European Researchers’ Night 2025: “Discover the Researcher Gene in You!”
On 26 September, the whole of Latvia celebrated Researchers’ Night 2025, with more than 30 locations simultaneously filled with the spirit of science. This year’s motto was “Discover the Researcher Gene in You!”, encouraging every visitor to embrace curiosity and experience what it feels like to be a researcher.
An adventure at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
At our Institute, the evening was truly special. Event organizers Laima Vēvere and Daniela Godiņa, together with their colleagues, had prepared a diverse and engaging programme. Guests were welcomed by Ance Pļavniece and Ralfs Intars Lazdiņš, who invited them to embark on a journey through the laboratories.
Laboratory of Wood Biodegradation and Protection researchers Dace Cīrule, Lotārs Olivers Vasiļjevs, Edgars Kuka, Matīss Ķevers and Errj Sansonetti demonstrated how wood is affected by moisture, microorganisms and sunlight, and what methods can help preserve its durability in the long term.
Polymer Laboratory researchers Ralfs Pomilovskis, Beatrise Stūre-Šķela, Laura Vasiļevska and Ralfs Intars Lazdiņš introduced colourful polyurethane foams made from renewable raw materials and explained thermal insulation technologies. Anda Fridrihsone revealed the secrets of life cycle analysis.
The Cellulose Laboratory had prepared two special events for visitors:
Researcher Mikus Kampuss introduced the mycelium composites developed by our colleague Ilze Irbe – materials made from straw, hemp shives, wood chips and recycled paper, which are fully biodegradable and suitable for packaging, insulation, and even design.
Researcher Ulla Milbreta presented a specially prepared film about her unique project – the beehives on the Institute’s rooftop – as well as the results of collaboration with designers: a mycelium surfboard.
This surfboard was created in collaboration with Latvian Academy of Art student Lūkass Segliņš. LSIWC researchers helped to develop a suitable mycelium composite material by testing different substrates (oats, straw, buckwheat, bran, hemp) and mechanical properties, and also provided lab equipment for growing and drying the mycelium. The result was a functional prototype proving that science and design together can create a real alternative to petroleum-based products.
Biorefinery Laboratory researcher Māris Puķe revealed the secrets of furfural production, Jānis Rižikovs spoke about birch bark extracts, and Andris Bērziņš demonstrated innovative bio-based façade panels. Mārtiņš Andžs introduced the secrets of prebiotics. Kristīne Meile, in turn, explained the importance of assessing product quality from the perspective of chemical composition (what exactly and how much is in the sample).
In the Laboratory of Bioengineering, researcher Elīna Didrihsone, together with Ilvars Sutris, invited visitors to play a game involving live microorganisms.
Meanwhile, Krista Dimante and Konstantīns Jansons demonstrated a paper machine, while Vanesa Dhalivala, Ksenija Radovska and Matīss Pāls engaged visitors with quizzes and interactive tasks.
An inspirational story: the OsteoWood project
This year’s Researchers’ Night also featured our colleague Laura Andže, recipient of funding from the BioPhoT programme’s first call, with her project “OsteoWood. Next-generation birch wood solutions for bone fixation – a sustainable pathway from forest to functional implants.”
The project aims to develop a new birch wood material for osteosynthesis implants – biocompatible and suitable for patients for whom conventional metal implants are not appropriate. This is a completely new biomaterial solution with high future potential.
Laura shared her inspiration:
“The words from the Latvian President’s New Year’s address – ‘But what if it works?’ – truly inspired me. Since then, this question has become the driving force of my work. With the support of the BioPhoT programme, I dared to think bigger: what if birch wood could be transformed into osteosynthesis implants? And if it succeeds – we gain both a new medical opportunity and a sustainable niche export product for Latvia. Science always begins with such a bold idea!”
Science as part of everyday life
The aim of Researchers’ Night is to show that science is part of our everyday lives and that behind every discovery stand real people – researchers – who work passionately on new solutions.
In Latvia, this initiative is part of the wider European celebration of science, coordinated by the Ministry of Education and Science in cooperation with research institutes, universities, schools, and innovation centres.
