Today, 14 October, the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia adopted a historic decision, approving the establishment of the National Institute for Research and Innovation (NIRI) — a European-scale centre for life and natural sciences in Latvia.
The new institute will unite the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (OSI) and the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (BMC). As of 31 May 2026, both institutes will operate as a one research organisation. NIRI will conduct research focused on the development of new medicines, treatment, and diagnostic methods, with the overarching goal of finding solutions that help people live healthier and longer lives.
Stronger together in science!
“The idea of merging the two institutes emerged after studying the experience of successful international research organisations,” said Dace Kārkle, Director of OSI. “By joining forces, we are forming a larger scientific community – together we will be more than 400 researchers – and both we and Latvia as a whole will gain greater capacity to achieve and contribute more to science. The new institute will have a stronger influence on science policy, better access to funding, and the opportunity to develop shared research infrastructure and invest more efficiently in major equipment. This merger will also allow us to significantly expand the range of research services offered to industry and to compete more successfully in prestigious European research programmes,” noted Kārkle.
Jānis Kloviņš, Chairman of the BMC Scientific Council, added:
“By combining the capacities of both institutes, we are creating a unique opportunity to consolidate resources and expertise, enabling the implementation of innovative research ideas with high potential to impact healthcare at all levels – from the development of new pharmaceutical compounds and therapies to the improvement of the health data space and its effective use in personalised medicine and healthcare planning. This synergy will ensure a more comprehensive and profound contribution to the development of the healthcare system while strengthening Latvia’s position within the European Research Area.”
Closing a Historical Cycle – OSI and BMC Reunited as One Institute
The roots of BMC partly lie within OSI. Established in 1993 as an independent research organisation, BMC brought together scientific groups from OSI, the University of Latvia, and the Latvian Academy of Sciences. After more than thirty years of independent development, both institutions have grown into Latvia’s leading research centres in their respective fields and have achieved significant international recognition.
Now, they are joining forces once again to create by 2026 the strongest Baltic platform for drug discovery, medical technologies, and diagnostic method development.
The Process of Integration
Preparatory work on the merger has been ongoing for over a year, following a carefully planned and step-by-step approach.
Although the two institutes are located in different parts of Riga — OSI in Teika and BMC in Kleisti — the integration process involves aligning governance structures, administrative functions, IT systems, and legal frameworks.
By the summer of 2026, NIRI will become a fully operational institution, functioning as a unified, efficient, and internationally competitive research centre from its very first day. Building on the ongoing collaboration of both institutes with Latvian science universities, NIRI will also serve as a valuable training and research base for students in medicine, life sciences, and chemistry.
By the end of 2025, the Ministry of Education and Science will appoint an Acting Director of the new institute, who will lead the final stage of the merger process and organise the election of the NIRI Scientific Council, which will serve as the institute’s highest decision-making body. The Council will subsequently appoint the institute’s Director.