In an inspiring atmosphere, the Ministry of Education and Science launched its calendar and traveling exhibition "Research Latvia 2025". The interactive science calendar, available in both digital and traditional formats, showcases 12 of Latvia's leading scientific institutions and their researchers. Their outstanding achievements highlight Latvia's significant role in the European Research Area and on a global scale.
"The "Research Latvia" calendar, now in its eighth year, has become a unique guide to Latvia's scientific achievements - inspiring, sparking new ideas, and emphasizing the importance of science for the sustainable development of our society. The exhibition, calendar, and video stories about fascinating scientific personalities not only highlight achievements but also serve as an essential strategic communication tool, helping us move towards our ultimate goal - a knowledge-based society. May modern science create, surprise, and drive us forward!" said Anda Čakša, Minister of Education and Science.
The calendar launch event took place at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, K. Barona Street 1, Riga. The traveling exhibition will be open to the public there until January 29, 2025. Throughout the year, the exhibition will be displayed in various higher education institutions, as well as other public and cultural venues across Latvia. By scanning QR codes, visitors can watch all 12 video stories. This initiative not only promotes science but also strengthens the public's connection to the world of research.
At the opening ceremony of "Research Latvia 2025", for the first time, the 12 featured scientific institutions received the Member of researchLatvia recognition, thus confirming their significant role in the development of Latvia's research.
The calendar features 12 remarkable scientists – six women and six men – who, through their unique research, contribute to the development of interdisciplinary national and international scientific centers:
- Dr. art. Diāna Zandberga (Director of the joint professional doctoral program in arts at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, pianist);
- Dr. sc. pol. Toms Rostoks (Director of the Center for Security and Strategic Research at the Latvian National Defense Academy, associate professor);
- Dr. biol. Renāte Ranka (Tenured professor at the Riga Stradiņš University's Faculty of Pharmacy, leading researcher at the Institute of Public Health);
- Dr. biol. Artūrs Škute (Professor at the Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University);
- Ph. D. Rūta Ozola-Davidāne (Associate tenured professor at the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies' Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering);
- Mg. sc. comp. Karina Šķirmante (Leading researcher and doctoral candidate at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences' Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center);
- Art. D. Ansis Rozentāls (Assistant at the Drawing Department of the Latvian Academy of Arts, IT administrator, painter);
- Ph. D. Oskars Java (Director at the Institute of Sociotechnical Systems Engineering, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, researcher);
- Dr. phil. Raivis Bičevskis (Tenured professor in the University of Latvia Faculty of Humanities, specializing in social philosophy);
- Dr. sc. ing. Sergejs Gaidukovs (Tenured professor at Riga Technical University's Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology);
- Ph. D. Baiba Tjarve (Deputy Head and leading researcher at the Institute of Culture and Arts, Latvian Academy of Culture);
- Mg. art., Mg. soc. Dagnija Baltiņa (Director of the National Library of Latvia, doctoral candidate).
May the National Library of Latvia, along with Latvia’s universities of science, arts, culture, and applied sciences, continue to inspire us all to explore, create, and grow!
The science calendar was developed as part of the Ministry of Education and Science's project No. 1.1.1.1/1/24/I/001, "More Effective and Smarter Implementation and Management of Latvia's Science Policy". Contributors include SIA "Entuziasti Digital", director Kristaps Mozgirs, photographer Mārtiņš Goldbergs, and the creative team of researchLatvia.
