The Latvian Council of Science (LZP) proudly congratulates all postdoctoral researchers and colleagues for their outstanding achievement in securing an honorable 2nd place in the “Regional Stars 2024” competition, organized by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic in Latvia, in the category “A Competitive and Smart Europe.”
Upon receiving the award, LZP Director Lauma Muižniece emphasized:
“This award is a testament to the hard work and excellence of our postdoctoral researchers, who are the cornerstone of Latvia’s scientific and innovation growth. Their ideas and contributions are invaluable, and we are proud of their achievements. Postdoctoral programs not only generate new knowledge but also promote the development of high-value-added solutions across various sectors. These projects are an integral part of Latvia’s scientific ecosystem, solidifying the nation’s position on the global science map.”
The competition jury representative, Evita Goša (representative of the Foreign Investors' Council in Latvia and Member of the Board at SCHWENK Latvia), highlighted the significance of EU funds in advancing science and innovation in Latvia. She noted:
“Education, knowledge, science, research, and innovation form the foundation of a smart and competitive society. Europe must act decisively to maintain its intelligence and competitiveness globally. Compared to other regions, the European Union still does not sufficiently support research and science. Latvia, as part of Europe, cannot afford to lag behind. We must strengthen our investment in innovation and science to build a smart and sustainable future. With the current level of investment in science, Latvia cannot fully participate in global science and innovation development. We must think bigger and do more. Latvia is capable of shaping a competitive and intelligent future – we are not outsiders, but an essential part of Europe and the world.”
The Latvian Council of Science expresses its gratitude to all postdoctoral researchers for their contribution to advancing science and encourages them to continue leveraging the support provided by EU funds. Achievements like these are not only individual milestones but also significant steps in the overall growth of Latvian science.
About the "RegioStars" Competition
The "Regional Stars" competition, organized by the Ministry of Finance, aims to reward and recognize outstanding EU-funded projects under the Cohesion Policy that demonstrate excellence and innovative approaches to regional development in Latvia. The competition also aims to draw attention to these projects to inspire other implementers and stakeholders.
The event celebrated the best EU-funded projects in five categories:
- A Competitive and Smart Europe
- A Green Europe
- A Connected Europe
- A Social and Inclusive Europe
- A Europe Closer to Its Citizens
In total, 116 applications were submitted to the competition.
Postdoctoral Support Project – Strengthening Latvia’s Scientific Potential
The Postdoctoral Support Project provided an opportunity for young researchers to enhance their skills and increase their scientific capacity while supporting their career development in research institutions and the private sector. The project enabled 342 young scientists to improve their research competencies, contributing to the renewal of human resources and an increase in the number of qualified specialists in Latvian science.
The project concluded on November 30, 2023, with significant results that greatly enhanced Latvia’s scientific potential:
- 248.4 young researchers were supported in institutions (target: 233), successfully initiating their careers in research organizations.
- 87 young scientists improved their competencies (target: 82), contributing to the renewal of human resources and the development of skilled researchers capable of significantly advancing Latvian science.
- 1,474 scientific articles were published (target: 1,087), showcasing high-quality scientific results and enhancing Latvia’s international visibility and scientific contribution.
- 205 commercializable products and technologies were created (target: 195), indicating significant innovation potential for the future, driving business development and the adoption of new technologies in the Latvian economy.
- €1,007,689 in private investments were attracted (target: €897,429), demonstrating the project’s ability to secure additional funding and increase opportunities for innovation development.
These achievements underscore the importance of postdoctoral programs in fostering scientific excellence and innovation, contributing to a smarter, more sustainable future for Latvia and Europe.