On 19 November 2024, the Latvian Science Council presented the results and achievements of Latvian projects in the Baltic Research Programme, implemented with the support of EEA grants, to the Programme Committee. Over three years, the programme has fostered innovation, knowledge exchange and impactful solutions to societal challenges, demonstrating the strength of the partnership between the Baltic States and donor countries, as well as delivering significant results and demonstrating the importance of international cooperation.
Nine research projects and five small-scale cooperation projects with €8.5 million of funding were implemented in Latvia, significantly enriching scientific development and addressing pressing societal needs. The Latvian projects focused on three main priorities:
1. Sustainable use of resources – most projects developed innovative methods and technologies in various fields, environmental resource management, circular economy.
2. Health – two projects explored solutions to public health issues.
3. Regional economic challenges – one project focused on promoting economic development.
The projects brought together experienced researchers, postdocs and PhD students, ensuring the continuity of research generations and the sustainability of innovation. The Latvian projects supported a total of 163 reserachers from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Norway and Iceland. This figure significantly exceeds the programme’s initial projections.
55 joint scientific publications were produced to disseminate the results of the projects, 33 of which have already been published in open access journals. By the end of the year, the number of joint submissions is expected to increase to 57. 24 joint applications for future funding demonstrate the willingness of the project partners to continue their collaboration. Two patent applications have been submitted jointly with donor partners, which were not originally planned but demonstrate the practical applicability of the research results.
Latvian projects have also achieved other significant results: 23 publications by a single partner or with a Baltic partner, 9 project applications for national or international funding, several of which have already been supported, and one joint patent application between Latvia and Lithuania for a circular economy solution for aluminium recycling.
The Baltic Research Programme is supported by an EEA grant under the Research and Education Programme, implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Research Council. The total funding of the programme is EUR 8 676 084, of which the state budget co-financing is 15% or EUR 1 301 413 and the EEA co-financing is 85% or EUR 7 374 671. The Baltic Research Programme has 9 research projects and 5 small cooperation projects in Latvia, which are being implemented.
A summary of the results of the Latvian projects is available here
Baltic Research Programme’s Latvian project video is available here