EDI hosted a visit from a LACISE partner from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences

Dr. Artjoms Obruševs visits the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science. Photo: Letīcija Laura Mote.

As part of the LACISE project, Dr. Artjoms Obuševs, a researcher from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), visited the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI) on 9 April 2026.

During the meeting, work was initiated on data-sharing solutions between the EDI and ZHAW laboratories to enable the future synchronisation of virtual measurement and simulation data.

During the visit, Dr. Artjoms Obuševs was introduced to EDI’s current research activities within the LACISE project, including the application of neural network methods, dynamic monitoring of power transmission lines, development of a dynamic power system model,and other related research areas.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. Artjoms Obuševs provided recommendations for the next stages of the work.

The LACISE project inspires secondary school students from Liepāja to explore science and innovation

Ozolnieki Secondary School Girls Discover Science Inside the ISSP UL Laboratories

Ozolnieki Secondary School 8th-grade students at ISSP UL. Photo: Matīss Mačulāns.

When a group of girls from Ozolnieki Secondary School stepped through the doors of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) in early February, they weren’t just entering a research facility – they were stepping into the world of science, discovery, and possibility.

For many young women outside Riga, opportunities to meet scientists or see laboratories up close can be rare. One of the LACISE project’s core missions is to change that – to open the doors of science wider, spark curiosity, and show girls that STEM is not a distant field reserved for a select few, but a place where they, too, belong.

This field trip became exactly that: an inspiring, hands‑on experience that brought science to life.

Girls listen to a presentation about the ISSP UL and Milena Dile’s story of how she became a scientist.

A Scientist’s Journey — Told by Someone Living It

The visit began with the research assistant from the Optical Materials Laboratory, Miļena Dile, greeting the girls with a warm smile and an open story. She spoke not only about the institute’s research areas and recent achievements, but also about her own path – a journey filled with questions, persistence, and the thrill of discovery.

Her openness encouraged the girls to ask their questions.
What does it take to become a scientist?
How long do studies last?
What can you do after university?

The conversation quickly turned into a lively dialogue – a room full of curiosity, ambition, and honest interest.

Researchers Anzelms Zukuls and Ņikita Griščenko from the Energy Materials Laboratory talk about hydrogen.

The Secrets of Hydrogen: Experiments in the Energy Materials Laboratory

The next stop brought the group into the Energy Materials Laboratory, where researchers Anzelms Zukuls and Nikita Griščenko revealed the science behind hydrogen production. The girls learned how something as ordinary as waste aluminum – hidden in juice cartons or potato chips bags – can fuel a chemical reaction that produces hydrogen gas.

Watching the reaction happen in real time was exciting enough, but the highlight came when they tested a miniature car powered by the hydrogen produced in the same way they just observed.

And then – the moment filled with laughter and a bit of surprise – they felt hydrogen bubbles pop right in their hands. A tiny explosion. A big memory.

Looking Deeper: Material Analysis in the Spectroscopy Laboratory

The atmosphere shifted from playful to precise as research assistant Rihards Ruska welcomed them into the Spectroscopy Laboratory. Here, the girls discovered how scientists explore the properties of materials at the atomic level – knowledge that powers modern electronics, medicine, and countless technologies we rely on daily.

They saw impressive instruments:

• A cryostat for studying materials at extremely low temperatures,
• A X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) for analyzing chemical composition,
• High-temperature furnaces are essential for developing new materials.

This was science in its most technical form – yet still full of wonder.

Rihards Ruska explains to students from Ozolnieki Secondary School what different spectroscopy methods can reveal about materials. Photo: Matīss Mačulāns.

What’s Inside a Battery? The Girls Find Out

The journey continued back to the Energy Materials Laboratory, where researchers Ināra Ņesterova and Einārs Sprūģis guided the girls into the world of batteries — their structure, the materials inside, and why some parts of battery research must be done in a controlled argon atmosphere. This time, the visit turned fully hands‑on.

Ināra Ņesterova talks about batteries and lets visitors try the glovebox.

Students from Ozolnieki Secondary School assemble their own batteries.

Silver, Light, and the Magic of the Nanoscale

The final stop brought everyone back to Miļena’s laboratory. Here, the girls saw how materials change when they shrink to the nanoscale – particularly silver, which shifts color depending on particle size.

Miļena Dile discusses the Optical Materials Laboratory's work and the equipment used there.

Why Experiences Like This Matter

This field trip was more than a day away from school. It showed that science is not distant – it’s reachable, laboratories are not closed spaces – they are open to young minds, and STEM is not only for a chosen few – it’s for every curious girl willing to explore.

By offering hands‑on experiences, real conversations with scientists, and a glimpse into the world of advanced research, LACISE helps build the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and researchers.

LACISE Young Researchers Inspire Future STEM Talent at Universs@LU, Icebreakers’26 and Career Day 2026

Universs@LU: Bringing Science to Young Minds

ISSP UL young researchers at the Universs@LU study festival. Photo – Līga Ūdre.

From 19–21 February, the Universs@LU study festival filled the UL Academic Centre’s House of Science with school pupils, teachers, and families. As Latvia’s largest event dedicated to study opportunities and science outreach, it offered extensive interactive sessions and demonstrations. Here, LACISE young researchers presented two highly engaging experiments that piqued visitors' curiosity.

The first was the lemon battery experiment, in which participants connected electrodes to fruits and measured the resulting voltage with a multimeter. This hands‑on activity demonstrated how simple materials can create a functioning electrochemical cell, making the principles of battery technology accessible to all ages.

The second demonstration, decidedly more dynamic, was a live hydrogen electrolysis experiment. Using glass vessels, electrodes, and an electric current, the researchers produced visible hydrogen and oxygen bubbles. Visitors could observe the process up close, and the bravest were invited to safely ignite small hydrogen bubbles, creating a brief, sharp micro‑explosion. This memorable moment quickly became a highlight of the festival, proving that science can be both educational and thrilling.

Icebreakers’26: Electrochemistry in the Innovation Ecosystem

LACISE representative Ņikita Griščenko at Icebreakers’26. Photo – Līga Ūdre.

Held on 5 March, the Icebreakers’26 business opportunity festival gathered more than 700 students, researchers, and young entrepreneurs. The event is known for fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration between academia and industry.

The LACISE young researcher from the ISSP UL's Energy Materials Laboratory showcased a functional hydrogen electrolysis setup, using several interconnected electrochemical cells to demonstrate real‑time gas formation. Visitors could watch hydrogen bubbles form on the electrodes, learn how water splitting works, and discuss how electrochemical processes underpin modern energy technologies. The visually striking setup sparked numerous conversations and fit naturally into the festival’s innovation‑driven atmosphere.

Career Day 2026: Science as a Future Career Path

LACISE project representative Niks Smelters discussing career opportunities at LU CFI. Photo – Līga Ūdre.

On 6 March, Career Day 2026—jointly organized for the first time by RTU, RSU, and the RTU Riga Business School took place at the Ķīpsala Exhibition Centre. The event brought together nearly 100 companies and several thousand students and recent graduates looking for internships, jobs, and future career directions.

Instead of focusing on demonstrations, the LACISE team used this event to introduce visitors to the career and internship opportunities at the ISSP UL, explaining what daily work in a research laboratory involves and how students can get involved during their studies. Young researchers shared insights into the profession of a scientist, encouraging students to consider the Institute of Solid State Physics as a workplace where they can develop practical skills, gain experience, and contribute to cutting‑edge research.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists

Across Universs@LU, Icebreakers’26, and Career Day 2026, young researchers involved in the LACISE project successfully engaged hundreds of young people. Their hands‑on demonstrations of batteries and hydrogen production, combined with conversations about scientific careers, helped show that science is not merely theory – it is a dynamic, creative, and accessible field. By offering young people tangible experiences and real pathways into research, the LACISE project continues to strengthen the appeal of STEM fields in Latvia and supports the emergence of future scientists, engineers, and innovators.

Science and Industry Join Forces to Advance Battery Technologies in Latvia

Gints Kučinskis, Māris Sedlenieks and Andris Anspoks.  Photo: Mārcis Gaujenietis.

On 25 February 2026, the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), hosted the country’s first-ever Battery Industry Day, bringing together a broad spectrum of researchers, companies, and public-sector representatives to discuss the future of battery technologies and strengthen collaboration across the Latvian innovation ecosystem. The event was organised within the Swiss–Latvian cooperation programme project LACISE.

The inaugural Battery Industry Day attracted participants from ISSP UL, the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, and the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science, as well as companies and organisations active in electromobility, renewable energy, energy efficiency, micromobility, defence, and high-tech sectors.

During the discussion sessions, participants identified key challenges currently hindering the development of battery solutions in Latvia, including:
• performance limitations in low temperatures;
• the lack of high‑quality battery management systems;
• insufficient battery cell and system testing infrastructure;
• and the absence of established battery recycling and end‑of‑life handling pathways.

At the ISSP UL Battery Industry Day, industry representatives outline their challenges.Photo: Mārcis Gaujenietis  

Although Latvia cannot compete with global leaders in large-scale manufacturing capacity, it has strong potential in innovative, sustainable, and knowledge-driven battery materials and technologies, which could reinforce its role in the European battery value chain.

In the second part of the event, Māris Sedlenieks, Development Project Manager at Latvenergo, and Minglong He, Lead Scientist at ABB Schweiz AG, shared insights into technological trends and successful models of collaboration between industry and research institutions. Timurs Safiluļins, International Project and Funding Specialist at the ISSP UL, also introduced participants to available funding instruments and partnership opportunities in Latvia and across Europe.

A shared conclusion among attendees was the strategic need to establish a battery testing laboratory in Latvia, equipped with standardised testing methodologies. Such a facility would create a unified quality-assessment environment and accelerate the advancement of innovative solutions toward pilot trials and market deployment. Participants also emphasised the value of organising regular sectoral meetings to coordinate battery technology development and identify collaboration opportunities early.

Researchers at Battery Industry Day are presenting their battery technology capabilities. Photo: Mārcis Gaujenietis

“Battery Industry Day demonstrated that Latvia has strong potential in high-value-added battery technologies. Our strength is not in mass production, but in knowledge-based, sustainable, and technologically exceptional solutions – from materials research to smart battery management systems. This niche can become the foundation of Latvia’s competitiveness during the energy transition,” said Dr. phys. Gints Kučinskis, Head of ISSP UL’s Energy Materials Laboratory and LACISE Project Coordinator.

Battery Industry Day is the first event organised under the emerging Swiss–Latvian Digital Competence Centre on Smart Energy, which aims to foster cooperation and knowledge exchange between researchers and industry partners from both countries.

International Battery Day: A Look into Battery History and Their Role in Future Innovations

EDI engineer Aleksejs Oņackis successfully defends master’s thesis developed within LACISE project

Short-Term Cloud Motion Forecasting Model

One of the tasks during the first year of the LACISE project is to explore algorithms and deep neural network architectures in order to develop and validate the foundations of a cloud motion forecasting model for very short prediction horizons. This is carried out by scientists from the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI, Latvia) together with partners from the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM, Switzerland).

Cloud movement is among the most challenging atmospheric processes to predict, and its rapid variability significantly affects both weather conditions and technological systems that depend on solar radiation. Therefore, accurate forecasting of cloud displacement over very short time intervals, ranging from a few minutes to half an hour, is becoming increasingly important.

Short-term cloud forecasts are particularly critical in solar energy production, where cloud shadows can cause rapid power fluctuations. Timely prediction of cloud appearance or disappearance enables operators to stabilize the electricity grid, plan generation, and reduce the need for reserve capacity.

The developed cloud motion forecasting model (see figure) is capable of analyzing sequential sky observation camera images and calculating how cloud structures will evolve over the upcoming minutes. The figure illustrates five input frames and the model’s 90-second forecast, compared with the actual sky observed at the same moment. This solution significantly reduces uncertainty in solar energy planning, allowing for the timely anticipation of cloudy periods and their impact on electricity generated by solar panels.

Figure: cloud motion forecast for a 90-second horizon: model prediction versus observed reality

In 2026, the forecasting model is planned to be expanded by incorporating parametric data from a solar irradiance sensor, wind speed sensor, temperature sensor, and solar panel performance indicators. This approach will enable the model to synchronously link cloud movement with real changes in solar irradiance generation, thereby substantially improving forecast accuracy for solar energy planning.

Hydrogen, curiosity, and the future of mobility: Meet Germans Vlasenko, a school student developing his SRP at the LACISE project

Shaping the Future of Energy: ISSP UL’s Role in the LACISE Project

ISSP UL's team at the Energy Materials Laboratory: Ināra Ņesterova, Maija Bebre, Niks Smelters, Inese Jansone, Anzelms Zukuls, Gints Kučinskis. Photo: Laura Ločmele.

The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) is a key partner in the LACISE project—one of two projects under the Swiss–Latvian cooperation programme “Partnership in Applied Research.” From the outset, ISSP UL has played a dual role: coordinating two major research directions—batteries and hydrogen—and managing project administration to ensure smooth implementation and effective collaboration with partners.

Within the project, ISSP UL leads Work Package 1 (WP1), which covers project management, communication, dissemination, and industry engagement. Our responsibilities include coordinating activities, organizing strategic meetings, and overseeing the creation of the Digital Swiss–Latvian Competence Centre for Smart Energy. Through conferences, seminars, and public outreach, we aim to inspire the next generation of scientists and encourage young people—especially girls—to pursue careers in STEM.

WP1 is implemented by the LACISE project coordinator, Dr. phys. Gints Kučinskis, Head of the Energy Materials Laboratory at ISSP UL. Administrative coordination is managed by Maija Bebre, with support from Ieva Piņķe, while communication activities are planned and executed by Inese Jansone.

ISSP UL also manages two additional work packages: WP4 and WP5.

• WP4 focuses on next-generation battery technologies. Our team is developing cobalt-free cathode materials and silicon-enhanced graphite anodes, assembling full battery cells, and applying advanced methods to analyze the aging mechanisms of these cells. The goal is to create safer, longer-lasting batteries suitable for grid-scale energy storage. Key contributors include Gints Kučinskis, Niks Smelters, Ināra Ņesterova, Alīna Paula Ķirse, Ansis Mežulis, and others.
• WP5 explores sustainable hydrogen production, specifically using waste aluminum from end-of-life window frames, beverage packaging, and other aluminum-containing materials. Our aim is to develop efficient, environmentally friendly hydrogen production technologies. This work involves researchers from the Energy Materials Laboratory, including Līga Grīnberga, Ainārs Knoks, Anzelms Zukuls, Ņikita Griščenko, and several master’s and bachelor’s students.

The ISSP UL fosters collaboration with Latvian partners—the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science and Riga Technical University—as well as Swiss partners: the Paul Scherrer Institute, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, and the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology. Together with our Swiss colleagues, we have initiated training programs for new researchers.

“LACISE is a very important project for our institute. It enables us to advance research in battery and hydrogen energy while supporting the professional growth of young scientists. The project creates opportunities to strengthen ties with local and international industry and lays the foundation for long-term partnerships with leading Swiss research institutes,” says Gints Kučinskis, Head of the Energy Materials Laboratory and project coordinator.

For ISSP UL, LACISE is more than a project—it is an opportunity to shape the future of energy through research, collaboration, education, and the engagement of the next generation.

LACISE Project Representatives Participate in the SGEM Vienna Green Conference

Why choose STEM? Andris Šutka shares his experience with students

Hydrogen from Everyday Waste – A School Student Research on the Energy of the Future Inspired by LACISE

Gustavs Lukašs and Ņikita Griščenko at the Energy Materials Laboratory of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia. Photo - Anzelms Zukuls.

Imagine if everyday aluminum waste could hold the key to cleaner energy. That’s the question explored by Gustavs Lukašs, an 11th-grade student at Riga State Gymnasium No. 1, who has chosen the chemistry and biology track at school. Gustavs is among the young innovators inspired by the LACISE project, which offers a unique chance to tackle real-world STEM challenges and collaborate with scientists.

From Idea to Laboratory Experiments

Gustavs discovered the LACISE project on social media while searching for opportunities to develop his scientific research paper (SRP) in a professional lab setting. His chosen topic – “The Potential for Hydrogen Production from Various Household Aluminum-Containing Waste” – bridges chemistry, biology, and sustainable energy. The goal? To determine how efficiently hydrogen can be generated from different aluminum waste materials (foil, beverage cans, shavings, etc.) by comparing reaction rates and hydrogen yield based on material properties.

Research reactor and waste aluminum. Photo - Anzelms Zukuls.

Hands-On Experience – A Step Closer to Science

Laboratory work has been both thrilling and challenging for Gustavs. He’s mastered skills rarely accessible to high school students: operating electron and optical microscopes, using an X-ray diffractometer, and assembling the reactor needed for his experiments.
“All these skills will be invaluable if I choose a career in science,” Gustavs shares. His research takes place at the Energy Materials Laboratory of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, equipped with cutting-edge technology and expert guidance. He credits his mentors – Mg.sc.ing. Ņikita Griščenko and PhD Anzelms Zukuls – for their support, which has made the process smooth and rewarding.

LACISE – Building Bridges Between Schools and Science

This story captures the essence of the LACISE project: connecting young minds with the scientific community, promoting STEM fields, and inspiring the next generation of researchers. Gustavs’ experience shows that working alongside scientists not only deepens knowledge but also provides practical skills that can shape future career choices.

In Gustavs’ Own Words

“If all scientists are as supportive as my mentors, I wholeheartedly recommend other students to seize such opportunities,” he says. The LACISE project proves that science isn’t just theory – it’s exciting, hands-on, and accessible to students.

LACISE sparks curiosity: young minds explore sustainable energy at ISSP UL

Stende Lower Secondary School students at the ISSP UL. Photo - ISSP UL

The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), continues its long-standing tradition of welcoming school excursions, offering young learners a unique opportunity to explore the world of physics and scientific discovery. These visits aim to showcase the practical applications of physics and inspire interest in science-related careers.

In October, students from Stende Lower Secondary School visited ISSP UL to learn about the institute’s wide-ranging research activities, notable scientific achievements, and ongoing projects.

During the visit, students toured several laboratories, including the Energy Materials Laboratory, where researchers are actively involved in the LACISE project. Here, students gained valuable insights into cutting-edge technologies, including lithium and sodium batteries—their materials and research into their longevity—as well as hydrogen production. They also learned about the crucial role of scientific research in promoting climate neutrality and developing sustainable energy solutions.

The excursion provided a hands-on introduction to the practical side of physics and highlighted the diverse career paths available in the field. To further engage students, ISSP UL invited them to participate in upcoming events, such as the Physics Festival. Additionally, students were encouraged to apply for next year’s Solar Cup competition and Job Shadow Day, which offers firsthand experience of a physicist’s daily work.

Hands-On with Hydrogen: LACISE Project Team Joins Swagelok Tubing System Training

Photos - Matīss Vaivods

On October 27–28, representatives from the LACISE project participated in a two-day intensive training focused on designing and installing hydrogen tubing systems. The training took place at Riga Technical University (RTU) and brought together experts and researchers working on hydrogen technologies.

The LACISE team was represented by Anzelms Zukuls and Raitis Sika from the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, along with Mārtiņš Vanags from RTU. The training was led by specialists from Swagelok Helsinki – Technical Development Director Sami Juntunen and Sales Representative / Field Engineer Matīss Vaivods – who shared their expertise in hydrogen system safety and engineering.

Photos - Matīss Vaivods

The aim of the training was to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for the safe and efficient construction of hydrogen gas systems. Topics covered included the correct use of Swagelok connection systems in hydrogen infrastructure, tube bending techniques, material selection, and identification of common installation errors. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in hands-on tube assembly and connection work, gaining valuable experience in building hydrogen-resistant systems.

Photos - Matīss Vaivods

A highlight of the training was the demonstration of damage detection using hydrogen sensors, offering insights into diagnosing and resolving faults in gas system components.

This practical experience is a significant step forward for the LACISE project, supporting its continued development in the field of hydrogen technologies and reinforcing its commitment to safety and innovation.

LACISE Team Partners with Eco Baltia vide to Access Aluminum Waste for Research

ISSP UL team visits Eco Baltia vide. Photo - Anzelms Zukuls

On October 14, 2025, LACISE project representatives Anzelms Zukuls, Ņikita Griščenko, Daniels Jurjevs, Raitis Sika, and Rendijs Ronis visited Eco Baltia vide’s Resource Management Center in Riga. They were welcomed by Kristaps Dreimanis, Head of the Sales Department, and Vents Kārkliņš, Production Manager. The visit aimed to learn about sorting processes for household waste containing aluminum, understand its composition, and explore potential recycling pathways. The LACISE team received an in-depth tour of the waste sorting line and discussed the technical aspects of material selection and preparation for research purposes.

A key outcome of the visit was the formalization of a collaboration between the LACISE project and SIA Eco Baltia vide. This partnership will grant the project access to sorted, aluminum-containing household waste, materials that are particularly valuable for experiments and analyses requiring representative aluminum-rich fractions. This milestone marks a significant step toward practical industry collaboration, enabling access to real-world materials and supporting sustainable research endeavors.

SIA Eco Baltia vide waste aluminum. Photo - Anzelms Zukuls

Moving forward, the teams will define the scope, material sampling protocols, and data-sharing arrangements to maximize the value of the partnership for LACISE’s research objectives. Bridging research with industry through such collaborations enhances our ability to study aluminum sorting and recycling in real waste streams, driving progress toward more sustainable waste management solutions.

ISSP UL team visits Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland

From September 21 to 24, representatives of the LACISE project from the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) – Dr. Gints Kučinskis, Dr. Anzelms Zukuls, and PhD students Ņikita Griščenko and Ināra Ņesterova – visited the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen collaboration with project partners, align future research directions, and explore the institute’s infrastructure and research capabilities.

During the visit, discussions were held with LACISE project collaborators regarding the progress of ongoing research, coordination of upcoming experiments, and opportunities to utilize PSI’s equipment and operando measurement cells.

Meetings also took place with Dr. Sigita Trabesinger to discuss battery research, and with Dr. Emiliana Fabbri and Dr. Javier Quilez Bermejo to address specific work package tasks and future collaboration plans. Potential student exchange mechanisms were explored, and a follow-up visit to PSI with a longer stay was planned.

The visit included tours of laboratories and research facilities, as well as participation in the “Operando Day” seminar, where students and researchers presented current studies and discussed methodological and measurement adaptations.

This mission provided a valuable opportunity to reinforce partnerships, expand knowledge on the use of international research infrastructure, and plan the next steps in the LACISE project’s scientific work.

LACISE Project Featured at The Riga Conference 2025

LACISE light box at the Riga Conference 2025. Photo - Gints Kučinskis.

The LACISE project was showcased at The Riga Conference 2025, held from October 9–11 at the House of Science, University of Latvia. As the largest security and foreign policy forum in the Nordic-Baltic region, the conference brought together over 700 participants from approximately 45 countries, including policymakers, defence and security experts, diplomats, academics, journalists, and business leaders.

LACISE was represented in the exhibition area, where a dedicated project light box introduced attendees to this strategically important initiative for Latvia’s energy future. The display highlighted LACISE’s role in strengthening national energy resilience and advancing Latvian expertise in the energy sector. Dr. phys. Gints Kučinskis, the project coordinator, was also present, engaging with participants and emphasizing the project’s relevance in the broader context of European strategic investment and sustainability.

The conference featured high-level speakers such as Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, EU Commissioners Andrius Kubilius and Valdis Dombrovskis, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew J. Whitaker, and former NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Rob Bauer, alongside experts from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Discussions focused on key themes including NATO’s future, Ukraine’s long-term security, strategic investment in European defence, Baltic Sea regional security, hybrid warfare, geoeconomics, and business resilience. 

The event was organized by the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation (LATO) in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the University of Latvia, the European Commission Representation in Latvia, and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. It was supported by the embassies of Sweden, France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Turkey, Israel, and Canada.

LACISE’s presence at this prestigious event underscores its growing visibility and importance in shaping Latvia’s energy landscape and contributing to regional resilience.

More about the event on the Riga Conference 2025 website.

Progress of the Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme “Partnership in Applied Research” is assessed at first Steering Committee meeting

On October 3, 2025, the first meeting of the Steering Committee of the Swiss-Latvian cooperation programme “Partnership in Applied Research” took place at the Ministry of Education and Science. During the meeting, the progress of the program was evaluated and decisions on further steps were made. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science, the Embassy of the Swiss Confederation, the Ministry of Finance, the Latvian Council of Science, Riga Technical University, the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, and EMPA (Swiss partner).

The main objective of the programme is to strengthen Latvia’s scientific and innovation capacity by strengthening cooperation with Swiss research institutions and promoting sustainable growth. Two significant projects are being implemented under the programme: LACHMAT is developing new solutions for road surfaces, concrete technologies, and 3D-printed concrete using local minerals. LACISE, on the other hand, focuses on smart energy grids, new battery materials and hydrogen technologies from aluminium waste.

Both projects have already achieved their first results, involving doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s students. Cooperation with industry has been initiated to ensure the practical application of research results, and the first innovative solutions for sustainable infrastructure and energy are being

The Steering Committee also \ reviewed the programme’s communication plan. It aims to raise public awareness of Switzerland’s contribution, strengthen young people’s interest in STEM fields, and ensure the visibility of results in Latvia and beyond.

Future plans include developing new solutions in collaboration with industry, establishing a digital competence centre for energy storage and smart grids, and strengthening the involvement of young people and schoolchildren in science.

The Swiss-Latvian cooperation programme “Partnership in Applied Research” confirms that international cooperation makes a significant contribution to both science and society.

The total budget of the programme until 2029 is EUR 12,352,941, of which Switzerland’s co-financing is 85% or EUR 10,500,000, while the Latvian state budget co-financing is 15% or €1,852,941. The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science in cooperation with the Latvian Council of Science.

When Science Becomes an Adventure – LACISE Debuts at European Researchers’ Night

LACISE at the Researchers' Night - Hydrogen bubbles, hydrogen vehicle model, demonstration - How hydrogen is produced. Photo: Valdis Jansons

On the evening of September 26, the 20th European Researchers’ Night took place under the inspiring slogan “Discover the Researcher Gene Within You.” This year marked the debut of the LACISE project at the event, offering a wide range of engaging activities in the 3rd-floor lobby of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL).

The ISSP UL’s Energy Materials Laboratory, which is directly involved in the project's scientific work, ensured that Researchers’ Night became a memorable evening for both young and old. Highlights included exploding hydrogen bubbles, models of hydrogen- and solar-powered cars, a live demonstration of hydrogen production, and a challenging quiz game. Guests had the opportunity to interact with researchers, watch the car models in action, and even experience the thrill of popping hydrogen bubbles.

Solar-powered and hydrogen-powered vehicle models, participants of the LACISE quiz. Photo: LACISE project

Visitors also tested their knowledge in a quiz game created by LACISE scientists. Hosted on the Kahoot! platform, the game featured four themed quizzes: batteries, hydrogen, energy, and the LACISE project. Participants could choose a topic and tackle 10 tricky questions, with LACISE souvenirs awarded to winners. Throughout the evening, 35 quiz sessions were held, attracting 146 participants.

LACISE quiz participants. Photo: LACISE project.

This year, ISSP UL welcomed a record-breaking crowd of over one thousand science enthusiasts. Many were upper-grade students, but the event also drew strong interest from families with preschool and primary school-aged children, all eager to spend their Friday evening discovering something new.

The LACISE project extends its heartfelt thanks to all visitors for their enthusiasm and curiosity.

European Researchers’ Night was first held in 2005. The event was designed to foster public understanding of science and research, demonstrating that science is exciting, accessible, and relevant to everyday life. Each year, Researchers’ Night invites the public to visit research and educational institutions to see how science is made, meet researchers, ask questions, and participate in various activities. At the same time, the event aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, especially by engaging students and encouraging interest in STEM fields.