Researcher Spotlight 2026

Extraordinary personalities and their achievements

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Researcher Spotlight: Žanete Šteingolde 

Mg. med. vet. Žanete Šteingolde

Head of the Microbiology and Pathology Laboratory at "BIOR"

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research research public health

The Body Trapped in a State of Chronic Infection: RSU Studies a Long-Misunderstood Disease

For decades, people living with myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), have found themselves in a strange and painful grey zone between illness and disbelief. They feel profoundly unwell, yet are repeatedly told that nothing is wrong. Many have lost careers, rel…

Bhupesh Kumar Prusty, RSU Tenure Professor | Paul Watton

February 17, 2026

February Research Spotlight Edgars Kuka: Advancing Sustainable Wood-Based Materials

“Researchers must generate new knowledge and objectively evaluate ongoing processes. This forms the grounds for the development of innovative and safe products and technologies, and constitutes an essential prerequisite for ensuring the well-being of society.” As a Researcher at the Latvian …

February 16, 2026

research

Borrelia Proteins Studied in Latvia to Improve a Lyme Disease Vaccine

In the coming years, a vaccine against tick-borne Lyme disease developed by Pfizer may enter the pharmaceutical market. Meanwhile, research continues at the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre that could lead to even more effective vaccines against this disease. Lyme disease, caused…

Ilze Kuzmina, Latvian News Service

February 16, 2026

technologies

Researchers Demonstrate at MarTe Technical Workshop How Simulation Tools Drive Maritime Innovations

Offshore wind energy, green hydrogen production, sustainable maritime transport, smart port infrastructure, and marine biotechnology are increasingly recognised as key pillars of the sustainable blue economy in the Baltic Sea region, shaping its long-term environmental resilience, energy independen…

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences

February 16, 2026

research

Invitation to a Guest Lecture in Riga by World-Renowned Environmental Economist Tim Jackson

World-renowned environmental economist, Tim Jackson, Professor at the University of Surrey, will visit the University of Latvia on March 6 with a lecture titled “Prosperity as Health – Why We Need an Economy of Care for a Liveable Future.” The lecture will take place on Friday, March 6, at 1…

University of Latvia

February 13, 2026

research

BioPhoT platform presents first year results and next phase of growth

On 10 February, the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) presented the results of the first year of operation of the BioPhoT research platform. Since the launch of the platform, 223 research and innovation project (RIP) applications have been received during the two calls, demonstrating the strong int…

BioPhoT

February 13, 2026

experience stories of researchers

From an Interest in Nature to Research: Young Scientist Laura Ķēniņa’s Path in Forest Science

Old forest stands conceal many secrets—they preserve both traces of natural history and potential answers to the question of how to maintain biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for forests. It is to uncovering these secrets that Laura Ķēniņa has devoted her professional path. A young scien…

Ministry of Education and Science

February 12, 2026

experience stories of researchers

Meet a Young Scientist! Daniela Godiņa on Her Path in Science

PhD researcher Daniela Godiņa is one of those scientists who combines fundamental chemical research with active public engagement through the Latvian Association of Young Researchers (LJZA) and science communication. The interview with her—originally published on the L…

Latvian Association of Young Researchers

February 12, 2026

science communication

The Path to Research Through Music and Art: The Story of Ieva Gintere

The leading researcher at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA), Ieva Gintere, is a person whose theoretical thinking, creativity, and readiness to learn converge. Her path to science began in music – at Emīls Dārziņš Music Secondary School and later at Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music…

The Ministry of Education and Science

February 11, 2026

science communication

Women and Girls in Science: Latvia Among Europe’s Leaders in Gender Equality in Research and Innovation

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on 11 February each year, highlighting the achievements of women researchers and inspiring future generations of female scientists to pursue careers in science. We have a special reason to be proud, as Latvia ranks among Europe’s lea…

researchLatvia

February 11, 2026

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Travelling exhibition "Research Latvia 2026" at the Institute "BIOR" and "AKROPOLE Riga"

2026-03-02

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2026-03-10

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2026-03-11

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2026-03-16

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top videos

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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February Researcher Spotlight: Edgars Kuka

Ph. D. Edgars Kuka, Researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. Edgars Kuka is a researcher at the Wood Degradation and Protection Laboratory of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry.

His work is dedicated to understanding how various environmental factors, including moisture, microorganisms, and solar radiation, affect the properties of wood materials and how innovative solutions can extend their service life, making the use of biomaterials broader and more sustainable. His research promotes more efficient use and protection of wood as an environmentally friendly material.

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January Researcher Spotlight: Ingrīda Andersone

Dr. biol. Ingrīda Andersone, Head of the Experimental Hydrobiology Department

Ingrīda Andersone is working at the Institute for 30 years, since its establishment. Most of this time has been devoted to studying underwater habitats and marine ecosystems. Her work involves analysing living resources, biodiversity and the human impact on the Baltic Sea, with particular attention to ecological processes beneath the water surface.

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