Researcher Spotlight: Edgars Kuka
Ph. D. Edgars Kuka
Researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
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Ph. D. Edgars Kuka
Researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
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We are building a stable and strong national research environment, enabling international and public-private partnerships to emerge.
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Latvia's research policy is developed in order to create the maximum number of opportunities both in the research and education system and in the business environment.
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We believe that a culture of knowledge offers the best opportunities for creating and sustaining a strong civil society in a world that is constantly changing.
research spotlight
innovation
What Can This Equipment Do? Freeze-Drying Already in Use in European-Scale Research
In the article series “What Can This Equipment Do?”, we present laboratory infrastructure acquired within the project “Strengthening the Capacity of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry to Participate in International Cooperation Projects.” (No. 1.1.1.2/1/25/I/003) …
Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC)
February 9, 2026
innovation
RTU Researchers Have Developed a Hypoallergenic Solution for Skin Regeneration Using Chitosan Extract
Scientists at Riga Technical University (RTU) have developed a technology for obtaining high-purity chitosan that is particularly suitable for the successful treatment of wounds and burns. The researchers extracted chitosan from chitin using residues from the cultivation and sorting of the cultivat…
Riga Technical University
February 6, 2026
sports science
Sports Science in Olympic Sport: How Research Is Changing the Rules of the Game
On February 6, the 25th Winter Olympic Games will begin in Milan–Cortina, bringing together nearly 3,000 athletes from more than 95 countries. Behind every victory stands not only talent, but also science. Modern elite sport has become a showcase for science, where biomechanics, physiology, and mat…
research Latvia | RSU LSPA
February 6, 2026
competition opportunity collaboration
Latvia to Be Represented by “Braliukai” at the International Hackathon Act In Space
The winner of the Latvian edition of the international innovation hackathon Act In Space is the team Braliukai, which proposed a modular and compositional satellite solution called Hexsat. The concept aims to reduce the high costs, long development timelines, and limited upgrade possibilities typic…
Labs of Latvia
February 5, 2026
technologies innovation
The “Character” of Bread Begins with Sourdough: The Role of Fermentation in the Production Process
The unique taste and aroma of traditional Latvian bread are no coincidence—their roots lie in sourdough. Sourdough fermentation is one of the most important stages in the bread-making process, determining the bread’s character, quality, and identity.
Sourdough Fermentation – the Foundation o…
Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
February 5, 2026
research youth collaboration
Use of Hogweed in Biomaterials
In Latvia, Sosnowsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi) has for decades been regarded as one of the most problematic invasive plant species. It threatens local ecosystems, poses risks to human health, and requires continuous control efforts. This widely recognised issue became the focus of a scientif…
Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
February 4, 2026
research
#ScienceForUkraine relaunches Micro Travel Grant Programme with a new focus on early-career scholars
NGO #ScienceForUkraine has relaunched its Micro Travel Grant (MTG) Programme, open for applications from February 2, 2026, with redesigned rules and a renewed focus on supporting early-career Ukrainian scholars. The programme, which reimburses up to EUR 500 for in-person participation in internatio…
Science For Ukraine
February 4, 2026
research achievements research
RTU Scientists and Engineers Develop and Patent a Device to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance, the ability of microorganisms to survive and even thrive in conditions that would usually destroy them, is one of the greatest public health threats worldwide. Scientists and engineers at Riga Technical University (RTU) have developed and patented an innovative sink disinf…
Riga Technical University
February 3, 2026
research
Global Competitiveness Challenges and Solutions to Be Analysed at the University of Latvia Scientific Conference
Researchers from the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences (FESS) of the University of Latvia (UL) will present the latest insights into strengthening global competitiveness at the 84th International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia, to be held from 14 to 16 April. Strengthening…
Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences of the University of Latvia
February 3, 2026
science communication
Traveling Exhibition "Research Latvia 2026" on Display at "AKROPOLE Alfa" and at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
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 ca…
researchLatvia
February 2, 2026
upcoming events
Conference
International Quantum Photonics Conference to Be Held at RTU
2026-02-11
All day
RTU Science and Innovation Center, Ķīpsalas Street 6A, 2nd floor, hall «The Moon»
Online event
The Lump Sum funding model in Horizon Europe projects
2026-02-11
10:00 am
RTU Science and Innovation Center, Ķīpsalas Street 6A, 2nd floor, hall «The Moon»
Lecture
Doctoral Students’ Afternoon: “The Role of a Data Curator in Doctoral Studies"
2026-02-12
1:00 pm
Dzirciema iela 16, Rīga
top videos
Edgars Kuka
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.
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.
December Researcher Spotlight: Dagnija Baltiņa
Mg. art., Mg. soc. D. Baltiņa is Director of the National Library of Latvia.
The scientist is also a lecturer at the Latvian Academy of Culture, former Secretary General of the UNESCO National Commission of Latvia, an internationally recognized cultural heritage expert with extensive experience at UNESCO. Her professional interests focus on the role of libraries in societal planning, well-being and development. Since 2018, she has led the Special Collections Department of the National Library of Latvia, developing scientific research work and the organization and management of special collections, leading the largest research projects and grants, for which high national and international recognition has been received, ensuring international representation at UNESCO, CERL, LIBER, Europeana, cooperation with other world libraries, and leading the National Library of Latvia event series "500 Years of Latvian Books".
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