving Efficiency “Analysis of the Applicability of AI Methods in the Field of EU Fund Project Management” Highlights the potential of AI in managing and utilizing European Union funding.
Science influences every person’s life. Scientists study and seek solutions to Latvia’s national priorities. We have knowledgeable, professional, and talented researchers whose conclusions and evidence can be trusted and applied in everyday life. Their work is also recognized internationally, and we have every reason to be proud of them and to explore their results up close.
About the Campaign: “Science and Your Life: Notice and Understand!”
This campaign highlights a small portion of the knowledge, methods, and product prototypes created within the National Research Programmes. These examples come from six specific national research programme projects.
The informational campaign features personal stories from the researchers themselves and summaries of research results, which will be published progressively from October to December.
Campaign website: viegliparzinatni.lv
About the National Research Programme
The National Research Programme is a state-funded initiative developed by Latvia based on the “problem–solution” principle. The government identifies specific tasks in areas such as society, economy, development, sustainability, and security, where solutions are needed.
If a solution can be provided by researchers through focused research and interdisciplinary collaboration, the government allocates these tasks via an open call and international evaluation of project proposals, handing them over to the most suitable Latvian scientists through the National Research Programme.
These programmes produce data-, research-, and innovation-based solutions. As a result, Latvia gains new knowledge, skills, innovations, products, processes, and services that help solve industry problems and achieve strategic development goals.
The Latvian Science Council coordinates the programme, while each sectoral ministry defines and commissions the tasks.
About Science Policy in Latvia
Science policy in Latvia is shaped by the Ministry of Education and Science, in line with national development priorities. The Latvian Science Council is the institution responsible for implementing this policy, managing international cooperation, and coordinating the execution of the National Research Programme and achievement of its goals.
Since 2015, science policy in Latvia has been guided by the Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3), which focuses research on areas of growth, encourages knowledge and technology transfer, and promotes socio-economic transformation through efficient resource use and the creation of high value-added products and services.
For more news about science, research, and discoveries in Latvia, visit the science communication platform: researchLatvia
