Establishment of a research team to conduct detailed research on the Earth's magnetic field

The aim of the project is to create a group of researchers based on the researchers of the UL Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, which, using the purchased high-quality equipment, can map high-precision earth magnetic field anomalies and their geological interpretation.

The mapping of magnetic and gravitational anomalies started during the project will significantly increase the understanding of the geological structure of the Latvian territory, which is of national importance both in the performance of spatial planning and in the development of a long-term mining strategy. The implementation of the project will increase the competence and competitiveness of the UL researchers at the international level, facilitating the attraction of foreign funding and involvement in international scientific cooperation projects.

The project is supported by the patron "Mikrotīkls" (EUR 45,000).


Development and implementation of innovative methods in clinical practice for diagnosis and treatment of malignancies by using molecularly targeted radionuclides produced in Latvia

The research will help the Latvian state to ensure one of its basic functions and responsibilities – ensuring the health of the population and increasing survival by introducing innovative cancer treatment methods in clinical practice. During the development of the project, the progress of the field of radiation sciences and the field of Oncology in Latvia is expected.

The project is supported by the patron patron "Mikrotīkls" (EUR 80,000). In addition, the co-financement of EUR 171,500 was received.


Improvement of integrated experimental and computer modeling research methodology for predicting the properties and diversity of pharmaceutically active solid phases

The project will identify the general legitimacy of the molecular structure of organic substances in relation to the crystalline structure and develop a variety of crystalline forms suitable for a wide range of pharmaceutically active substances (PASs). It is planned that the obtained results will be practically useful and usable for the development of new drug substances.

The project is supported by the patron "Mikrotīkls" (EUR 80,000). In addition, the co-financement of EUR 20,000 was received.


Development of the first wireless network at the University of Latvia specialized for energy efficient, wide coverage sensors

Univ. of Latvia researchers, students and the public will be provided with a low-power, wide-area wireless network LoRaWAN. By implementing this system, Univ. of Latvia will gain recognition as the first implementer of the open LoRaWAN network in Latvia and as a progressive university based on the latest generation technologies.

The project is supported by a donation of 5,700 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Application of radiation technologies to Latvian timber for the needs of musical instrument resonators

Recommendations for the application of radiation technologies in the production of musical instrument materials from spruces and maples growing in Latvia will be developed. The aim of the project is to develop an express method for the selection of musical instrument timber and to expand the use of the Univ. of Latvia linear electron accelerator (ELU-4), involve small manufacturers, which would ensure ELU-4 maintenance costs, expand the scientific capacity of researchers, entrepreneurs and students and attract new students.

The project is supported by a donation of 12,000 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Purchase of equipment for the assessment of phototoxicity and anti-UV protection properties and development and implementation of a test methodology

The aim of the project is to introduce phototoxicity assessment methods in the development processes of new cosmetic products, medical devices and medicinal substances, integrating the acquisition of methods also in bachelor's and master's level studies in biology. The project is implemented by researchers from the Univ. of Latvia Faculty of Biology of  .

The project is supported by a donation of 14,500 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Bacterial microcompartments as synthetic nanoreactors

During the project, a detailed study of the naturally occurring microcompartment will be carried out in order to create a nanoreactor for the synthesis of organic compounds. As part of the project, the public will gain new knowledge about a potentially widely used biochemical platform for the synthesis of various substances from renewable natural resources.

The project is supported by a donation of 19,093 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Emergence of resistance as a result of tumor therapy

The aim of the project is to track the process of tumor-resistant microcell formation over time and to characterize them. For the first time, using living cell confocal microscopy and GFP, it will be possible to show the process of microcell formation and in-depth characterization of microcells (in which phase of the macrocell cycle they occur, which markers are expressed by microcells and when their ability to endocytotide is highest). However, the process of microcell formation and microcell characterization has not been performed. Therefore, it would be important to identify and study the population of resistant cancer cells under treatment. It would be important for several cell lines to track the process of cell development after the applied stress, to isolate and multiply therapy-resistant cells, as previous studies have shown microcellular endocytotic activity, which indicates the cell's ability to overcome the applied therapy. As a result of this study, confocal microscopy would show flow-resistant cancer cells by flow cytometry, against which markers should be sought to identify them in the body system (mouse, human tumor, blood).

The project is supported by a donation of 47,000 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Reduction of cardiovascular mortality in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease

Upon completion of the positive study, it will serve as a pilot project for a larger study and possible changes to the guidelines for patient examination and cardiovascular treatment prior to vascular surgery. The result of this research is not only with the local influence of Latvia, but also with the world innovation. The project is implemented by researchers from the Univ. of Latvia Faculty of Medicine.

The project is supported by a donation of 80,000 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Can metformin be used to stop Alzheimer's disease before it starts?

The aim of the project is to investigate whether and how the antidiabetic drug metformin improves neuronal processes in animals with a model of brain-specific type 3 diabetes or sporadic Alzheimer's disease.

The project is supported by a donation of 21,000 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Establishment of an interdisciplinary cooperation platform between the University of Latvia and Riga East Clinical University Hospital for the development of multimodal technology for early diagnosis of sepsis

The aim of the project is to create an interdisciplinary sepsis research platform, on the basis of which to develop a multiparametric concept of technological and guidelines for early diagnosis of sepsis:

• to improve the research infrastructure for the development of sepsis diagnostics, to combine the interdisciplinary research potential and developments of the project participants;

• to develop a concept of multiparametric, non-invasive and accessible optical technologies and guidelines for its application for early diagnosis of sepsis, demonstrating visual and quantitative assessment of the patient's degree of microvascular disorders;

• To determine the presence, degree and dynamics of sepsis-specific symptoms by collecting clinical data from sepsis patients.

The project is supported by a donation of 128,848 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


A study of ocher in nature and the symbolism of red in ancient cultures

The research of Aigars Kokins, a doctoral student at the Univ. of Latvia Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, “Ocher in Nature and Its Use in Stone Age Cultures” covers a forgotten natural resource in Latvia - the ocher. As a result, the researcher wants to study and resume the production of mineral paint in Latvia. "These high-quality paints were produced in Staicele (North Vidzeme) until the 1950s, but production of synthetic paints slowed down," says the researcher. He is convinced that the natural and high-quality color of Latvian pigment oil will be in demand in the work of professional artists and restorers, strengthening Latvia's image in the world.

The study can become an additional knowledge base in prehistoric studies, incl. in archeology, historical studies and philosophical projections on the formation and growth of man as a species.

The project is supported by a donation of 41,600 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


"Staigā vesels" / "Healthy walk"

The project will promote the improvement of the health and quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes by monitoring and managing the physical activity programs of the interval method with the help of a mobile device.

Improving health will reduce drug dependence and give a positive economic effect by providing patients with an individualized treatment process. After the completion of the project, these people would have access to an innovative, complex solution to improve their health.

The project is supported by a donation of 78,000 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Modernization of time interval meters RTS2006

The development of the project will ensure the further development and successful operation of the Univ. of Latvia Geodynamic Station of the Institute of Astronomy a in the ILRS network, cooperation between the Univ. of Latvia and the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science will continue in very high precision hardware testing and development. UL will have participated in the development of high-tech tools in a sector in which Latvia is among the leading countries in the world.

The project is supported by a donation of 27,250 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Development of a biosensor for minimally invasive diagnosis of squamous cell renal carcinoma

Within the framework of the project, researchers from the Univ. of Latvia Faculty of Medicine plan to characterize the selected sites and include them in a biosensor prototype that would detect the presence of circulating tumor cells in blood or urine samples, providing a minimally invasive analysis method.

The project is supported by a donation of 37,580 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Excellence Award

In 2018, for the seventh year in a row, the Interdisciplinary Education Innovation Center of the University of Latvia and its partners organized a competition for teachers "Excellence Award". Every year, the competition is attended by the most outstanding and advanced teachers of biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics and economics from all over the country. The winners receive a one-time scholarship worth EUR 1,400.

The project is supported by a donation of 2,000 euros from the patron "Accenture" Latvia and a donation of 100 euros from the patron "Latvian Association of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Companies".


Exact Science Day 2018

Exact Science Day is an educational event for secondary school students, during which it is possible to visit five faculties of the University of Latvia and perform various tasks that students face on a daily basis.

The project is supported by a donation of 500 euros from the patron "Accenture" Latvia


Development of visual ergonomics research environment

Within the project, the University of Latvia:

  • Optometry studies have the opportunity to develop a new field, thus making the education of optometrists higher quality, more competitive in the Baltic and European educational space.
  • A unique Vision Ergonomics Cabinet is created in the Baltics for research, training and vision tests.
  • Research results are published in high-quality international journals and the image of the University of Latvia as an image of a university of science is raised and polished.

In turn, the society:

  • Acquires high-quality vision care services, new diagnostic methods that will help in the future in finding solutions to people's visual disorders and discomfort arising from the specifics of work.
  • Obtains information from independent experts on visually safe household and work environment devices.

The project is supported by a donation of 56,805 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


"Prātnieku laboratorija" / " Laboratory of Minds "

Within the framework of the project, a unique interdisciplinary interest education program for primary school students (grades 4-7) will be created at the University of Latvia. Students will have the opportunity to growth of students in exact subjects, attracting students to the University of Latvia. An innovative practice system and provision of a teacher study program for science and mathematics teachers will be created. In turn, UL students, who would be given the opportunity to study under the guidance of UL experts and teachers, in the newly created learning environment, will learn to use the new learning provision effectively so that the acquired knowledge, skills, ability to reflect on their work can be used in education. UL provides an opportunity for various industry representatives (students, teachers, experts) to cooperate in creating and implementing a complex, successive curriculum.

The project is supported by a donation of 56,805 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Research "The oldest inhabitants of the territory of Latvia. Where have we come from?"

In her interdisciplinary research, Līga Zariņa, a researcher at the Univ. of LatviaFaculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, focuses on the oldest inhabitants of Latvia, using research methods and approaches from various fields of science. She will analyze the prehistoric stone artifacts and identify the features by which to reconstruct the society that existed at the time. Līga hopes that the research will be an example for students and other researchers, which will promote cooperation between the faculties of the University of Latvia.

The project is supported by a donation of 12,300 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Applied research of doctoral students at the Univ. of Latvia Institute of Solid State Physics

Four strong researchers from the UL Institute of Solid State Physics, doctoral students of the UL Faculty of Physics and Mathematics, Andrejs Česnokovs, Guna Krieķe, Meldra Ķemere and Jūlija Perveņecka plan to analyze and develop innovative materials and technologies for future use in medicine, energy and environmental protection.

The project is supported by a donation of 108,000 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Topological modeling of structural similarity

The project will include:

(a) development of a topological model in which structural similarity is represented by spatial relationships,

(b) experimental testing, which analyzes response times and error rates for topologically and verbally represented information with a single content. As a result of the research, the interface (usable, in education, medicine, etc.) with visually spatial (topological) representation of information would be studied.

The project is supported by a donation of 13,000 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Western Antarctic glacier dynamics as a consequence of long-term environmental and climate change

Successful implementation of the project will increase the competence and competitiveness of young researchers at the University of Latvia at the international level, also facilitating the attraction of foreign funding and involvement in international scientific cooperation projects. The obtained results will make a significant contribution to the development of science in Latvia as a whole - a new and topical research direction (polar research) will be developed in Latvia. Thus, the recognition of Latvian and Latvian scientists in the world will be promoted. During and after the project implementation, the University of Latvia will be promoted as a center of polar research of international significance.

Realization: April 2017 - April 2018. The expedition will be realized from February to March in 2018. Project implementation includes preparation and planning of the expedition, implementation and analysis of post-expedition data and publication of results.

The project is supported by a donation of 8,900 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Establishment of an experimental laboratory crystal growth equipment

By developing and improving research opportunities in the field of crystal growth equipment, the qualification of human resources involved in the project will be raised, cooperation between specialists of various fields will be promoted (attracting electronics engineers with experience in crystal growth equipment automation) and new researchers will be attracted. It will be achieved that UL researchers are able to be more successfully involved in the creation and development of future microelectronic semiconductor materials production technologies. Such a situation is favorable for the current directions of RIS3 economic transformation in society: it would provide an opportunity for growth in the field of semiconductor materials production technologies, which is a service with high added value. The project corresponds to the priority research direction “Continuous environmental physics and its applications for studying natural and technological processes” and sub-directions “heat transfer and hydrodynamics” as well as “semiconductor materials technologies” set by the University of Latvia.

The project is supported by a donation of 8,900 euros from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Innovations in fiber optic technologies and their applications in various photonics, quantum optics and applications of quantum optics in space technologies

Days of Chemists 2018

The annual Chemists' Day is the most important event of the year at the Univ. of Latvia Faculty of Chemistry, which takes place for one week and is attended by about 400 students of the faculty. During the week, various events take place – sports games, orienteering competitions, erudition competition, demonstrations of experiments, sports games and everything ends with a ball.

This year the event was supported by a patron "Armgate" (675 EUR), "AGA" (270 EUR) , "Faneks" (360 EUR), "Olainfarm" (500 EUR), "PHARMIDEA" (270 EUR) and "Quantum" (270).


UL Faculty of Chemistry freshmen event in Lode

"Lode" is an annual seminar, during which new students of the UL Faculty of Chemistry have the opportunity to get to know each other and learn information from senior students to make it easier to start their studies. During the event, various cohesive outdoor activities are organized, both sporty and creative.

The event is supported by the patron "Biosan", donating 270 EUR.


UL Faculty of Computing event for the 1st year students "Sējiens 2018"

An annual event for future first-year students of the Univ. of Latvia Faculty of Computing, organized by the UL Faculty of Computing Student Government.

The event is supported by the patron "Accenture" Latvia, donating 5,760 EUR.


UL Faculty of Computing birthday celebration

Univ. of Latvia Faculty of Computing was founded in 2009, but its traditions began with the establishment of the UL Faculty of Physics and Mathematics Department of Computer Science at the in 1992, and much earlier, with the construction of the first computer in Latvia in 1960. Since March 2010, events have been celebrating the Faculty's birthday throughout the week. Students of the UL Faculty of Computing Science organize various competitions, game evenings and other entertainment events, which are popular not only with computers, but also with students of other faculties.

In 2017, event was supported by the patron "Squalio Cloud Consulting" in the amount of 1,350 euros.


"Studentu kurpēs" / "In Student Shoes"

The annual event is intended for high school students to participate in the study process at the University of Latvia. It is an opportunity to get involved in lectures, seminars, laboratories and practical work, as well as to get acquainted with the University study programs, their content and study process, which would help to make a motivated decision in choosing further education.

The event was supported by the patron "Swedbank" with a donation of 1,170 euros.


Integration of the UL Senior Club in modern society 2018

In 2015, as part of the project, seniors participated in acquaintance and cultural visits to Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The seniors also watched several opera and theater performances, as well as learned English and computer skills, and dance movement therapy. The project has been implemented since 2010.

The patron "Japan Tobacco International" donated 7,000 EUR.


Forum "KUBS'12"

During annual seminar, the most active students of higher education institutions develop and improve their organizational and creative abilities, as well as form mutual cooperation and create new projects. The aim of the forum is to promote the self-growth and cooperation of the forum participants, as well as to provide participants with an understanding of their personality, their interaction with peers and various social processes taking place in society, emphasizing that each of them can influence them.


LU MF un BVEF Ziemassvētku balle

 

"Programmējam ar prieku" / “Programming With Delight”

As a result of the project, the didactic materials and teaching aids of the course DatZ1140 (Computers and Software 1, Bachelor study program of Physics ) will be improved.

Didactic materials and technical resources are used in the classes and young programmers' workshop.

The project is implemented thanks to a donation of 8,800 EUR from the patron "Mikrotīkls".


Accenture / UL Faculty of Computing Programmer's Day

Latvian Programmer's Day has been celebrated since 1986. The event brings together the UL students, lecturers, company representatives and IT enthusiasts every year. During the event, experts from both the academic environment and the IT industry discuss innovative topics. As well as practical workshops are organized for students to learn something completely new.

In 2018, the event is supported by the patron "Accenture Latvia" (1,260 EUR).


UL student's participation in the Ifinal of the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) in Beijing

This is the oldest and most prestigious academic programming competition in the world, which is attended by students from all over the world. The most outstanding students of the UL Faculty of Computing are proud to bring the name of their alma mater all around the globe by participating in these competitions and achieving high results every year. In 2018, the finals took place in Beijing, China.

The project was supported by the patron "EasyOne" (4,500 euros), patron "RIX Technologies" (3,600 euros), patron "Visma Enterprise" (900 euros), patron "Datakom" (2,700 euros) and American Latvians representing the organization "Friends of the University of Latvia ": Roberts Blumbergs, Andris Lācis and Valija & Modris Galenieks.


International conference “Computational Complexity Conference (CCC)”


Developmentof the UL Faculty of Computing Students creative workshop and its inclusion in the study process; Establishment of a special seminar for product commercialization

Book about the life story of a soldier Dāvīds Timermanis

Dāvids Timermanis (1909-1945) was an officer of the Latvian Army and a Latvian national partisan who passed away in the fight for a free Latvia in 1945. So far, only two press releases have been devoted to him.

Thanks to the soldier's son Eigits Dāvis Timermanis donation of 7,867.21 EUR, two UL  historians – Reinis Ratnieks and prof. Dr.hyst. Ēriks Jēkabsons – are compiling the archive materials to publish a book about Dāvīds Timermanis. The book will be interesting for anyone interested in the military history of Latvia in the first half of the 20th century and the history of the national resistance movement.


Support for the Univ. of Latvia history studies and researches


Establishment of a doctoral program in anthropology at the Univ. of Latvia Faculty of Humanitie

Until 2020, under the leadership of assoc. prof. Aivita Putniņa, it is planned to introduce a new doctoral study program in anthropology at the Univ. of Latvia Faculty of Humanities.

The project is supported by the Whenner-Gren Foundation.

Forum cycle "Latvian formula 2050. Development scenarios"

As the centenary of the Republic of Latvia approaches, the University of Latvia, as the leading higher education institution of the state, wants to contribute to the formation of an academically balanced vision of the future development of Latvia. The university comprehensively takes care of the next 10 – 20 – 30 years in the growth of our country.

For this purpose, from October 2017 to November 2018, the Univ. of Latvia plans to organize three high-level expert forums – “Latvian Formula 2050. Development Scenarios” (external factors, internal factors, synthesis).


The event is supported by the patron "Latvijas Mobilais Telefons"  (4,410 euros), patron "SEB banka" (2,700 euros) and by the patron "Tilde" (1,000 euros).


UL Student Business Incubator

Since 2102, the Univ. of Latvia Student Business Incubator has been an important participant among European university business incubators, creating opportunities for every student to become an outstanding entrepreneur.

In 2018, the project is supported by the patron Swedbank (1,800 EUR), and as well as by the patrons "MetaPost", "Market Me Good", "K konsultācijas", "Fincorum", "E. Lune un partneri" and "CUMANI WEB" .


Participation of the UL Faculty of Law students in Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot

Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot is the largest and most prestigious international commercial law and arbitration moot in the world, taking place annually in Vienna and involving about 350 teams from around the world, including all the world's best universities. Participation in the competition provides students with a unique and invaluable experience and knowledge, as well as an opportunity for the university to promote its recognition and competitiveness at the international level.

UL Faculty of Law students have been representing the University of Latvia in the game since 2001, thus confirming the competitiveness of the University of Latvia among other universities in the world.

In 2018, the project is supported by the patron, sworn law firm "Vilgerts" (630 euros).


Participation of the UL Faculty of Law team in the international media law court "Price Media Law Moot Court"


Journal of the Univ. of Latvia Faculty of Law "Juridiskā zinātne/Law" No. 11


Riga Center Humanitarian Secondary School Debate and Public Speaking Club

Univ. of Latvia House of Letters and the Academic Square

The UL Academic Square will unite all three new buildings of the University of Latvia – the House of Nature, the House of Science and the House of Letters. A large staircase with about 50 steps will lead to the academic square, which will be a symbol of knowledge. It is planned to build a hydrogen laboratory under the area in the area of approximately 20 m2, which will be visible through a glazed wall on the slope of the area.


Establishment of the Themis statue in the Univ. of Latvia

For five years, a statue of the ancient Greek goddess of justice, Themis, was located in the historic building of the University of Latvia, which is also a shelter to the UL Faculty of Law. Over time, it became one of the symbols of Latvia's largest legal "forge". In the summer of 2017, the owner of the statue moved it to the previous exhibition site at the House of Blackheads.

Univ. of Latvia Faculty of Law hopes to celebrate its centenary at the end of 2019 with a statue of Themis in its premises and invites to participate in the implementation of the idea with any amount of donation.


Univ. of Latvia Alumni Trail

The renovation of the Univ. of Latvia Botanical Garden is implemented as a part of the preparation for the centenary of the garden in 2022. By arranging and supplementing the infrastructure of the territory in accordance with modern requirements, the garden will be an attractive place for the general public. Among other things, the UL Alumni Trail will be established in the UL Botanical Garden.

The UL Alumni trail will be a kind of path that will wind through the garden, combining various elements of amenities and environmental objects. Throughout the trail will change its character from shady to bright sunlit. It will be a place to meet. A place to enjoy the splendor of nature, art and culture in one place.

The project will be implemented thanks to donations from LU graduates and their partners.