International Education Exhibition "School 2025"

At the International Education Fair "Skola 2025" on Friday, February 21, from 12:00 to 15:00, the Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme "Applied Research" will host its opening event, “THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE”. This event will bring together young people, scientists, and innovators to demonstrate how science can become a future opportunity for every young person.

The Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme is part of Switzerland's contribution to European Union member states aimed at promoting scientific excellence, innovation, and economic development. Over 12 million euros are available to support the development of science and research in Latvia, enabling the implementation of significant projects, the creation of innovations, and strengthening international cooperation.

Come and discover how science can change the world! The impossible becomes possible!

To show that science is not just theory but a real opportunity for every young person, the participants of the programme's opening event will address students at the "Skola 2025" international education exhibition. They will share what is planned within the programme's projects and encourage students to link their future with science. The event will feature formats familiar to young people, including improvisation, music, and interactive activities, aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators. It will serve as a platform where science becomes not only possible and understandable but also inspiring.

The opening event will be attended by the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Latvia, Martin Michelet, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science  Silvija Amatniece, representatives from the Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme, IZM, the Latvian Council of Science (LZP), “Riga Tech Girls,” and project implementers from the University of Latvia (LU) Institute of Solid-State Physics, Riga Technical University, Institute of Electronics and Computer Science, and others.

The event will be hosted by the improvisational group “Gandrīz draugi”, with performances by popular musicians Edavārdi and Katō. Several interactive science-related competitions will be held, where young people will have the chance to win training with RigaTechGirls, gift cards for science center visits, and strategic board games. During the event, young people will also have the opportunity to meet the project implementers of the Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme and hear from the scientists themselves about how international cooperation can help solve complex scientific problems more efficiently and promote the country’s economic growth. Visitors will also be able to learn more about the IZM-created science communication platform researchLatvia and view the traveling exhibition “Science for Latvia 2025,” featuring 12 inspiring science personalities.

The Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme "Applied Research" is implemented by IZM and LZP. Two major research projects are being funded within the programme. The first project will be carried out by Riga Technical University in collaboration with Swiss partners. It will promote research and innovation in the field of materials by increasing the lifespan of asphalt pavements and creating new road materials, such as 3D printed concrete using local minerals.

The second project will be implemented by the LU Institute of Solid-State Physics in cooperation with Swiss and Latvian partners. Its goal is to improve smart grids and energy storage by using artificial intelligence tools to assess and ensure the real-time stability of the Baltic electricity network, as well as to enhance materials for hydrogen production catalysts and energy storage in batteries. The project will contribute to the Baltic States’ independence from foreign fossil fuels, opening up opportunities for cleaner energy production.