Today, on September 9, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the State Research Programme “Letonika for the Development of a Latvian and European Society”, developed by the Ministry of Education and Science. The aim of this NRP is to strengthen the Latvian language, culture, and national identity, while also promoting the sustainable development of Latvia.
Letonika refers to a body of academic disciplines that study Latvia, Latvians, our culture, history, and language. The NRP encompasses a wide range of research in the humanities and social sciences, including:
- Research into the development and usage of contemporary Latvian language;
- Research and development of Latvian language technologies;
- Development of the research base and digital resources for the Livonian language;
- Research into demographic, migration, and remigration processes;
- Research into Latvian literature and poetics;
- Research into Latvian national identity.
Minister for Education and Science, Dace Melbārde, emphasized: “Today, the government has made a decision of great importance to science and society – the approval of the Letonika National Research Program. This program will strengthen our language and culture, while also generating knowledge that fosters social cohesion and development. It will bring together researchers from different fields to ensure that our cultural heritage remains alive, accessible, and understandable for future generations.”
For the implementation of the program from 2025 to 2028, a total of €6.2 million from the state budget has been allocated. This funding will be distributed through a single project competition to support high-quality research. The program will result in the preparation of scientific monographs and articles, the development of innovative digital tools and solutions, and the provision of recommendations for policymakers. The NRP will also promote the development of human capital by involving young researchers, students, and diaspora scholars. The public will gain access to the latest research findings, which will enhance understanding of the Latvian language, culture, and societal processes.
The results of the new NRP will have practical applications in both society and national policy – offering solutions for the development of the Latvian language in the digital age, supporting diaspora and migration policy, contributing to the strengthening of educational content, and aiding in the preservation of cultural heritage. These studies will be made available to the wider public in open formats – through digital databases, open-access monographs, and public events – thus promoting the circulation and practical use of knowledge in everyday life.
The program will strengthen Latvia’s role within the European humanities and social sciences landscape, fostering international cooperation and enhancing Latvia’s visibility in research projects. This program is an investment in our future – helping preserve the Latvian language and identity while generating new knowledge and solutions for future generations.
The development of the project involved the Program’s Strategic Steering Council, including representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Culture, the State Chancellery, the Ministry of Justice, SIA “Tilde”, the Association of Young Scientists of Latvia, the cooperation organization for people with disabilities “SUSTENTO”, and other industry experts.
