Achievements of Laboratories and Researchers in 2025

Looking back on 2025 at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, we recall with pleasure and pride a number of significant results achieved by our scientists and laboratories. These outcomes reflect the Institute’s research quality, publication intensity, cooperation with industry, and contribution to the Institute’s overall development. The achievements highlight both individual professional growth and teamwork, which together shape the Institute’s scientific performance.

The year 2025 is also closely associated with the work of Dr.sc.ing. Uģis Cābulis, whose research activities were recognised with the Latvian Academy of Sciences Award for the most significant scientific achievement of 2024, the Paul Walden Medal for his contribution to the development of polymer materials and space technologies, and the international Plastics Industry Awards 2025 in the “Polyurethane Innovation” category. At the international level, the work of Dr.biol. Ilze Irbe also stood out, having received the main award in the WorldStar for Packaging competition, while the professional legacy of Dr.chem. Juris Zoldners was honoured with the forestry sector award “Golden Pine Cone” 2025 for lifetime contribution.

Dr.sc.ing. U. Cābulis, Dr.biol. Ilze Irbe, Dr.chem. Juris Zoldners

In 2025, a significant place in the Institute’s activities was also devoted to public education. In this context, we recall the work of LSIWC Student Council members PhD Daniela Godiņa, Mg.chem. Laima Vēvere, and Mg.chem. Matīss Pāls, which was highlighted in the “Golden Pine Cone” 2025 nomination “For Public Education”.

The year was also marked by high publication activity. In 2025, the highest number of publications at the Institute was achieved by Mg.chem. Laima Vēvere and PhD Miķelis Kirpluks, with seven publications each, placing both researchers in first position.

Mg.chem. Laima Vēvere, PhD Miķelis Kirpļuks

With six publications, Dr.sc.ing. Uģis Cābulis and Dr.sc.ing. Jānis Rižikovs ranked second, while Dr.chem. Aleksandrs Voļperts ranked third with five publications.

Among the most significant scientific results of the year, special mention should be made of a publication by the Laboratory of Lignin Chemistry in a journal with a high impact factor. The study Performance evaluation of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) containing reclaimed asphalt (RA) and biopolymer lignin, co-authored by our researchers Dr.chem. Jevgenija Ponomarenko and PhD Aleksandrs Aršaņica, was published in Construction and Building Materials.

Dr.chem. Jevhenija Ponomarenko, PhD Aleksandrs Aršaņica

In 2025, several laboratories of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry also demonstrated their ability to proactively engage with industry and translate research competence into practically implemented collaborative projects. The Laboratory of Wood Degradation and Protection, the Polymer Laboratory, and the Laboratory of Lignin Chemistry together generated a financial contribution of nearly EUR 170,000 and carried out industry-commissioned research based on the Institute’s scientific expertise and current sector needs.

Concluding the review of 2025, we also highlight the contribution to the development of the Institute’s infrastructure, associated with the work of our Technical Director Gints Ušackas, which has significantly strengthened the operational environment and capacity of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry.