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Yesterday, PhD Edgars Kuka, researcher at the Laboratory of Wood Degradation and Protection of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, stepped out from his daily work in the laboratory into the lights of the film set. Footage was captured both indoors and outdoors, revealing the scientist’s working environment and the fascinating nuances of his research. The filming was part of a special science popularisation project that, in 2026, will offer the public a broader look at Latvian researchers and their contributions. Until the official launch, we will keep the intrigue, but it is already...

“Science is not a threat to miracles. Science is a field where miracles happen,” affirms PhD Daniela Godiņa, researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, in an interview for the programme Monopols, available on Latvian Radio and on the news portal of Latvian Television. Her daily work involves developing bio-based polymer sorbents from birch bark extractives – a task where the precision of chemistry meets the sustainable use of natural resources and the creativity of scientific exploration. The road to wood chemistry Daniela’s interest in chemistry and biology began already in...

Soon, the rooftop of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry will be buzzing not only with sunshine and wind but also with the activity of diligent bee colonies. Preparations for this moment are already in full swing. The project’s experimental apiary is taking shape with 36 hives, each to be equipped with a sensor network for real-time monitoring of bee life processes. This is one of the central elements of the new project “Development of a method for beehive shielding using thermoreflective surfaces to reduce bee losses under rapid climate change ”, led by Dr. biol. Ulla Milbreta, a...

In July, at two major agricultural events, the Agro-Resources and Economics Institute (AREI) Field Day in Priekuļi and the Field Day in Viļāni, a new microbiological plant biostimulant based on Bacillus subtilis MSCL 1441 bacteria was presented. This innovation is part of the Rural Support Service (LAD) project Production and application of a microbiological preparation under farm conditions for increasing yield in horticulture and crop farming enterprises (Subt4Potato) (Project No.: 24-00-C0LA1601-000032), which aims to develop an effective and environmentally friendly solution by using...

The Latvian Council of Science has completed the administrative evaluation of the second round of the research and innovation project competition. A total of 74 proposals with high innovation potential have been forwarded for scientific assessment by international experts. These projects mark the next stage in the development of Latvian science, highlighting its capacity to address critical challenges for society and the national economy. The proposals represent 11 smart specialisation areas and cover 14 scientific fields, with a strong emphasis on engineering, natural sciences, and health...

Modern materials science seeks to develop solutions that are both technologically effective and environmentally responsible. Wood fibres, as a natural and renewable resource, have long been studied as a promising raw material for composite manufacturing. However, their broader application has been limited by a key challenge: poor compatibility with synthetic polymers. This is mainly due to the different polarities of the materials and the presence of resins in softwood fibres, which can adversely affect the performance of wood-polymer composites (WPCs). In the Forest4LV project, researchers at...