Last Friday marked an important milestone on the path towards the creation of the National Institute of Research and Innovation (NIRI)

Following the final joint meeting of the International Advisory Boards, Scientific Councils, and leadership teams of the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis and the Latvian Biomedical Research & Study centre, one message stood out clearly:

A significant amount of work has been accomplished — and the foundation for NIRI is both strong and full of potential.

On 1 June 2026, NIRI begins its next chapter.

Our international advisors recognised the value of bringing together complementary strengths into one integrated research environment. This merger will strengthen Latvia’s life sciences ecosystem — from fundamental research to drug discovery and translation.

At the same time, several important directions were highlighted:
• continued and active dialogue with policymakers to ensure sustainable support for NIRI’s doctoral school and tenure-track system
• stronger and more structured collaboration with Latvian hospitals
• maintaining momentum — this is not the end, but the beginning of a new phase

We are deeply grateful to our International Advisory Board members for their time, expertise, and commitment:
Helgi Schiöth, Justo P. Castaño Fuentes, Mark Steven Cragg, Santiago Lamas, George Lomonossoff, Jesus M. de la Fuente, Rob Lavigne, Rob Finn, Mait Metspalu, Eriks Rozners, Rolf Muller, Andres G. Fernandez García, Paul Janmey, Asla Pitkänen, Scott L Dax, Zanda Jurjāne, Aigars Pētersons, Maris Lauberts, Janis Paiders, Jeffrey Bode, Anders Karlén, Jay S. Siegel, Lana Franceska Dreimane, PhD, Uldis Berkis.

Your support has been instrumental in bringing NIRI to life.

The journey continues — with ambition, responsibility, and strong international partnership at its core.

Photo:Edijs Andersons