What are the research community’s views on the working environment in Latvia? What challenges do its members face in their day-to-day work and professional development, and what improvements are needed? To better understand the experiences of those working in research, the Latvian Council of Science, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science, invites members of the research community to share their views in a survey.
The survey covers various aspects of research work, from access to infrastructure and essential resources to working conditions, career development and administrative processes. It also includes questions on international cooperation, the practical application of research results, open science and science communication.
“The more widely the research community participates, the more comprehensive a picture we can gain of the situation across research fields and institutions. We encourage you to share your experience so that it can provide a meaningful basis for decision-making and practical improvements to the research environment,” says Elita Zondaka, Acting Director of the Latvian Council of Science.
A dedicated section of the survey focuses on the European Research Area. Respondents are invited to assess which of its policy priorities matter most to them, such as career and mobility opportunities for researchers, modern research infrastructure, open science, international cooperation, knowledge transfer and public engagement in research.
The survey also seeks the research community’s views on the work of the Latvian Council of Science. Participants can indicate which of the Council’s priorities should receive greater attention over the next three years and suggest specific improvements to cooperation. Areas to be assessed include reducing the administrative burden, providing practical advice on securing funding, improving the quality of scientific project evaluations, science communication, and developing support for knowledge and technology transfer.
The survey is available in Latvian and English, with the option to select your preferred language after opening the link. It takes approximately 20–25 minutes to complete, and responses can be submitted until 18 October 2026.
Participation is anonymous. Responses will be analysed in aggregate, with measures in place to prevent respondents from being identified. Published datasets and research reports will not include institution names or respondents’ ages.
The survey is conducted as part of the EU-funded project “More Effective and Smarter Implementation and Management of Latvian Science Policy”, No. 1.1.1.1/1/24/I/001.
