The Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) has announced winners of the annual Science Achievements’ Competition - top twelve achievements were selected from 47 eligible proposals that were submitted for evaluation.
Traditionally the achievements in science are divided in two groups – fundamental science and applied science; the achievements shortlisted for the winners group usually cover a wide scope of research areas: this year works in theoretical physics, data processing systems and computer networks, system analysis, modelling and designing, polymers and composite materials, bio-organic chemistry, biotechnology of medical processes, organic chemistry, agricultural biotechnology, as well as art history, law science and history were selected.
President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) Prof. Ivars Kalviņš: “We can conclude with satisfaction that the range of applicants in the competition for the best scientific achievements in Latvia organized by the academy is becoming increasingly wider, and the level of submitted works – increasingly higher. This year, the 12 most outstanding research projects were awarded the honor of laureates, the selection of which was carried out by all four departments of the LAS according to the scientific areas which they represent – in physics and engineering, chemistry, biology and medicine, as well as in agriculture and forestry, and, of course, also in the field of humanities, social sciences and arts. This year, several international top research teams participated in the competition, in which Latvia was represented mainly by groups of scientists that involve LAS academicians and foreign members. It is pleasing that most of the winners participate in the competition with targeted interdisciplinary research, including those whose results have been tested in practice”.
Achievements in Latvian Science 2024 [pdf].
About the competition
The year 2024 marks the 23rd anniversary since the Latvian Academy of Sciences launched the annual science achievement competition. The principal aim of the competition since then has been: annual monitoring of the processes in Latvian science by assessing and naming the most significant achievements of the year. Also, the results and winners of the competition would be popularized among wider public thus contributing to science communication in Latvia. Since 2011, as the competition gained its popularity among researchers and the academic community, the winners are awarded diplomas, and a special awarding ceremony is held. In the following years the event's regular and numerous attendees include its supporters, sponsors, media representatives and other stakeholders. This annual event highlights and celebrates the excellence in Latvian science and research.
Additional information about the LAS scientific achievement competitions can be found on the LAS website [link: https://www.lza.lv/en/activities/competitions].