All Job Shadow Day participants at the ISSP UL. Photo: ISSP UL.

On April 1, the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), joined the nationwide Job Shadow Day (Ēnu diena) –an initiative that enables school students across Latvia to explore professions and gain first-hand insight into working environments. The event, widely recognised for promoting informed career choices, provided a valuable opportunity for young people to experience the everyday reality of scientific research and innovation.

A Day at ISSP UL: Discovering Science in Practice

At ISSP UL, the day began with the arrival and registration of participants, accompanied by engaging demonstrations of solar-powered model cars presented by researchers from the Energy Materials Laboratory. These demonstrations introduced students to renewable energy concepts and set an interactive tone for the day.

The official opening followed in the second-floor hall, where Director Andris Anspoks welcomed participants and introduced the institute’s research areas and active projects. The opening concluded with a group photo, capturing the enthusiasm of students and researchers alike.

From 10:00 onwards, the students began their shadowing experience, joining scientists across the institute to observe their daily work. They explored laboratory environments, learned about research processes, and gained insight into scientific careers.

Job Shadows at the Energy Materials Laboratory of the ISSP UL. Photo: ISSP UL.

A particularly strong engagement was observed in the Energy Materials Laboratory, where LACISE-related researchers hosted a total of 12 job shadows. Leading researcher Anzelms Zukuls, scientific assistant Niks Smelters, and researcher Einārs Sprūģis introduced participants to topics such as energy storage, material synthesis, and battery technologies.

The students – ranging from 7th to 11th grade—demonstrated strong interest in STEM fields, particularly in chemistry, physics, and their practical applications. Many were eager to understand how research is conducted, what equipment is used in laboratories, and how new materials and technologies are developed. Their reflections highlighted a clear curiosity about batteries, electrochemical processes, and sustainable energy solutions—key areas of LACISE research. 

Following a shared lunch, the shadowing activities continued with more hands-on exploration and discussions. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, observe experiments, and better understand how theoretical knowledge translates into real-world innovation. The day concluded with a reflection session, where participants shared their impressions and received certificates.

Experience at LACISE Partner EDI

In parallel, LACISE partner the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI) also welcomed a student as part of Job Shadow Day. Nora, a 5th-grade student from Riga Teika Secondary School, spent the day shadowing electrical systems engineer Roberts Lazdiņš.

Job Shadow at the IECS. Photo: Letīcija Laura Mote.

Throughout the day, Nora followed Roberts’ work to gain insight into research processes, project responsibilities, and everyday activities at the institute. Together with other students, she visited EDI laboratories, explored advanced technologies and research equipment, and learned more about ongoing projects across the institute’s research fields.

Researchers also shared their personal career paths, study opportunities, and the skills required to work in science and technology development, offering valuable guidance to the young participant.

Within the framework of the LACISE project, Nora also took part in a practical task in the energy laboratory. She developed mock-ups of screens of different sizes intended for improving laboratory spaces, helping to assess the most suitable solution for future infrastructure development. This hands-on task provided a unique perspective on the practical aspects of research infrastructure planning and demonstrated that innovation in science extends beyond experiments to include environment design and functionality.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The participation of ISSP UL and EDI in Job Shadow Day highlights the LACISE project’s commitment to science communication and education. By opening their doors to students, researchers not only showcased their work but also encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, and interest in STEM careers.

The enthusiasm and motivation demonstrated by the students confirmed the importance of such initiatives. Through direct interaction with scientists and real-world exposure to research environments, Job Shadow Day continues to play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of innovators in energy and advanced materials.