Online Discussion "Science and Your Life"

At the end of 2024, several state research programs administered by the Latvian Council of Science will conclude. These programs aim to find solutions or create innovations for specific needs in Latvian society, economy, development, sustainability, security, and other nationally important areas. Scientists have been tasked by the responsible ministries to address issues that are crucial to the development of our language, the sustainable use of our land, strengthening our security, and improving quality of life. Scientists are creating product prototypes, innovative technologies, teaching methods, and digital language tools, maps, and analytical tools, as well as new knowledge and products.

On December 3, 2024, from 13:00 to 15:00, the Latvian Council of Science invites everyone to join an online discussion in which scientists, heads of the national research programs from responsible ministries, as well as potential end users of the research outcomes, will deeply analyze the essence and significance of the National Research Programs, their results, and their further applicability and implementation.

The discussion will be available online to anyone interested. It will be broadcast on the Latvian Council of Science's Facebook page.

The discussion will be moderated by TV personality and campaign ambassador Gustavs Terzens, alongside Gatis Krūmiņš, the lead researcher at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences.

The participants will analyze the following topics:

• The task of the state order, its goals, and science communication
• The continuity, results, and applicability of the National Research Programs

The discussion will feature:

• Jānis Paiders, Deputy State Secretary for Human Capital, Science, and Innovation Development, Ministry of Education and Science
• Lauma Muižniece, Director of the Latvian Council of Science
• Mārtiņš Jansons, Deputy Director of the Enterprise Competitiveness Department, Ministry of Economics
• Roberts Kits, Head of the Innovation and Research Support Division, Ministry of Defense’s Defense Industry and Innovation Policy Department

Scientists implementing the National Research Programs:

• Pēteris Lakovskis, Senior Researcher at the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, Chair of the Scientific Council
• Normunds Grūzītis, Head of the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Latvia
• Dace Namsone, Director of the Interdisciplinary Education Innovation Centre, University of Latvia
• Andrejs Šiškins, Senior Researcher at the Institute of Materials and Surface Technology, Riga Technical University
• Sergejs Gaidukovs, Tenured Professor at the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Riga Technical University
• Osvalds Pugovičs, Acting Director of the Institute of Organic Synthesis, Latvia
• Jānis Latvels, Senior Expert at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia

Also joining the discussion about the benefits of the national research program will be Mārcis Leja, Director of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia. Vitalijs Skrivelis from the Latvian Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers will talk about the practical benefits of science, and Ilze Pilskalne, a teacher at Andrejs Upīša Skrīveri Secondary School, will discuss the contribution of science to improving teaching and learning quality.

To introduce the broader public to the results of scientists' work, the Latvian Council of Science is implementing an informational campaign called "Science and Your Life. It All Starts with Understanding." During this campaign, Latvian citizens are invited to explore the achievements of Latvian scientists in important areas of life such as our land, language, security, and quality of life.