On March 22, 2025, within the framework of the Swiss-Latvian cooperation programme "Applied Research," the LACHMAT project was launched, implemented by Riga Technical University (RTU) in collaboration with the Swiss research institute EMPA. The project's goal is to develop advanced concrete and asphalt materials and technologies, as well as to promote research capacity in Latvia and Switzerland.
The opening event was attended by representatives from EMPA, RTU, the Latvian Council of Science, the Ministry of Education and Science, and the Swiss Latvian Association. As part of the program, event participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the LACHMAT project objectives, visit EMPA’s concrete and asphalt laboratory, and explore parts of the NEST building, which serves as an innovation testing environment.
The LACHMAT project focuses on data-driven asphalt longevity research, innovative road surface materials, improvements in ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete, and the development of 3D-printed concrete using local minerals.
The project team consists of scientists from both countries, with significant involvement from young and postdoctoral researchers: 3 postdoctoral researchers, 4 doctoral students, 8 master's students, and 16 bachelor's students, as well as 16 high school students who will have the opportunity to participate in the project and enhance their STEM knowledge. Within the project, RTU students will conduct research, while doctoral students, master's students, and postdoctoral researchers will travel to EMPA for long-term research visits.
LACHMAT will pay special attention to promoting STEM education among young people, particularly girls and youth outside of Riga. A key component of the project will be knowledge transfer in the construction industry, facilitated through various communication and dissemination activities.
Following the opening event, the first kick-off meeting took place on March 24, during which representatives from EMPA and RTU discussed the further implementation of the collaboration project.
The implementation of the LACHMAT project will foster the development of scientific cooperation between Latvia and Switzerland, ensuring innovations in road construction and the construction sector, while also strengthening Latvia’s scientific potential at the international level.
The LACHMAT project is being implemented from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029. It is funded by the Swiss-Latvian cooperation program "Applied Research," administered by the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Science Council. The total program budget is €12,352,941, with Swiss co-financing covering 85% (€10,500,000) and Latvia’s state budget co-financing 15% (€1,852,941).