News

On April 23, 2025, the Latvian Association of Young Researchers (LJZA), in collaboration with the State Chancellery, organized a seminar titled “Involving Young Researchers in Policy Planning through the TAP Portal.” Held at the Cabinet of Ministers Library, the event aimed to enhance young scientists’ understanding and practical involvement in policy-making processes via the Legal Acts Portal ( TAP). Researchers Dr.chem. Kristīne Meile and Ph.D. Ance Pļavniece from the Biorefining Laboratory, both the Latvian Association of Young Researchers members, participated in the seminar. Zane Legzdiņa...

From April 22 to 25, the 40th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS-40) is taking place in Auckland, New Zealand. This landmark event brings together top polymer scientists and industry professionals from around the globe to discuss the latest discoveries, advanced technologies, and sustainable solutions in polymer processing. This year, special attention is dedicated to the challenges of climate change, resource efficiency, and the advancement of multifunctional composite systems. The anniversary conference gathers participants from over 30 countries, representing...

To inspire and encourage primary and middle school girls to study and pursue careers in science and technology, Riga Technical University’s (RTU) Department of Public Relations is launching a new educational initiative – “Girls in STEAM”, as part of its interest education program “Introduction to Engineering”, implemented by the RTU Children and Youth University. Over the years, RTU’s Children and Youth University has observed that boys are more likely to participate in engineering-related activities, and male students still dominate the fields of engineering and technology. With the “Girls in...

On April 15, a representative of the company “Niedrāji MR,” Kristaps Pete, visited the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. During the visit, he met with our researchers Dr.sc.ing. Jānis Rižikovs, Dr. sc. ing. Māris Puķe, Dr. sc. ing. Prans Brazdausks un Dr. sc. ing. Juris Grīniņš to discuss opportunities for wood biorefining and its application in the company’s production processes. We are pleased to collaborate with industry representatives to jointly develop innovative, knowledge-based solutions! SIA “Niedrāji MR” is one of the largest forestry companies in the Kurzeme region...

The innovative work of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry on developing bone implants from wood has now gained attention beyond Latvia. Following reports by Latvijas Radio and LTV’s “Rīta Panorāma”, the research was featured on Poland’s public broadcaster TVP, in the April 15 edition of “Teleexpress Extra”. The segment highlighted the pioneering efforts of our researchers to transform processed wood into strong, biocompatible material that may one day replace metal in orthopedic implants. Researcher Laura Andže explained how wood is softened and densified under heat to form a...

Did you know that some of the dyes used in your clothes may be harmful to the environment — and often end up in water systems untreated? Synthetic dyes used in the textile, cosmetics, and food industries are among the most critical environmental pollutants. Today, approximately 80% of dye-contaminated wastewater worldwide is discharged without treatment. These compounds are toxic, persistent in the environment, and pose risks to both human health and biodiversity. But there is good news. A recent study conducted by researchers from Uppsala University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and the...