LSIWC Student Conference and the BISC-E Latvia Final: A Showcase of Young Innovation
What innovations are taking shape in Latvian laboratories? What inspires the next generation of scientists, and why are biomaterials becoming the new gold?
Participants sought answers to these questions at the LSIWC Student Conference and the BISC-E 2025 Latvia Final, which brought together bioeconomy enthusiasts and young researchers from across the country — including students from the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, the Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava,” Riga Technical University, the University of Latvia, and the host institution, the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC). The event was supported by the national research program Forest4LV.
The plenary sessions featured inspiring keynote lectures: Ph.D. Miķelis Kirpļuks (LSIWC) spoke about the potential of bioeconomy in the fields of polymers and biofuels, while Dr. silv. Andis Lazdiņš (Silava) addressed the challenges of achieving climate neutrality in land use and forestry.
The conference showcased a wide range of student research — from birch bark processing technologies and mycelium biocomposites to the impact of climate on pine growth. For the students, it was a valuable opportunity to develop public speaking skills, receive professional feedback, and build networks with industry experts.
The award for the best student presentation went to Kalvis Liepiņš, a master’s student at RTU and a research assistant at the LSIWC Biorefinery Laboratory — demonstrating both academic and presentation excellence.
BISC-E 2025 Latvia Final: Bio-Innovation at the Starting Line
The conference concluded with the BISC-E 2025 Latvia Final — part of the Bio-based Innovation Student Challenge Europe competition, organized by the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC).
As the national coordinator and host, LSIWC extends its gratitude to Field and Forest Ltd., Latvia’s State Forests JSC, and Nucleate Baltics for their support.
The winning team, “need(less),” presented an innovative packaging material derived from biomass and enriched with unique additives — making the material not only environmentally friendly but also effective in extending the shelf life of stored food. Congratulations to the team on earning the opportunity to represent Latvia in the BISC-E international finals in autumn 2025!
Conference organizer Dr. chem. Kristīne Meile noted:
“This student conference clearly highlighted the importance of bioeconomy and forestry in Latvia’s academic landscape. The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry collaborates with the country’s leading universities — Riga Technical University, the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, the University of Latvia, and the "Silava" institute. This demonstrates how interdisciplinary and exciting the fields of wood chemistry and biorefining truly are. Moreover, the BISC-E student innovation competition, integrated into the conference, fosters stronger links between science and business. I’m proud that LSIWC has the opportunity to organize this event and challenge students — even at the bachelor’s level — to envision real, innovative, and sustainable products of the future.”
