As of May 31 this year, the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (OSI) and the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (BMC) will become a single National Institute of Research and Innovation. Work is currently underway in both medical research institutes to merge their administrative structures, and the leadership of both institutions has stated that the changes will provide scientists with additional practical opportunities for research, while also enhancing the overall competitiveness of the sector at the international level.
Goal – global markets and international funding
The Ministry of Education’s initiative to merge the two medical research institutes was approved by the government last autumn. The Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis primarily focuses on the research and development of new drug substances, while the Biomedical Research Centre is active in life sciences and medical research. Dace Kārkle, Director of the Institute of Organic Synthesis, noted that the merger is a successful step forward with many benefits for both institutions. It will enable scientists to conduct broader research and do so more efficiently.
“Of course, we will retain our research directions. The key point is that we gain an entirely new momentum toward scientific excellence. On the BMC side, there is, for example, expertise in molecular biology. On our side, there is chemistry. Given that we primarily focus on the discovery of new drug substances, the most promising research today lies exactly at the intersection of biology and chemistry. These are medicines that involve both large biological molecules, such as proteins, and chemical compounds, which are combined and targeted at specific diseases. By bringing these different capabilities together, we can develop new research directions and offer them both to academic partners within publicly funded research and to industry.”
Over the years, both research institutes have developed essential infrastructure for scientific work, and together they have recently received the highest evaluation from international experts. The unified National Institute of Research and Innovation will employ around 500 people. Kārkle noted that the institutions will remain in their current locations – in Teika and Kleisti – but will merge administratively, which will also allow for cost savings. When asked whether a smaller number of research institutes in Latvia might reduce competition and excellence overall, Kārkle responded that the new institute’s primary focus is the global scientific landscape.
“We all compete in the global research environment. When it comes to collaboration with industry, we are not competing with the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, or BMC, but with the best research organizations in Europe. We have consciously been moving in this direction for a long time – these are our competitors. These are also the funding sources we pursue, as funding in Latvia is limited. At present, our priority is defense, which is entirely appropriate in the current situation. However, this also requires certain adjustments to our strategy. As a research organization, we aim to position ourselves in the global market.”
Will help build more impactful science
Jānis Kloviņš, Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Biomedical Research and Study Centre, explained that the merger will help build more impactful science. He particularly emphasized the opportunity for scientists to freely use the scientific infrastructure of both institutes, including equipment.
“In addition to access to infrastructure, there are also other types of services. For example, we had very well-developed mechanisms for applying for grants and discussing ideas to ensure the highest quality project proposals. This is reflected in our strong success in attracting funding. Conversely, the Institute of Organic Synthesis had much more experience in commercialization and in many other areas we were aware of but never had sufficient resources to implement. Now we can simply adopt these practices.”
Kloviņš assessed that the merger process is currently progressing smoothly, although one of the most challenging tasks was choosing a common name for the institute, as both sides were accustomed to their traditions. Ultimately, the chosen name – National Institute of Research and Innovation – does not point to a specific field and allows for the development of new areas. “It helps to develop new areas, as our scientific strategy is built around three main pillars – medicine, technology, and environment.”
From May 31, Dace Kārkle will serve as Acting Director of the new institute. She will remain in this role until the Scientific Council of the National Institute of Research and Innovation elects a new director, which is expected to take place this autumn.