News

Thermochemical conversion of biomass is one of the long-standing research areas at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC). From fundamental studies of pyrolysis processes to the development of novel materials for energy storage technologies, the Institute’s researchers have been working for decades on solutions that enable more efficient use of renewable resources and reduce dependence on fossil-based feedstocks. The latest research results were presented this summer at the 25th International Symposium on Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis (PYRO2026), held in Pisa, Italy, bringing...

During the 2025/2026 academic year, several students chose to develop their bachelor’s and master’s theses at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), taking important steps in their scientific careers and contributing to the next generation of researchers in the fields of bioeconomy, materials science, green chemistry, and biotechnology. The students’ research covered a wide range of topics, from the utilisation of lignin and other biomass resources for the development of high-value products to biosorbents, sustainable food packaging, polyurethane foams, mycelium composites, and...

In our article series “What Can This Instrument Do?”, we introduce the latest upgrades to the laboratory infrastructure of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry and the new equipment recently acquired. This time, we focus on a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system. The new instrument will be used in biorefinery research to determine the chemical composition and concentration of compounds present in both raw biomass and products obtained during biomass processing. The resulting data are essential for process optimisation and the development of new products and...

On 31 May 2026, the annual General Assembly of the international GREEN-CHEM network took place in Leuven, Belgium. The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) was represented at the event for the first time by its Scientific Director, Ugis Cabulis. Participation in the General Assembly represented an important first step in LSIWC's involvement in the GREEN-CHEM network, which brings together universities, research organisations, and companies with a shared goal of advancing sustainable chemistry and fostering international collaboration. "For many years, LSIWC has been conducting...

From 2 to 4 June, the 22nd International Conference on Renewable Resources & Biorefineries (RRB) took place in Leuven, Belgium, bringing together leading researchers, industry representatives, and innovation developers working in the fields of bioeconomy and biorefining. The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry was represented at the conference by Scientific Director and Leading Researcher Dr. Uģis Cābulis, Leading Researcher Dr. Anda Fridrihsone, Researcher Ralfs Pomilovskis, and Research Assistant Kalvis Liepiņš. Dr. Uģis Cābulis presented the results of the Latvian Council of Science...

Researchers of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Sanita Vītoliņa and Rūdolfs Bērziņš, continue their research on the potential of birch outer bark extractives for the development of innovative personal care products. The latest research results were recently presented at the 34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE 2026) in The Hague. The research is being carried out within ERDF project No. 1.1.1.3/1/24/A/094, “Development of Innovative Personal Care Products and Unique Cosmetic Ingredients Stabilized with Multifunctional Birch Bark Extractive Particles”, in...