News

The latest issue of the international magazine BNN Quarterly features an interview with Laura Andže, Leading Researcher and Vice-Chair of the Scientific Council at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC). The issue, titled Women at the Forefront of Science & Innovation, highlights women scientists whose work is driving innovation and shaping the technologies of the future. In the interview, Laura reflects on her journey in science, from her early interest in chemistry and international research experience to her work at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry and the...

The project "Study of obtaining, production and application of high specific surface area birch outer bark betulin particles in dispersed systems" (Project No. 1.1.1.1/20/A/071), implemented by the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), has been selected as a finalist in the European Commission's "REGIOSTARS Awards 2026". Out of a record 274 applications, only 25 projects were shortlisted, including the LSIWC project, which is one of five finalists in the "A Green Europe" category. The "REGIOSTARS Awards" is the European Commission's annual competition recognising outstanding...

The international polyurethane industry magazine Urethanes Technology International has published an in-depth feature article, "Foam Flight", exploring the potential of cryogenic insulation for future aircraft powered by liquefied hydrogen. The article's author, industry journalist Steven Pacitti, interviewed Uģis Cābulis, Scientific Director of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), who shares the Institute's experience and research achievements in this field. The article examines one of the key challenges on the path towards zero-emission aviation: how to safely store...

In our article series "What Can This Equipment Do?", we introduce the newly acquired equipment and laboratory upgrades at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. This time, we highlight the nSAFE Premium Class II Biological Safety Cabinet, which provides a sterile and safe working environment for microbiological research. The cabinet simultaneously protects the researcher, the samples being handled, and the surrounding environment. It complies with the EN 12469 standard and is equipped with a stainless steel work chamber and a high-efficiency filtration system. Its controlled laminar...

On 16 June, a fully automated bioreactor prototype for producing a microbiological preparation under farm conditions was demonstrated at Aloja Agro Ltd. as part of the Subt4Potato project. Developed by the Bioengineering Laboratory of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), the prototype represents another step towards enabling the production of microbiological preparations under farm conditions. The Subt4Potato project explores the production and application of a novel microbiological preparation containing Bacillus subtilis MSCL 1441 bacteria for horticulture and crop farming...

From 15 to 17 June, researchers from the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) presented their latest research at the 12th International Conference on Green Chemistry and Nanotechnologies in Polymeric Materials (GCNPM 2026), held in San Sebastián, Spain. The conference brought together researchers, scientists, and industry representatives to discuss the latest advances in green chemistry and polymer science. The scientific programme covered a wide range of topics, including bio-based polymers, polymer recycling, environmentally friendly polymerisation methods, and other solutions...