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In 1980, on board the space station Salyut-6, the first chemical technology experiment in the history of astronautics was carried out in Earth’s orbit. For the first time, polyurethane foam was produced under microgravity conditions, providing new insights into the behavior of chemical and technological processes in weightlessness. The experimental device “Lotoss”, designed at the Latvian Institute of Wood Chemistry, was developed by Arnolds Alksnis. It was intended for studying polymerization reactions in space, and its construction made it possible to safely mix and observe component...

We’re incredibly proud that our team was among the few presenting on one of the most cutting-edge topics in polymer science — sustainable and recyclable thermosets from renewable resources. At the 23rd Baltic Polymer Symposium 2025 (BPS2025), project leader PhD Anda Fridrihsone presented TReResin (Nr. lzp-2024/1-0333) funded by the Fundamental and applied research projects of the Latvian Council of Science. Anda gave a keynote presentation on “Environmental Assessment of Aza-Michael Donors Based on Used Cooking Oil for Reprocessable Thermoset Polymers” while PhD student and researcher at the...

The most significant microbiology event in the Baltic region — the 6th Congress of Baltic Microbiologists (CBM 2025) — gathered around 100 researchers this autumn from six countries: Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the USA. This was already the sixth meeting of Baltic microbiologists since the series began in Riga in 2012. After several successful events across the Baltics, the congress returned to the Latvian capital in 2025. Over three days, the congress presented a cohesive and contemporary narrative of microbiological research and innovation — spanning from...

"A Guide to Using More Wood in Healthcare Facilities" as a part of the Wood for Health project has been published. The use of wood as a renewable and sustainable construction material is both traditional and contemporary, and in recent years it has experienced a genuine renaissance in building projects, including high-rise buildings. In interior spaces, wood is aesthetically appealing and warm both visually and to the touch. Moreover, it reduces stress, promotes well-being, and ensures a favourable indoor microclimate. It is therefore advisable to use it more widely in healthcare buildings...

Professor Bin Yang is one of the leading researchers in the field of biomass conversion and bioresource chemistry. During his visit, he presented the latest research on lignocellulosic material processing technologies and the development of sustainable chemical processes, as well as shared his experience on the commercialization potential of biotechnological solutions. Professor Bin Yang from Washington State University (USA) visited the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. Professor Bin Yang is one of the leading researchers in the field of biomass conversion and bioresource chemistry...

This autumn, the Latvian Council of Science (LZP) has opened Science Street in Old Riga and launched the campaign “Science and Your Life: Notice and Understand!” to show how the work of Latvian researchers improves our daily lives — from health and language preservation to technology development and responsible resource use. Inspired by this initiative, Dr. Laura Andže, researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, proposed another stop for science — at the craft beer bar “Kaķis Maisā.” Together with our researchers Dr. Ulla Milbreta and Ph.D. Mārtiņš Andžs, Laura has set up a...