Latvian Academy of Sciences Awards to Scientists of the LSIWC
On 20 January 2026, at a meeting of the Senate of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, the decisions of the LAS award expert committees regarding the granting of named prizes and young scientist awards were approved.
The Arvīds Kalniņš Named Prize in Wood Science was awarded to Dr. sc. ing. Aivars Žūriņš, Leading Researcher of the Biorefinery Laboratory at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, for his body of work “Thermochemical Studies of Wood” and for his significant contribution to the development of wood science in Latvia.
The Arvīds Kalniņš Prize for a Young Scientist was awarded to PhD Edgars Kuka, Researcher at the Laboratory of Wood Degradation and Protection, for his body of work “Investigation of Degradation Processes and Environmental Risks as a Basis for the Development of Innovative Wood Materials.”
The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry is proud of its colleagues’ achievements and congratulates them on this high professional recognition.
About the Arvīds Kalniņš Named Prize
The Arvīds Kalniņš Named Prize is one of the Latvian Academy of Sciences’ named awards established in honour of outstanding scientists and granted for exceptional scientific achievements. The prize is awarded every two to four years for significant scholarly contributions, including published monographs or coherent bodies of research.
Researchers working abroad may also be considered for the prize if their work is of particular relevance to Latvia. Candidates are nominated by scientific institutions and academic bodies, while the submitted works are evaluated by expert committees whose composition is approved by the Presidium of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. The final decision on the laureates is taken by the LAS Senate.
Prize recipients receive a commemorative medal, a diploma, and a monetary award. The formal award ceremony takes place at the Spring General Assembly of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. The awarded scientific works are deposited at the Academic Library of the University of Latvia.