At the international education exhibition "School 2025", on Friday, February 21, from 12:00 to 15:00, the launch event of the Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme "Applied Research" titled "The Impossible is Possible" will take place. This event will bring together young people, scientists, and innovators to showcase how science can be a gateway to future career opportunities.
The Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme is part of Switzerland's contribution to EU member states, aiming to promote scientific excellence, innovation, and economic development. More than 12 million euros have been allocated to support Latvia’s scientific and research development, enabling the implementation of significant projects, fostering innovation, and strengthening international collaboration.
To illustrate that science is not just theoretical but a real opportunity for young people, the event’s participants will address school students at the exhibition "School 2025", who are currently making decisions about their future. They will share insights into the planned projects within the programme and encourage young people to consider a future in science. The event will combine formats familiar to young audiences, including improvisation, music, and interactive activities, to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. It will serve as a platform where science is not only accessible and understandable but also inspiring and engaging.
The opening event will be attended by the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Latvia, Martin Michelet, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia, Silvija Amatniece, as well as representatives from the Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Latvian Council of Science, RigaTechGirls, and project implementers from the University of Latvia (UL) Institute of Solid State Physics, the Riga Technical University (RTU), the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science, and others.
The event will be hosted by the improvisation group Gandrīz draugi and will feature performances by popular musicians Edavārdi and Katō. Several interactive competitions on science-related topics will be held, where students will have the chance to win training sessions with RigaTechGirls, gift cards for science center visits, and strategic board games. Young people will also have the opportunity to meet the project implementers of the Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme and hear firsthand from scientists how international collaboration can help solve complex scientific challenges more efficiently, thereby contributing to national economic growth. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the Ministry of Education and Science’s science communication platform researchLatvia and view the traveling exhibition "Science for Latvia 2025", which highlights 12 inspiring figures in Latvian science.
The Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme "Applied Research" is implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Council of Science. It funds two significant research projects.
The first project is led by the RTU in collaboration with Swiss partners. It focuses on research and innovation in materials science, increasing the lifespan of asphalt pavements and developing new road surface materials, such as 3D-printed concrete with locally sourced minerals.
The second project is implemented by the UL Institute of Solid State Physics in collaboration with Swiss and Latvian partners. It’s goal is to improve smart grids and energy storage by using artificial intelligence tools for real-time stability assessment of the Baltic power grid, as well as enhancing materials for hydrogen production catalysts and battery energy storage. This project will contribute to reducing the Baltic states' dependence on foreign fossil fuels and open opportunities for cleaner energy production.
Event Details:
- Date and Time: February 21, 2025, from 12:00 -15:00.
- Location: Ķīpsala Exhibition Hall, 'School 2025' Open Stage.
