The Most Important Achievements of Latvian Science Over the Year Have Been Named

This year, 55 applications were considered in the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LANS) competition for scientific achievements: 25 from the fields of natural, engineering, technological, and medical sciences, 26 from the humanities and social sciences, and four from agricultural sciences.

One of the most important theoretical achievements recognized is the fundamental research in theoretical physics "Forming the Foundations of Quantum Electronics Theory. The Theory of Multi-Electron Transistors," conducted by the Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technologies of the University of Latvia (UL). The UL nanoelectronics theory group, in collaboration with quantum electronics laboratories in Germany and France, developed fundamentally new mathematical models for describing multi-electron transistors, allowing the prediction of current switching at the level of individual electrons.

In the future, these developments, fostered through international collaboration, will help create the world's first quantum computer using multi-electron transistors. The development of the theory has been entrusted to the scientists of UL.

Significant recognition was also given to research in magnetobiology conducted by the UL Laboratory of Magnetic Soft Materials. This study examined theoretical models and new methods for investigating controlled ensembles of active media. Such living ensembles, including microorganisms, provide movement through their own resources. To describe them, scientists took into account active tensions that cause flows of the medium and depend on the concentration and orientation of microorganisms. Magnetotactic bacteria, which act as living "compass needles," allowing control over active tensions in ensembles, were of particular interest.

Using samples of magnetotactic bacteria from the Ogre River, researchers created theoretical models and experimentally confirmed them, describing previously unstudied phenomena.

In the field of pharmaceuticals, an important achievement was recognized in the work of scientists at the Institute of Organic Synthesis of Latvia, which developed a fundamentally new method for photochemical generation of radicals in halogen transfer reactions. This method allows for the creation of new organic compounds with potential applications in medicinal chemistry, forming chemical bonds between alkenes and activated alkyl halides—raw materials widely used in the development and production of medicines.

The method was developed based on fundamental research into the mechanisms of radical generation containing fluorine.

In the field of jurisprudence, the second edition of the book by a judge of the Court of the European Union, representative of the Riga Graduate School of Law, and a full member of LANS, Ineta Ziemele, titled "State Continuity and Nationality: The Baltic States and Russia. Past, Present and Future as Defined by International Law," was recognized as the most significant. The book addresses a highly relevant issue in international law—the doctrine of state continuity and citizenship issues in the Baltic States, both in historical and contemporary contexts. Special attention is given to documenting and researching the consequences of the Soviet occupation of the Baltic States in 1940 and their struggle for independence restoration 50 years later.

In the field of literary history, the work of a full member of LANS, literary scholar Pauls Daija, titled "Mediators of Enlightenment: Baltic German Pastors in Latvian Literature. 1815–1848," published by the National Library of Latvia, was recognized as the most significant. The book is dedicated to the history of publishing and sheds light on one of the least studied periods of Latvian literary culture—the first half of the 19th century. The author analyzes the Baltic Germans who spoke Latvian and their creative work, emphasizing the overcoming of stereotypes and the ambiguous aspects of their cultural activities.

In the field of linguistics, the monograph by honorary doctor of LANS, linguist Sarma Klavina, titled "Cornerstones of Baltic Studies Created by Janis Endzelins" was noted. The work examines the creation, publication, and evaluation in the world of four main works by Endzelins: "Dictionary of the Latvian Language," "Lettisch-deutsches Wörterbuch," "Old Prussian Language," and "Sounds and Forms of Baltic Languages."

In agricultural economics, the scientific work "Agrarian Reform: The Revival of Peasants and the Development of Agriculture in Latvia," published by the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, was recognized as the most significant. The monograph highlights the course of agrarian reform in Latvia's recent history and considers it one of the key processes during the restoration of independence. It also includes stories from peasants, cooperative leaders, and enterprises about the challenges and achievements of the reform.

Among applied research, a study by the Riga Technical University (RTU) on innovative methods and tools for the stable and safe operation of the Baltic energy system was highlighted. Scientists from the RTU Institute of Industrial Electronics, Electrical Engineering, and Energy developed practical solutions for stable electricity supply after the disconnection of the Baltic States from the Russian energy grid. An automatic control system was created that promptly detects network failures and facilitates their elimination, reducing the risk of power outages.

A method for managing high-power batteries was also developed, which has already been implemented in practice, allowing for prolonged maintenance of the necessary frequency reserve.

Continuing the list of the most important achievements of 2025, LANS also noted work in the fields of medicine, biomedicine, virology, and bioeconomics.

In pharmaceutical science, significant recognition was given to research by the Institute of Organic Synthesis, which identified a new candidate for a drug, ATR-258, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. According to LANS, it successfully passed the first phase of clinical trials, confirming safety for humans. The molecule was created by modifying beta-2-adrenergic receptor agonists and is capable of lowering blood glucose levels while simultaneously promoting weight loss and reducing side effects characteristic of this class of drugs. The results of the research open up prospects for the development of new, more effective methods for diabetes therapy.

In medical science, significant recognition was given to research in immunology conducted by scientists at the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center in structural vaccinology, dedicated to the development of a vaccine against Lyme disease. Using data from the crystalline structure of the surface protein CspZ of Borrelia, stabilized variants of this protein were created, capable of eliciting a stronger and longer-lasting immune response. LANS emphasizes that this approach could serve as a basis for next-generation vaccines with long-lasting protection and fewer vaccinations.

In virology, an important recognition was given to a series of studies conducted by the Scientific Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health, and Environment "Bior" on the epidemiology, monitoring, and control of African swine fever. Data obtained in Latvia were used to model the spread of the disease, assess the effectiveness of biosecurity measures, and develop international recommendations. The results were utilized in the work of experts from the World Organisation for Animal Health and in EU projects, including the creation of vaccine prototypes.

In the field of wood chemistry technologies, significant recognition was given to research by the Latvian Institute of Wood Chemistry in the area of circular bioeconomy. Scientists developed innovative solutions for the use of suberin from birch bark as an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based adhesives. LANS emphasizes that for the first time on an industrial scale, the applicability of suberin acids in the production of moisture-resistant wood materials has been proven, and practically applicable products have been created, demonstrating close cooperation between science and industry.