Shadow Day 2025

Test tubes clinking, the liquid chromatograph hissing, and the extruder humming—it’s Shadow Day at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry.

This year, students from Latvia’s farthest regions and cities traversed the forests of Kurzeme, the fields of Zemgale, and the hills of Vidzeme to participate in Shadow Day at LSIWC. From Liepāja to Sigulda, Brocēni to Valka, and Bauska to Riga, young individuals eagerly undertook long journeys to witness firsthand the work of scientists in wood chemistry laboratories.

Students from grades 2 through 12 explored the transformations in wood chemistry and how laboratories become hubs of innovation. One surprised participant asked, “Can cosmetics really be made from trees?” Another observed with enthusiasm packaging materials crafted from mushroom mycelium and agricultural or forestry residues, realizing that science is neither boring nor static—it is vibrant and engaging.

The students shadowed 16 scientists: Dr. sc. ing. Māris Puķe, Dr. chem. Laura Andže, Ph.D. Daniela Godiņa, Ph.D. Miķelis Kirpluks, Dr. sc. ing. Ramūnas Tupčiauskas, Dr. sc. ing. Oskars Grīgs, Ph.D. Anda Fridrihsone, Dr. chem. Oskars Bikovens, Dr. sc. ing. Sarmīte Janceva, Ph.D. Aiga Ivdre, Mg. chem. Laima Vēvere, Mg. chem. Matīss Pāls, Mg. sc. ing. Rūdolfs Bērziņš, and laboratory assistants Roze Zabarovska and Eva Guļevska from the Laboratory of Wood Biodegradation and Protection.

The day concluded with inspiration, new questions, and the realization that Latvia is nurturing a generation ready to embark on scientific pursuits.