Latvian and Swiss scientists join forces to develop sustainable energy and engage youth in STEM
On May 6, an ambitious Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Program “Applied Research” project in the fields of ICT and smart energy, LACISE, will be launched at the Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia (ISSP UL).
Representatives from the Swiss Embassy, the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science, the Latvian Council of Science, industry, and project consortium partners from Switzerland and Latvia will participate in the opening event.
During the event, industry representatives from organisations such as Naco Technologies, Latvenergo, Riga Airport, the Latvian Hydrogen Association, and the Riga TechGirls platform will participate in the establishment and discussion of the Stakeholder Advisory Board. The members of the Stakeholder Advisory Board will sign a memorandum of intent for the cooperation formed within the project, aimed at achieving its objectives. The LACISE opening event will also mark the beginning of a Swiss-Latvian Competence Centre.
The Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Program project LACISE (2025-2029) will focus on addressing today’s most pressing energy challenges while educating the next generation of scientists. Furthermore, the project aims to encourage close collaboration between Latvian and Swiss researchers from the Institute of Solid State Physics (ISSP UL), the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI), Riga Technical University (RTU), the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM).
The project will develop both short-term and long-term solutions in key energy sectors, contributing to the stability of the energy supply system, the development of next-generation batteries, and advancements in hydrogen production technologies. A significant emphasis will be placed on engaging young people, particularly girls, in STEM fields to enhance youth participation in these areas, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and ideas to foster innovation and effectively address complex scientific challenges in the future.
Through close collaboration between Switzerland and Latvia, this ambitious research program is being implemented to strengthen Latvia's scientific capabilities and growth. It also promotes the development of innovative solutions, supports investment in the circular economy, encourages environmental recovery, and fosters cooperation with industry. This collaborative effort ensures that the work invested leads to growth and innovation in the energy sector, shaping the future of Latvia.