LJZA Summer School 2025 “Communication, Governance, Ethics” Concluded

From August 14 to 17, The Latvian Association of Young Researchers (LJZA) Summer School 2025 took place at the guest house “Mauriņi”, bringing together young researchers and doctoral students from across Latvia. This year’s central theme was “Communication, Governance, Ethics”, and over four days participants engaged in discussions, workshops, and experience sharing on topics such as science–policy collaboration, science communication, project and research data management, academic integrity, and researcher well-being.

The aim of the Summer School is to strengthen young scientists’ competencies and foster interdisciplinary collaboration, while developing leadership, communication, and governance skills, as well as ethical thinking. The organizational model of this year’s LJZA Summer School was unique – the content was co-created and responsibilities shared by the LJZA board itself, encouraging new members to become actively involved in organizing future events.

The event was opened with speeches by Oskars Teikmanis, Chair of the LJZA Board, and Rasma Pīpiķe, Board Member and Summer School Coordinator. From the political and academic side, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, Dace Jansone, representative of the State Chancellery, and Professor Mārcis Auziņš of the University of Latvia addressed the participants. Their remarks emphasized the need for a closer dialogue between science and politics, as well as a warning against the risks of over-specialization in research.

One of the highlights was the day dedicated to science communication. Participants joined masterclasses led by journalist Sandra Kropa and communications expert Kristīne Tjarve, followed by the traditional LJZA Science Short Talk Contest in the evening. The winners were Inese Dāvidsone (University of Latvia) in first place, Elizabete Skrebele (Riga Technical University) in second, and Marika Melne (University of Latvia) in third.

The third day focused on research project and data management as well as academic integrity and ethics. Participants learned about the national data repository DataverseLV, discussed opportunities within the Latvian Council of Science programs, and joined sessions on project management strategies and responsible research in the Baltic States and Europe. Discussions on academic integrity were led by Ineta Ziemele, Judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union, along with ethics experts from Lithuania and Estonia, as well as Latvian representatives. The panel discussion emphasized that codes of ethics must remain dynamic and adaptable instruments, capable of responding to contemporary challenges, including the use of artificial intelligence in research.

LSIWC Participation

The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry was represented at the LJZA Summer School by Leading Researcher Dr.chem. Kristīne Meile and Researcher PhD Daniela Godiņa, who also took part in the organizational work by leading specific sessions and discussions. Their involvement demonstrates the institute’s active role in advancing the culture of science communication and governance in Latvia.

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