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.