lacise - News & Events

Swiss–Latvian Digital Centre launched in Riga to boost innovation in the energy sector

Tue, 19 May 2026 09:56:00 +0000

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

Thu, 14 May 2026 15:30:00 +0000

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:

More information about the Digital Centre.

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

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:46:00 +0000

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

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

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

From the moment they entered the Institute of Solid State Physics, students could sense that this was a place where science is part of everyday work. The visit began in the institute’s main hall with an introductory presentation by Dr phys. Līga Grīnberga, Leading Researcher at the Laboratory of Energy Materials. She introduced the Institute, its research focus and ongoing scientific activities, and explained how research results are transformed into real‑world innovations and practical applications.

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

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:27:00 +0000

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

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:57:00 +0000

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.

The video shows a tiny hydrogen bubble explosion.

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.

Curious to experience real laboratory tools, the girls first tried putting their hands into the large protective gloves of the glovebox – a glimpse into how sensitive materials are handled in research. Afterwards, at the worktable, they assembled their own batteries, learning just how much focus, care, and precision scientific work requires. A moment of discovery.

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 also showed several of the instruments she uses daily, giving the girls a close‑up look at optical research. It was a great opportunity to understand just how broad and diverse the field of materials science is.

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

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Within the framework of the LACISE project, young researchers from the Energy Materials Laboratory of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) participated in three major education and innovation events during the spring of 2026: Universs@LU, Icebreakers’26, and Career Day 2026. Across all these events, they represented the LACISE project by engaging young audiences through interactive demonstrations of batteries and hydrogen generation, showcasing science as an exciting, hands-on experience.

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

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:48:00 +0000

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

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:30:00 +0000

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

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:29:00 +0000

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.

IECS story