On 2 November, the Monitoring Committee of the Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme “Applied Research” convened at the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia (MoES). During the meeting, participants reviewed the programme’s progress, discussed the results achieved to date, and considered upcoming activities. Representatives of the Embassy of the Swiss Confederation, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Latvian Council of Science (LCS), Riga Technical University, and the Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia took part in the discussion.
An annual review of this programme is highly valuable, as it provides a focused opportunity to assess its progress and achievements while identifying potential areas for further synergy. The cooperation programme not only helps strengthen Latvia’s research and innovation capacity but also fosters closer links between science and industry at the international level,” said Dr Lana Francesca Dreimane, Deputy State Secretary for Higher Education, Science and State Language Policy.
During the meeting, progress reports were presented on the programme’s two projects: LACHMAT, which is developing innovative and sustainable construction materials, and LACISE, which focuses on smart energy solutions. The presentations highlighted achievements to date, budget implementation, risk management, cooperation with Swiss partners, and the transfer of knowledge and research results to industry and society.
Representatives from the Latvian Council of Science (LCS) presented the results of the programme’s communication activities during the previous reporting period (2025-2026) and discussed the new communication concept and action plan for 2027. Effective science communication is essential to ensuring that research results do not remain confined to the academic environment but are translated into policymaking and industrial development, while also being made accessible to the wider public.
At the close of the meeting, participants discussed the key insights gained during the study visit to Switzerland undertaken in September by representatives of Latvia’s public administration, research institutions, and innovation ecosystem. Particular emphasis was placed on the exchange of knowledge and experience, the establishment of new professional contacts, and opportunities for future cooperation. Participants noted that the partnerships already established should now be further strengthened to support the development of joint initiatives and foster long-term collaboration.
About the Programme
The Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme Applied Research forms part of Switzerland’s contribution to reducing economic and social disparities within the European Union while strengthening bilateral cooperation between Switzerland, the partner countries, and the European Union. The programme supports the development of science and innovation in Latvia by funding projects in the fields of smart materials, information technologies, and smart energy solutions. The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia (MoES) in cooperation with the Latvian Council of Science (LCS).
