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At the international education exhibition ’Skola 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 sci-ence 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 develop-ment, enabling the implementation of significant projects, fostering innovation, and strengthen-ing 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 ’Skola 2025’ exhibition, who are cur-rently 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 com-bine formats familiar to young audiences, including improvisation, music, and interactive activi-ties, 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 Educa-tion 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 (LZP), ’Riga Tech Girls’, and project implementers from the University of Latvia (LU) Institute of Solid State Physics, Riga Technical
University, the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science, and others.
The event will be hosted by the improvisation group ’Gandrīz draugi’ and will fea-ture performances by popular musicians Edavārdi and Katō. Several interactive com-petitions 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 col-laboration 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 Ed-ucation 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 Riga Technical University 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 LU Institute of Solid State Physics in col-laboration 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 pow-er 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.
Come and discover how science can change the world! The impossible becomes possible!
Event Details:
• Date and Time: February 21, 2025, from 12:00–15:00
• Location: Ķīpsala Exhibition Hall, ’School 2025’ Open Stage
For More Information and Contacts:
Latvian Council of Science
Email: pasts@lzp.gov.lv or liene.berzina@lzp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 29257087, +371 28670057
