Activities
Latvian Academy of Sciences Grand Medal 2023 awarded to the biologist Aivars Bērziņš and the physicist Pauls Stradiņš
The laureates of the 2023 Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) Grand Medal, according to the decision of the LAS Senate of March 21, 2023, are Dr.med.vet. Aivars Bērziņš, full member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, and Ph.D. Pauls Stradiņš, LAS foreign member. The on-line presentation of the laureate Pauls Stradiņš will take place on November 23, during the LAS Autumn General meeting, while the presentation of Aivars Bērziņš is due to take place at the LAS Spring General meeting in April 2024.
Dr. Aivars Bērziņš has been acknowledged with the highest award of the Latvian Academy of Sciences for significant achievements in molecular epidemiology studies of zoonotic pathogens important to public health.
Dr. Pauls Stradiņš’ research work is distinguished with the highest award of the Latvian Academy of Sciences for significant accomplishments in the field of silicon photovoltaics and long-term practical cooperation with Latvian scientists.
For more information please visit the LAS website (in Latvian).
LAS General Meeting to convene on 23 November 2023
The regular Autumn General Meeting of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) will convene on Thursday, November 23, 2023, starting at 2PM. Conferring of the LAS Grand Medal 2023 and the elections of new members of the academy are on the agenda of the meeting. The Senate of the LAS has announced 11 vacancies for full members, 14 vacancies for corresponding members and 2 vacancies for foreign members.
The LAS Grand Medal is awarded to PhD Pauls Stradiņš*, LAS foreign member, for outstanding achievements in the field of silicon photovoltaics and long-term practical cooperation with Latvian scientists.
The second laureate of the LAS Grand Medal – Dr.med.vet. Aivars Bērziņš, LAS full member - will be honoured at the LAS Spring General Meeting in April 2024. Aivars Bērziņš is awarded the LAS Grand Medal for the research on the molecular epidemiology of zoonotic pathogens having significant impact on public health.
Agenda
- Receiving ballots and voting takes place at the Registration.
- Introduction by the LAS President Ivars Kalviņš.
- Awarding of the LAS Grand Medal 2023 to Pauls Stradiņš, LAS foreign member.
- Laudatio for LAS Grand Medal 2023 laureate Pauls Stradiņš by academician Linards Skuja.
- Academic report by LAS Grand Medal 2023 laureate Pauls Stradiņš.
* https://www.nrel.gov/research/staff/pauls-stradins.html
Memorandum of Understanding between the Latvian Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan signed
NAS RK president Dr. Kunsulu Zakarya and LAS president Prof. Ivars Kalvins. Photo - Jānis Brencis.
On Thursday, September 21, 2023, as part of the VI International Economic Forum, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Latvian Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NAS RK) under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan was signed at the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) on cooperation in the field of science. The memorandum was signed by LAS president Prof. Ivars Kalviņš and NAS RK president Dr. Kunsulu Zakarya. The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Latvia H.E. Timur Primbetov and the embassy representatives.
The memorandum envisages the development of cooperation between the two institutions in earth and space research, communication sciences, agrobiological resources and ecology research, life and health sciences, education, humanities and social sciences.
The memorandum envisages that the parties will carry out the cooperation between scientific and research institutions according to their capabilities and needs, including exchange of experience, joint projects, education and training of experts and researchers.
The Kazakh delegation also visited the Biomedical Research and Study Center (BMC) on September 21. Academician Jānis Kloviņš, chairman of BMC's Scientific Council, introduced the guests to the Center’s activities, BMC's deputy director for scientific infrastructure issues, LAS corresponding member Dāvids Fridmanis introduced BMC's laboratories.
On September 22, the representatives of the Kazakhstan NAS visited the Institute of Organic Synthesis of Latvia (OSI). Director of OSI, LZA corresponding member Osvalds Pugovičs told about OSI's work directions and achievements, as well as introduced to the institute's laboratories.
Foto – Jānis Brencis.
VI International Economic Forum "OPEN INNOVATIONS: from the Creativity of the Individual to Science-Based Innovative Economy"
VI International Economic Forum "OPEN INNOVATIONS: from the Creativity of the Individual to Science-Based Innovative Economy" will take place this year. September 21 and 22 at the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Akadēmijas Square 1, Riga.
The purpose of the VI International Economic Forum is to analyze the role of human creativity and the potential of international ecosystems in the development of open innovation, as well as to present the world's best practices and evidence-based practical solutions to achieve a higher level of well-being in our globalized society.
The practice successfully established in the I, II, III, IV and V Economic Forums will be continued, that the Forum serves as a platform for exchange of experience and cooperation between scientists, entrepreneurs and politicians, stimulating the entry of foreign and local investments and innovative national economy in the long term. You can find the results of previous forums at https://economicforum.lv.
Renars Raubiškis
LAS EI project manager
Three Latvian scientists receive prestigious L`Oréal-UNESCO Award For Women in Science
Photo - Karolin Koster.
On September 5, 2023, in collaboration with the Baltic States’ Academies of Sciences and UNESCO National Commissions, L’Oréal awarded seven talented female scientists in the prestigious Baltic Young Talents Program for Women in Science. Among them two doctoral students - M.sc.ing. Katrīna Laganovska and M.sc.biol. Cristina Bajo Santos - and Dr.chem. Liene Grigorjeva from Latvia.
Doctoral student M.sc.ing. Katrīna Laganovska is a researcher at the Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia. She receives teh award for a project on the study of optical properties and defects in ferroelectric metal oxides. This will allow further research into ferroelectric field effect transistors, which, if successful and scalable, could be used in next-generation computers, opening the door to a whole new computer architecture.
Doctoral student M.sc.biol. Cristina Bajo Santos is a researcher at the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center. She is receiving support for the development of a new, non-invasive method for the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of prostate cancer. It will make it possible to obtain data on the presence of tumor-secreted RNA-type biomarkers in men's urine and blood plasma samples faster and easier. This approach is expected to facilitate early diagnosis of prostate cancer and reduce mortality from prostate cancer.
Dr.chem. Liene Grigorjeva is the leading researcher of the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS) in the Organic Synthesis Methodology group and a member of the LIOS Scientific Council. Dr.chem. Liene Grigorjeva is recognized for developing a methodology using affordable, non-toxic cobalt catalysts to synthesize valuable organic compounds. These methods yield new as well as known compounds with useful properties, aligning with modern resource efficiency and environmental standards. The title of the awarded research is “Cobalt-Catalyzed C-H Bond Functionalization.”
During the ceremonial award presentation at the Estonian Academy of Sciences in Tallinn, the laureates were greeted by the former President of Latvia (1999-2007), the patroness of the Baltic Young Talents Program for Women in Science, Academician Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga:
“Women in science have been rare for a long time. However, even ancient history has distinguished examples. For instance, Hypatia, the distinguished mathematician of Alexandria, was gruesomely murdered by fanatics of her day simply for being a woman of science. Science, in fact, has been in constant battle against unreason, superstition, and fanaticism throughout its history. The rule of reason is what keeps us from savagery, cruelty, and injustices.”
She wished the young scientists:
“There is a vast universe out there, full of unknowns, despite all the efforts and generations we have dedicated to exploring it. I believe it is a noble mission to continue forward, to do your part, and to strive for your best. I wish you both professional and personal success because your personal happiness is an integral part of your life too.”
Ivars Kalviņš, the President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, pointed out that this year, 36 young female scientists from Latvia applied for the program, including 17 Ph.D. holders and 19 doctoral students, submitting high-quality research projects.
The Women in Science program in Latvia was established 19 years ago by program patron Dr. Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga (President of Latvia from 1999 to 2007). Currently, the Women in Science program is implemented by L’Oréal in collaboration with the Academies of Sciences of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, as well as UNESCO National Commissions.
Photo gallery https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.641299361314729&type=3
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M.sc.ing. Katrīna Laganovska, doktorante M.sc.biol. Cristina Bajo Santos and Dr.chem. Liene Grigorjeva.
Photo - Jānis Deinats.
L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Young Talents program Baltic Awards Ceremony. Sept. 5, 2023
Professor Niko Javakhishvili presented with the foreign member's diploma of the Latvian Academy of Sciences
LAS Secretary General Baiba Rivža, LAS foreign member Nikolai Javakhishvili, LAS President Ivars Kalviņš. Photo - Jānis Brencis.
On Monday, June 19, 2023, at the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Dr.hist. Nikolai (Niko) Javakhishvili, professor at the Institute of History and Ethnology of the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, was presented with a diploma of a foreign member of the LAS. Prof. N. Javakhishvili was elected a foreign member of the LAS on November 24, 2022, at the LAS Autumn General Meeting. On June 10, 2014, Niko Javakhishvili was awarded the degree of Dr.honoris causa of the LAS.
This time Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University medal and diploma was presented to the LAS President Prof. Ivars Kalviņš for his contribution to the development of scientific cooperation between the two scientific institutions.
Policy Paper on Efficiency of WIDENING Measures May 2023
The recently published policy paper on the Efficiency of the Widening Measures, presented by Alliance4Life, provides valuable insights and recommendations based on the experiences of twelve progressive life science institutions and universities from Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries.
The paper focuses on the widening measures Twinning, Teaming, and ERA Chairs, examining their impact, challenges, and sustainability at both national and European levels. The main objective of the document is to contribute to the strategic planning of Horizon Europe for the next period (2025-2027) and subsequent Horizon programmes. It builds upon Alliance4Life's previous recommendations for Horizon Europe and aims to address the research and innovation (R&I) gap between Western and Eastern Europe.
The findings are based on interviews with representatives from Alliance4Life member institutions who have been involved in various widening actions. The interviews revealed several positive outcomes, including improved scientific cooperation, enhanced grant writing skills and administrative capacity, increased researcher mobility, and the ability to attract distinguished researchers from abroad. However, concerns were raised regarding the allocation of resources in widening projects, suggesting that a greater proportion of funding should be directed towards research activities rather than networking and administrative tasks.
The policy paper presents key recommendations for the EU, national governments, and research institutions. Firstly, it suggests shifting the EU widening paradigm from supporting to empowering, emphasising the need to enable widening institutions to become R&I leaders themselves. This entails establishing schemes that allow for actual research and innovation activities, fostering a sense of leadership among researchers from widening countries, and recognising existing Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in these countries. Secondly, the paper highlights the importance of coordination between the EU and national governments in terms of the concertation of R&I capacities. It calls for strategic coordination in establishing new Centres of Excellence, ensuring sustainability, and involving existing CoEs in research policy development processes at the EU level. Thirdly, the policy paper emphasises the need for better coordination of calls and the utilisation of synergies between different funding instruments. It suggests harmonising the application process and scheduling calls to reduce the administrative burden on widening institutions.
The establishment of a Seal of Excellence Community of Practice is proposed to facilitate information sharing and best practices. 2 www.alliance4life.eu Lastly, the paper stresses the urgency of speeding up strategic changes at national, regional, and institutional levels. It calls for national R&I reforms, modern career paths for researchers, an international-friendly environment, targeted infrastructure investments, support for excellent research, promotion of existing CoEs, and addressing administrative capacity issues.
In conclusion, the policy paper on the Efficiency of the Widening Measures provides valuable insights and recommendations to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of widening actions in the field of life sciences. By empowering widening institutions, improving coordination between EU and national governments, enhancing synergies, and implementing strategic changes, the EU can bridge the R&I gaps and create a more efficient and competitive European Research Area.
Download the full version of the policy paper HERE.
The conference concludes with an agreement on further strengthening of cooperation between the academies of sciences of the Baltic countries and the scientific institutions of Latvia and Finland
On April 21, 2023, in Riga, within the framework of the 18th Baltic Conference on Intellectual Cooperation, the Protocol to the cooperation agreement between the Academies of Sciences of the Baltic states concluded on November 12, 1991 (Protocol to the Agreement on Scientific Cooperation between the Estonian Academy of Sciences, the Latvian Academy of Sciences and the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences), was signed. The Protocol, amended bi-annually, was signed by Prof. Tarmo Soomere, the President of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, Prof. Ivars Kalviņš, the President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences and Prof. Jūras Banys, the President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.
At the meeting of the Presidents Prof. Mats Gyllenberg, Permanent Secretary of the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters, and Prof. Ivars Kalviņš, the President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, signed a Memorandum on cooperation in research between Latvian Academy of Sciences and Societas Scientiarium Fennica.
The Memorandum envisages cooperation in oganisation of the joint scientific events – conferences, meetings, lectures; promotion of exchange of young researchers and students; exchange of experience in academic management and external relations, etc.
Referring to possible priority objectives, the signatories of the Memorandum agreed to develop cooperation in the following fields of common interest:
Prof. Mats Gyllenberg and Prof. Ivars Kalviņš; Prof. Jūras Banys, Prof. Ivars Kalviņš, Prof. Tarmo Soomere. Photo - Jānis Brencis.
The Baltic Science Academies’ Medal 2023
PHOTO GALLERY (Jānis Brencis)
According to the decision of the Medal awarding competition commission, the Medal of the Baltic Science Academies in 2023 is awarded to:
Academician Dr. Jūras Banys (Lithuania) for strengthening cooperation between the academies of sciences in the Baltic region, and for his outstanding scientific achievements in physics.
Academician Dr. Baiba Rivža (Latvia) for strengthening cooperation between the Baltic Academies of Sciences, and outstanding research achievements in economics.
Dr. Arvi Hamburg (Estonia) for the substantial contribution to energy transition and for the shaping future energy policy for the entire Baltic region.
The awarding ceremony will take place on the second day of the 18th Baltic Conference on Intellectual Cooperation, on April 21, at 13.30 in the Portrait Hall of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.
The 18th Baltic Conference on Intellectual Cooperation will highlight the importance of energy and the related topics for the future society
CONFERENCE LIVESTREAMING ON YOUTUBE:
APRIL 20: https://youtube.com/live/6nmkeiSXxGg?feature=share PHOTO GALLERY
APRIL 21: https://youtube.com/live/oTkv7eLgYgY?feature=share PHOTO GALLERY
On 20–21 April 2023, the Presidents of the Academies of Sciences of the Baltic Sea countries, representatives of the European research institutes and academic organizations, as well as specialists of the energy industry, policymakers and entrepreneurs will gather in Riga for the 18th Baltic Conference on Intellectual Cooperation (BCIC). The conference is organized by the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) together with the Estonian and Lithuanian academies of sciences and the cooperation partners in Latvia – JSC Olainfarm and JSC Latvenergo.
Each of the previous conferences was devoted to a single topic, this year’s theme being energy in the widest sence. Academician Modris Greitāns, Foreign affairs secretary of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, who is one of the organizers and referees of the conference, emphasizes the topicality of the theme: “The theme of this year's conference is “Energy for the Future Society”. The events what we are witnessing today have shown that the matter of energy, and especially energy shortage and increase in price, has a huge impact on all groups of society, on their usual way of life and development opportunities. At the conference, the energy issues will be examined from a broad point of view, with scientists, businessmen and politicians discussing both energy production and alternative energy sources, methods of its storage, transmission and supply, as well as efficient and sustainable energy use. Energy is a field where the investments have to be planned very far-sightedly, because their results and benefits are expected only in a long term. In order that we would not be troubled by the energy problems in future, I invite all the interested parties to pay utmost attention to their prevention and discuss possible solutions to any of the problems at our conference!”
To participate in the conference, please, fill out the registration form.
The Baltic Science Academies’ Medal 2023
More about the history of cooperation of the Baltic Academies of Sciences see the LAS website.
For information about conference contact Ms. Ilze Trapenciere, Foreign Affairs Councillor to the LAS President, mob. phone: +371 27897704; e mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Deadline for application of abstract submissions for the 5th World Congress of Latvian Scientists “Research Latvia” extended
Abstract Submission
The Scientific Committee of the Congress has developed a two-day programme that includes thematic discussions, speeches, seminars, demonstrations and other activities of different formats. In addition, scientists, doctoral candidates and students from Latvia and of and Latvian origin all over the world are invited to submit abstracts in an open call for poster presentations.
Applications shall be submitted in Latvian and English or only in English by 16 April 2023 via the Congress website www.sciencecongress.lv.
Abstracts for posters
The Scientific Committee of the Congress is pleased to invite submissions of abstracts for poster presentations. In order to submit a poster to be exhibited at the Congress, an abstract (max. 200 words long) is to be submitted. In the abstract in between other crucial information, authors are encouraged to specify the potential of the research results to boost Latvia’s growth, e.g. technological development, improvement of people's wellbeing (physical and mental well-being), health, economy, and environment. Challenges and solutions to overcome them can be most successfully identified through interdisciplinary cooperation in research, as well as by cooperating with the industry and society (participatory research), therefore poster presentations under any field of science or interdisciplinary posters are welcomed. The Scientific Committee of the Congress invites authors to present their posters to also spark an interest in scientists from other fields.
Useful information
A cross-disciplinary international scientific jury panel will carry out a blind peer review of the poster applications in line with the objectives and topics of Congress. After the review and the initial selection process, applicants will be invited to prepare posters for presentation in digital format to be presented in the congress.
If the subject of the selected poster abstract corresponds to one of the three main topics of the congress – Green Transformation, Digital Transformation, Science Impact – the Scientific Committee of the Congress may invite these applicants to take part in the congress as a speaker (on the subject of the poster) in one of the parallel sessions, by presenting the matters of the study of the submitted poster abstract. In such cases, communication will be conducted separately after the initial selection.
Good luck! We are looking forward to meeting you at the 5th World Congress of Latvian Scientists “Research Latvia”!
The LAS Spring General Meeting to convene on 27 April 2023
On Thursday, April 27, 2023, the annual Spring General Meeting of the Latvian Academy of Sciences will be opened by the address of the President Prof. Ivars Kalviņš at 2pm. The meeting will be held in the Portrait Hall of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1 Akadēmijas laukums in Riga.
Agenda
About LZA prizes
This year, the LAS Senate approved the prizewinners for ten prizes named after the prominent Latvian scientists, as well as five young scientists’ awards. See the list of the winners here (in Latvian).
The 18th Baltic Conference on Intellectual Cooperation to be held at the Latvian Academy of Sciences in Riga
On 20-21 of April, 2023, the 18th Baltic Conference on Intellectual Cooperation (BCIC) will be held at the Latvian Academy of Sciences in Riga. The conference will gather delegations from the academies of sciences of the Baltic Sea countries – Estonia, Finland, Germany, Lithuania and Latvia.
The theme of the 18th BCIC this year is "Energy for the Future Society"; various aspects of energy will be discussed: fossil energy – natural gas, oil; renewables – hydro, geothermal, photovoltaics – solar, hybrid tandem solar cells, fuel cells, wind, waves, piezo, tribo, bioenergy, biofuel, CO2 conversion; thermoelectric, thin film batteries for medical implants; nuclear – nuclear power plants, modular reactors, fusion, etc. Also the conference will highlight the role of social sciences in the creation and implementation of energy policy, and put emphases on the importance of science as an added value in increasing the economic potential of society, rational use of natural resources in the context of climate change.
The guest speakers of the conference include the Director of the Energy Programme of the European Academies of Sciences Advisory Council (EASAC) Prof. William Gillet, EU Commissioner for Energy Affairs Prof. Andris Piebalgs (2004-2009), energy policy makers, as well as energy entrepreneurs and other stake holders.
18th Baltic Conference on Intellectual Cooperation Programme [pdf] (updated on April 18, 2023)
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The YearBook of the Latvian Academy 2023 published
The newly released edition of the Yearbook of the Latvian Academy of Sciences 2023 aims to reach the widest possible audiences by offering a versatile insight into the science achievements and researches that are carried out in present-day Latvia. The authors of the articles contained in the chapters “Science needs peace” and “Energy” address issues that in many aspects have become critical for progress and sustainability of the modern world.
Prof. Ivars Kalviņš, President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, in his introductory article gives an outright description of the current geopolitical situation and points-out to the importance of research institutions and communities how to withstand and solve the challenges that were brought about or aggravated in 2022: “War in the heart of Europe has had a devastating impact on the global economy, disrupting supply chains built up over decades, forcing a radical change not only in the choice of sources of energy, but also in the transition of Latvian and other Western economies to rely upon alternative sources for energy. This, of course, also impacted the involvement of the LAS in shaping national energy independence policy and promoting a green transformation. The LAS has identified research into the production and application of alternative energy carriers as one of its development directions, establishing at the LAS the Centre of Excellence and Innovation in Smart Hydrogen Energy Science. The aim of the Centre is to coordinate the efforts of scientists and entrepreneurs in the field of hydrogen extraction and use technologies in Latvia, as well as to take part in international cooperation projects in this field.”
The Yearbook is available both in print edition and on-line.
Latvian Academy of Sciences Yearbook, 2023 (pdf).
For the previous issues of the LAS YearBook visit the LAS homepage at [https://www.lza.lv/en/publishing/annual-reports].
Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis opens Biotechnology facility
On March 29, 2023, the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS) celebrated the opening of its new Biotechnology facility. The two-story laboratory spaces are equipped with the latest research equipment for molecular and structural biology research, which will enhance LIOS’s capabilities and potential for discovering new drugs.
During the opening ceremony, Director of LIOS Dr. Osvalds Pugovičs stated that the development of biotechnology was a logical step forward to improve the existing LIOS drug discovery platform.
“This will significantly expand the institute’s research capabilities, ensuring a complete early drug discovery and research cycle, from design of active molecules to manufacturing technology development as well as wide range of pre-clinical tests,” he said.
Minister for the Economy Ilze Indriksone stated that the new Biotechnology facility is more than just a building.
“It symbolizes a commitment to continue developing world-class science, providing a healthier society with new drugs, and ensuring growth for the Latvian economy. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential of smart specialists. However, the key to success is not only in the beautiful facade and the latest technology. The people who will work in this building are much more important. It will be LIOS’s talented researchers, scientists, and technical staff who will promote progress and create innovations for the transformation of the economy in the coming years,” emphasized Indriksone.
Minister for Education and Science Anda Čakša noted that the Institute of Organic Synthesis has always been a home for new socially significant discoveries made by our scientists’ persistence and determination.
“Scientific excellence, involvement of young scientists, students, and modern infrastructure opportunities create confidence in the future potential of discovering new drugs, which are essential in medicine. Let’s achieve success in science and strengthen collaboration with universities, finding unique solutions for Latvia and the world!” she said during the opening ceremony.
Before the opening ceremony, there was an opportunity to attend an academic lecture by Professor Virginijus Šikšnys (Vilnius University) on the development of biotechnology in Lithuania. In 2021, the biotechnology industry accounted for 2.5% of Lithuania’s GDP, and by 2030, the country hopes to increase this share to 5% of GDP.
The development of biotechnology at LIOS began in 2019, implementing an EU co-funded project “BioDrug” and attracting relevant experts, including Professor Emilio Parisini, the head of the Biotechnology group. Over time, the new research group has already integrated into the institute’s research structure and, thanks to the new spaces, will significantly intensify scientific activity. Scientists from the existing Physical Organic Chemistry laboratory at LIOS, led by Professor Kristaps Jaudzems, will also work in the Biotechnology facility.
In the 550 m2 large laboratory building, scientists will be able to obtain biologically significant proteins needed for rational drug development, protein biomaterials required for tissue engineering, and implement biocatalytic processes and early phases of bio-pharmaceutical development. Until now, performing these studies at LIOS was challenging due to various technological constraints.
The technical design of the new facility was developed by SIA “OZOLA & BULA, arhitektu birojs”, construction work was carried out by SIA “Torensberg,” and construction supervision was provided by SIA “Būves un būvsistēmas.” The construction work was carried out as part of the European Regional Development Fund project No. 1.1.1.4/17/I/007 “Development of the Infrastructure of the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis in the Smart Specialization Areas – Biomedicine, Medical Technologies, Bio-pharmacy, and Biotechnology.” In the Biotechnology facility, a total of 4.45 million euros will be invested, of which 3.40 million euros will be contributed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), LIOS will invest 390 thousand euros, the state budget will provide 480 thousand euros, and 180 thousand euros will come from other public funding sources.
Source: Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis.
The Scientific Committee of the 5th World Congress of Latvian Scientists “Research Latvia” invites to submit abstracts for poster presentations
Abstract Submission
The Scientific Committee of the Congress has developed a two-day programme that includes thematic discussions, speeches, seminars, demonstrations and other activities of different formats. In addition, scientists, doctoral candidates and students from Latvia and of and Latvian origin all over the world are invited to submit abstracts in an open call for poster presentations.
Applications shall be submitted in Latvian and English or only in English by 31 March 2023 via the Congress website www.sciencecongress.lv.
Abstracts for posters
The Scientific Committee of the Congress is pleased to invite submissions of abstracts for poster presentations. In order to submit a poster to be exhibited at the Congress, an abstract (max. 200 words long) is to be submitted. In the abstract in between other crucial information, authors are encouraged to specify the potential of the research results to boost Latvia’s growth, e.g. technological development, improvement of people's wellbeing (physical and mental well-being), health, economy, and environment. Challenges and solutions to overcome them can be most successfully identified through interdisciplinary cooperation in research, as well as by cooperating with the industry and society (participatory research), therefore poster presentations under any field of science or interdisciplinary posters are welcomed. The Scientific Committee of the Congress invites authors to present their posters to also spark an interest in scientists from other fields.
Useful information
A cross-disciplinary international scientific jury panel will carry out a blind peer review of the poster applications in line with the objectives and topics of Congress. After the review and the initial selection process, applicants will be invited to prepare posters for presentation in digital format to be presented in the congress.
If the subject of the selected poster abstract corresponds to one of the three main topics of the congress – Green Transformation, Digital Transformation, Science Impact – the Scientific Committee of the Congress may invite these applicants to take part in the congress as a speaker (on the subject of the poster) in one of the parallel sessions, by presenting the matters of the study of the submitted poster abstract. In such cases, communication will be conducted separately after the initial selection.
Good luck! We are looking forward to meeting you at the 5th World Congress of Latvian Scientists “Research Latvia”!
[pdf.]
Source: Ministry of Education and Science.
SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENTS 2022: Chromatic materials for smart windows and zero-energy buildings
Technology is being developed in Latvia that will allow the production of building windows that will help to keep rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer, Latvian Television reported January 30.
Chromatic materials for smart windows and zero-energy buildings, developed by the University of Latvia's Institute of Solid State Physics, has been recognized by the Latvian Academy of Sciences as one of the most important achievements of the last year in Latvian science.
The material is a multi-layer coating that is thinner than the diameter of a human hair and is able to change its properties depending on external interaction, namely both temperature and lighting.
“We have developed a new material yttrium oxyhidride, which is a mixed anionic material. The main characteristic of this material is that it changes its optical properties when it is illuminated either with blue or ultraviolet lights. We can use this feature in smart windows as well as optical sensors,” said Mārtiņš Zubkins, lead researcher at LU CFI.
Source: Latvian researchers work on temp-smart windows, Latvian Public Broadcasting, Jan 30, 2023.
See also: Winners of the annual Science Achievements’ Competition 2022 announced.