Researcher Spotlight 2026

Extraordinary personalities and their achievements

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Researcher Spotlight: Jānis Ozoliņš

Ph. D. Jānis Ozoliņš 

Leading Researcher at the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia

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researchLatvia: Your Gateway to Latvia's Science

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in brief

We are building a stable and strong national research environment, enabling international and public-private partnerships to emerge.

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why Latvia

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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mission

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.

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research spotlight

public health

A salivary enzyme may help predict an increased risk of harmful fats

Overweight and related metabolic disorders are now one of the global public health challenges. Visceral fat is particularly dangerous – the fat that accumulates around internal organs and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular disease. Until now, the assessment of ove…

Gita Erta, RSU

June 4, 2026

entrepreneurship science policy

Latvian Investment and Development Agency and the European Investment Bank (EIB): Latvia has strong start-up potential

The European Investment Bank (EIB), in cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and the international professional services company PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), has presented initial conclusions on the financing ecosystem for Latvian start-ups and scale-ups, while al…

LIAA

June 4, 2026

public health

Antibiotics in children in Latvia are used cautiously, but not always appropriately

Rapid diagnostics and targeted physician education can help to further reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics more effectively. The author of the doctoral research study “Prescribing Patterns of Antibacterial Therapy for Children with Acute Infections in Primary Care in Latvia and the Impact of Mu…

Zane Līkopa, RSU

June 3, 2026

technologies science

Agreement reached to develop unmanned systems and dual‑use technologies in Latvia

To create an environment where unmanned systems, autonomous technologies, and other innovative solutions can be tested under real conditions, while at the same time promoting cooperation between companies, research organisations, academia, and international partners, the “Baltic Forces Hub” will be…

Rīgas Tehniskā universitāte

June 3, 2026

technologies social sciences

First Open Model for Latvian Handwritten Text Recognition Created at the University of Latvia

The first open text recognition model for Latvian handwriting has been created on the Transkribus platform. Developed for the research and digitisation of Latvian handwritten manuscripts, the model will be useful to anyone working with 19th-century Latvian handwritten materials. The model was …

Latvijas Universitāte

June 2, 2026

research natural sciences

How to replicate on Earth a process that occurs in the Sun? Researchers are working on future nuclear fusion technologies

Nuclear fusion is a process in which a large amount of energy is released when light atomic nuclei merge. This process also takes place inside the Sun. Although nuclear fusion is not yet used for commercial energy production, scientists around the world are working on its development, as in the fut…

Matīss Sondars (LU Eksakto zinātņu un tehnoloģiju fakultātes Ķīmiskās fizikas institūta pētnieks)

June 2, 2026

research public health

The National Research and Innovation Institute (NIRI) has been established in Latvia – National Research and Innovation Institute

Today, June 1, at the Kokaru Hall of the Mežaparks Great Stage, with the participation of representatives from the state, universities, and the science sector, the National Research and Innovation Institute (NIRI) — a new European‑level centre for life and natural sciences — was ceremonially opened…

NIRI

June 1, 2026

science communication

The Traveling Exhibition “Research Latvia 2026” on Display at the University of Latvia Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art, the University of Latvia Botanical Garden and the University of Latvia House of Science

The travelling exhibition “Research Latvia 2026”, created by the Ministry of Education and Science, offers a unique opportunity to discover 12 outstanding Latvian scientists and their contributions to the development of society and research. In May, the travelling exhibition and the science calenda…

researchLatvia

June 1, 2026

science policy

Latvia Advocates for Its Scientific Interests in the European Union Competitiveness Council Regarding the Next EU Research Programme

On Friday, 29 May, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES), Jānis Paiders, represented Latvia at the European Union Competitiveness Council in Brussels. At the meeting, the EU Member States discussed issues related to the implementation of the research and innovation pro…

Ministry of Education and Science

May 29, 2026

public health

A significant pilot project has been implemented to improve renal replacement therapy. The Latvian Registry of Kidney Patients has been established.

A significant pilot project has been completed at Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital (PSKUS) in cooperation with Rīga Stradiņš University: Improving the Effectiveness of Chronic Renal Replacement Therapy in Latvia: A Quality and Cost Model as a Tool for Assessing Treatment and Financial Im…

Rīgas Stradiņa Universitāte

May 29, 2026

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2026-05-06

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2026-05-19

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Opportunity to Apply for the Horizon Europe Research Infrastructures Proposal Pre‑Check

2026-06-01

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2026-06-06

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Jelgava, Rīgas iela 11

top videos

May Researcher Spotlight: Edgars Butanovs

Ph. D. Edgars Butanovs, Lead researcher at the Thin Films Laboratory of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia and head of the Semiconductor Thin Film Nanotechnology Group, PhD Edgars Butanovs focuses on developing ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor coatings – materials with the potential to transform high-power electronics and next-generation energy systems. His research explores how these advanced thin films can improve efficiency, reduce losses and enable new applications in optoelectronics, sensing and renewable technologies.
 

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April Researcher Spotlight: Monta Brīvība

Dr. biol. Monta Brīvība is Head of the Genome Centre and Researcher in the Precision Medicine Group at the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre. At the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, genome research drives Monta Brīvība's efforts to understand how genetic variation shapes human health. As Head of the Genome Centre and researcher in the Precision Medicine Group, she explores how genomic data can reveal disease risks and support the development of more accurate, personalised healthcare. BMC is one of the centres established by the National Research and Innovation Institute (NIRI), promoting excellence in biomedical research.

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March Researcher Spotlight: Žanete Šteingolde

Mg. med. vet. Žanete Šteingolde is Head of the Microbiology and Pathology Laboratory at the Institute "BIOR", working at the intersection of animal, environmental and public health, developing research based on the "One Health" approach. Her work focuses on animal infectious diseases, including zoonoses, combining laboratory diagnostics with epidemiological analysis. The researcher participates in a European co-funded international "One Health" surveillance project, studying diseases that affect both animals and humans – including West Nile fever, which was detected in Latvia for the first time in 2024.

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