On October 8, the Cabinet of Ministers decided on amendments to the postdoctoral research support program, which will significantly improve the availability, conditions, and sustainability of research funding. Initiated by the Ministry of Education and Science, these amendments will enhance the research environment in Latvia, allowing young researchers to better develop their projects and deliver high-quality results.
The amendments envisage the allocation of an additional funding of EUR 6,090,000, enabling a focus on research activities that have a greater impact on national economy. As a result, young researchers will have more opportunities to develop and strengthen their research career within Latvia’s scientific institutions and enterprises, and thus increase the number of scientific innovations in Latvia. This support is provided by the European Union's Cohesion Policy Program for 2021-2027 of the specific support objective "Strengthening Research and Innovation Capacity and Introduction of Advanced Technologies into the Overall R&D System" (1.1.1.), event "Postdoctoral Research" (1.1.1.9).
In addition, the conditions are clarified to ensure the continuity and sustainability of research projects, promoting stability in the research field and long-term benefits from the studies conducted. Postdoctoral fellows will receive compensation based on actual costs, thereby eliminating disproportionate gap between researcher and academic remuneration. Also, it is currently planned that postdoctoral researchers, in addition to receiving compensation within the grant, will be provided with research costs, as well as additional support for the postdoctoral fellow and their family in case of extended research mobility.
Researchers will have the opportunity to opt for funding to support commercial activities, either under the Commission's regulation in the form of the minimum amount, or so-called de minimis support, increasing the flexibility and accessibility of research applications.