News

Visiting Researcher from the Czech Academy of Sciences

MSc Priscilla de Souza Lima from the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry (IMC), Czech Academy of Sciences, is visiting the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) for ten days within the framework of the mobility project “Bio-based and recyclable material development by unleashing the potential of covalent adaptable networks (RecCAN)” (No. LZA-25-01). Originally from Brazil, MSc de Souza Lima is a researcher in the field of green chemistry, synthesis of polyurethane via non-isocyanate routes for different applications, improvement of performances of renewable foams using different...

“99 scientists” ideas in second BioPhoT call for €4.8 million“BioPhoT” otrajā konkursā uz 4,8 miljoniem eiro pretendē 99 zinātnieku idejas

On 7 November, the second call for Research and Innovation Projects (RIPs) of the research platform “Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for Innovative Products” (“BioPhoT”) closed with an indicative amount of €4,826,110 available for researchers. 99 project applications were received from 14 research organisations. “The 40 projects in the first call have already started and the interest of scientists in the second call for BioPhoT funding opportunities is also very high. The number of applications shows that the research community is ready to continue the path of Latvian science...

Dr. Laura Andže on Latvian Radio’s “Zināmais nezināmajā”

On superwood, Professor Liangbing Hu’s research, and the Latvian scientists’ idea for a biocompatible implant material Today Dr. chem. Laura Andže, leading researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), appeared on the Latvian Radio programme “Zināmais nezināmajā” ( “Known in the Unknown”), where she spoke with journalist Mariona Baltkalne about wood densification research and recent advances in this field. Laura Andže explained that, although wood densification is not a new concept — the first patents date back to the early 1900s — modern research is revealing new...

From Birch Bark to the Future of Mycelium — LSIWC Session at the Latvian Circular Economy Forum

Yesterday, at the Latvian Circular Economy Forum 2025, the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) held a session titled “From Birch Bark to the Future of Mycelium”, where scientists together with an industry representative showcased how biotechnology and wood chemistry are transforming into tangible circular solutions. Moderator Dr. Jānis Rižikovs opened the discussion with the thought that circularity means “seeing resources where once there were wastes or low-value by-products”, emphasizing the role of Latvian scientists in converting biological resources into high-value materials...

Conference “BioPhoT – Latvia’s Innovation Launchpad”

On 24 November, the first BioPhoT conference “BioPhoT - Latvia's Innovation Launchpad” will take place. It will introduce the biomedical and photonics industry, science policy makers and the scientific community to the innovation projects launched in Latvia and the future plans of the platform, offer insights into a number of international success stories in the sector, and stimulate expert discussions on the importance of developing innovation in a broader context. “BioPhoT is not just a project - it's a reform to help Latvia's scientific ideas become products with a real impact on people's...

Let’s discover what science and industry can achieve together.

The day after tomorrow, on November 5, researchers from the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry and Māris Būmanis, Member of the Board and Head of Development and Research at Latvijas Finieris, will take part in the Latvian Circular Economy Forum. In the LSIWC session “From Birch Bark to the Future of Mycelium,” we will reveal how natural resources found in Latvia’s forests are transformed into next-generation materials — from mycelium biocomposites to birch bark derivatives already used in cosmetics and construction. In the second part of the session, special attention will be devoted...