Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry – 80
Today, on March 20, the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry celebrates its 80th anniversary – a significant milestone in the Institute’s development and its contribution to science in Latvia and Europe.
Marking this important occasion, Minister of Agriculture Armands Krauze presented Certificates of Recognition to the Institute’s outstanding scientists at a ceremonial event, honouring their professional excellence, contributions to research, and efforts in strengthening the Institute’s international reputation.
“The contribution of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry to science and innovation strengthens our country’s competitiveness and long-term development. The work of the Institute’s scientists lays the foundation for a modern and durable wood processing sector, ensuring that Latvia’s wood resources are used wisely, with high added value, while preserving the vitality of the sector for future generations,” emphasizes Minister of Agriculture Armands Krauze.
Certificates of Recognition were awarded to:
- Dr. chem. Bruno Andersons – for significant contributions to the development and advancement of wood protection in European science and the wood industry, as well as for a substantial contribution to the development of timber construction in Latvia and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Dr. sc. ing. Uģis Cābulis – for strategically positioning the Institute within the European research and innovation landscape, promoting its involvement in international networks and consortia, as well as for advancing the collaboration potential between the bioeconomy and the space industry.
Dr. sc. ing. Jāns Rižikovs – for innovations in birch bark processing and the development of high value-added products from laboratory to industrial-scale production, as well as for strengthening collaboration with Latvian industry through the attraction of significant European Framework Programme projects.
Dr. chem. Kristīne Meile – for fostering an active international research environment in Latvia’s bioeconomy by developing MSCA and Twinning projects and organizing international scientific events, including the BTechPro conference.
Dr. chem. Laura Andže – for the development of new niche products from wood and for promoting collaboration with the biomedical sector, as well as for strengthening the Institute’s visibility in the European and Latin American scientific community through MSCA projects.
Dr. chem. Māris Lauberts – for transferring Latvia’s biorefining expertise to the European research landscape through Framework Programme projects and industrial contracts, as well as for representing the interests of scientists within LIZDA.
At the anniversary event, the Institute was also congratulated by distinguished cooperation partners and representatives of the sector – President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences Ivars Kalviņš, Director of the International Cooperation Programmes Department at the Latvian Council of Science Elita Zondaka, representative of the Ministry of Education and Science Anna Leiškalne, Director of the Institute of Solid State Physics at the University of Latvia Andris Anspoks, representatives of AS Latvijas Finieris, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Andris Paeglītis, Director of the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR” Olga Valciņa, Director of the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis Dace Kārkle, Director of the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science Modris Greitāns, Director of the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre Nils Rostoks, and Head of the Department of Physical Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Latvia Agris Bērziņš, among others.
Since its establishment in 1946, the Institute has developed into one of the leading research centres in the Baltic region in the fields of wood chemistry, biotechnology, and advanced materials, combining fundamental science with practical solutions for industry.