From 15 to 20 September, Riga will host the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS 2025) – one of the most prestigious forums for school students’ scientific research projects in Europe. This year, for the first time, the Latvian Council of Science, together with the Embassy of Switzerland, will present a special award to four youth teams for innovative solutions in the fields of smart materials, energy, and information technologies.
The award will be given to four teams whose projects demonstrate outstanding scientific thinking and the potential for a sustainable future. The laureates will receive a special gift – the online course “How to Turn Science into Business: Idea Management – from Idea to Concept; and Idea Validation and Development – from Concept to Business Model.” This course will help them develop their ideas, gain new skills, and build international contacts in STEM fields. The awards will be presented on 19 September during the closing ceremony in Riga, alongside the European Commission’s main prizes and other international awards.
Anja Zobrist Rentenaar, Ambassador of Switzerland to Latvia:
“Switzerland is delighted to support the curiosity and creativity of young talent. Our Programme is built on strong partnerships, which lead to better results that can be transferred to industry and society. I am honored to present the award and the special gift, “How to Turn Ideas into Business,” to these innovative minds who will help build a safer, greener, and more innovative Europe.”
Lauma Muižniece, Director of the Latvian Council of Science:
“Every beginning needs support, and every idea needs someone to believe in it. Scientific processes are not quick – they take time and patience – which is why it is especially important for young people to choose this path! With the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme Award, presented during the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, we want to stand alongside the first serious steps and help develop their ideas and scientific ambitions.”
The award is granted within the framework of the Swiss – Latvian Cooperation Programme “Partnership in Applied Research”, which is part of Switzerland’s European policy to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe and deepen Switzerland’s bilateral relations with partner countries and the European Union as a whole. The programme strengthens science and innovation capacity by supporting projects in the fields of smart materials, information technology, and smart energy. Through this award, Latvia and Switzerland jointly help young researchers take their first steps into the international scientific environment.
- More information about the Swiss Latvian cooperation programme: https://swiss-contribution.lv/en/applied-research/about-program/
- More information about the European Union Contest for Young Scientists https://www.eucys2025.eu/en/
