The traveling exhibition “Research Latvia 2026”, created by the Ministry of Education and Science, offers a unique opportunity to explore 12 Latvian scientific excellence stories and their contributions to the development of society and research. In April, the traveling exhibition and the accompanying science calendar highlight the work and achievements of the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (LV BMC) (Latvia’s National Research and Innovation Institute) emphasizing its significance within the national research landscape. From 30 March to 30 April, the exhibition will be on view at LV BMC, Rātsupītes 1 k-1, Riga, and from 31 March to 30 April, it will be displayed at the Space Education Centre, Cīrulīšu Street 63, Cēsis. The exhibition is free of charge and open to all visitors.
“Genome research and biomedicine combine evidence-based thinking and precision with a human objective – a healthier and longer life for society. It is inspiring to be a small part of this process,” emphasizes Dr. biol. Monta Brīvība, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (BMC) (National Research and Innovation Institute).
Monta Brīvība is the ambassador for the month of April, representing the BMC in the “Science for Latvia 2026” calendar. She began her journey at the BMC as a student and, through dedication, strong will, and an unwavering curiosity, has advanced along the path of science, leading her to research in pediatric cancers, genomics, and precision medicine.
Throughout the year, the traveling exhibition can be viewed at various higher education institutions, as well as other public and cultural venues across Latvia. By scanning QR codes, anyone interested can watch all 12 video stories. This initiative not only promotes science recognition but also strengthens society’s connection with science.
The Science Ambassadors initiative is being continued this year, with a focus on national research institutes. The 12 researchers featured in the calendar represent a wide range of research fields:
- biol. Ingrīda Andersone, Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology
- D. Edgars Kuka, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
- med. vet. Žanete Šteingolde, the Scientific Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”
- biol. Monta Brīvība, Latvian Biomedical Research & Study centre
- D. Edgars Butanovs, Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
- D. Jānis Ozoliņš, Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of University of Latvia
- agr. Līga Lepse, Institute of Horticulture
- soc. sci. Ieva Leimane, The Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics
- D. Jānis Ārents, EDI – Institute of Electronics and Computer Science
- chem. Gints Šmits, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis
- sc. comp. Baiba Kaškina, The Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Latvia
- silv. Dagnija Lazdiņa, Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”
The science calendar was developed within the framework of European Regional Development Fund project No. 1.1.1.1/1/24/I/001 “More Effective and Smarter Implementation and Management of Latvian Science Policy” implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science. Developers: Izstrādātāji: SIA “VFS FILMS” un “researchLatvia” team; Photographer Ieva Romaško, video director Guntars Graiksts, producer Kristīne Pleša, operator Jānis Šēnbergs, design by Anna Skane.