News

We are pleased to announce that Selina Ramm, a doctoral candidate from the OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Lemgo, Germany), has joined our team to conduct research in bioprocess monitoring. Selina’s research focuses on developing soft-sensing systems to determine key parameters in yeast management and cell cultivation, aiming to enhance process efficiency and product quality. At our institute, Selina will collaborate with Dr. sc. ing. Oskars Grigs, the leading researcher of the Bioengineering Laboratory. Dr. Grīgs specializes in the cultivation processes of microorganisms...

The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), as an associate member of the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), participated in the BIC Info Day and Matchmaking Event (MME) in Brussels on February 12. Dr. sc. ing. Uģis Cābulis represented LSIWC at this event. This annual event is an excellent opportunity to meet potential partners, form consortia, and strengthen collaboration in the bioeconomy sector. The organizers noted that this year’s event was the largest to date, with over 370 BIC members in attendance, representing companies of various sizes, universities, and research...

On 4 February, the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry hosted clinical psychologist and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy specialist Ph. Marija Ābeltiņa who gave a lecture "How to keep the zeal, but not to burn out". Marija is an experienced trainer and supervisor, active in both science and practice. Her dissertation is on the topic of professional burnout and she has published several scientific articles on the subject. Marija Ābeltiņa revealed the signs of professional burnout, risk factors, help options and prevention methods. During the seminar, each individual employee and the...

The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) and Riga Technical University (RTU) have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at fostering the preparation of highly qualified scientists and strengthening scientific research capacity in Latvia. This collaboration will provide RTU doctoral students with the opportunity to conduct their dissertation research in LSIWC laboratories, gaining access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, experimental materials, and support from leading scientists. What does this collaboration offer to doctoral students? Hands-on research experience –...

On 24 January 2025, Miķelis Kirpļuks, Leading Researcher at the Polymer Laboratory of LSIWC, gave an online guest lecture for the Advanced Treatment and Management of Solid and Municipal Waste course at the School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong (CityU). Miķelis presented the topic "Polyurethane foam properties", which covered polyurethane foam materials, their applications and synthesis technology. For several years now, scientists from the LSIWC Polymer Laboratory have been collaborating with the group of Professor Carol Lin from City University of Hong Kong on...

On 25 January, the radio Naba programme about mushrooms "Mycelium" hosted Ilze Irbe, a leading researcher and mushroom expert at the LSIWC Cellulose Laboratory. The theme of the programme "Mushrooms start and win" reflects Ilze's recent success in winning the main prize in the international competition "WorldStar for Packaging". The prize was awarded to the entry "Mycelium composite pellets for packaging material protection" - an environmentally friendly, compostable material composed of mushroom mycelium and wood or hemp residual fibres. Ilze talked about the role of fungi in her research...