Latvian Forest Research Institute "Silava"

E-mail for registration: info@silava.lv

Visit duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour (1 visit to the laboratory, up to 20 people).

Transportation Options (Public or Private) City Bus Schedules,  Train Schedules, Car Rental, Taxi 

Field of research: Forest ecology and silviculture, National Forest Inventory, Forest tree breeding and climate change, Genetic Resource Centre, Forest regeneration and establishment of tree plantings, Forest phytopathology and mycology, Forest entomology, Forest operations and energy. Wildlife management, Forest products processing.

Recent major projects and research outputs: scientific activity is realized annually within the framework of more than 50 different studies. The largest studies implemented in recent years: studies of the Competence Centers activity program of the Ministry of Economy, three studies of the LIFE program (in one of them – LIFE OrgBalt – LSFRI "Silava" as a leading partner); several studies within the framework of H2020, Interreg and Norwegian Grants for Climate and Environment. Also, several dozen ERDF-supported studies (including 6 post-doctoral studies), as well as ERDF and other fund studies, are currently being implemented.

Knowledge transfer: informative events of various scales for industry participants, students and other interested parties. Cooperation with higher education institutions. Scientific and popular scientific publications. Installation of information-equipped knowledge points in scientific research plots (in cooperation with the Forest Research Station. Regular coverage of the results of scientific activity in various mass media (home page, social network sites, radio and TV).

Environmental Availability: Will be provided.

Institute of Horticulture, LatHort

Field of research, research areas and specialization: Institute of Horticulture, LatHort.

Research keywords: Biologic diversity and breeding of horticultural plants; smart and environmentally friendly horticulture; Healthy plants and healthy society.

We offer a visit: During the visit we will introduce you with our perennial plants collections - the basis of the technological investigations and breeding; laboratories of plant biochemical analysis and food processing; laboratory of plant pathology and entomology; laboratory of plant genetic; greenhouse complex. There will be offered possibility to take part in the degustation of our products.

Visits: Average time of the visit is planned around 3 hours. Depending on the number of expected visitors, we will organize parallel or consecutive sessions. 

Transportation: LatHort is offering the transport from the building of Latvian Academy of Sciences, Akadēmijas laukums 1.

Register: Please, register until June 19, 2023. LatHort holds rights slightly shift time of your visit depending on the number of visitors. You will be informed about your visit time in e-mail.

Contact information: Phone: +371 28650011

Recent major projects and research outputs: Annually around 30- 40 scientific projects are implemented in LatHort, financed by EU (Horizon, ERANET, COST, ERDF) and national funds. Projects

Knowledge transfer pathways: Every year, LatHort organizes around 20 public seminars, workshops and field days, where we inform producers and interested persons about the research results, topicalities in the industry and science. In cooperation with producers several contract research projects are carried out every year. The LatHort technology transfer centre Fruittechcentre provides the results of projects and information about current events, as well as links to the regularly issued by LatHort electronic journal "Professional horticulture". More than 30,000 visitors visit the LatHort garden every year in the blossom and fruiting periods.

Environmental accessibility: Premises are accessible for the persons with special needs.

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

Galvenie pētniecības virzieni: Agricultural and fisheries sciences, Forest science, Veterinary science, Construction and transport engineering, Material science, Environmental engineering and energy, Other engineering and technology, including food and beverage technologies.

Research keywords: Plant productivity and harvest quality; One health, clinical trials; Food and drink technologies; Alternative fuels, vehicles, testing, agricultural robots; Innovative construction materials; Heat permeability of the structure, energy efficiency, environmental impact.

We offer to visit: 

1. Faculty of Agriculture
2. Institute of Plant Protection Research “Agrihorts”
3. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
4. Faculty of Food Technology
5. Alternative Fuel Research Laboratory
6. Scientific laboratories of Building Materials and Building Structures
7. Interdisciplinary Science Laboratory

Visiting Hours:

1. at 10.00 am; 100 am; 12.00 pm
2. at 11.00 am; 13.00 pm
3. at 10.00 am; 12.00 pm; 100 pm
4. at 11.00 am; 13.00 pm
5. at 10.00 am; 12.00 pm
6. at 11.00 am; 13.00 pm
7. at 10.00 am; 11.00 am; 12.00 pm

Maximum number of persons per visit:

1. 5 – 6 people per session
2. 15 people per session
3. 10 people per session
4. 15 people per session
5. 10 - 15 people per session
6. 10 - 15 people per session
7. 20 - 30 people per session

Transportation Options (Public or Private): Intercity bus and passenger train, Public transport in Jelgava (Type and select a stop or address or object name from the list, type the time of departure or arrival, and press the Search button)

Registration: Please fill out the registration form

Recent major research projects: Projects

Environmental accessibility: Available to people with disabilities.

 The University of Latvia 

The University of Latvia has extensive profile, – the research here is conducted in more than 50 fields representing the natural sciences, humanities and arts, medical and health sciences, as well as social sciences.

The University of Latvia provides a platform for successful and innovative scientific cooperation with industry in the fields of chemical production, environmental research, energy industry, food industry, materials research, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as other spheres.

Recent major projects and research outputs: 

• Latvian Quantum Initiative
• Investigations of the environment affected by bog fires and the intensity of bog regeneration
• Sub-project “Latvian Studies, Diaspora and Intercultural Communication”
• “Humanitarian Thought – Language, Text, Culture”
• A project funded by the European Space Agency on orientation of spacecraft in space using 3D magnetometry
• “Cultural and Educational Bridges Between Latvia and the USA”, highlighting the contribution of the Latvian diaspora in the USA to the promotion of Latvian culture, education and science
• Digital zenith-telescope for acquisition of data on gravity field structure and its anomalies, ERAF
• High Frequency Topological Insulator devices for Metrology (HiTIME), Horizon 2020
• Technology transfer in the use of mineral resources in ancient times

The time of the visits: 11.00-14.00

Registration ENG

Address: UL Academic Centre, House of Letters and House of Science, Jelgavas iela 1 and Jelgavas iela 3

Public transport:

• Trolleybuses: No. 9, 27 – stop Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka [“National Library of Latvia”]
• Bus: No. 23 – stop LU Akadēmiskais centrs [“UL Academic Centre”];
• Buses No. 3, 4, 4z, 7, 8, 21, 22, 25, 32, 35, 38, 39, 43, 54, 55 – stop Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka [“National Library of Latvia”]
• Trams: No. 1, 2, 4, 5, 10 – stop Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka [“National Library of Latvia”]
• Train: station “Torņakalns”

 Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS)

Field of research, research areas and specialization: Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS) is the leading drug discovery and development centre in the Baltics. LIOS has more than 65 years of experience and it has delivered 18 original and more than 100 manufacturing technologies of generic medicines to the market. Already ten years in a row, LIOS has been recognized by international experts as the best research institute in Latvia. Facilitating careers of about 270 staff members LIOS is one of the best employers in its field in Latvia. The international environment and multiple partnerships make LIOS an attractive working place for foreign researchers as well.

Research in LIOS covers drug discovery and preclinical development – starting from computational modeling and medicinal chemistry to in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, bioanalytics, biophysical chemistry, structural biology, and process chemistry.

LIOS has a strong focus on collaboration with industry and is part of a wide academic network including 11 EU-funded research consortia and EU-OPENSCREEN ERIC.

Keywords: Drug discovery and development, Biomaterials, Organic synthesis, Biotechnology, Smart materials, Natural product research.

During the LIOS tour, you will visit five different laboratories focusing on the synthesis of new molecules, kg-scale synthesis, the discovery of novel drug targets, screening of new compounds and stability testing of pharmaceutical products under the GMP requirements.

Visits: June 27, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m.

Transportation: public and personal transportation. 

Public trasport in Riga: Route planner , Car Rental, Taxi 

Registration: registration by writing your name and surname to elina@osi.lv

The number of participants are limited (50 persons in total). You will receive an email to confirm your visit.

Environmental accessibility: will be ensured. 

Recent major projects and research outputs: https://www.osi.lv/en/research/projects/

Knowledge transfer pathways: 

• Publications
• Events for specialists, stakeholders and general public
• Contract research
• Intellectual Property Assignment and License Agreement

Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics

Field of research: AREI scientists carry out the breeding of crop varieties , the research of various crop cultivation agri-technologies , conduct research on the quality of crops and the development of sustainable rural space , as well as economic analysis in the fields of agriculture, food production and bioeconomics.

Research keywords: Bioeconomics, agroecology, crops breeding, rural areas.

We offer a visit: 

• Laboratory of Cereal Technology and Agricultural Chemistry - Testing of cereals and other plants biomass; determination of soil agro-chemical indicators.
• Pre-selection laboratory
• Crop trials and demo fields
• Seed production- Seed production of cereals, potatoes, grasses, legumes and fibre plants

The time and lenght of the visits: 11:00; 14:00 (2 hours)

Transportation: Public or personal transport. If necessary can be provided by AREI (Please mention if transport is needed in your registration e-mail, meeting point will be Struktoru street14, Riga) 

Reģistrācija: arei@arei.lv

Recent major research projects: 

ES Horizon 2020 project “LIVESEED Improve performance of organic agriculture by boosting organic seed and plant breeding efforts across Europe”.

EEA and Norway Grants project “NOBALwheat – breeding toolbox for sustainable food system of the NOrdic-BALtic region”.

EEA and Norway Grants project “Promoting collaboration for sustainable and circular use of bioresources across agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture (CIRCLE)”.

Fundamental and practical research project “Potato breeding for low input and organic farming systems: nitrogen use efficiency and quality aspects of potato protein”.

Fundamental and practical research project “Genetically diverse populations of self-pollinating cereals for organic farming: agronomic performance, effect of environment, and improvement techniques”.

European Innovation partnership project „New technologies and economically viable solutions to feed production in swine breeding”.

Knowledge transfer pathways: Conferences, scientific and popular-science publications, field days.

Environmental accessibility: will be provided. 

Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI)

Field of research: Engineering sciences and technologies (Electrical engineering, electronics, information and communication technologies), Natural sciences (Computer science and informatics), embedded artificial intelligence, cognitive robotics, smart wearable devices, connected and autonomous mobility, extremely precise event timers).

Research keywords: ​​​​​​We offer excursions to laboratories, demonstrations of technologies developed by EDI, including smart industrial and mobile robots, self-driving cars, satellite image processing, UWB radars, smart wearable systems etc., discussions on collaboration.

We offer a visit: We offer excursions to laboratories, demonstrations of technologies developed by EDI, including smart industrial and mobile robots, self-driving cars, satellite image processing, UWB radars, smart wearable systems etc., discussions on collaboration.

Visiting Hours: 11.00 – 15.00 (1h visit for each 20 person group)

Transportation: Public and Personal transport.

Public trasport in Riga: Route planner, Car Rental, Taxi 

Registration: visit EDI

Recent major projects

Knowledge transfer pathways: Research collaboration with private and public sectors, contract research and commercialization of technologies, supervising thesis works of students and providing internships, mentoring, dissemination of results and data targeted at both scientific community and wider audience, popularization of science for wider society, career growth opportunities for personnel of different levels, exchange of scientific personnel.

Environmental accessibility: will be provided.

Contact information: email: info@edi.lv; phone: +371 67554500;

National Library of Latvia

Field of research: social sciences, humanities and the arts.

Research keywords: Baltic region, history, culture, book studies, digital humanities.

We offer to visit: The visit will include time in the Research and Interpretation Centre, which conducts research into the history of books (publishing, libraries, history of reading, etc.) and understanding the contemporary process, as well as in the Digital Development Department and the Digital Humanities Laboratory.

The National Library of Latvia performs scientific research work in library science, bibliography and book science.

The long-term strategic goal of the NLL is to develop the NLL as a research centre for lettonica, national identity, information and cognitive sciences, as well as a base for national culture research and a leader in digital humanities infrastructure.

The NLL has been developing research directions related to the digital environment and content – organization and development of data and knowledge, authoritative data (including the national thesaurus), data representation and transfer (linked data, semantic web), communication research (information visualization research, paradigm shift in scientific communication, including digital publishing, Open Access, Open Data) and digital cultural heritage digitization, long-term preservation, access, language corpus), as well as digitally created cultural heritage.

Visitors will also be introduced to the NLL’s special collections, which are displayed in a permanent exhibition as well as a number of exhibitions. Particular attention will be paid to the exhibition “Awakening. The story of the Herrnhutians" in which the handwritings that have been included in the National Register list of the UNESCO Memory of the World program are exhibited.

The time and lenght of the visits: You can register for visits at 11:00 or 14:00. Duration of the visit: 1.5 hours (max. 15 persons per visit).

Transportation Information: public transportation in Riga

Bus: 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 32, 39, 43, 54, 55

Tram: 1, 2, 5, 10; Trolleybus: 9, 27

Registration link: 

• 27.06.2023 11.00 – 12.30
• 27.06.2023 14.00 – 15.30

Recent major projects: The 500 Years of Latvian Books programme and a number of research projects are being implemented at the NLL. Information on current projects here.

Knowledge transfer pathways: Research and popular science publications and conference papers. Cooperation with higher education institutions and memory repositories. Communication of research (exhibitions, lectures, public engagement events).

Contact information: pauls.daija@lnb.lv

 Riga Technical University (RTU)

Field of research: advanced materials, processes and technologies, information and communication systems, nanophotonics, fiber optical transmission systems and components, integrated photonics, robotics in cyber physical systems, climate and energy technologies, cities and development.

Research keywords: advanced materials, ICT, robotics, climate, energy, environment.

We offer a visit to RTU laboratories. During the visit it will be possible to find out more about RTU research in fields of energetics, environment, ICT, materials science, civil engineering etc., see prototiypes of different technologies and establish contacts with scientists. It will be also possible to visit RTU Science and innovation centre – best equipped prototyping workshop in the Baltics.

Visit duration: An excursion from 11am till 2pm will be organized (max. 20 persons). Meeting point at the entrance to the Faculty of Electrical and Environmental Engineering. Visual landmark – a wind generator on the roof of the building and big white letters “RTU”.

Address: Azenes Street 12/1, Riga.

Registraton link

Public transportation:

Trolleybuses: No. 5, 9, 12, 25 – stop Kipsala;

Buses: No. 13, 30, 37, 41, 53, 57 – stop Kipsala;

Trolleybus No. 9 – stop Kalnciema iela;

Bus No. 3 – stop Kalnciema iela.

Environmental accessibility: Available to people with disabilities.

Recent major projects

Contact information: for more information contact elina.karaseva@rtu.lv; mobile phone 26517727

Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences 

Field of research: Smart technologies and eco-building in the national economy; Virtual reality technologies and visualization; E-learning management and technologies; Socio-technical systems modelling technologies; Sustainable national economy and knowledge society; Communication ecosystem and technologies; Cybersecurity.

Research keywords: ​​​​​​Smart technologies; Sustainable economy; Knowledge society; Communication.

We offer a visit: 

• Institute of Social, Economic and Humanities Research (HESPI) at 4 Cēsu Str., Valmiera – meeting with researchers, insight into the Spatial Research Laboratory;

  Socio-Technical Systems Engineering Institute at 10 Tērbatas Str., Valmiera – meeting with researchers, insight into the project “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Support for Accelerated Math Acquisition Approach” (AI4Math);

  Between the visits to both the institutes, a lunch break is planned with various additional options: a visit to Valmiera Integrated Library, a visit to Valmiera Museum, a short tour in Valmiera.

Visiting Hours: 11.10 – 15.45

Transportation: Private or public transport: bus from Riga International Coach Terminal departs to Valmiera at 9.00 and arrives at 11.10 to Valmiera Bus Terminal just across the street from Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences at 4 Cēsu Str. For the return journey, the train Valmiera-Riga is the most convenient option departing at 15.44 and arriving to Riga Central Train Station at 17.45

Registration: Please fill in the registration form till June 19

Recent major projects: Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences is an active participant of international (ERDF, Interreg, Horizon Europe et al.), national (VPP, FLPP et al.), regional (Valmiera Municipality grants) research projects, as well as research and development projects for industry contractors. More information here.

Knowledge transfer pathways: Vidzeme University is organising an annual international scientific conference SOCIETY. TECHNOLOGIES. SOLUTIONS; frequent seminars and workshops are held for dissemination of the research projects’ results; talk series “Science Close-Up” (“Zinātne tuvplānā” – in Latvian) are broadcasted both on Re:TV and YouTube; society’s science awareness is promoted within the European Researchers’ Night.

Environmental accessibility: Accessibility is maintained for people with special needs. Please specify your needs in the registration form.

Contact information: Zane Kudure, Email: zane.kudure@va.lv,

Phone: +371 29743821

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU)

Field of research: RSU is a modern European research university that is the centre for talented people and the place to receive outstanding research and practice-based education and experience. RSU ensures creation, accumulation and transfer of knowledge valued in the international research community, and contributes to the development of society in the field of health, life and social sciences.

Medicine Platform covers general medicine, oncology, infectology, microbiology, virology and bioinformatics, molecular aspects of diseases, genetics, prognosis and treatment, impact on quality of life, treatment goals and outcomes.

The Public Health Platform addresses practical health problems, occupational safety and environmental health.

Research topics include epidemiology, disease prevention and health promotion, rehabilitation, survival, research on quality of life, health systems and digital health, health economics, sustainable urban development, climate impact, new technologies for nanoparticle detection.

The Social Sciences Platform conducts empirical and theoretical research in all fields of political science, business and economy, psychology, education, sociology and social work, media and communication, cyber security, international and national justice systems and legislation.

Research keywords: Health Science; Natural Science; Social Science.

We offer:

• Visit to RSU Pharmaceutical Education and Research Centre at Konsula Street 21 , Riga, Tour in English at 12.00 Sign up (max. 45 persons per visit)
• Visit to RSU Anatomy Museum at Kronvalds Boulevard 9, Riga
• Tour in English at 16.00 Sign up (max.15 persons per visit)

Transportation Information: Public and personal transport.

Public transport: route planner (type and select a stop, address or object name from the list, enter departure or arrival time and press the "Search" button).

Environmental accessibility: Available for people with disabilities.

Recent major projects: RSU Research Portal, Research projects

Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, University of Latvia

Field of research: sociology, biographical approach, oral history and the use of its resources in the analysis of social and identity processes in contemporary culture.

Research keywords: oral history, life-stories, memories, migration, generations.

During the visit we offer: Acquaintance with the National Oral History collection, recent publications and research projects.

Registration: please fill out the form (max. 5-7 persons per visit). Adress: Riga, Kalpaka Boulevard 4-325.

Transportation Information: Public and personal transport.

Public transport: route planner (type and select a stop, address or object name from the list, enter departure or arrival time and press the "Search" button).

Environmental accessibility: Available for people with disabilities.

Recent major projects: 2022: ASV vēstniecības Latvijā atbalstīts projekts «Kultūras un izglītības tilti starp Latviju un ASV», izgaismojot ASV latviešu diasporas ieguldījumu Latvijas kultūras, izglītības un zinātnes veicināšanā.

2018-2021: projekts “Atmiņu pārnese starp paaudzēm: naratīvā perspektīva”. Galvenais rezultāts: monogrāfija “Atmiņu mantojums paaudzēs: dzīvesstāstu perspektīva”, kurā raksturotas 20. gadsimta paaudzes Latvijā, to iezīmes, klasifikācija, mijiedarbība, kā arī atmiņu pēctecība un pārrāvumi.

Contact information: fsi@lza.lv

Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia

Field of research, research areas and specialization: 

• Photonics (Polymer Photonics Platform, Fibre Optics devices and sensors)
• Nanomaterials (0D, 1D, 2D, 3D)
• Sensors
• Energy harvesting and storage
• Microfluidics, including biotechnologies (Organ-on-Chip).

Research keywords: 

• Solid state physics
• Photonics
• Batteries
• Hydrogen technologies
• Nanotechnologies
• Microfluidics.

We offer a visit: During the visit, there will be a tour of the laboratories of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), and there will also be an opportunity to learn more about the institute in the presentation.

Visit duration: The visit starts at 14:00. Duration of the visit: 1.5 hours. Maximum number of visitors – 20 persons.

Transportation Information: 

Public and personal transport.

Public transport: route planner (type and select a stop, address or object name from the list, enter departure or arrival time and press the "Search" button).

Registration: please fill out the registration form.

Recent major projects: 

• In 2013, a nanotechnology center with an area of 650 m2 was established at the institute. The infrastructure of solid-state spectroscopy, thin film, electrochemistry, microscopy and structural analysis was modernized, and investments were made in developing competencies.
• Since 2014, ISSP UL has been coordinating Latvia's participation in the "EUROfusion" project. The competence of the institute covers the development and research of new materials. By 2022, this project had attracted 2,8 million EUR.
• Since 2018, ISSP UL has been implementing the large-scale project "The Excellence Center of Advanced Material Research and Technology Transfer" (CAMART²) (11 million EUR). The aim of this project is to establish ISSP UL as the most important center of excellence for education, science, innovation, and technology transfer in the Baltic States in the field of materials science.
• In 2022, ISSP UL started managing the project MOTE or “Smart Materials, Photonics, Technologies and Engineering Ecosystems”, which is a part of the national research program Innovation Fund – sectoral research program established by the Ministry of Economics. The project aims to establish a co-creation research ecosystem to foster development in the RIS3 sector of photonics, smart materials, related technologies, and engineering systems based on scientific breakthroughs and research commercialization in Latvia.
• In addition to already existing international projects, ISSP UL has been involved in several "Horizon Europe" projects, the most important of which are "Smart Windows for Zero Energy Buildings" (ERA Chairs project, 2,5 million EUR) and "Physical Cognition for Intelligent Control and Safe Human-Robot Interaction (Sestosenso) (0,4 million EUR). ISSP UL is also actively involved in European Space Agency projects, having already participated in two ESA projects in recent years. In addition, ISSP UL implements several COST, EEA, M-ERANET, CERN, Taiwan-Latvia-Lithuania, Latvia-Ukraine, and post-doctoral projects. In 2022, ISSP UL implemented 68 projects; thus, the total turnover of ISSP UL from projects was 12 million EUR.

Knowledge transfer pathways: 

• In addition to the leading role in solid-state physics, ISSP UL actively promotes the commercialization of research results. In recent years, both local and large foreign companies have licensed the technologies created at the institute; for example, one of the world's leading manufacturers of photonics and innovative optical instruments and their components, "Thorlabs", highly appreciated the unique properties of the innovative high-speed thermo-electric sensor created by ISSP UL and signed a contract for its licensing and technology transfer.
• Also, the ISSP UL promotes the emergence of spin-off companies of the institute's employees. In the last year, two ISSP UL's spin-offs have already gained recognition: "Cellbox Labs" develops innovative organ-on-a-chip devices, which are miniature replicas of organs outside our body for more effective drug development, while "OG Sense" develops innovative optical sensor for monitoring ammonia and other gases.
• In December 2022, ISSP UL signed a memorandum on the development of hydrogen technologies, the purpose of which is to promote a strong and unified hydrogen ecosystem and the development of relevant technologies, as well as to accelerate the implementation and capacity of hydrogen innovation, infrastructure, production and application in Latvia, providing an opportunity for the hydrogen industry to develop, in accordance for the goals set by the EU, creating both a contribution to Latvia's economy and promoting the achievement of climate goals.
• In addition, important scientific publications and reports are developed at the ISSP UL, and the institute actively participates in various conferences, exhibitions, and other events. Meanwhile, ISSP UL organizes student hackathons and competitions for school students thus popularizing natural sciences among young people.

Environmental accessibility: The building has an elevator. Entrance in the institute is adapted for people with special needs.

Contact information: 

Edgars Špengelis - e-mail: edgars.spengelis@cfi.lu.lv, phone: +371 29216794