Insights

When Dr. Juris Zoldners, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, celebrated his 90th birthday at the end of August, his morning began, as always, with a smile and a kind-hearted joke that made his colleagues smile as well. The day ended in the laboratory – the place that has been at the center of his daily rhythm for more than sixty years. There, Juris Zoldners continues his experiments with unceasing interest, convincing everyone that science is not a profession to be left at the door, but a way of life that gives meaning to everyday existence. In this lightness, and at the same time steadfast devotion...

On 6–8 May 2026, the BTechPro! conference, organized by the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), will take place. What makes our conference stand out is not only its international scope and bold approach to engaging young researchers, but also the fact that a scientist – Kristīne Meile – stands at the forefront of its organization. Together with the organizing committee, Kristīne shapes the character of BTechPro! – an event where scientific quality and human dialogue come together, creating an inspiring platform for the growth of young scientists. This dimension of science and...

The June 2025 issue of Baltijas Koks features an extensive interview with Dr. sc. ing. Ramūnas Tupčiauskas, leading researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. It is a conversation where academic achievements intertwine with a personal story of perseverance, choices, and a journey that has led from a carpentry workshop to world-class research. Innovations born from everyday resources The projects led by Ramūnas demonstrate how seemingly low-value resources – wood residues and agricultural by-products – can be transformed into materials of high added value. The steam explosion...