Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry The honorary title of RTU Scientist of the Contents Year

6 Kārlis Agris Gross, Dr.sc.ing., Lead Researcher (IIC, 2016)

Facts and Figures Gundars Mežinskis, Dr.habil.sc.ing., Professor (ISM, 2015) 10 Jānis Zicāns, Dr.sc.ing., Institute of Applied Chemistry (IAC) Lead. Researcher (IPM, 2013) Līga Bērziņa-Cimdiņa, Dr.sc.ing., 14 Professor (IGCE, 2012)

Institute of Design Technologies (IDT) Valdis Kampars, Dr.habil.chem., Professor (IAC, 2009)

18 Māris Knite, Dr.habil.phys., Professor (ITP, 2007) Institute of General Chemical Engineering (IGCE) 22 The honorary title of RTU Young Scientist Institute of Inorganic Chemistry (IIC) of the Year Biomaterials Research Laboratory Kristīne Šalma-Ancāne, Dr.sc.ing., 26 (IGCE, 2016)

Institute of Polymer Materials (IPM) Dagnija Loča, Dr.sc.ing., Lead. Researcher (IGCE, 2015)

31 Andris Šutka, Dr.sc.ing., Lead. Researcher (ISM, 2014) Institute of Silicate Materials (ISM) Jānis Ločs, Dr.sc.ing., Assoc. 34 Professor (IGCT, 2013) Remo Merijs-Meri, Dr.sc.ing., Assoc. Institute of Technical Physics (ITP) Professor (IPM, 2011)

38 Māris Turks, Dr.chem., Assoc. Professor (ITOC, 2010) Institute of Technology of Organic Chemistry (ITOC) 46

Study programmes of the faculty

2 Facts and figures Main research Institutes of the faculty –

Academic and research work have been areas among 42 institutes of RTU closely interconnected since the foundation of the Faculty. The Faculty of Materials Synthesis of multifunctional nanoparticles, in 2014 and 2015 Science and Applied Chemistry has nanofibers and catalysts, development considered research excellence a priority of nanocomposites and nanocoatings Science capacity*, % Rank in RTU/year right from the start and attracted such production technologies from polymer 2014 2015 2014 2015 renowned scientists as Wilhelm Ostwald, and inorganic nanomaterials, products Paul Walden, Lidija Liepiņa and Gustavs application Institute of General Chemical Vanags. The structure and research Engineering with Rūdolfs Cimdiņš Riga 6.27 6.12 2 3 directions of the Faculty have changed Biomaterials Innovations and in the course of time, but the Faculty has Synthesis of components and materials for Development Centre been able to maintain high standards in electronics, photonics, optoelectronics and academic work and research. information technologies, smart materials Institute of Applied Chemistry 3.97 2.47 6 18

Institute of Design Technology 3.50 2.21 10 19 Innovative biomaterials, materials/ biomaterials technology Today the Faculty of Institute of Silicate Materials 3.20 3.94 14 7 Materials Science and Applied Chemistry has the Synthesis of topical organic substances, Institute of Polymer Materials 3.38 3.79 11 9 highest research potential, structure research, technology solutions for the needs of pharmaceutical, medical and Institute of Technology of Organic external funding, developed bioorganic chemistry Chemistry 3.17 4.51 15 6 research infrastructure and Institute of Technical Physics 3.95 2.81 7 13 is ranked among the best Control of interfacial and boundary at Riga Technical University processes for design of micro-, submicro- Institute of Biomaterials and and nano- scale heterogeneous polymer and 2.66 18 (RTU). inorganic composites to obtain materials Biotechnology with a target-oriented functionality In total, the Faculty received Biomaterials Research Laboratory 0.99 31 28.65 % of core funding Development, research and quality allocated to RTU in 2015. assurance of alternative, renewable and mixed fuels, lubricants and their *Science capacity – an index characterizing the number of publications and patents, components attracted external funding and effectiveness of defended doctoral theses.

Modification of natural and chemical fibres and optimisation their properties, smart textiles and clothing

Synthesis, modification, investigation and use of inorganic materials and composites for special objectives and the economy

Ecological solutions in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and allied branches

Conversion of biomass, renewable and mixed fuels

4 5 Institutes of the faculty Funding in national research centres (NRC)

NRC of Technologies of Acquisition and Sustainable Use of Energy and for purchase Environmental Resources € 4.97 of research equipment during Leading institute – Riga Technical University (RTU) mill. 4 years Faculty institutes: ISM, IAC Partners: University of Latvia (UL), Agency of UL Institute of Biology and Institute of Physical Energetics € for renovation 200,000 of premises (475 m2)

NRC of Pharmacy and Biomedicine 40 TOTAL FUNDING Leading institute – Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis units or complexes (LIOS) of purchased Faculty institute: ITOC research equipment. € 5.17 mill. Partners: LIOS, UL, AUL Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre

NRC of Nanostructured and Multifunctional Materials, Structures and Technologies

Leading institute – AUL Institute of Solid State Physics (ISSP) Faculty institutes: IBB, IAC, IP, ITP, IDT, IGCE Partners: AUL ISSP, UL, AUL Institute of Physics, AUL Institute of Polymer Mechanics, ARTU Institute of Inorganic Chemistry (IIC)

NRC of Information, Communication and Signal Processing Technology

Leading institute – VUC Engineering Institute «Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre» Faculty institute: IAC Partners: UL, RTU, UL Institute of Electronics and Computer Science, AUL Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science

6 7 Contributions to Research in 2015 the 10 Top scientific

achievments in the 179 (65.22) - total number of elected researchers field of practical (in full-time equivalent or FTE) 77 (36.73) leading researchers applications in 79 (24.32) researchers Latvia 23 (4,17) research assistants 97 from them Doctors of Sciences

New catalytic processes for conversion of biomass in fuels (IAC, 2015). Organized 108 research projects with attracted external activities and funding Synthesis and study of organic glasses € 1 576 791 - investments attracted from with original structure for application in publications external sources photonics equipment (IAC in collaboration with AUL ISSP, 2013). Awarding of Paul Walden Prize (biannually, in € 24 170 - annual external funding per one FTE two nominations) researcher

Development of new catalytic methods for € 570 819 - core (maintenance) funding the production of glycerine acid and lactic RTU International Scientific Conference, € 113 059 - attracted financing from research acid by means of oxidising glycerol with section Materials Science and Applied performance (second pillar) air or molecular oxygen. Development of Chemistry (annually, in October) a new method for the synthesis of more active and more selective catalysts (IAC in collaboration with ARTU IIC, 2012). Baltic Polymer Symposium (once every three 272 - total number of scientific publications years, by IPM) 1,52 (4,17) scientific publications per Development of a super-elastic sensor one researcher (FTE) prototype (composite of elastomers and Baltic Conference on Silicate Materials 174 scientific publications in databases electroconducting nanoparticles) applicable (biannually, by ISM) in wide-area detection of pressure and WoS and Scopus impacts (ITP, PI in collaboration with JSC 0.97 (2,67) publications in databases WoS and Scopus Baltijas Gumijas Fabrika, 2011). RTU Students Scientific Conference per one researcher (FTE) (annually, in April) Technology for manufacturing novel porous high-temperature oxide ceramics. The 7 awarded patents (Latvia) intrinsic characteristics of these oxide Scientific Journal of Riga Technical University: 7 patent applications (Latvia) ceramics allow filtration of aggressive Materials Science and Applied Chemistry (2 and hot liquids and the use as thermal journals per year, issued 32 journals) insulation at high temperatures (ISM, 2009). Materials Science (1 journal per year, issued 11 4 PhD study programmes journals) 4 Promotion councils Technology for production of a novel heat 144 000 - Grants for Doctoral students (second pillar), insulating building material from layered EUR silicates and by-products of biodiesel production (ISM, 2009). 83 PhD students 17 defended Doctoral theses 68% success rate (number of defended Doctoral theses to number of enrolled students)

8 9 The Institute of Applied Chemistry (IAC) at Riga Technical University and all

laboratories of the institute The current scientific directions of IAC are involved in the study process, based on previous investigations at the including the Laboratory Faculty of Material Science and Applied Chemistry. Several of these directions are of Fuel Quality Control longstanding, for example, the synthesis and Investigation, were and investigation of non-linear optical chromophores and catalytic oxidation with established in 2006. The air and oxygen. Department of Chemistry Also several new scientific investigations was founded in 2002 by have been succesfully developed: production merging the Department of fuel from biomass conversion processes, synthesis of organic glasses, dendronised of General Chemistry, the chromophores and luminophores, synthesis Department of Organic of lanthanide complexes, functionalised graphite and graphene oxides and the Chemistry, the Department of synthesis and practical use of mezoporous Inorganic Chemistry and the catalysts for biomass conversion processes. Department of Analytical and Institute takes place in research supported Physical Chemistry. by two national programmes.

The Institute of Applied Chemistry is responsible for the study programme «Applied Chemistry» at Bachelor, Master and Doctoral level and provides courses within these study programmes. Academic staff of the Institute of Applied Chemistry also deliver courses within study programmes «Chemical Technology» and «Materials Science». Courses «General Chemistry» and «Chemical Engineering» are also taught to students of other faculties of Riga Technical University. Institute of The main task of the institute is providing the development of higher education, enhancement of its quality, realisation of Work Academic high level research work and cooperation Applied Chemistry with Latvian producers, education of highly qualified graduates and responsible citizens.

All members of academic staff at the Institute of Applied Chemistry hold the titles Director of the Institute of Applied Chemistry of Doctor of Science or Habilitated Doctor of Science and are engaged in research Valdis Kampars, Dr.habil.chem. and education. The academic work of the Institute of Applied Chemistry is done in E-mail: [email protected] close cooperation with the Latvian Institute Phone: +371 29230958 of Organic Synthesis, the University of Latvia, the Institute of Solid State Physics, www.mlkf.rtu.lv and the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry.

10 11 The research of the Institute of Applied Chemistry BF is conducted in The second research direction (BF) two main scientific focuses on the development of chemical directions: and thermochemical methods for Research OE conversion of biomass to fuel, improving the methods of biodiesel fuel synthesis, The synthesis of chemical recycling of glycerine to valuable market substances and materials for The first direction (OE) is focused on the products, synthesis of hydrocarbons components of optoelectronic development of new chromophores, luminophores from plant oils, pyrolysis of biomass and information technology and the current transportation layers for of various origins, gasification, devices (OE) photovoltaics, as well as organic light emitting devices, components for the optical information hydrothermal liquefaction, and The production and use of records and treatment. OE research is done in close hydrodeoxygenation. Quality control biofuels and the development of cooperation with the Institute of Technical Physics and quality assurance of mixed fuel, new technologies for conversion and the Institute of Solid State Physics. the use of catalysts and development of biomass (BF) of new catalysts are also researched. The OE research includes synthesis and Some work is also done in theoretical investigation of new organic chromophores and organic chemistry, environmental luminophores, including dendronised and glasses quality control and repeated use of formating, new ligands and new luminescent Synthesis of renewable fuels recycled chemicals or raw materials. lanthanide complexes, as well as research of functionalised graphene oxide and graphene.

In 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013 and IAC has modern infrastructure and provides facilities for students to use in 2015 research results of IAC scientific research – currently 5 Doctoral were mentioned in the Latvian level students at IAC. The Institute of Applied Chemistry participates in two Academy of Sciences lists of National Research Programmes. the 10 best Latvian scientific The role of Professor Ojārs Neilands achievements of the year. as the creator of many scientific research directions of IAC, such Determination of composition as the investigation of non-linear of complex mixture chromophores and catalytic oxygenation, must be highlighted. The research directions established by Professor Ojārs Neilands are continued by Professor Valdis Kampars, Professor Valdis Kokars and Professor Svetlana Čornaja. Professor Valdis Kampars has developed the scientific direction «Biofuels». The laboratories of the Institute of Applied Chemistry are well equipped for the synthesis and characterisation of raw materials, catalysts and synthesised products. Chromatographic and spectroscopic laboratories and laboratories for the investigation of thermal conversion of biomass and characterisation liquid fuels allow modern investigations aimed at solving different theoretical problems and elaboration of new innovative Rotary evaporation technologies for practical applications.

12 13 Predecessor unit of the Department master programme have entered doctoral of Design and Material Technologies studies and now own the scientific degree - professor group was established in Dr.sc.ing. or Dr.arch. Along with the graduates 1996 to develop a new multidisciplinary from the master programme teaching staff study programme with using as a of Department of DMT includes experienced prototype programme recently developed professionals in Fashion and Furniture design studies bachelor course in the Design, as well as the close collaboration with Design and Technology School of the manufacturers are kept. De Montfort University (GB). Umbrella type programme was developed in close collaboration with the prototype programme director Dr. T. Cassidy and teaching staff of Design School, and Latvian Crafts Chamber. First graduates had finished from the new engineer study programme Crafts Technologies and Design in 2000. In 2001 the programme was transformed into the professional bachelor Material Technologies and Design programme, and the professional master programme was launched with the first graduates in 2002. Nowadays 11 graduates of master programme are staff members of DMT teaching the functional and market-led requirements of product and furniture design, including ergonomics, aesthetics and usability, product collection development, branding Currently, IDT consists of two and visual language, as well as user- centred design, Computer Aided Design, departments: manufacturing technologies, sustainability and the development of socially-conscious ■■ Department of Clothing and Textile products, supervise the projects were Technologies students develop their comprehensive designs within their own specialised area ■■ Department of Design and Material of product design. 11 graduates from Technologies

The Department of Clothing Bachelor studies at the and Textile Technologies offers programme «Material Institute of study programme «Clothing Technology and Design» and Textile Technologies» at focus on textile, clothing, three levels: wood and interior product Design Technologies design and technologies. ■■ Professional Bachelor’s degree ■■ Professional Master’s degree The Professional Bachelor’s programme (4 years) specialises in: ■■ Doctoral degree ■■ Clothing design and technology The Professional Bachelor’s programme (4 ■■ Textile design and technology Director of the Institute of Design Technologies years) specialises in: ■■ Clothing technology ■■ Wood design and technology Dana Beļakova, Dr.sc.ing. ■■ Pattern making ■■ Interior design and technology Academic activities Academic E-mail: [email protected] ■■ Textile technology (spinning, weaving, knitting) Phone: +371 26356510 dizains.rtu.lv The Professional Master programme lasts for 1.5 years.

14 15 Graduates become qualified product IDT students take active part in international designers. It is possible to obtain exchange programmes with partner The participation in the a Master’s degree at the study universities or research institutes in order to National Research Centre programme «Material Technology and study or get an internship for a semester. Design» in 2 years. programme provides IDT Successful graduates can continue their with modern equipment Students of IDT can present their studies at the Doctoral programme «Clothing best accomplishments in the annual and Textile Technologies»- duration of studies for scientific research – fashion show «The Spring of Kipsala» 4 years. equipment for production and the exhibitions «Baltic Fashion & Textile», «Design Isle» and «The Code of nanofibres, among of Design». others.

Research activities Research The scientific research of IDT is based on designing and improving the manufacturing process of textiles, clothing, and wood products. In the last few years the field of research has expanded significantly. In collaboration with the Institute of Polymer Materials and the Institute of Technical Doctoral students participate in a range Physics, as well as other Latvian and of exchange and research programmes foreign scientific institutions, several with partner universities and scientific interdisciplinary research projects have institutions. This provides additional been developed and are currently in opportunities to work using modern progress. These are: equipment. The list of partner universities ■■ The development of new types of and scientific institutions includes: the functional textiles from natural Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal fibres; Plants in Poznan (Poland), Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering ■■ The modification of properties of in Potsdam (Germany), RWTH Aachen textile materials with metal and University (Germany) and Kaunas metal oxide nano-coatings; University of Technology (Lithuania). Research results are summarised in ■■ The expansion of functional reports at international conferences or properties of clothing by in scientific publications and Doctoral integrating electronic systems; theses. Student exchange is promoted by ERASMUS+ and scholarships for support ■■ The improvement of design and of Doctoral programmes, and that allows evaluation methods of special our students to participate in at least two purpose clothing. international conferences abroad.

16 17 Nobody is interested in what you The Institute of General Chemical The forerunner of IGCE – the Department Engineering (IGCE) was established in of General Chemical Engineering – was cannot do, but instead in what you 2010 by merging the Department of established in 1940 and was led by the following « » General Chemical Engineering (DGCE), respected professors: Alfrēds Ieviņš, Leonīds can do. Rudolfs Cimdins Riga Biomaterials Osipovs and Rūdolfs Cimdiņš. Since 2006 IGCE Innovations and Development Centre of is led by Professor Līga Bērziņa-Cimdiņa. Rūdolfs Cimdiņš Riga Technical University (RBIDC). It is now the largest institute in FMSAC by RBDIC was established in 2006 based on scientific research output and the number Biomaterials Scientific Research Laboratory of graduates. (which, in turn, was established in 1996). The aim of RBDIC is to develop biomaterials intended for reconstructive medicine in multidisciplinary collaboration with Latvian and foreign scientists and medical professionals. In 2012, RBDIC was renamed in honour of late Professor Rūdolfs Cimdiņš. RBDIC is located on The Department offers Pulka Street 3, a short walk from the FMSAC. specialised studies in the following fields: The academic activity of IGCE spans all levels (Bachelor, Master and Doctoral) and is part of ■■ General Chemical Engineering all study programmes offered at the Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry. ■■ Chemistry and Engineering of Students from other faculties are also taught Biomaterials at IGCE.

■■ Environmental Engineering IGCE has a new and modern fluid mechanic, heat and mass transfer training laboratory, Institute of ■■ Biotechnology as well as scientific research laboratories where students can do research required for development of their theses.

General Chemical Researcher Marina Sokolova at work Academic staff members are with high-temperature differential thermal analysis equipment experts in chemical engineering, materials engineering Engineering (especially ceramic and Academic activities Academic polymer-ceramic composites in the field of biomaterials and ecomaterials), automation and numerical modelling and Director of the Institute of General Chemical Engineering simulation, water treatment and environmental engineering. Līga Bērziņa-Cimdiņa, Dr.sc.ing.

E-mail: [email protected] Researcher Zilgma Irbe at work Phone: +371 67089211 with stereomicroscope vkti.rtu.lv

Director of Rudolfs Cimdins Riga Biomaterials Innovations and Development Centre Dagnija Loča, Dr.sc.ing. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +371 67089628 vkti.rtu.lv

18 19 Students are encouraged to engage in research done at IGCE from the first years Graduates of IGCE are of study and to take part in the annual employed by scientific RTU Student Science and Technology Conference, as well as in students’ research institutions, conferences abroad. Bachelor and Master centres for certification theses can be prepared in collaboration with industry or within the scope IGCE and expertise and by many scientific research projects. industrial companies in All members of academic staff of IGCE Latvia that produce building are also active in scientific research and materials, pharmaceuticals, also consult the Latvian industry on the biofuel, foods and matters of technology and environment. The academic staff of DGCE consists cosmetics, manage water of 3 professors, 2 associated professors, and waste water treatment 5 assistant professors, 5 lecturers, and 3 teaching assistants. Some members facilities, as well as waste of staff are young scientists already recycling facilities and acknowledged by students. Lectures are also delivered by visiting academic staff landfills. members from Lithuania, Germany, France, India and other countries.

At IGCE the main field of research is From 2012 to 2014 around 50 indexed the development of novel biomaterials research articles have been published. and environmentally friendly materials, Since 2010 eight Latvian patents and one investigation of production technologies European patent on innovative materials of materials and chemical and utilisation for the use in medicine and for solving of industrial by-products. Systematic environmental issues have been acquired. research in the field of biomaterials has significantly benefitted from the IGCE collaborates with higher education development of existing infrastructure institutions and research centres in Latvia and the involvement of new scientists and abroad − Germany, Switzerland, Finland, from various fields of research – chemists, France, Argentina, Poland, Lithuania, and chemical engineers, materials scientists, Estonia. IGCE takes part in three national physics, dentists, surgeons, etc. research projects and four international research projects, as well as in the establishment of the Research Centre of National Significance. Members of scientific Research fields of ICGE: and academic staff actively take part in international internships. Research activities Research ■■ Biomaterials for bone tissue repair and tissue engineering;

■■ Materials for drug delivery systems;

■■ Innovative and energy efficient materials designed to reduce environmental pollution;

■■ Development and investigation of properties of ceramics, glass and also raw minerals;

■■ Mass transfer in solid-fluid systems;

■■ Biotechnology.

Scientific assistant Armands Bušs demonstrates the filter-press Scientific assistants Anastasija Smirnova and Anna Vojevodova demonstrate the stirring equipment

20 21 The Institute of Inorganic Chemistry was founded in 1946. A large contribution to its development was rendered by Professors from Latvian universities as well as by the specialists of industrial branches: A. Ievins (Director from 1946 to 1953 and from 1959 to 1962), L. Liepiņa, A. Kesans, G. Vanags, K. Karlsons and A. Vaivads.

In the following years, the Currently the Institute of research work has been Inorganic Chemistry has three conducted by their students laboratories: and fellow members dealing with the theoretical and ■■ Laboratory of Plasma Processes (LPP) practical problems of current ■■ Laboratory of High-Temperature Synthesis interest in the fields of (LHTS) inorganic chemistry and ■■ Laboratory of Electrochemistry (LE) technology (T. Millers, Full Member of LAS, Director from ■■ Biomaterials Research Laboratory 1984 to 1997; J. Grabis, Full Member of LAS, Director since In 1998, the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry 1997), physical chemistry and of the Latvian Academy of Sciences was reorganised and incorporated in Riga Technical electrochemistry (B. Purins, University as an independent structural unit. Full Member of LAS, Director In 2015 the Institute was reorganised and incorporated as a structural unit in the Faculty from 1962 to 1984, L. Maijs, I. of Material Science and Applied Chemistry. Vītiņa), analytical chemistry Institute of and chemistry of coordination compounds, as well as environmental protection (J. Inorganic Bankovskis, Full Member of Chemistry LAS, J. Svarca). Preparation of coatings by using spray pyrolysis technique

Director of the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry Jānis Grabis, Dr.habil.sc.ing. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +371 29450343 www.mlkf.rtu.lv

22 23 The Institute performs The Institute offers fundamental and applied collaboration in the research in the following fields: following research areas: passivation Plasma chemistry and technology: formation laws of nanosized particles in a thermal plasma of the nanosized flow; elaboration of technology and equipment powders; development for manufacturing of nanosized powders of nitrides, oxides, carbides, silicides, metals and of nanostructured their homogeneous composites including coated hard high-temperature particles; functional materials - photocatalysts, luminescent materials, flame retardants; pilot materials, determination production of nanosized powders. of their characteristics and application areas;

Chemical methods for manufacturing of application of the ultrafine powders of oxides (combustion nanosized powders for synthesis, molten salts route, hydrothermal synthesis, microwave synthesis). modification of metals and polymers and as catalysts, photocalysts, Characterisation of nanosized particles (size and shape of particles, phase composition, flame retardants and chemical properties). luminescent materials.

The Institute has two pilot technological Processing of nanoparticles by using apparatus based on radio-frequency nonreactive and reactive spark plasma sintering oscillators (100 KW) for preparation of technique. nanoparticles in the plasma flow and spark plasma sintering technique (SPS- 825CE, SPS Syntex Inc.), apparatus Formation of thin oxide based coatings by using for XRD analysis (8 Advance, Bruker spray pyrolytic technique. AXS), photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, Pioneer, Bruker AXS) and chemical analysis ELTRAON 900 (ELTRA GmbH), Application of nanosized powders (together DTA/TG apparatus up to 1800oC with co-operation partners; matrix composites (Linseis Messgerate GmbH), spray of metals and ceramics, structure modification pyrolysis technique (Holmarc). of metals and polymers, functional ceramics, construction materials). The Institute provides research opportunities for the Master and Doctoral studies. Production of inorganic oxides and platinum, palladium, gold nanocomposites by extractive- pyrolytic method, its functional properties.

Membrane extraction processes, accompanied with heavy metals electrodeposition.

Development of new phosphate based electrolytes and biomaterials.

The Institute collaborates with other RTU institutions. The Institute of Solid State Physics, PCT Ltd., NEOMAT as well as partners in Germany, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Poland, Austria, and Serbia.

24 25 The Biomaterials Research Laboratory (BRL) was the first research group for biomaterials in Latvia. It was initiated by Professor Rūdolfs Cimdiņš in the 1990’s, but was then reactivated by a researcher from Australia Associated Professor Kārlis A. Gross in 2011. Until 2014 BRL was part of the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomechanics together with the laboratories of biomechanics and biotextiles. Since 2015 it is an independent research laboratory and the most research productive unit at RTU. Based on materials science and engineering, the laboratory works on the material structure, characterisation, testing, and properties. It applies new ideas and developments for the benefit of the industry and society, particularly in healthcare.

General skills are taught to researchers across different disciplines. These skills include reporting research results, presenting scientific outcomes for Institute of Inorganic Chemistry contributions to the discipline and presenting Biomaterials Research new developments for funding. At present, two Laboratory intensive courses include Academic Writing and

Writing Scientific Papers activities Academic for International Journals. These are general skills Director of the Biomaterials Research Laboratory required by all researchers Kārlis A. Gross, Dr.sc.ing. involved in scientific research. This subject E-mail: [email protected] provides the fundamentals Phone: +371 20208554 for preparation for scientific www.mlkf.rtu.lv research grant proposals.

26 27 The Biomaterials Research Laboratory works broadly in the materials science and engineering field, encompassing inorganic (ceramics and metals) and organic material (polymers). The development of new materials is inspired by the design of materials in nature. The range of activities includes materials synthesis, new methods for characterisation of materials and testing, and new or improved production strategies for improving properties or adding functionality. Research stems from activity in the field of Collaboration is active calcium phosphates, leveraging 28 years of experience on synthesised powder, particles, with two other faculties porous and dense bodies, films and coatings. of RTU (Faculty of Civil Research activities Research Of particular interest is the ability to change Engineering, Faculty of material properties based on changes in microstructure (structural rearrangements Mechanical Engineering), and chemistry). Working with amorphous The Faculty of Chemistry materials and transition phases allows greater flexibility in composition and at the University of geometry. The crystal forming process limits Latvia, and the Atomic the possible changes due to the inability to Spectroscopy Institute. add any element during crystal growth. The Laboratory leads 2 Research on the amorphous and metastable phases is driving the development of EU co-ordinated projects. additional characterisation tools and It offers consulting on more frequent characterisation to observe material changes over time. the problems related to Changes to the surface of materials over materials science and time drives material design decisions. The engineering. change in environment may include the change in biological landscape around implants (in biomaterials research) or the changing metal-ice interface during relative movement (in subzero temperature BRL organised the Scandinavian Society research). for Biomaterials Conference on the Design of Biomaterials theme on 6-8 May 2015 in Everything starts with a precise Sigulda, attracting participants from 21 characterisation of the material surface countries. Some past and present projects in and understanding the interactions on the the Laboratory include: surface. ■■ Marie Curie project Realignment – Enhancing Implant Performance through Structural Rearrangements in Hydroxyapatite, 2010-2013,

■■ Latvian national research council. Processing of metal surface to lower friction and wear, 2015-2017

■■ Marie Curie project Refined Step: An International Network on New Strategies for Processing Calcium Phosphates, 2013- 2017.

■■ M-ERA Net project. Signaling Implant: Implants signal to bone for bone growth and Attachment, 2016-2019.

28 29 The training of polymer material specialists In 1994, both were amalgamated for greater and polymer materials research began in intellectual and technical potential and 1958 with the establishment of the Chair of the Institute of Polymer Materials (IPM) Chemical Technology of Polymers within the was established. Professor Mārtiņš Kalniņš Faculty of Chemistry, initialised by Professor was the founder and first director. Since Vladimirs Karlivāns. In 1964, the newly founded IPM is headed by Leading Researcher Jānis Research Laboratory of Polymer Composite Zicāns. IPM offers study programmes in Materials joined the Chair. chemical engineering of polymer materials and composites at the Bachelor, Master and Doctoral level.

A new study programme «Materials Science» was started in 1999. It is based on the examples and experience of similar programmes in European and USA universities. The programme provides training for specialists in materials science, Institute awards Bachelor’s and Master’s academic degrees and it is also Academic activities Academic of Polymer possible to continue education in the Doctoral Materials level.

IPM also provides support for study programmes «Chemistry», «Chemical Technology», «Clothing and Textile Technologies» and «Material Technology and Design». Director of the Department of Polymer Materials Technology In order to optimise academic work in multiple study programmes the Remo Merijs-Meri, Dr.sc.ing., Professor Department of Polymer Materials Technology was resumed in 2003, E-mail: [email protected] headed by Professor Skaidrīte Phone: +371 67089252 Reihmane. Today, Professor Remo Merijs-Meri leads the Department.

Director of the Institute of Polymer Materials Jānis Zicāns, Dr.sc.ing. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +371 67089252 www.mlkf.rtu.lv

30 31 Research of composite materials at IPM includes the whole spectrum of micro-, macro-, submicro-, and Research activity at IPM is funded by EC IMP possesses modern nano-level structures of composite Framework Program projects, ESF and ERDF materials – disperse-filled, reinforced, co-financed projects, other EU-supported equipment and facilities sandwich-structured and hybrid projects, National Research Programme for melt manufacturing of composites, both thermoplastic and projects and thematic and cooperation thermoreactive polymer matrices are projects of the Latvian Council of Science. polymer composites and investigated. Research at IPM includes nanocomposites, as well as investigation of polymer composites and nanocomposites with extensive set The Testing Laboratory of examination of microstructure The Institute of Polymer Materials collaborates of rheological, stress-strain, relaxation, and properties of a broad range with Latvian manufactures to help improve the adhesion, thermal, magnetic, electric, Polymer Materials, accredited technology of production of polymer materials, and other specific properties. The according to LVS EN ISO/IEC of materials. the design of composites, as well as to developed polymer materials are evaluate properties of manufactured products. intended for the use as coatings, for 17025, operates since 1999. It IPM has equipment for injection moulding, The Institute of Polymer Materials cooperates electrostatic charge neutralisation is headed by Dr.sc.ing. Jānis compression moulding and extrusion of with many of the largest Latvian polymer and for isolation from electromagnetic polymers, composites and nanocomposites, materials processing companies: Tenax Group, Research activities Research radiation, for sensors, high-frequency Zicāns. There are more than as well as equipment for investigation of Evopipes Ltd., Izoterms Ltd., Poliurs Ltd., PAA devices, electronics and electrical 10 testing methods within rheological properties of polymer melts, Ltd., JSC PET Baltija, Fedak Ltd., etc. engineering, for construction and for evaluation of viscoelastic, calorimetric, mechanical engineering, packaging, the scope of accreditation thermal, thermo-mechanical and mechanical Research at the Institute of Polymer Materials medicine, military industry, etc. available. In the voluntary (including under cyclic loading conditions) is aimed to develop a theoretical basis for properties, analysis of mass transfer design of polymer composite materials and scope the laboratory provides processes in polymers, composites, to create a technological process for the testing of broad range of nanocomposites and adhesive compounds, manufacture of these materials. Staff at etc. the Institute of Polymer Materials performs mechanical, thermal and research on control, management, and structural properties of The institute of Polymer Materials closely optimisation of the processes occurring on the polymers and composites, cooperates with other “RTU and national contact surface and regions of boundary layers institutions such as the Institute for of components during development of polymer including nanocomposites, Mechanics of Materials of the University of composite materials. as well as carries out R&D Latvia, the Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia, the Institute of The recycling of polymer materials and activities according to the Physical Energetics, Latvian State Institute corresponding technological solutions are specific requirements of the of Wood Chemistry, as well as partners in important research areas for the Institute of Poland, Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, and Polymer Materials. national and international Ukraine. customers.

32 33 During 68 years of activity the Department was headed by such long-standing leaders as Professor Jūlijs Eiduks (1947-1980) and Professor Uldis Sedmalis (1980-1999). Professor Gundars Mežinskis has led the Professor’s Group of Silicate Materials Technology since 1999 (the Group was renamed in 2007 to the Department of Silicate, High Temperature and Inorganic The parts of the X-ray diffractometer Rigaku Nanomaterials Technology) and since 2000 Ultima+. Gonimeter and optics, including he has also led the Institute of Silicate X-ray tube on the left, sample stage in the Materials. middle and detector on the right.

Courses devoted to hydraulic and non- Significant changes in hydraulic mortar binders, porcelain, clay and glass production technologies were taught academic and scientific within the study programme «Technical activities of ISM began Institute Chemistry» at the Department of Chemistry of Riga Polytechnicum already in the in 2001 when lecturers of academic year 1866/1867. The course Silicate Professor’s Group of Silicate Technology was entrusted to Maximilian von Materials Technology of Silicate Glasenapp (1845-1923), who is regarded as the founder of silicate technology science in started academic work Latvia. at the Materials Science Materials The Department of Silicate Technology was Programme and research established in 1947. The Institute of Silicate in two EC 5th Framework Materials (ISM) was founded in 1994 on the basis of the Department of Silicate projects. Technology.

The Department of Silicate Technology became one of the units of ISM and was reorganised into the Professor’s Group of Director of the Institute of Silicate Materials Silicate Materials Technology in 1999. On June 20, 2007 the name of the Department Gundars Mežinskis, Dr.habil.sc.ing. was restored based on the decision of RTU Senate – the Department of Silicate, High E-mail: [email protected] Temperature and Inorganic Nanomaterials Technology. This name characterises the Phone: +371 67089141 strengthened educational and scientific www.smi.rtu.lv/en activities.

34 35 The main lecture courses in the study ■■ Introduction to the Physical Chemistry of Main research facilities of ISM: specialisation Chemistry and Technology Nanostructured Electroceramics of Silicate and High-Temperature ■■ N2 adsorption porosimeter Nova 1200 Materials are: Chemistry and Technology ■■ Oxide Nanomaterials E-Series, Quantachrome Instruments of Silicate Materials, Physical Chemistry and Hg porosimeter Pore Master 33, of High Temperature Materials, ■■ Chemistry and Technology of Inorganic Quantachrome Instruments Crystallography and Chemistry of Nanoparticles Crystals, Mineralogy, Chemistry and ■■ Differential thermal and thermo- Technology of Building Ceramics, Fine ■■ Nanoporous Materials mechanical analysis device SETSYS Ceramics, Glass and Binders, and Evolution TGA-DTA / TMA Setaram for ■■ Nanostructured Thin Films and Sol-Gel Sol-Gel Technology. It is also possible temperatures up to 1750 °C Coatings to specialise in Chemical Technology of Inorganic Nanomaterials. In the ■■ X-ray diffractometer Rigaku Ultima + Professor G. Mežinskis is Director of the academic year 2010/2011 admission programme; it is accredited till December 31, to an academic Master programme ■■ Atomic force microscope VEECO CP II 2018. Nanotechnologies of Materials was Scanning Probe Microscope started. Within this Master’s degree M.sc. Liga Grase preparing for measurements Every year Bachelor and Master students are with the Nova nanoSEM 650” field emission ■■ Scanning electron microscope Hitachi programme the academic staff of the informed about the subjects for their theses. scanning electron microscope. The microscope Table Top Microscope TM 3000 Academic activities Academic Department ensures 8 lecture courses: At the department potential themes are offers unique low vacuum capabilities, and ultra- selected from the proposals of the academic high resolution low voltage imaging enabling ■■ High-resolution field emission (Schottky) ■■ Research Methods of Nano-Scale the imaging of insulating materials without the staff. Additionally, students can propose their low vacuum electron microscope FEI Nova Objects need for sample coating. own themes, which can be helpful for future Nano SEM 650 career choices. Companies can also propose ■■ Inorganic Nanomaterials Chemistry their topics of interest. Thereby, the themes and Chemical Production Methods of Bachelor and Master studies indicate The main sources of funding for ■■ Nanotechnology Standardization and the interests of students and the potential scientific research in the last Metrology use of their knowledge in the existing 10 years have been resources industrial sectors or scientific activities of the from cooperation programs, ISM currently has 5 structural ■■ Physical Chemistry of university. international scientific research units and also supports the Nanostructured Electroceramics works and European Union projects. activities of the Testing Total funding for scientific work Laboratory of Silicate over the last 10 years has exceeded Materials: 4.4 million EUR. The main research direction at ISM is ■■ Department of Silicate, High Temperature chemistry and technology of silicate More than 1/3 of the funds raised or 1,790,300 EUR were used for and Inorganic Nanomaterials Technology materials (ceramics, glass, and binders), (2007) inorganic nanomaterials and high- acquisition of advanced research temperature non-metallic materials. and technological equipment. ■■ Laboratory of Glass and Ceramics (1961)

■■ Restoration and Conservation Centre of Stone Materials (1995) The research in chemistry and technology of ceramics is focused on Latvian mineral ■■ Laboratory of Materials Surface raw materials and their use in the Morphology and Structural Analysis national economy. (2007)

■■ Laboratory of Chemical Engineering of Intensive research is done in the field of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials (2007) restoration and preservation of natural Within these structural units tuition of and artificial stone materials, materials students takes place and the research work

Research activities Research corrosion research and practical associated with modern requirements and restoration. development trends is performed

High-level scientific studies are performed in sol-gel technology. The 208HR High Resolution Sputter Coater The Nova NanoSEM 650 scanning electron (Cressington Scientific Instruments) for SEM microscope with Quickloader designed to applications offers a full range of coating load regular sample stubs into the specimen materials and gives unprecedented control over chamber via a chamber port without thickness and depostition conditions in order to breaking the working vacuum. minimize the effects of grain size.

36 37 Department of Physics (1958-1994) Institute of Technical Physics (since 1994)

Directors: Assistant Professor J. Klāss (until 1965) Assistant Professor U. Upmanis (1965-1976) Assistant Professor J.Berziņš (1976-1986) The Department of Physics was established in Assistant Professor A. Kalnača (1986-1993) 1958. In 1964 it became part of the Faculty of Device Design and Automation. The Institute Professor A. Prančs (1993-1999) of Technical Physics (ITP) was established Professor M. Knite (since 1999) based on the Department of Physics and the Semiconductor Physics Research Laboratory by RTU Senate Decision No. 394 as of May 30, 1994. The newly established ITP was placed within the Faculty of Transport and Mechanical Engineering. There are the Department Since June 1999 the ITP is located de facto Āzenes of Materials Physics, Street 14/24 under the premises of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering. With physicists working Department of Optics, alongside chemists, materials science research Department of became a part of the Faculty, which was one of Semiconductor Physics, the reasons for the name change of the Faculty. RTU Senate Decision No. 446 as of January Research Laboratory of Institute of 31, 2000 renamed the Faculty of Chemical Biomechanics, Scientific Engineering to the Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry (FMSAC). RTU Senate Research Laboratory of Decision No. 448 as of March 27, 2000 legally Materials Optics, Scientific Technical adjoined the ITP to the Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry. Research Laboratory of Semiconductor Physics and Physics Laboratory of Material Physics under ITP at this moment.

On September 1 2001, RTU Astronomy Director of the Institute of Technical Physics and Physics Professor Council started work (later it became the Joint RTU and Māris Knite, Dr.habil.phys. Daugavpils University Astronomy and Physics Professor Council). RTU Senate E-mail: [email protected] appointed Professor Andris Ozols the Phone: +371 67089380 chairman of the Council. The Council meets within the ITP facilities. Numerous RTU and www.mlkf.rtu.lv DU professors and associate professors in physics have been confirmed and re- confirmed by the Council.

38 39 ITP academic staff teach the following Academic staff of ITP also supervise The research work is carried mandatory courses for Bachelor, student research within study programme engineering and professional level «Materials Science». Promotional council out in the FMSAC Scientific students: Physics, Physics Fundamentals «RTU P-18» in Materials Science has Research Laboratory Materials of Technologies, Materials Structure been formed after initiation by ITP and and Properties. At Master’s level ITP it is eligible to award scientific Doctoral Optics, which is equipped teaches mandatory courses Physics of degrees either in Physics or in Engineering. with two holographic setups New Materials and Nanomaterials and The young Doctoral degree recipients at the Physics Methods of Their Production. the study programme «Materials Science» on vibration-isolated optical Under the leadership of the ITP Director have received two L’Oréal Prize for Women tables, 10 lasers (including two M. Knite and in cooperation with other in Science Awards, the Werner von Siemens FMSAC institutes the Doctoral study Excellence Award, the Latvenergo Award solid state, two He-Ne gas programme ‘Materials Science’ was of the Year and the Latvian Academy and six semiconductor) and a launched in 2004. At this program ITP of Sciences Ludvigs and Maris Jansons picosecond spectrometer based professors teach several courses: Materials Named Award in physics. Science, Smart Materials and Sensors on YAG:Nd3+ lasers. The institute scientists perform research Physics, Optical Recording Physics, in several internationally and EU funded Semiconductor Physics, Fundamentals of projects (for example, MATERA Plus). As a whole ITP is involved in the implementation

Academic activities Academic Solid State Electronics, Laser Technologies The Department of Semiconductor Physics, led for Treatment of Materials, Materials for of the 7th Research Centre of State by Professor A. Medvids, collaborates closely Information Recording, Semiconductor Importance (LATNANO); this provided an with the Institute of Silicate Materials. The Materials and Devices and others. opportunity to purchase a modern AFM- main research areas of the Semiconductor Raman microscope RENISHAW in Via Raman Physics Scientific Research Laboratory are the Microscope in 2013. formation of semiconductor quantum cones (Si, Ge, SiGe, CdTe, SiC), micro cones, p-n junctions On February 23, 2015, RTU Senate Decision using powerful laser radiation, as well as the No. 587 legally adjoined the Research development of technological fundamentals. Laboratory of Biomechanics (RLB) to the Using the scientific research done in the Institute of Technical Physics. Leading ITP academic staff initiated several new Laboratory, the capability to form a structure researcher Dr.ing. V. Vītiņš is the head of RLB. research directions after joining FMSAC with a varied band gap (vary band) in the in 1999. Professor M. Knite started active quantum cones of elementary semiconductors A new direction of research started collaboration with the scientists of the has been shown for the first time. This structure approximately two years ago (in Institute of Polymer Materials and the can be used in the development of a new collaboration with the Institute of Design Institute of Silicate Materials and signed a generation of solar elements, light emitting Technology) is human motion and industrial cooperation agreement with JSC Baltijas diodes and electron sources − promoting a more vibration energy harvesting (assoc. prof. J. Gumijas Fabrika (www.bgfrubber.com) efficient use of energy resources. Blums) in 2000. As a result, the staff of the Department of Materials Physics works in the following areas: phase transitions The scientific results of and structural changes in thin sheet smart The research group of Professor A. Ozols the ITP are published materials induced by laser radiation; in collaboration with the Institute of design, development and investigation Applied Chemistry is doing research in the in such SCI journals as of polymer matrices and conductive following areas: investigation of materials Journal of Optical Society nanoparticle composites with a goal to (amorphous chalcogenides, organic produce new sensor materials; optically azocompounds, photoreactive crystals) of America B, Radiation active polymer nanocomposite design, using holographic grating spectroscopy and Research activities Research Effects and Defects in development, and investigation. other optical methods; dynamic holography including four wave interaction and wave Solids, Central European As a contributor for several Latvian front inversion; polarization holography. Journal of Physics, Council of Science cooperation projects Picosecond laser pulse propagation and having completed two state funded in optical fibres has been studied in Applied Surface Science, research programmes «Materials Science», collaboration with the Institute of Materials Science and M. Knite has established Materials Physics Telecommunications, Faculty of Electronics Engineering C, Journal Laboratory which is equipped with modern and Telecommunications. facilities for development of smart of Nanoscience and nanomaterials and investigation of various Since 1999, the research group of Nanotechnology, Sensors sensor effects. Professor A. Ozols has worked on four Latvian Council of Science projects, has & Actuators: A. Physical, participated in the completion of two state Advanced Engineering programs concerning the development of multifunctional materials and the ERDF Materials and others. project The Development of Fast Optical Access Networks and Elements.

40 41 The Institute of Technology of Organic Professor Māris Turks Chemistry (ITOC) was established in 1963, when the Department of Technology of is the Director of the Fine Organic Synthesis (in 2006 renamed to Institute of Technology of the Department of Chemical Technology of Biologically Active Compounds − DCTBAC) Organic Chemistry since its was founded. establishment in 2010. In the past DCTBAC was headed by: The number of ITOC ■■ Professor Emīlija Gudriniece (1963- 1989); employees varies from 20 ■■ Professor Andris Strakovs (1989-2000); to 30, including students, ■■ Professor Māra Jure (since 2000). who are actively involved in research.

Currently, 3 full professors, 1 associate Doctoral studies: professor, 3 assistant professors and 2 lecturers are working at the DCTBAC. ■■ Heterocyclic Chemistry (Selected DCTBAC provides courses for several study Chapters) programmes within the Faculty. ■■ Medicinal Chemistry (Selected Chapters) Institute of Bachelor’s studies: ■■ Patents ■■ Bioorganic Chemistry ■■ Specialised Research Seminars ■■ Biological Chemistry ■■ Teaching Assistant Practice in Specialty Technology of ■■ Chemistry Experiments and Demonstrations The following professors supervise the research in organic synthesis, medicinal ■■ Chemistry Informatics chemistry and transition metal catalysed ■■ Electron Flow in Organic Compounds reactions: Organic Chemistry ■■ Information Literacy ■■ Ērika Bizdēna ■■ Introduction to Study Field ■■ Aigars Jirgensons

■■ Management of Chemicals activities Academic ■■ Māra Jure ■■ Methods of Organic Synthesis ■■ Edgars Sūna ■■ Māris Turks Director of the Institute of Technology of Organic Chemistry Master’s studies: Research in physical chemistry, such as Māris Turks, Dr.chem. ■■ Chemistry and Technology of Medicinal X-ray analysis, is supervised by assistant Compounds professor Anatoly Mishnev from the Latvian E-mail: [email protected] ■■ Drug Dosage Forms Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS). Phone: +371 67089251 ■■ Medicinal Chemistry Many our graduates have received various www.mlkf.rtu.lv ■■ Nanotechnologies in Drug Delivery and prizes for their Master’s theses. During the Diagnostics studies our students have been awarded with: ■■ Organic Chemistry of Transition Metals Director of the Department of Chemical Technology of ■■ Purification and Analysis of Organic ■■ E. Gudriniece & A. Ieviņš scholarship by Biologically Active Compounds Compounds LAS ■■ Special Chapters of Biochemistry ■■ K. Morbergs scholarship by University of Latvia Māra Jure, Dr.chem. ■■ Structure of Organic Compounds and Their Biological Activity ■■ S. Hillers scholarship by JSC Olainfarm E-mail: [email protected] ■■ Chemistry and Technology of ■■ Scholarship by JSC Grindeks Phone: +371 67089220 Pharmaceuticals ■■ Scholarship by European Social Fund

42 43 The synthesis and properties of ■■ ERAF 2.1.1.1. project No. carbohydrates, purine nucleosides, 2010/0278/2DP/2.1.1.1.0/10/APIA/ ITOC consists from the aziridines, tetrahydroindazoles and VIAA/045 «Biosynthesis and isolation quinazolines are researched. Vegetable of macrolide type of antibiotics and Department of Chemical oils and the possibility to increase their antiparasitic agents and production of Technology of Biologically oxidative stability with natural and synthetic derivatives thereof» (2010-2013) synthetic antioxidants are also studied. Active Compounds and two The fundamental research of organic ■■ LCS grant No. 09.1557 «Synthesis and scientific laboratories: chemistry is devoted to secondary secondary structure elucidation of novel carbopeptoids and triazole analogs structures of carbopeptoids and sulfur ■■ Laboratory of Organic Synthesis dioxide as a solvent and reagent in thereof» (2009-2012) Research and Development organic synthesis. Our studies devoted ■■ Laboratory of Natural Products Research to novel synthetic methodologies and drug discovery are also carried out at ITOC posses fully equipped laboratory LIOS under supervision of Professor A. space (total area ~400 m2) for fine Jirgensons and Professor E. Sūna. synthesis and technology research of organic compounds. The following The applied research is done in cooperation equipment is available at ITOC: Research activities Research with JSC Grindeks, JSC Olainfarm, Few representative PharmIdea Ltd., the Latvian Institute publications of the research at ■■ Nuclear magnetic resonance of Organic Synthesis, Latvia State spectrometer Bruker Ultrashield 300 Institute of Fruit-Growing, JSC Silvanols, ITOC: MHz JSC Dzintars, Iecavnieks Ltd. and other ■■ Agilent Technologies 1200 Series HPL enterprises. Based on our research ■■ Marković, D.; Tchawou, W. A.; Novosjolova, chromatographs with DAD, RID and UV manufacture of several products has I.; Laclef, S.; Stepanovs, D.; Turks, M.; detectors been started in Latvian pharmaceutical Vogel, P. Synthesis and Applications of factories. Some of our investigations have Silyl 2-Methylprop-2-ene-1-sulfinates been patented. in Preparative Silylations and GC Derivatizations of Polyols and Carbohydrates. We are also elaborating technologies Chem. Eur. J. 2016, 22, 4196–4205. for the synthesis of pharmaceutically ■■ Lugiņina, J.; Uzuleņa, J.; Posevins, D.; Turks, M. A ring-opening of carbamate-protected ■■ Waters ACQUITY H-Class UPLC-MS/ active substances, synthesising reference MS chromatographic system compounds for impurities, as well as aziridines and azetidines in liquid sulfur isolating and modifying biosynthetically dioxide. Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2016, 1760–1771. ■■ Agilent Technologies 6890N gas chromatographs with FID and MS produced biologically active compounds. ■■ Ozols, K.; Cīrule, D.; Novosjolova, I.; Stepanovs, D.; Liepinsh, E.; Bizdēna, Ē.; Turks, M. detectors Development of N6-methyl-2-(1,2,3-triazol-1- ■■ Perkin-Elmer FT-IR System Spectrum Few of the latest projects yl)-2’-deoxyadenosine as a novel fluorophore BX IR spectrometer realised at ITOC: and its application in nucleotide synthesis. ■■ High accuracy polarimeter Anton Paar Tetrahedron Lett. 2016, 57, 1174–1178. MCP 500 ■■ Latvia-Lithuania-Taiwan joint project ■■ Stepanovs, D.; Jure, M.; Kuleshova, L.N.; ■■ Automatic potentiometric titrator «Synthesis of novel (deaza) purine- Hofmann, D.W.M.; Mishnev, A. Cocrystals Metrohm 877 Titrino Plus of Pentoxifylline: In Silico and Experimental triazole conjugates and applications of ■■ Camspec UV spectrometer their fluorescent properties» (2015- Screening. Crystal Growth and Design, 2015, ■■ Freeze-dryer (2 kg ice capacity) 2017) 15, 3652-3660. ■■ Stepanovs, D.; Tetere, Z.; Rāviņa, I.; Kumpiņš, ■■ Pressure reactor Anton Parr series 4520 ■■ Latvian Council of Science (LCS) grant V.; Zicāne, D.; Bizdēna, Ē.; Bogans, J.; (work volume 1 L; pressure 130 atm) No. Z14.0593 «Development of novel Novosjolova, I.; Grigaloviča, A.; Merijs Meri, R.; ■■ Carl-Fisher titrator Fotins, J.; Čerkasovs, M.; Mishnev, A.; Turks, agents for antitumor and antimicrobial ■■ Dosed liquid pump (capacity 2 l/h, 6 M. Structural characterization of cevimeline therapy» (2014-2017) bar) and its trans-impurity by single crystal XRD. J. ■■ Viscometer Cannon Instrument ■■ RTU project «Plant extracts of Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 2016, 118, 404–409. Company CT500 series II Camelina sativa oil as valuable ■■ Rjabovs, V.; Ostrovskis, P.; Posevins, D.; neutraceutical» (2014-2015) Kiseļovs, G.; Kumpiņš, V.; Mishnev, A.; ■■ Oil press Täby Press Type 20 Turks, M. Synthesis of Building Blocks for ■■ Porta ZoneTM portable ozonator Carbopeptoids and Their Triazole Isoster ■■ Latvia-Belarus joint project No. 11-13/ ■■ Conradson apparatus IZM14-18-L8027 «Design and synthesis Assembly. Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2015, 5572-5584. of triterpenoids modified with cyclic ■■ Bizdēna, E.; Kumpiņš, V.; Turks, M. Process for triacylmethanes and heterocycles as isolation of milbemycins A3 and A4. Eur. Pat. additional pharmacophores» (2014- Appl. EP2886640 (A1), 2015-06-24. 2015) ■■ Mierina, I.; Stikute, A.; Jure, M. Synthesis and antiradical properties of 4-aryl-3, ■■ LCS grant No. Z12.0291 «Organic 4-dihydroquinolin-2-(1H)-ones, aza analogs of reactions in and with liquid sulfur neoflavonoids. Chem. Heterocycl. Comp. 2014, dioxide» (2013-2016) 50, 1137-1146.

44 45 Academic Bachelor study (KBK0) programme Chemistry

Duration of studies: Study programme is envisaged to train 4 4 years chemistry specialists for laboratories of quality control and enterprises dealing with Resultant degree: environmental chemistry problems, chemical Bachelor Degree of processes and products, restoration of art Natural Sciences in and cultural heritage objects, as well as to Chemistry prepare students for further studies.

Programme prerequisites: During studies basic knowledge, skills and General Secondary competences in inorganic, analytical, physical, Education or 4-year organic and biological chemistry subjects Vocational Secondary with specialization in practical methods Education of analyses (testing), organic synthesis, chemistry of renewable fuel, chemistry of restoration and conservation, as well as environmental chemistry are obtained. Special importance is ascribed to the knowledge and skills necessary for innovative use of local resources, particularly renewable resources. Studies include advanced methods of synthesis and instrumental analysis used for quality control of processes, products and environment. Student can specialise in one of two specialisations: chemistry or restoration and conservation. The last concerns cultural heritage objects of various type, size and different materials based.

Specialisation is realised by involvement of students in research projects of the faculty or outside the faculty and during elaboration of qualification work; basics of research work and methods of investigation are acquired.

Study programmes of the faculty

46 47 Academic Master study programme (KMT0) Doctoral study programme (KDK0) Applied Chemistry Chemistry

Duration of studies: Study programme is envisaged for training Duration of studies: Study programme is envisaged for training 2 2 years of chemistry specialists for enterprises 4 4 years of chemistry specialists for enterprises producing chemical, biotechnological, producing chemical, pharmaceutical, Resultant degree: pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food processing Resultant degree: cosmetics and food products, constructional Master Degree of Natural and wood processing industries, waste Doctor in Chemistry materials, ceramics, fuel, processing wood Sciences in Chemistry recycling and production of construction etc., respective research laboratories and materials, ceramics, textile materials, fuels Programme prerequisites: institutions. Programme prerequisites: etc., respective specialists for quality control Master of Engineering Bachelor Degree in of products and processes, for research work Sciences in Chemistry, During studies essential knowledge about Chemistry, Chemical in laboratories and institutions, business Master of Chemistry chemical processes of various fields of Technology or Materials companies and public authorities. chemistry - organic, analytical, inorganic and Science physical chemistry, as well as chemistry of During studies chemistry, some subjects of fuel, biologically active compounds, wood, chemical engineering, as well as subjects environmental chemistry, etc. – is acquired. of conservation and restoration of cultural, Besides theoretical knowledge a student gets art and historical heritage are studied in practical skills in pedagogy, acquires research depth; besides, the programme envisages methods and technique, participates in humanitarian and social, as well as free choice research seminars. subjects. Specialisation in food chemistry, restoration, low carbon emission chemistry or Knowledge in chemistry ensures ability to materials for photonics is feasible. work in different kinds of enterprises of the field where leading chemistry specialists, Knowledge in chemistry, chemical technology familiar with chemical processes, can provide and material science allows working at quality and are able to develop new methods various enterprises in different fields where for routine work in laboratory and industry. leading chemistry specialists are required, Such knowledge is essential to work in which manage chemical processes and various testing, quality control and research are able to ensure quality, to develop new laboratories of materials and products. methods for laboratories and industry. Such knowledge is necessary for work at testing, quality control and research laboratories in order to create various materials and products.

Graduates oriented to research are prepared for further studies at the Doctoral level.

48 49 Academic Bachelor study programme (KBK0) Academic Master study programme (KML0) Chemical Chemical Technology Technology

Study programme is the only program Duration of studies: Duration of studies: Study programme is the only program in in this field in Latvia. The programme 4 4 years 2 2 years this field in Latvia. The program envisages envisages basic theoretical education training of chemical engineering specialists in chemistry and chemical engineering, Resultant degree: Resultant degree: for enterprises dealing with processing and acquisition of practical skills in teaching and Bachelor Degree of Master of Engineering manufacturing chemistry, biotechnology research laboratories, as well as practice Engineering Science in Science in Chemical and pharmaceutical products, food, in specialty. The programme includes Chemical Technology Technology cosmetics, fuel, wood, ceramics, textile and specialisation in different directions of building materials, as well as specialists for chemical technology: Biologically active Programme prerequisites: Programme prerequisites: corresponding research and quality control compounds and their dosage forms; General Secondary Bachelor Degree in laboratories, research institutions and Chemistry and technology of biomaterials; Education or 4-year Chemistry, Chemical commercial companies. Studies include typical Chemistry and technology of polymer Vocational Secondary Engineering or Materials education of this branch: management and materials; Chemistry and technology Education Science automation of chemical processes, design of silicate materials; Environmental of production units, computer modelling, engineering; General chemical technology. chemometry, molecular spectroscopy, Simultaneously to theoretical studies crystallography and crystallochemistry, during elaboration of Bachelor thesis and ageing and protection of materials, chemistry within specialty subjects a student acquires and technology of polymer and silicate research methods and techniques, as well as materials, fuels and lubricants, pharmaceutical can obtain practical skills at an enterprise. compounds and environmental protection.

The study programme trains specialists for Depending on the student’s choice he/she can enterprises dealing with processing and specialise in one of the following directions: manufacturing chemistry, biotechnology Biologically active compounds and their and pharmaceutical products, food, dosage forms, Chemistry and technology cosmetics, fuel, wood, ceramics, textile and of biomaterials, Chemistry and technology building materials, as well as specialists for of polymer materials, Chemistry and corresponding research and quality control technology of silicate materials, Environmental laboratories, research institutions and engineering, General chemical technology. commercial companies. Simultaneously to theoretical studies during elaboration of Master thesis and within Education in chemical engineering enables specialty subjects a student acquires research to work in enterprises of different branches, methods and techniques, as well as can obtain where specialists in engineering sciences practical skills at an enterprise. - who can manage chemical processes, can ensure quality, are capable to develop new methods and equipment, are able Education in chemical engineering enables to create, design and introduce new to work in enterprises of different branches, innovative technologies - are needed. Such where leading specialists in engineering knowledge is necessary to work in testing, sciences - who can manage chemical quality control and research laboratories of processes, can ensure quality, are capable to different products and materials. Graduates develop new methods and equipment, are able intended to research are prepared for to create, design and introduce new innovative further studies at Master programmes. technologies - are needed. Such knowledge is necessary to work in testing, quality control and research laboratories of different products and materials. Graduates intended to research are prepared for further studies at the Doctoral programmes.

50 51 Doctoral study programme (KDL0) Professional Bachelor study programme (WCV0) Chemical Clothing and Engineering Textile Technology

Study programme «Chemical Engineering» Duration of studies: Duration of studies: The study programme is implemented by is the only program in this field in Latvia. 4 4 years 4 4 years the Department of Clothing and Textile The program envisages training of chemical (Extramural – 5 years) Technologies of the Institute of Technology engineering specialists for enterprises Resultant degree: and Design of Textile Materials of the Faculty dealing with processing and manufacturing Doctor of Engineering Sciences Resultant degree: of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, chemistry, biotechnology and pharmaceutical Professional Bachelor Riga Technical University (RTU). The study products, food, cosmetics, fuel, wood, Programme prerequisites: Degree in Clothing and program has been developed on the basis of ceramics, textile and building materials, Master of Engineering in Textile Technology and the engineering study programme «Textile etc., as well as specialists for corresponding Chemistry or Chemical Qualification of Engineer and Clothing Technology» by expanding research laboratories and research Technology, Master of Natural in Clothing and Textile the specialisation possibilities according institutions. Sciences in Chemistry, Master Production to market demand. The study programme in Chemical Engineering, has been implemented since 2007. It was Studies include typical for this branch Master of Engineering in Programme prerequisites: accredited in 2008. education in processes and apparatus Materials Science General Secondary of chemical technology, specialisation Education or 4-year The study programme foresees the in chemistry and technology of polymer Vocational Secondary opportunity of specialising in one of the four and silicate materials, fuels, biologically Education study directions – textile technology, apparel active compounds and wood, as well as technology, apparel designing or textile and environmental chemistry and technology. apparel consumer science. The graduates Simultaneously with theoretical studies a of the study programme are awarded student gains practical skills in pedagogy, the qualification of a Textile and Apparel acquires research methods and techniques, Production Engineer and the professional participates in scientific seminars. Bachelor degree.

Education in chemical engineering enables to work in enterprises of different branches, where leading specialists in engineering sciences - who can manage chemical processes, can ensure quality, are capable to develop new methods and equipment, are able to create, design and introduce new innovative technologies - are needed. Such knowledge is necessary to work in testing, quality control and research laboratories of different products and materials.

52 53 Professional Master study programme (WGV0) Doctoral study programme (WDV0) Clothing and Clothing and Textile Technology Textile Technology

The professional Master study Duration of studies: Duration of studies: The study programme is implemented by the programme has been developed based 2.5 2.5 years 4 4 years Institute of Textile Material Technology and on the technical basis of the academic (Extramural - 3,0 years) Design of the Faculty of Material Science Master study program «Textile and Resultant degree: and Applied Chemistry, Riga Technical Apparel Technology» (discontinued in Resultant degree: Doctor of Engineering University (RTU). According to the sectoral 2010) by developing it and adapting Professional Master Degree in Sciences classification of the Republic of Latvia, the for the needs of professional studies. Clothing and Textile Technology study programme covers the subsector of Considering the significance of the and Materials Science – Textile and Clothing industry for the national economy Qualification of Engineer in Industry Technology. and the production versatility, as well Clothing and Textile Production as the rapid development of textile The aims of the programme are to provide the materials and technologies, the MSc Programme prerequisites: opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge studies are directed towards broadening Bachelor Degree of Materials and skills required for an independent professional expertise, taking as the basis Science research, and to educate and train textile the professional qualification acquired and apparel technology experts of an upon completion of the Bachelor study international level, including the competence programme and supplementing the of the scientific work in the sectors related to professional knowledge of academic Materials Science, technology and business Bachelor students to the level of a decision-making processes. professional qualification of a production engineer. Special attention is devoted to the acquisition of the research methods and versatile new technologies related to the textile and apparel industry.

54 55 Professional Bachelor study programme (WCH0) Professional Master study programme (WGD0) Materials Material Technology and Design and Design Technology

Studies cover the entire product Duration of studies: Duration of studies: Professional Master study programme manufacturing cycle from the development 4 4 years 2 2 years is a multidisciplinary study programme of product conception corresponding to the (Extramural – 2,5 years) that not only involves specialisation in a specialisation, market research, elaboration Resultant degree: certain field, but also focuses on scientific of compositional, constructive and Professional Bachelor Resultant degree: and practical solution-oriented research technological solutions to the manufacturing, Degree in Materials Professional Master Degree planning, implementation, result analysis, advertising and sales strategy selection. Technology and Design and in Material Design and explanation, description writing, development Qualification of Product Technology of the forecasts, as well as the integration of The design studies are important elements Designer obtained results in product/service qualities. of the study process covering the skilful use Programme prerequisites: The designer portfolio can be developed of colours, shapes, textures, volume, as well Programme prerequisites: Bachelor of Materials through participation in the international creating visualizations at different stages of General Secondary Technology and Design or exhibitions, competitions, fashion shows, other product/collection development. Students Education or 4-year comparable education mass events and their organisation. develop their abilities to use appropriate Vocational Secondary research techniques, general purpose and Education Within the framework of the study programme, specialised vector and raster design software, students may get acquainted with the study as well as enhance their modelling and programmes of other universities, spend one presentation skills through combination of semester studying at leading universities of the different media and methods. The prototypes European Union within the scope of ERASMUS and/or collections developed within the or other exchange programmes, undertake scope of term papers, projects and Bachelor internships abroad or continue studies at other theses are demonstrated in fashion shows, universities of the European Union. exhibitions of student works and are exposed in the international exhibitions. The aim of the study programme is to provide professional education in materials design The study programme involves four years of and technology in order to obtain a Master’s full-time study. Within the framework of the degree, which ensures the acquisition of study programme, students may spend one relevant knowledge and skills allowing the or two semesters studying at universities of designer to operate as an industry artist and the European Union, undertake internships mediator, who is able to combine the material, abroad in enterprises, design or architecture produced research ideas and manufacturing bureaus. technology choices with market and cost- effectiveness studies, to identify new types of Study programme «Materials Technology and problems and ways of solving them, as well as Design» is an «umbrella type» multidisciplinary allow carrying out research and pedagogical programme leading to the Bachelor’s Degree activities, continuing studies at the Doctoral in Materials Technology and Design and the study programme. Professional Qualification «Product Designer» in one of the following specialisations:

■■ clothing design and technology;

■■ woodwork design and craft technologies;

■■ leather design and technologies;

■■ textiles design and technologies.

56 57 Academic Master study programme (KMN0) Academic Bachelor study programme (WBW0) Nanotechnologies Materials Science

of Materials The study programme «Materials Science» Duration of studies: is a multidisciplinary study programme, 3 3 years which has been implemented since the academic year 1999/2000. Resultant degree: Duration of studies: The aims of the academic Master study Bachelor of Engineering 2 2 years programme «Nanotechnologies of The volume of the study programme is 120 Science in Materials Materials» are to educate and train high credit points. 86 credit points are allocated Science Resultant degree: level specialists in the fields of nanomaterials to the compulsory study courses. Besides Master Degree of Engineering and nanotechnologies, inorganic, organic, traditional study courses (mathematics, Programme prerequisites: physics, chemistry, etc.), more than a Science in Nanotechnologies polymer nanomaterials, nanobiomaterials; to General Secondary develop students’ understanding of production half of the credits are allocated to the Education or 4-year Programme prerequisites: technologies of nanomaterials and to enable courses, which deal with general aspects Vocational Secondary Bachelor Degree or them to apply these technologies in their of materials science (structure-property Education Professional Bachelor scientific research. Name of qualification: relationships, the guide to materials Degree in Chemistry, Master of Engineering Sciences in development, materials of different Chemical Technology, Nanotechnologies. origin, composite materials, handling Physics, Materials Science, or and processing of materials, quality comparable education The basic tasks of the Master study assessment and certification of materials, programme are to provide the students with aging, recycling, ecology, and selection of the opportunity to acquire the knowledge of materials, etc.). several fields of fundamental sciences related to technologies of nanomaterials, to acquire Field-specific study courses (15 credits) The study programme is knowledge of specific professional disciplines are based on the study of a wide range implemented by experienced related to the synthesis of nanomaterials and of materials, devoting attention to their lecturers and scientists of the their research methods. applications (construction, electronics, fibre Institute of Polymer Materials materials, coatings, adhesives, etc.). The of the Faculty of Materials study programme ensures students with Science and Applied Chemistry in the background knowledge that enables collaboration with the academic them to continue their studies achieving staff of the Departments of Master’s and Doctoral degrees in materials Chemistry, Silicate Materials, science. Technical Physics, General Chemical Technology, and the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomechanics. The study programme aims to ensure that students acquire research skills and gain experience in the novel experimental techniques and equipment of the above-mentioned departments. The study programme envisages the elaboration and defence of the Bachelor thesis that is independent mandatory research conducted by a student on a chosen topic in the relevant field.

58 59 Academic Master study programme (WMW0) Doctoral study programme (WDW0) Materials Materials Science Science

Duration of studies: The study programme «Materials Science» is a The students of the so far only Doctoral Duration of studies: 2 2 years multidisciplinary study programme, which has study programme «Material Science» 4 4 years been implemented since the academic year in Latvia are given chance to take high Resultant degree: 2002/2003. Within the compulsory courses standard theoretical courses in material Resultant degree: Master of Engineering (37 credit points) of the study programme science and technology of innovative Doctor of Physics or Science in Materials students first of all acquire deeper theoretical materials which are based on materials Doctor of Engineering Science knowledge and practical skills on key physics and material chemistry. They Science disciplines of materials science. Students are can focus their studies in one of three Programme prerequisites: enabled to specialise in some particular topics study branches: «Materials for electronics Programme prerequisites: Bachelor of Engineering of materials science and technology (polymeric and photonics», «Polymer, silicate and Master of Engineering Sciences, Natural Sciences materials and composites, glass and ceramics, composite materials for constructions», Sciences, Master of wood, fibres, biomaterials, etc.) by acquiring «Biomaterials». Natural Sciences respective field-specific study courses and necessary spectra of experimental techniques The graduates of Doctoral programme in this field and to make an independent have been given a chance to defend their experimental research work in this area. When Doctoral thesis in the Doctorate Council completed and peer-reviewed, it is presented RTU P-18 in one of following sub-branches as a Master thesis. of Materials Science: material-physics, polymers and composite materials, ceramic The programme is the foundation for further materials and biomaterials. After successful studies at the Doctoral programme. The study defence they acquire Doctoral degree in programme is implemented by experienced physics or engineering science. Doctoral lecturers and scientists of the Institute of students are allowed to perform their Polymer Materials of the Faculty of Material scientific work using just obtained and Science and Applied Chemistry in collaboration modern scientific equipment at the Institute with the academic staff of the Departments of Technical Physics, Institute of Polymer of Chemical Engineering, Silicate Materials, Materials, Institute of General Chemical Technical Physics, as well as the Institute of Technology, Institute of Silicate Materials, Inorganic Chemistry, Institute of Materials Institute of Biomaterials and Biomechanics and Structures, Institute of Biomaterials and and Riga Biomaterial Innovation and the Biomechanics. Development Centre of RTU, named after Rūdolfs Cimdiņš.

During their Doctoral course students gain skills to appropriately develop new materials, perform systematic and versatile research on their physical and other properties, as well to utilise these materials to elaborate new innovative prototypes or point out their prospective application.

60 61 Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry 3/7 Paula Valdena Street, Riga, LV 1048, Latvia Phone: +371 67089249, fax: +371 67615765 E-mail: [email protected] www.mlkf.rtu.lv

Associate Dean for Dean Academic Affairs Valdis Kokars, Dr.chem., Māra Jure, Dr.chem., Professor Professor Phone: +371 67089224 Phone: +371 67089220 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Associate Dean for Associate Dean for Research Research Strategy Mārcis Dzenis, Dr.sc.ing Jānis Ločs, Dr.sc.ing. Professor Assoc. Professor Phone: +371 67089220 Phone: +371 67089628 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

62 63 www.rtu.lv