News

Applications are now open for the second evaluation round of the Research and Innovation Projects (RIPs) call. The authors of the 79 PIP applications that have reached the qualification threshold in the first round of evaluation are invited to submit their full project applications for scientific evaluation by the expert panel of the Latvian Science Council. Applications must be submitted by 11 July 2025 in the section "Open call for research and innovation projects 2025 of the Platform "Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for Innovative Products" (BioPhoT)", (No IVPP-EM-Innovation-2024...

The Summer 2025 issue of Urethanes Technology International includes a comprehensive article highlighting the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry’s contribution to the development of Europe’s latest space launch vehicle – Ariane 6. “Since 2005, the LSIWC’s Polymer Laboratory, in cooperation with ArianeGroup and the European Space Agency (ESA), has developed polyurethane cryogenic insulation capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -253 °C. This insulation was designed, tested, and validated across all Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 3–9), and was successfully used in the inaugural...

A year ago, the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry launched an ambitious European initiative — POLYMERS-5B. The project aims to transform biological waste into sustainable, biodegradable polymers. Now, after a year of intensive work, the project team proudly highlights its first major achievements. Supported by the Horizon Europe program, this project offers a sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics, aligning closely with the European Union’s vision for a circular bioeconomy. It utilizes underexploited agricultural and food processing residues — such as tomato and olive pomace...

On June 9 and 10, an intensive and content-rich two-day seminar titled “Intellectual Property – From Idea to Patent and Beyond” took place at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) within the framework of the national long-term research programme BIoPhoT. The seminar was led by Dr.sc.ing. Artis Kromanis, a European patent attorney and one of Latvia’s leading experts in the field of intellectual property rights. The event brought together researchers, research group leaders, and technology transfer specialists who face the challenges of protecting and commercializing scientific...

On June 10, Dr.sc.ing. Anda Fridrihsone, leading researcher at the Polymer Laboratory of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, participated in a thank-you breakfast organized by the RTU Children’s and Youth University. The event brought together professionals from various fields who, through their work, help spark curiosity and interest in science, technology, and engineering among children and young people. Zanda Kracmane, the head of RTU Children’s and Youth University, is the heart and soul of this inspiring initiative. Her work is much more than event coordination – it is a...

We are proud of Jānis Poots and Valters Tolks, students from Riga State German Grammar School, who have not only developed a unique and sustainable alternative to traditional paper, but also earned First Place at the 49th National Conference of Student Scientific Research Projects with their work “Paper Production Using Green Algae (Chlorophyta).” Their outstanding achievement has secured them a spot among Latvia’s representatives at the international Genius Olympiad in the United States. What makes this project special? Jānis and Valters explored how to utilize discarded coastal green algae...