The Latvian Council of Science has evaluated the long-term impact of the 2018 Fundamental and Applied Research Programme (FLPP) projects and concluded that research results continue to evolve long after project completion, leaving a noticeable effect on society, the economy, the environment, healthcare, and education.
The report analyses project outcomes during the three years following their conclusion (2022–2024) and, for the first time, brings together both scientific indicators and examples of socio-economic impact in one place. Eighty project leaders participated in a self-assessment, confirming that the acquired knowledge, methodologies, and collaborations have transformed into new research, innovations, and policy recommendations.
By analysing more than 80 self-assessment surveys and specific examples from all scientific fields, the report demonstrates that the impact of research does not end with the cessation of funding - it expands, is integrated into practice, and generates new studies, collaborations, and societal benefits.
The projects have contributed to language acquisition, medical diagnostics, cultural heritage preservation, food innovation, climate research, and more. They have promoted the growth of young researchers, fostered international collaboration, and supported policy development. The report is designed as a popular science bridge between science and society, clearly showing that investment in science is a long-term investment in the country’s future.
The report includes examples from a variety of scientific disciplines - from intelligent asphalt and depression research to the biography of ancient coastal landscapes and Latvian language learning technologies. Each example illustrates how science becomes a tangible and understandable value for society, delivering real benefits across different sectors.
