Dr. Uģis Cābulis Awarded the Paul Walden Medal

In 2025, the Paul Walden Medal was awarded to Dr. Uģis Cābulis, Academician of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Director of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) and Head of the Polymer Laboratory, for his outstanding contribution to the development of polymer materials and space technologies.

The award will be presented to our Scientific Director at the 66th International Scientific Conference of Riga Technical University on October 14.

Throughout his scientific career, Uģis Cābulis has published more than 110 Scopus-indexed articles, with a Hirsch index of 31. While his research focus has always been on polyurethane chemistry and technology, his special passion lies in cryogenic insulation and collaboration with the space industry. Under Dr. Cābulis’ leadership, an innovative insulation material was developed and applied in the European launch vehicle “Ariane-6”, earning both international recognition and the Latvian Academy of Sciences’ “Scientific Achievement of the Year 2024” award.

Under the guidance of Academician Cābulis, the Polymer Laboratory at LSIWC actively collaborates with institutes of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology at Riga Technical University (RTU) and plays an important role in educating the next generation of specialists, contributing to academic studies and research training.

What is the Paul Walden Medal?

The Paul Walden Medal, named after the eminent chemist Paul Walden (1863–1957), is one of the most prestigious Latvian chemistry awards, granted for internationally significant achievements in chemistry and its applications.

Paul Walden discovered the “Walden inversion” and became the founder of dynamic stereochemistry and non-aqueous solution electrochemistry. He graduated from the Riga Polytechnic Institute (now RTU) under Nobel Laureate Wilhelm Ostwald, later serving for 30 years as a faculty member and twice being elected Rector of RPI. Walden made his most significant discoveries in organic and physical chemistry during his years in Riga.

Paul Walden, one of the most prominent chemists of the first half of the 20th century, was nominated several times for the Nobel Prize, becoming the first and so far the only scientist of Latvian origin to be put forward for this highest international distinction.

The entire LSIWC family warmly and proudly congratulates our Scientific Director, Academician Dr. Uģis Cābulis, on this high distinction! We are proud of his achievements in Latvian and global science – a success that inspires and strengthens us all.