In honor of Latvian scientists’ contributions to nuclear energy research and the 105th anniversary of the University of Latvia (UL), a lecture series titled “Taming Future Energy” and the presentation of the Energy Coin, issued by the Bank of Latvia, took place on September 26 at the UL Academic Center.
The event was opened with a speech by the Vice-Rector for Science, Guntars Kitenbergs.
“Climate change compels the world to consider alternative energy sources. For more than half a century, nuclear energy research and its safe utilization have occupied the minds of scientists as one of the most promising so-called ‘clean energy’ sources. To potentially solve energy problems in the future, everyone must be involved. Therefore, continuity is crucial, and universities play a significant role in this,” he emphasized, noting that UL researchers' active participation and contributions to international projects are both a duty and a great honor for the University and Latvia as a whole.
The audience then had the opportunity to listen to a lecture by Bertrand Roques, a researcher from the largest experimental nuclear energy project in Europe, ITER. Roques provided an overview of the present, future, and potential of nuclear fusion technologies in solving humanity’s energy problems. The presentation was supported by the French Institute in Latvia and the French Embassy in Latvia.
Following this, a speech was given by Zita Zariņa, a member of the Board of the Bank of Latvia, presenting the new collector coin – the Energy Coin – dedicated to the importance of science. The coin symbolizes the nuclear fusion process, highlighting its potential as an inexhaustible and environmentally friendly energy source. The coin’s design was created by world-renowned Latvian artist Germans Ermičs, who collaborated with scientists to visually depict fundamental physics principles. The artist shared with the audience the story of the Energy Coin's design process, emphasizing the importance of the synergy between art and science in the creation of this work.
Professor and quantum physicist Vjačeslavs Kaščejevs led a captivating discussion with the audience about the future of nuclear fusion in Latvia and the synergy between science and art. Experts discussed the challenges and opportunities in this field, highlighting the significant role Latvian researchers play in international projects such as ITER and Eurofusion, reaffirming Latvia's contribution to global research processes. The event concluded with the realization that Latvian scientists and artists, by combining their efforts, can make a significant contribution to solving global challenges.