Yesterday, on 7 January, the “Science for Latvia 2026” calendar was ceremoniously unveiled at the Latvian Academy of Culture’s Gara māja. The calendar features 12 outstanding scientists representing various Latvian research institutes.
This year marks a period of transformation: at the end of May, the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (BMC) and the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (OSI) will merge to form the National Institute of Research and Innovation (NIRI). Accordingly, NIRI is represented in the calendar by two prominent and internationally recognised scientists – Dr. biol. Monta Brīvība (BMC) and Dr. chem. Gints Šmits (OSI).
“In these turbulent times, when discussions about the importance of science and what constitutes a legitimate object of scientific research are becoming increasingly frequent, it is especially important to communicate with society about scientists’ everyday work, research directions, and the contribution each study makes to society,” emphasises Dace Kārkle, Director of OSI.
Meanwhile, Nils Nostoks, Director of BMC, notes: “The calendar is an honour both for us as an institute and for Monta as a researcher. It provides an opportunity to explain how complex scientific research can be transformed into practical solutions that improve everyday life. The childhood cancer research projects involving Monta, as well as the Latvian Population Genome Project, are extremely important—they make a significant contribution to the development of medicine and the improvement of public health not only in Latvia, but also internationally.”
For several years now, “Science for Latvia” has been creating stories and a travelling exhibition that highlights Latvia’s scientific personalities and the country’s scientific and academic environment. This year, the spotlight is on 12 Latvian research institutes, and the Science Calendar Ambassadors for 2026 are:
January – Dr. biol. Ingrīda Andersone, Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology
February – PhD Edgars Kuka, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
March – Doctoral candidate Mg. med. vet. Žanete Šteingolde, National Research Institute BIOR
April – Dr. biol. Monta Brīvība, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (LV BMC)
May – PhD Edgars Butanovs, Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia
June – PhD Jānis Ozoliņš, Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art, University of Latvia
July – Dr. agr. Līga Lepse, Institute of Horticulture
August – Mg. soc. sci. Ieva Leimane, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics
September – PhD Jānis Ārents, Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI)
October – Dr. chem. Gints Šmits, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis
November – Mg. sc. comp. Baiba Kaškina, Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Latvia
December – Dr. silv. Dagnija Lazdiņa, Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”
We will share more stories about our Science Ambassadors throughout the year—in April and October. Until then, we invite you to watch the “Science for Latvia 2026” video story:
https://youtu.be/t25k0WgCxtQ?si=Q7a1LzANvkNZW41H
Event photos: Toms Norde
Video: Jānis Šēnbergs
Calendar photos: Ieva Romaško