Swiss–Latvian Digital Centre launched in Riga to boost innovation in the energy sector
Opening of the Swiss–Latvian Smart Energy Digital Centre. Photo: Valdis Jansons.
On May 15, the Swiss–Latvian Smart Energy Digital Centre was officially launched in Riga as part of the international conference Deep Tech Atelier 2026. The centre has been established within the framework of the LACISE project, led by the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), under the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme Partnership in Applied Research.
H.E. Anja Zobrist Rentenaar, Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, Photo: Valdis Jansons.
The aim of the Centre is to strengthen long-term collaboration between research, innovation-driven companies, and industry in Latvia and Switzerland, while accelerating the development and real-world implementation of new technologies.
The opening event featured remarks by H.E. Anja Zobrist Rentenaar, Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, as well as Gints Kučinskis, LACISE project coordinator and leading researcher at ISSP UL.
Switzerland ranks among the top global research and innovation leaders. The reasons for this are multi fold, among others cultivating scientific excellence, which is impossible without international cooperation. Other important factors are the well-developed innovation ecosystems and the close collaboration between academia, businesses, and multinational companies. Networks and collaboration are priceless. Not only in Research but also for shared peace, security, and prosperity in Europe. Closely knit and well-connected communities, and this includes professional communities, are proving to be more resilient to the modern-day challenges," said H.E. Anja Zobrist Rentenaar.
During the event, project partners presented their activities: Gints Kučinskis introduced research carried out at ISSP UL on battery longevity and hydrogen production technologies, Anna Mutule from the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science presented developments in smart grids and digitalisation, while Professor Petr Korba from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) showcased AI-based solutions for power system stability analysis. An industry perspective was provided by Tomass Liepnieks, Head of Innovation Management at Sadales tīkls.
Presentations at the centre’s opening were delivered by Gints Kučinskis, Petr Korba, Anna Mutule and Tomass Liepnieks. Photo: Valdis Jansons.
“Energy is currently undergoing significant transformation – the role of renewable energy sources is increasing, and energy storage is becoming ever more important. This means we need new solutions and new forms of collaboration,” said Gints Kučinskis.
The Swiss–Latvian Digital Centre will serve as a permanent collaboration platform, connecting scientific expertise with industry needs and facilitating the transfer of research results into practical applications. Its flexible, virtual format will enable continuous cooperation between researchers, companies, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders in both countries through thematic seminars, expert discussions, and partnership initiatives, ensuring the Centre’s long-term impact beyond the duration of the project.
Guests at the opening of the Swiss–Latvian Smart Energy Digital Centre. Photo: Valdis Jansons.
Latvian scientists play an equal role in this international collaboration, emphasises ISSP UL Director Andris Anspoks:
“We work with international institutions as equal partners, not as students and teachers. Our goal is to ensure that this collaboration continues beyond the project, as modern science cannot develop in isolation – it is built on cooperation, specialisation, and mutual learning.”
Given the rapid transformation of
the energy sector, the establishment of the Centre is particularly timely. The
Digital Centre provides a practical contribution to strengthening Latvia’s
innovation capacity and energy resilience, while deepening cooperation with
Switzerland in a strategically important field.
Information about upcoming centre events is available by registering here.
From Research to Real World Solutions – Swiss–Latvian Smart Energy Digital Centre to Open in Riga
On May 15, from 14:00 to 15:00, the official opening of the Swiss–Latvian Smart Energy Digital Centre will take place at the Deep Tech Atelier 2026 conference at the Fantadroms conference centre (76 Gustava Zemgala Street, Riga). The Centre has been established to strengthen long-term collaboration between research, innovation companies, and industry in both Latvia and Switzerland.
The Digital Centre serves as a continuous collaboration platform, purposefully linking scientific expertise with industry needs to accelerate the transfer of research results into practical applications and the development of joint solutions in the field of smart energy and related technologies.
“The Swiss–Latvian Digital Centre is an action-oriented collaboration platform that helps research ideas find the right partners and pathways to practical implementation. It brings together the scientific expertise of Latvia and Switzerland with industry needs, fostering the development of joint initiatives in smart energy even beyond the completion of the LACISE project,” says Gints Kučinskis, leading researcher and head of the Energy Materials Laboratory of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, and coordinator of the LACISE project.
The Centre is part of the LACISE project, implemented within the Swiss–Latvian cooperation programme “Partnership in Applied Research.” Its flexible, virtual format lets researchers, companies, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders in both countries collaborate through thematic online seminars, expert discussions, partner matchmaking sessions, and industry-focused events.
A focus of the Digital Centre is also collaboration with startups, particularly those operating in the energy deep tech sector.
“The Digital Centre creates an environment where energy startups such as ProtiumTech, which develops innovative green hydrogen production technologies, can much more rapidly identify research and industry partners. This kind of structured international collaboration helps to focus on real-world applications and joint development projects,” says Allen Martini, CEO of ProtiumTech.
At a time of rapid geopolitical change and energy system transformation, the Digital Centre provides a practical contribution to strengthening Latvia’s innovation capacity and energy resilience, while deepening cooperation with Switzerland in a strategically important sector.
Participation in the event is free. Prior registration is required via the Deep Tech Atelier website:
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.
Three Hours in the World of Science: Students Visit the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia
Students from Latvia, Poland, Spain, and France visit the ISSP UL
What does it truly mean to work in science? What does the place look like where ideas for new materials, energy storage solutions and future technologies come to life?
These questions were explored on 24 March by 36 students taking part in the Erasmus+ international mobility programme ECOMATHS. The group included 18 students from Mālpils Secondary School (Latvia) and six students each from IES Ruiz de Alda (Spain), Lycée Albert Camus (France) and XIV Liceum Ogólnokształcące (Poland). During a three-hour visit, the students explored the Institute of Solid State Physics at the University of Latvia (ISSP UL).
Organised within the framework of the LACISE project, the visit gave students an opportunity to experience science beyond the classroom — directly in the environment where research takes place, through laboratory visits, discussions with scientists and hands-on problem-solving activities.
Where real science begins
Students get to know the ISSP UL in facts and figures
Following the introduction, the students took part in a guided tour of the Spectroscopy, Micro‑ and Nano‑Devices, and Energy Materials laboratories. There, they gained first-hand insight into how material properties are studied, energy-related processes are analysed, and electrochemical solutions are developed in practice. The visit clearly demonstrated that the equations and formulas learned in physics and chemistry classes do not remain abstract concepts — they turn into measurements, data analysis, and experiments.
Visiting the Spectroscopy and Micro and Nanodevices Laboratories.
The laboratories and working environment highlighted that science is not about ready-made answers, but about continuously asking questions, testing hypotheses, and refining results through experimentation. Researchers not only presented the laboratory infrastructure and equipment, but also shared their personal experiences of scientific work, research pathways and career development. Many students were particularly impressed by the complexity and value of the equipment, as well as by the level of responsibility required when working in a high‑precision research environment.
During the excursion, students visit the Energy Materials Laboratory.
Equally important was the way researchers communicated with the students — using accessible language and emphasising not only technical details, but also why this research matters for society, especially in the context of energy technologies and sustainable development. As a result, students gained a deeper understanding of the precision, patience, and attention to detail required in research, and of how every measurement contributes to reliable scientific outcomes.
Hands-on activities: batteries and hydrogen in action
To build on what they had seen in the laboratories, students also took part in hands-on problem-solving activities closely linked to key LACISE research themes — energy storage and hydrogen technologies.
In one activity, students explored hydrogen as an energy carrier, calculating how much energy can be obtained from a given amount of hydrogen and estimating how long that energy could power, for example, a hydrogen-powered vehicle with a specific power rating. This exercise helped them connect chemical calculations with fundamental concepts such as energy, power, and operating time.
Student groups solve tasks prepared by the Energy Materials Laboratory of the ISSP UL
Another task focused on batteries and energy storage systems. Students analysed how long a battery of a certain capacity could supply power to a device with a defined energy demand, and discussed why energy storage plays a crucial role when electricity is produced from variable renewable sources such as solar or wind. Through these examples, students gained a clear understanding that batteries and hydrogen are not competing solutions, but complementary technologies within a sustainable energy system.
Alongside the practical activities, informal discussions with researchers from ISSP UL formed an important part of the visit. Students asked questions about study choices, everyday work in research, and career opportunities in different countries. A recurring message was that a career in science is not always a straight path, and that curiosity, motivation, and persistence are just as important as academic performance. These conversations helped make science feel more personal — shaped by people, experiences, and real-life stories rather than abstract concepts alone.
An experience that stays with you
For many students, the three-hour visit to the Institute of Solid State Physics marked their first direct encounter with academic research. The experience helped them see STEM not merely as school subjects, but as a pathway to actively contribute to developing solutions for future challenges.
Within the framework of the LACISE project, visits like this play an important role in presenting science as accessible, relevant, and inspiring. We hope that this day at ISSP UL encouraged students to think more broadly and to approach complex questions with curiosity and confidence rather than hesitation.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to the researchers and laboratory staff of the ISSP UL Laboratory of Energy Materials — Ināra Ņesterova, Niks Smelters, Līga Grīnberga, Anzelms Zukuls, Daniels Jānis Jurjevs, Raitis Siks, Ņikita Griščenko, and Emīls Jerikalovs — for their valuable contribution to the visit and for preparing the student activities.
The LACISE project inspires secondary school students from Liepāja to explore science and innovation
IECS electrical systems engineer Antons Hančevskis in Liepaja Liedaga Secondary School. Photo: Letīcija Laura Mote.
On March 23, electrical systems engineer Antons Hančevskis, who represents the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (IECS) team in the LACISE project, visited Liepāja Liedaga Secondary School. During the visit, he engaged with 10th- and 11th‑grade students, introducing them to the profession of a scientist, current research trends, and the importance of innovation in today’s society.
Students learned about a scientist’s daily routine, career opportunities, and the pathway to a research career. Special attention was given to practical examples that helped students better understand how science is applied to solving real‑life problems.
The LACISE project was also presented during the event, including its goals, significance, and potential societal impact. Students had the opportunity to learn more about the innovative solutions being developed within the project.
A variety of scientific research topics were explored, encouraging young people to think about their future in science and technology. During the discussion, students actively asked questions and participated in a conversation about how science can help address global and socially significant challenges.
Activities such as these foster young people’s interest in STEM fields and help build an understanding of the importance of science in societal development.
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.
A chemical reaction that produces hydrogen.
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.
And perhaps – just perhaps – one of the girls who walked through ISSP UL that February morning will return one day as a scientist.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
On 18 February, the world celebrates International Battery Day, honouring the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta (born on 18 February 1745), who in 1801 invented the first true battery. His invention marked the beginning of the era of electrochemistry and the practical use of electrical energy — a field that continues to evolve today and remains a key research direction within the LACISE project.
A Glimpse into Battery History
The battery created by Volta — the Voltaic pile — was surprisingly simple: alternating discs of silver (or copper) and zinc, separated by pieces of leather or cardboard soaked in saltwater. Despite its simple design, it became the first device capable of providing a continuous electrical current, laying the foundation for electrical engineering, the discovery of electrolysis, and, later, the age of the telegraph and other electrical devices.
Photo of Voltaic pile by Luigi Chiesa - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5042106
Interestingly, the principle of the battery may have existed 2,000 years before Volta. In 1938, a clay vessel from the Parthian Empire was discovered near Baghdad. The jar contained a copper cylinder, an iron rod, and an acidic vinegar solution — a construction capable of producing 1.1–2 volts of electricity. While scientists still debate whether this object was truly used as a battery, it highlights how long humanity has been intrigued by electrochemical processes.
The term “battery” was introduced by Benjamin Franklin in 1748, well before Volta’s invention. While experimenting with the charging of Leyden jars, he used the term “electrical battery” to describe several devices connected in series, possibly inspired by the military term referring to a group of artillery units.
From Experiments to the European Green Deal
Today, batteries are integral to modern life — from mobile phones and portable electronics to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions. They play a crucial role in the European Union’s path toward climate neutrality, enabling the transition to electric vehicles, supporting efficient storage of wind and solar energy, and significantly reducing CO₂ emissions in the transport and industrial sectors. The battery field is dynamic and constantly evolving — new materials are being developed, safety is improving, energy density is increasing, and more sustainable production solutions are being sought.
LACISE’s Contribution to the Future of Batteries
Within the LACISE project, battery technology research is one of the three core scientific areas. Our team is working on next‑generation battery materials and solutions that will help increase energy density, enhance safety, extend battery lifespan, and reduce the use of environmentally harmful resources.
These research outcomes are essential for Europe to maintain competitiveness and ensure a sustainable, safe, and efficient battery ecosystem.
Join Us at the First Battery Industry Day – 25 February
LACISE, in collaboration with the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), invites you to the first Battery Industry Day on 25 February.
The event will bring together scientists, industry representatives, and policymakers to share the latest technological discoveries, build bridges of cooperation between research and industry, and discuss strategic priorities for the European battery market.
This day will be an excellent opportunity to explore ongoing battery research at the ISSP UL and jointly discuss future challenges and opportunities.
EDI engineer Aleksejs Oņackis successfully defends master’s thesis developed within LACISE project
Aleksejs Oņackis. Photo - personal archive.
The LACISE team is pleased to congratulate Aleksejs Oņackis, an electrical systems engineer at the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (IECS) — one of the LACISE consortium partners — on the successful defence of his master’s thesis and engineering project. The work was completed within the professional master’s study programme Smart Electrical Power Engineering at Riga Technical University.
Aleksejs’ research focused on the stability of the Baltic power system, including isolated operation frequency tests and dynamic modelling. The thesis was developed using real measurement data and specialised tools for power system modelling, yielding practical insights for the energy sector.
Both works were carried out within the LACISE project, part of the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme Partnership in Applied Research.
Picture: A. Oņackis defending his Master's Thesis at RTU. Source – personal archive.
We are proud of Aleksejs’ accomplishment and wish him every success as he continues his professional and research journey.
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
German Vlasenko at the RTU's Institute of Physics and Materials Science
The LACISE project continues to offer young people practical opportunities to engage with real scientific research. This time, we speak with another student carrying out his scientific research paper (SRP) within the project, at the Institute of Physics and Materials Science of Riga Technical University (RTU).
Germans Vlasenko, a 12th-grade student at Riga State Gymnasium No. 2, is one of those young people eager to dive into science not only theoretically but also hands-on. His SRP focuses on decoupled electrolysis using binder-free supercapacitor-type electrodes in an acidic environment – a topic closely linked to the development of modern energy systems and sustainable transport.
Germans’ interest in the topic developed naturally - from his passion for cars and his curiosity about what sustainable transport might look like in the future. “In my SRP, I wanted to explore something related to cars, and hydrogen seemed particularly exciting to me,” he explains. Hydrogen as a potential future fuel—and the possibility of preserving internal combustion engines while reducing their environmental impact—became the foundation of his research.
When Germans contacted Prof. Andris Šutka to explore the possibility of conducting hydrogen-focused research at RTU, his research quickly took shape. “After meeting with Mg. sc. ing. Mairis Iesalnieks, we agreed to work on the topic of decoupled electrolysis,” he recalls.
The path to science begins with a simple question: how does it work?
Germans describes himself as someone deeply interested in physics and chemistry. He studies both subjects in depth and believes they complement each other perfectly. “I like physics and chemistry because they help me understand the world – both in school and beyond,” he says.
STEM fields have always appealed to him, and his teachers have played a significant role in this interest—especially his physics teacher at Riga State Gymnasium No. 2, Mg. Phys. Voldemārs Muižnieks, who has encouraged students for years to participate in competitions and develop research skills.
SRP goal: binder-free electrodes for hydrogen electrolysis
Germans’ SRP is ambitious and fully aligned with today’s energy challenges. His research aims to find and develop a safer, more efficient hydrogen production method than those described in existing literature. After conducting a literature review, he performed hands-on laboratory experiments. His prototype electrode—based on specific capacitance at a scan rate of 10 mV/s—showed approximately 43% higher efficiency than the reference sample described in the literature.
Main objectives of the research:
- Develop binder-free supercapacitor-type electrodes for decoupled electrolysis
- Compare different processing methods to determine which yields the best results
- Evaluate whether heat treatment improves the material surface and electrode properties
The pictures show the laboratory table on which the sample exchange took place; the container in which the electrochemical cells were immersed during the measurements to maintain a constant temperature, as well as the computer for reading the measurement results. Photo: Germans Vlasenko
First steps in the laboratory
Germans is enthusiastic about his experience at RTU’s Institute of Physics and Materials Science laboratory. At first, the environment felt almost cinematic: “I imagined it would be like in Spider-Man, where Peter Parker synthesizes substances in a high-tech lab. Honestly, reality turned out to be quite similar.” But the daily life of a researcher is more than exciting experiments. It also involves:
- waiting for samples to burn,
- long measurement procedures,
- data analysis that often contradicts initial expectations,
- refining methods, rerunning experiments, and detecting errors.
This experience taught him not only technical skills, but also patience – one of a scientist’s most essential qualities.
The picture shows the furnace used to treat the samples. Photo: Germans Vlsenko
Surprises and small scientific miracles
Almost everything surprised Germans during his research, but one moment stands out vividly: his first encounter with the scanning electron microscope (SEM).
“It’s a big device that lets you see what’s impossible with the naked eye. It scans the surface with an electron beam – the tiny ‘ball’ we see drawn in physics books. It’s expensive but incredibly valuable when you need to examine surface structure at the micro level.”
A particularly memorable moment came when one of his first binder-free electrodes delivered excellent results – the day before his birthday. But science can be unpredictable: the next identical sample performed significantly worse. That was when he truly understood the research process – investigating causes, analyzing data, and optimizing methods.
German's sample in solution before drying, and the sample being measured in a two-electrode system to later determine its specific capacitance. Photo: Germans Vlasenko
Support from scientists and the research community
Germans says the support from RTU researchers was indispensable. He is especially grateful to Dr. phys. Mārtiņš Vanags and Mg. sc. ing. Mairis Iesalnieks for their patience, clear explanations, and guidance.
“The hardest part was understanding what exactly I was doing. It might sound funny, but without experience, I didn’t know what results to expect—what was good, what was bad, or what the measurements should even look like,” he says.
He also benefited from getting to know RTU students and learning about their research and study experiences, which broadened his understanding of what a scientist’s work truly entails.
Future plans
Germans has a clear vision: “My dream is to work in motorsports or the automotive industry as an engineer. I’m fascinated by improving things that many people already see as perfect.”
Later in life, he also wants to teach physics. “I love the subject so much that I want to share my passion,” he says. He has already taught a few classes at his gymnasium, which only strengthened this ambition.
What does working on an SRP teach you?
Among the skills he developed, Germans highlights:
- time management,
- reading and understanding scientific literature,
- data analysis and research thinking,
- concentration.
He laughs, quoting his mother: “When you wash the dishes—think about the dishes.” The same applies in the laboratory: focus is everything.
Advice for other students
For students considering collaborating with scientists on their SRP, Germans suggests:
- choose a topic aligned with your future interests,
- don’t be afraid of laboratory work—it’s a great entry point to your future profession,
- start early; if your first measurements fail, you’ll have time to improve your approach.
“An SRP is like Job Shadow Day, except this time you are doing the work,” he says. He believes that a thoughtful approach allows students to gain maximum experience from the process.
A young researcher helping shape the future of energy
Germans Vlasenko’s example shows how young people can get involved in the LACISE project and engage with complex technologies while contributing to future energy solutions. Working with real materials and experimental methods has given him the opportunity to take his first steps into hydrogen research and to gain skills that will undoubtedly be valuable both in his studies and in his future engineering career.
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
Ņikita Griščenko and Anzelms Zukuls at the SGEM Vienna Green conference
From December 3 to 6, the international conference SGEM Vienna Green took place in Vienna, Austria, bringing together experts in sustainability, environment, and energy. The LACISE project was represented by researchers Anzelms Zukuls and Ņikita Griščenko from the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), who presented results achieved within WP5. The project team participated with a poster presentation titled “Aluminum waste to hydrogen: an on-site solution”. The study was authored by ISSP UL Energy Materials Laboratory researchers Ņikita Griščenko, Anzelms Zukuls, and Līga Grīnberga.
During the conference, participants gained extensive insights into current research on sustainable energy systems, climate-resilient urban planning, biodiversity conservation, as well as advanced technologies for clean energy production and waste management. Special attention was given to hydrogen technologies, their development trends, and potential applications in future energy systems.
Participation in this conference fostered knowledge exchange and collaboration opportunities with the international scientific community, strengthening the LACISE project’s contribution to sustainable energy development.
SGEM Vienna Green – Green Sciences for Green Life is an international scientific conference held annually, gathering around 550 participants from Europe and beyond — researchers, academics, policymakers, environmental consultants, and students. The main topics include biodiversity, reduction of CO₂ emissions, renewable energy, sustainable urban planning, clean technologies, biotechnology, and environmental policy. The conference features sessions, panel discussions, and poster presentations, promoting academic dialogue and cooperation.
Why choose STEM? Andris Šutka shares his experience with students
Photo: Smiltene Secondary School
At the beginning of December, Andris Šutka, tenured professor and Director of the Institute of Physics and Materials Science at Riga Technical University (RTU), visited Smiltene Secondary School. Within the LACISE project, he leads the RTU research team working on sustainable hydrogen production solutions. The event brought together students from grades 10–12 who have chosen to study chemistry in depth.
Andris Šutka is a graduate of Smiltene Secondary School (2004), and this visit was a special reunion with his former school and chemistry teacher, Jānis Celmiņš. During the meeting, the professor shared his experience in science, spoke about research directions, and explained how scientific achievements are made – step by step. He emphasized that STEM fields are not only full of challenges but also offer broad opportunities for growth and diverse career paths.
Addressing the students, Prof. Šutka inspired them by saying that science is not just theory; it is also creativity, innovation, and a real chance to shape the future. He encouraged young people not to be afraid and to choose their own path in the diverse world of STEM. The meeting was a great opportunity for students to see that science begins right there – at school – and can lead to world-class discoveries.
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.