News

At the final conference of the State Research Programme Forest4LV , held in December, ten posters by researchers of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) were presented, reflecting the diversity of research carried out within the programme — from forest ecosystem protection to the development of new bio-based materials. In this series of articles, we introduce the most significant research results and their practical relevance. The study by Dr. sc. ing. Oskars Grīgs addresses an issue of key importance for forest health – the control of root rot – by analysing the cultivation...

On 10 December 2025, the final conference of the State Research Programme “GreenAgroRes” and “Forest4LV” took place in Jelgava, bringing together researchers from the agriculture, food production and forestry sectors, policymakers, industry representatives and the wider public. The aim of the event was to critically assess what had been achieved in a very short period – just 16 months – and to outline the next steps for the development of Latvia’s bioeconomy. Conference Opening The conference was opened by a video address from Minister of Agriculture Armands Krauze, who highlighted the...

On 9–10 December, Dr. chem. Kristīne Meile, Leading Researcher at the Biorefinery Laboratory of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), represented the institute at the Horizon Europe brokerage event “Bio-based Future Connect”, held at the NCBR Office in Brussels. The event was organised by the French and Polish National Contact Points (NCPs) for Horizon Europe to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration among both experienced and emerging stakeholders within Horizon Europe Cluster 6, which focuses on the circular economy and the bioeconomy. Over two days, participants...

In a recent Latvian Public Media (LSM) segment, journalist Viktors Demidovs reports on how researchers at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LVKĶI) are studying ways to protect honeybees during rapid temperature fluctuations. The team installs heat-reflective materials inside beehives to help bees maintain the required internal temperature. The three-year project began this summer with the aim of supporting beekeepers in maintaining healthy colonies without creating unnecessary costs. Interestingly, the hives are located right here in Riga — on the roof of the Institute. A total of...

On 9 December 2025, the Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mieriņa, invited representatives of Latvia’s space sector to a joint discussion in the Saeima’s Guest Hall to examine a possible unified governance model for the national space industry. The aim of the meeting was to review existing cooperation practices, identify key challenges, and agree on mechanisms that would ensure coordinated, transparent, and balanced development of the sector, reflecting the interests of all involved organisations. Three central topics were discussed: the effectiveness and shortcomings of current cooperation models...

On 26 January 2026, the “BioPhoT” Industry Day will take place at the University of Latvia (UL) Academic Centre, House of Science, Jelgavas Street 3, Riga. The event will offer an opportunity to meet professionals in the field and learn about current “BioPhoT” research, solutions, and collaboration opportunities. Companies are invited to submit their challenges in the special Industry Challenge section on the “BioPhoT” website by 30 December . More information about this initiative and the benefits of participating will be provided in thematic webinars on 11 December . The aim of the “BioPhoT”...