The traveling exhibition "Research Latvia 2026" created by the Ministry of Education and Science provides a unique opportunity to get to know 12 Latvian science excellence figures and their contribution to the development of society and research. In February, the traveling exhibition and science calendar highlight the work of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry and the contribution of its researchers, emphasizing the institute's importance in Latvia's research space. From February 16 to 27, the exhibition will be on display at "AKROPOLE Alfa" and from February 3 to 27 at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry . The exhibition is open to all interested visitors.
Twelve science excellence figures, representing 12 leading Latvian scientific institutions, demonstrate the strength and diversity of Latvian science in the European Research Area. In collaboration with the science communication platform researchLatvia, the calendar and exhibition "Research Latvia 2026" reflect the questions studied by Latvian scientists that affect our society, environment and culture. Each scientist represents their unique research field.
"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," emphasizes Ph.D. Edgars Kuka, researcher at the Wood Degradation and Protection Laboratory.
Throughout the year, the traveling exhibition can be viewed at various higher education institutions, as well as other public and cultural venues across Latvia. By scanning QR codes, anyone interested can watch all 12 video stories. This initiative not only promotes science recognition but also strengthens society's connection with science.
After last year, when higher education institutions were included in the calendar, the Science Ambassadors initiative is being continued this year, with a focus on national research institutes. The 12 researchers featured in the calendar represent a wide range of research fields:
- Dr. biol. Ingrīda Andersone, Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology
- Ph. D. Edgars Kuka, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
- Mg. med. vet. Žanete Šteingolde, the Scientific Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”
- Dr. biol. Monta Brīvība, Latvian Biomedical Research & Study centre
- Ph. D. Edgars Butanovs, Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
- Ph. D. Jānis Ozoliņš, Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of University of Latvia
- Dr. agr. Līga Lepse, Institute of Horticulture
- Mg. soc. sci. Ieva Leimane, The Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics
- Ph. D. Jānis Ārents, EDI - Institute of Electronics and Computer Science
- Dr. chem. Gints Šmits, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis
- Mg. sc. comp. Baiba Kaškina, The Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Latvia
- Dr. silv. Dagnija Lazdiņa, Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava"
The science calendar was developed within the framework of European Regional Development Fund project No. 1.1.1.1/1/24/I/001 "More Effective and Smarter Implementation and Management of Latvian Science Policy" implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science. Developers: Izstrādātāji: SIA “VFS FILMS” un “researchLatvia” team; Photographer Ieva Romaško, video director Guntars Graiksts, producer Kristīne Pleša, operator Jānis Šēnbergs, design by Anna Skane.
