The University of Latvia (UL) has secured prestigious funding from the European Commission’s Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA) and is launching an ambitious science communication project, Aurora Nexus, which over the next two years will strengthen the connection between society, science, and the arts in Latvia. UL is the only institution from Latvia to receive support in this competition, underscoring its strong international competitiveness.
A total of 241 proposals from 42 countries were submitted to the competition. Among the six proposals submitted from Latvia, the University of Latvia’s Aurora Nexus is the only one to receive support. The project “Aurora Nexus: Connecting People, Science & Arts” aims to strengthen the relationship between science and society by making research more understandable, accessible, and engaging for everyone. The initiative is grounded in the New European Bauhaus approach, combining science, art, and technology to create new and immersive experiences for the public.
Over the course of two years, the project will implement a wide range of activities — European Researchers’ Night events in 2026 and 2027, scientist visits to schools, a support platform for students developing research projects, regional events, exhibitions, and other public engagement initiatives.
At the project’s opening event on 13 April 2026, speakers highlighted the importance of science communication in contemporary society and the need to strengthen the connection between researchers and the public.
Anna Leiškalne, Deputy Director for Science at the Ministry of Education and Science’s Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, commented: “We are proud that the University of Latvia’s project Aurora Nexus has received funding from the European Commission — this is a significant achievement for Latvia. We are confident that this success will foster even closer cooperation and enrich the programme of activities, bringing science to an ever wider audience both in Riga and across the regions. Strategic science communication activities are a key part of helping every resident of Latvia understand what researchers do in their daily work and how society benefits from it
UL Vice-Rector for Science, Assoc. Prof. Guntars Kitenbergs, emphasized: “In today’s society, the role of science communication is becoming increasingly important, as it fosters understanding and sparks interest in the research process, strengthens trust in science, and encourages the public to make data‑driven decisions. We also see that science is interacting more and more with the creative industries and the arts, creating new and engaging ways for society to see and understand the world.”
The project title Aurora Nexus symbolically links science with society. Aurora — the northern lights — represents the light of knowledge and inspiration, while Nexus signifies a point of connection. Together, they capture the essence of the project: creating an environment where researchers, the public, the arts, and technology meet, offering a new perspective on science. The project will open broader opportunities for the public to engage with and gain a deeper understanding of research processes. Participation will be open to everyone, regardless of prior knowledge or experience.
“Aurora Nexus” offers:
- an opportunity for everyone to explore science up close through interactive activities, experiments, and discussions;
- for school students — a chance to meet researchers and discover the role of science in everyday life;
- for society as a whole — a deeper understanding of how science and research activities shape our lives and future;
- for young people — encouragement to consider a career in science.
Across Europe, Researchers’ Night attracts more than 1.5 million visitors each year, making it the largest science communication event. In Latvia, for example, Researchers’ Night activities in 2025 drew 29.6 thousand participants.
About MSCA
The Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA) are a European Union programme supporting research, innovation, and science communication. The initiative “MSCA and Citizens” strengthens interaction between researchers and society and promotes interest in science and research careers. In 2026, the MSCA programme marks its 30th anniversary, highlighting its long‑standing contribution to the development of European research and science communication.
The University of Latvia’s science communication project “Aurora Nexus: Connecting People, Science & Arts” is implemented with financial support from the European Commission under the programme “MSCA and Citizens: European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools 2026–2027”.
