Science + Business #4 Special Edition 2018

NETWORK OF KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE key point LATVIAN SCIENCE IN NUMBERS

In the medium term, challenges of the sustainability of Latvian 25.5% society must become the The number of active innovative companies uniting reference points for in Latvia. Companies are considered active scientists, policy-makers and innovative if they have implemented at least for innovation companies. one technological (product and process), There must be focus on marketing or organisational innovation and/ this criteria in the following 21 or have performed innovative activities during research fields: The number of publicly funded research the reporting period (2012 – 2014). institutions in Latvia. ICT, cyber security and smart materials ICT is not just a new branch of information technology and develop- ment of commercial products, it is also a cyber security area, which is a research priority for engineering and natural sciences, as well as medi- cal, healthcare, social sciences and The percentage of humanities. women amongst Thousand the num- 52% scientists in 2013. ber of scientists in Independent and effective energy This is the highest number in the Eu- Latvia in 2016. Latvian energy policy should be ropean Union where on average 33 % of 7.4 focused on diversification of primary scientists are women. energy resources, increase of the pro- portion of renewable energy resour- The number of PhD ces and increase of energy efficiency. graduates in the 58%period 2013 to 2017 Demographics and public health are women. One of the greatest threats to sus- tainable development of Latvian so- ciety is the negative demographic si- The number of tuation, both negative natural growth people obtained a and negative migration balance. thousand the 1192 PhD in the period number of students 2013 to 2017. Social protection, equality and 81.6 in higher education security in Latvia during the academic year of This criterion focuses on issues in- 2017/2018. Thousand the number of volving socially disadvantaged groups students studying STEM and on action policies targeting spe- 20(science, technologies, cific and often marginalized segments engineering and maths) subjects during of the society. 11% the academic year of 2017/2018. The percentage Reasearch on education quality of international Educational policy makers need students during support from researchers to regularly the academic year monitor education quality and impro- of 2017/2018. ve teaching methods.

Research on Latvian identity values: Latvian language, Latvian history and cultural heritage million EUR In the future, the regions and the amount of countries that will strengthen and 110.4investments develop their unique identity will gain made in research and development in an important comparative advantage 2016, making up 0.44% of GDP. Target in the global race.

set for 2020 - 1.5% of GDP. ISSUES CURRENT THE ON STUDY BUREAU, STATISTICAL CENTRAL SCIENCE, AND EDUCATION OF MINISTRY SOURCE: OPPORTUNITIES AND TRENDS FUTURE SCIENCE, AND ECONOMY SOCIETY, LATVIAN DEVELOPING content

Science + Business #4 Special Edition 2018 BEING SAFE

During the hundred years of Latvia’s existence, the issue of safety and security has never lost its topicality. To fight for our

NETWORK OF country, to keep our country, to rebuild our country. Not to col- KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE lapse physically and emotionally when overpowered. Remain Latvian when leaving and remain Latvian when staying. Tea- ching children abroad and children at home to be Latvian. To build economy, to rebuild economy, to reach for the same level of economy that more developed countries have. In recent years, in the discourse between Latvia, Europe and the world, security is discussed every day, referring to the geo- political situation, the need to allocate a certain part of the state PERSONALITY budget to defence, international terrorism, cyber threats, and 02 To ask and answer. Agrita Kiopa information warfare. And yet, although the word «security» pri- marily makes us think of professional soldiers and improving their combat skills, the country’s, society’s and every individu- al’s need to feel secure creates a much more comprehensive set of questions and answers. It would be hard to argue with the fact that the energy sec- tor has the most direct link to security. Our country in general, the various institutions, companies and each individual citizen’s security in this modern technology era cannot be imagined wit- hout permanent, safe and affordable existing energy resources, which at the same time do not cause irreversible damage to the environment. Public health is not less important either. An in- creasingly innovative approach to both environmental protec- tion and medical development plays an important role here. By developing ever more new technologies, diagnostic methods, medications, enables us to fight diseases that used to claim cen- PARTNERS turies and decades ago. Clean environment, sustainable use of 06 Being part of a network resources, clear water, high quality, safe and at the same time accessible food, which does not purely consist of ingredients PERSONALITY that only chemists will have heard of, stable political environ- 09 Agnis Stibe: a new profession — welfare ambassador ment, growing economy, excellent education, positive demogra- ANALYSIS phic indicator, still alive intangible heritage, Latvian language and culture , national self-awareness... The list could go on and EDITION 16 There can never be too much security on. What role does science play here? Invaluable, besides not SCIENCE only by creating commercialised solutions and technologies, EDITOR 22 What does quantum physics, Internet of Things and but also by finding and offering answers to the major challenges LĀSMA VAIVARE security have in common? of the country and society. Lāsma Vaivare, GRAPHIC DESIGN TEHNOLOGIES Brain centre Editor of Innovation ALEKSEJS SMIRNOVS 30

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text / Lāsma Vaivare of Latvian scientists in international pro- photo / Edijs Pālens, LETA jects gives Latvia a chance to contribute not only to finding solutions for Europe- an and global challenges, but also gives an indication of the level of economical development in Latvia and the possible TO ASK AND return on investments. We have unique knowledge and resources that are only characteristic for our geographical loca- tion and climate. That is what makes us ANSWER appealing to others and enables us to be players in global networks. It is clear what role science has in promoting growth Besides that, science shares results — the more we research and get to know in Latvia — to create a knowledge base required for here, locally, the more and easier we re- various sectors and a human capital that is both rooted ceive from the whole world. Science is not in Latvia and global at the same time. Namely, a network the place where people live behind locked doors not knowing what is happening on of competent people who are in one way or another the other side of the ocean. They do know. connected to Latvia, enabling them to freely function at Of course, there are topics, technologies, the global level secrets that are not being revealed, they can only be fully understood being pre- sent. That is why we need to identify our Acknowledges Agrita Kiopa, the Deputy State Secretary of the network and work as much as possible Ministry of Education and Science, Director of the Department with people around the world. For this of Higher Education and Innovation, whilst emphasising the reason the topics covered at the congress significance of the 4th World Congress of Latvian Scientists in have been picked thinking about the sa- strengthening this network. «Geographically Latvia, our mother fety and development of Latvia, but abo- land, our father land, is where it is on the map of Europe, but ve all — the development of all areas of we live everywhere in the world. We have scientists in England, science. We look at what the most inte- France, Australia, USA, wherever we look we see our colleagues. resting issues in the world are and what It is important that many of them have strong roots and we hope our opportunity of getting involved is. that the congress will strengthen these roots even more. That is mainly due to the commitment universities have to form hu- Are you able to highlight what the man capital that is rooted in Latvia and globally involved. What most important issues are, for example, does that mean? We are talking about people who are connec- in the field of engineering science? ted to Latvia in some way, but at the same time also have work, We would need to ask the area leaders. friendship, project, business relationships all over the world. A We have invited two leaders for each prior acquaintance, a common place of study is basis of a re- science section to the congress — a Latvi- lationship, even when physically being in different parts of the an specialist and a foreign specialist who world,» she explains. This network is already quite broad and the has originated from Latvia. Engineering thought of a Latvian scientist being a small brother on the side- sciences are being represented by Tālis lines of Europe is categorically rejected. Juhna from RTU and Mārcis Jansons from Wayne State University. Their task will be to highlight where in the world the great- As long as the scientists maintain of brain drain and brain gain are used est movement is happening currently and their Latvian roots, do we not need to be to talk about the relationship between what Latvia’s chances are to join in on worried about the drain of knowledge peripheral and more central countries in these processes and ride the wave of de- capital? science. Finding a way to make the con- velopment. As our social sciences section We do need to be worried, and signi- cepts of brain gain and brain circulation leaders we have invited Gundars Bērziņš ficantly so. We are losing probably even come to life is what we do and it is the from the University of Latvia and Julia more than other areas are as we are lo- only way to make globalisation proces- Ellen Melkers from Georgia Technology sing our best ones. Both the scientists ses work to our advantage. We network, Institute. She is going to talk about en- who are in Latvia as well as the ones out- work together, find attachment and per- trepreneurial university. It could be said side of Latvia are part of our excellence, ceive ourselves as one whole unit, not that these are not new news in the world they are our elite. If the elite have nothing thinking in categories of — you left, you but they are news that never get old. Uni- to do here they look for work elsewhere in came back. versities are increasingly expected to have the world as science is global. We are very Although science has the most to worry an entrepreneurial spirit — they have to competitive and that is evidenced by the about with the labour market being glo- search for, think about how to develop fact that we hold positions of professors, bal, it also has the greatest potential to economy, ask questions that matter to us researchers, company managerial posi- turn globalisation into an advantage. The as a society, be that public body that plays tions everywhere in the world. Concepts global nature of science and participation an active role in advancing development. 2 The global nature of science and participation of Latvian scientists in international projects gives Latvia a chance to contribute not only to finding solutions for European and global challenges, but also gives an indication of the level of economical development in Latvia and the possible return on investments.

AGRITA KIOPA

DEPUTY STATE SECRETARY OF THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE, DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND INNOVATIONS

3 personality

FOR INFORMATION

It goes hand in hand with one of the big __4th Congress of Latvian function, how a number of processes hap- issues of the congress — what is the role Scientists pen — be it growing old, health, techno- of science in Latvian society? __The Aim — to bring together logy and product consumption processes. Science creates knowledge and peop- scientists from Latvia and of le who can think abstractly and critically. Latvian origin and their friends Can you name areas where our scien- Science plays the same role in Latvia as from all over the world to offer tists are particularly strong? I often hear it does elsewhere in the world — asking solutions for Latvia’s development it said that we are like a little brother. questions that matter to the society and and promote long-term We are all proud of Andris Ambainis and looking for honest, quality answers, whi- cooperation. his work on quantum, we are strong in cell ch are obtained using scientific methods __The Task — to create a platform and drug research, at the Institute of Orga- and therefore are trustworthy. Why do we for discussion and a pragmatic nic Synthesis, virus research at the Latvi- need it? So that we can exist, develop, be innovation forum in which the an Biomedical Study and Research Centre truly independent and truly safe. Safe in all participants of the Congress have and Riga Stradins University, at University aspects of security — safe as a community the opportunity to: of Latvia and elsewhere... I do not know and as individuals in their personal lives. I • meet one another, build why anybody would speak about the role really like the concept of resilience. It di- relationships and collaborations to of a little brother. In science you either rectly relates to an individual — how safe achieve common goals and launch exist or you do not. If we open up inter- do individuals feel in their life, about their projects in various areas of science national databases and search how many future, their children, grandchildren, their • Inform the Latvian society about Latvian scientists have published work and options, their development, in order to live the outstanding achievements how often it gets cited, we can see that we a meaningful life, growing and contribu- and success stories of scientists are very respectable in the world average, ting to the society. from Latvia and of Latvian origin, in many areas — even above the average. discovering the strength and We will never reach the same numbers of Should these topical questions come potential of Latvian human capital. publications as China or America, we are a from the society or should they be fixed • strengthen the roots in Latvia, small country. and generated by scientists themselves? discover Latvian culture and Scientists are part of the society. Scien- traditions; To what extent do Latvian scientists tists do not live in an isolated vacuum. • enhance the prestige of Latvian stress their Latvian origin elsewhere in The reason I am asking about who asks science and institutions. the world? the question is because the research SOURCE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND EDUCATION European Latvian Association has a very commissioned by the Ministry of Educa- attractive idea about professional Latvian tion and Science Topical issues for de- origin that brings together professionals of velopment of Latvian society, economy different fields. It is exactly the same with and science, trends and opportunities scientists — excellence and Latvian origin for their future development reveals di- is also in our nature. The population survey is what unites. Of course, the sense of be- fferences in the society’s view of which that you mentioned, although it was small longing will not be the same for everyone, fields of research should be supported and could be regarded more as a conver- it will be different from person to person, more, for example, health care, sustai- sation, not a representative study, con- and it will differ based on what connects nable lifestyle, and the security issues firms that the society cares for research on the person to Latvia. World Congress of raised in political documents. matters that directly affect people. People Latvian Scientists is our first attempt to Whoever pays for the research will word care about issues to do with health, envi- position ourselves as one whole unit. Thin- the question. Most often the society pays ronment, our history, future opportunities. king about the hundred years of Latvia and — with the taxpayer’s money the state has its major challenges, including security to commission science in the best possible In the survey, my attention was drawn and future development scenarios, this way. Scientists, on the other hand, when it to the fact that areas of research that is a unique opportunity to bring together comes to issues that matter to the public, the society already considers to be qui- the elite from all over the world and con- have to try to offer solutions in the best te advanced, such as medicine or engi- tribute to the strengthening of the state. I possible way. There will be programs whe- neering, at the same time were are also very much hope that we are united by our re scientists, when they see what interests mentioned amongst those that should be interest in Latvia as our joint ambition and the society, will offer solutions, for example developed further. Is this not a contradic- joint project. Agreement on the joint idea dealing with health or environmental issu- tion? and willingness to share one’s resources is es; and there will be programs where the Science is a constant process. For scien- very important here. Scientists have such state will clearly state the research sector, tists to ask questions, science constantly resources as knowledge, competences, as is the case, for example, in the field of needs investments. When it comes to so- contacts, opportunities, also reputation defence or security. It is very important to cial sciences and humanities, I think we at their disposal. If scientists use these ask for the society’s opinion and likewise have not emphasised their crucial role resources for their joint project — for Lat- it is important to show results. A study in enough. Humanities play an important via, then that is a major strength. After the cultural consumption in France shows that role in developing a society’s spirit and financial crisis in 2008 many people have people regard being interested in science soul. Social sciences let us understand left Latvia with great bitterness and resen- as part of their culture. The desire to know how society functions, how organisations tment. People should really try to get over 4 it, because it is not Latvia or an abstract results of its work and to tell about itself. complications, with few opportunities, or «country» that has made wrong and inhu- We can already see the snow-ball effect who are not able to see them, who have man decision, but specific people. Instead — there are more questions being asked, practically given up. It is the duty of uni- of abandoning the idea or Latvian state higher education institutions understand versities to highlight opportunities. It is a and origin, these specific people should be more fully that it is impossible to provide huge research field for social sciences. The held responsible. quality education without research and congress is also a tool that creates oppor- science. It is a necessary foundation for the tunities. At the end of the congress a resolution quality of higher education, as well as gives will be made. Is it possible at this time al- an opportunity to use the knowledge and Discussions on the next budget period ready to indicate what it’s direction it is technologies created in the whole world to of the European Union, which promise going to be and what purpose will it serve develop economy and to reach other goals more funds for research and develop- in the future? of ours. ment, have just begun. What does our The congress is being organised with country need to be able to achieve in or- contribution and offering of science to the When the lowest point has been achie- der to attract as much money for Latvia development of Latvia in mind. We would ved, it can be used as a stepping stone as possible? like to ascertain what science can give the to climb higher. However, is there a real We need to invest in state funding so society, what are the development scena- demand for science in society and busi- that we could have more scientists who rios going to be until year 2050 and which ness? Investments in new equipment will could get involved in a larger number of areas still need a supportive shoulder. pay off faster than in research. projects. The less state funding we have, During the hundred year celebrations One has got to be able to work with new the less scientists we have. The less te- we celebrate, look back into the history, equipment. They are complicated enou- ams we can form and less projects we can but equally we also have to think about gh nowadays and building and servicing submit, less funding we can receive from what we are going to be like in the next them requires competency. But, yes, that the European budget for science. Both our hundred years. That is the big question is a problem. Currently Latvian economic studies and those of the European Com- that we need to find an answer for. And sectors use the so-called low competiti- mission show a direct correlation betwe- who else. rather than scientists, should veness advantages and companies do not en the investment of each Member State wreck their brain over it. In my view, the invest in development. Neither private lo- nationally in science and the amount of resolution should move in this direction, cal companies, nor foreign, nor state ow- European funding received. We are used but what the direction will actually be — it ned corporations do this. Instead private to passing responsibility on to somebody is impossible to say at this time. What is companies secure around 8 % profit for else. In the case of financing science, poli- the resolution going to change? I think it is themselves, which is more than elsewhere. ticians argue that science should be finan- going to be like an agreement between the Whereas the profits of state organisations ced by companies in the sector or the Eu- scientists themselves about the vision of go to the state. This is partly due to the ropean Union. Global practice shows that development. It is also going to be a signal geopolitical situation, which is not what countries that have decided to develop to politicians about the issues that need we would like it to be. Besides, we as a so- their economy, investing in research and investment to be studied. ciety, are young. But there are ever more technological development. people who have gone further in develop- Why is year 2050 chosen as the year of ment of business and thinking, and they What does resilience mean for you? accountability for the third day discus- understand the value of science. Unfortu- Everything that makes a person feel se- sion about the development of Latvia? nately, there is also part of the society who cure in life, gives confidence for the future Our planning documents and those of are uneducated, without work, who have and opportunities. the European Union mark development up to year 2030. Scientists have to predict the next step. Scientific articles written in international collaboration by Latvian scientists, indexed by SCOPUS (%) What is your vision — in year 2050, will science as the driving force for develop- 50 ment of economy, politics, society, play a greater role? 42.5 Certainly, because it is impossible for 40 41.4 it to be even smaller than it is now. If it is going to be even smaller, then there will 36.3 32.6 be no us as the society. This role needs to 30.8 35.6 grow; we are on the right path: we have 30 invested a lot in the capacity of science — infrastructure, research that strengthens 28.4 the gearing between science and compa- 20 nies, in innovations and study develop- 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 ment programs. Now is the right time for science to demonstrate more actively the SOURCE: MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND EDUCATION 5 partners

text / Lāsma Vaivare «A doctor has to be confident photo / Elīna Karaseva, personal photo that whatever they use in their research, is going to be safe and tested for the patient,» says Jānis Ločs, Director of Being part of Riga Technical University (RTU) Institute of General Chemical Technology, leading researcher and project manager of the a network Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence «If you do not know what others are doing, then you will be building a bicycle in your shed while your neighbour is already riding a motorcycle»

This is a comparison used by Jānis Ločs, Printing of spare parts fractures. Putting materials to new use is the Director of Riga Technical University Research and work on development of also being planned in collaboration with (RTU) Institute of General Chemical Te- biomaterials to replace damaged human Trauma and Orthopaedic Hospital. J. Ločs chnology, leading researcher and project tissue and organs, such as bone tissue, makes a comparison «sugar does not manager of the Baltic Biomaterials Centre has already been successfully happening have just one function — to sweeten tea. of Excellence (BBCE), explaining why the- for years at RTU. Working together with There are other functions and, quite pos- re has to be a great focus on international Riga Stradiņš University (RSU), synthetic sibly, some of them might be much more collaboration and creation of a network biomaterials that grow bone are experi- valuable than sweetening tea.» Therefo- of professionals in science. He is a board mentally being used in dentistry, maxil- re, in cooperation with the Trauma and member of the Scandinavian Society of lofacial surgery, but in collaboration with Orthopaedic Hospital, a solution could Biomaterials and works at the European Riga 2nd Hospital, studies are being car- be sought for the use of biomaterials in Society of Biomaterials Young Scientist ried out on osteoporotic bone strengthe- situations where an implant is needed, Forum, therefore his words about the ning in the event of fractures in which for example, a hip prosthesis has been benefits of networking have a definite materials developed by the RTU are being replaced and there is an inflammation, an weight to them. used for surgical treatment of large bone unfavourable environment. Rūdolfs Cim- 6 diņš Riga Biomaterials Innovation and FOR INFORMATION will remember their experience in Latvia, Development Centre, which forms part of it will be mentioned in their CV. It would Institute of General Chemical Technology __A promising interdisciplinary area make us more recognisable internationally have developed various compositions of science that can promote the and would let us form a network of agents. and uses of biomaterials, including com- creation of new products with high This philosophy is much more widespread plex biodegradable materials with medi- added value is the research of smart abroad,» says J. Ločs. Besides, welcoming cation supplying properties. They provide materials. This opens up opportu- international researchers regularly would a local supply of medications, such as an- nities to find innovative solutions also widen the network of specialists who tibiotics, after manipulations. It is a trend for use of local biomass to create are competent in biotechnologies, and of biomaterial research and development smart building materials. Smart possibly, make Latvia an interesting mar- not only in Latvia, says J. Ločs and men- materials will be available for use in ket for investors, where a biomaterial plant tions a few other topicalities. «Medical a wide range of fields - civil engine- could also be built. sciences and biology are gaining more ering, electrical engineering, elec- By learning from the experience of col- and more understanding about how cells tronic technologies, information leagues and co-workers, it is possible not «communicate» with one another, giving engineering, chemical technologies, to repeat the mistakes that they have pre- each other signals. The materials that we mechanical engineering and ma- viously made and move forward faster. are developing act as a foundation for tiny terial engineering. Latvian science According to statistics we are working at little molecules that can be sown upon policy planning documents define lower efficiency; this is also due to the fact them to tell other cells where to come. smart materials, technologies and that we do not tell others what and how What makes it complicated is the fact that engineering systems as a separate to do to find the solution faster. In order each organism reacts to communication area of smart specialization, within to change this, we are hoping to create differently. The question is — how to con- which it points outs implant ma- electronic student workbooks that will ac- trol, how to predict the cells’ response,» terials, composite materials, thin cumulate information on the progress of he says. It is hard for material scientists to layers and coatings and smart ma- the research and will enable other resear- deal with these challenges on their own, terials on glass fibre base as niche chers to use it. «After graduating students therefore research is becoming increa- research and innovation areas. will have kept notes on their Bachelor and singly interdisciplinary. SOURCE: STUDY ON THE CURRENT ISSUES DEVELOPING Master’s theses, but they are difficult to Another topicality — 3D printing of LATVIAN SOCIETY, ECONOMY AND SCIENCE, FUTURE read. Theses itself is polished work, but biomaterials. This area is developing, alt- TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES the ground work is not reflected there, hough it is limited by the European Union their note books should have complete in- (EU) regulations on materials that can be formation,» the researcher says. To be able used. There is technology available on the to exchange knowledge it is also valuable market for printing metal products, but to attend various seminars, conferences. . metal remains in the body for life, it does not degrade. There is huge potential to the EU Horizon 2020. There is an interna- Affects even more develop degradable materials. The ques- tional team of scientists involved in the Due to several reasons implant techno- tion is though — how to keep 3D printed project — representatives from AO Rese- logies and methods is a growing market: human spare parts sterile. There is also a arch Institute Davos, Switzerland, Institu- the world’s population is growing, life question of what kind of ink to use. RTU te of Biomaterials of Friedrich-Alexander expectancy is increasing, therefore there scientists alongside their foreign partners Erlangen-Nürnberg University, Germany, is a need for a fulfilled life at the older age; are working on the composition of the ink, RTU›s Rūdolfs Cimdiņš Riga Biomaterials at the same time there is more financial the focus is on hyaluronic acid. Innovation and Development Centre, Riga stability and increased availability of me- Stradiņš University (RSU), RSU’s Institute dical technologies. Meanwhile, people Side by side, not behind of Stomatology and the Latvian Institute of are diagnosed with various illnesses at a J. Ločs does not hide that Latvia is cur- Organic Synthesis. EU funding provided to much younger age, for example, osteopo- rently somewhat lagging behind Europe the centres of excellence is not for research rosis, heart attack, much younger people in researching and using 3D printing to but for support, for example, to give them are given hip endoprosthesis. Research develop biomaterials, which is due to the opportunity to attract international post- shows — the younger the patient, the soo- limited funds. To achieve a higher stan- PhD and PhD students and being able ner the implant wears out. The reason for ding the plan is to purchase a 3D printer to offer them a competitive salary. «Cur- this is that younger patients are physical- and to send the new specialists to gain rently, international researchers rarely ly more active. This is where another area experience from foreign partners. come to Latvia to gain work experience. If of research opens up — it is complicated J. Ločs is currently managing an inter- we had the financial means, we would be to replace biomaterial implants that have national project for the Baltic Biomaterials able to advertise a position with a com- grown onto the body. Centre of Excellence (BBCE). The founding petitive salary internationally. It would be Since life expectancy is increasing and principles of the BBCE are emphasis on an exchange of knowledge — we would population in both Latvia and Europe is cooperation and exchange of knowledge learn from the international researcher, getting older, early diagnosis of various with local and international partners, and he or she would learn from us. After two diseases and therapy is very important. the industry by pooling the competencies or three years, when the researcher leaves, «Cancer and dementia at the moment and developing the industry of biomate- we would offer the post to somebody else. are the most acute diseases as they are rials. The Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Perhaps, ten years later this scientist will connected to old age. Cancer is largely Excellence is a research project funded by become a dean at Oxford University and an age-related disease, of course, it can 7 partners

In the next ten to fifteen years, 80—90 % of cancers will be treatable. The most difficult part usually is stepping over the tale, the last 10 % will probably take another 20 years. ALVIS BRĀZMA

THE LEADING RESEARCHER AT THE EUROPEAN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY AND THE HEAD OF GENE EXPRESSION

DEPARTMENT AT THE EUROPEAN BIOINFORMATICS INSTITUTE

not be applied to all types of cancer, but FOR INFORMATION allows them access to laboratory services certainly to many. In the spring I came and programs, as well as to observe labo- back from America where I attended the __Research and innovation in the ratory board meetings. Estonia, in turn, is association for cancer research meeting. health sector should improve pa- a member of the European Life Sciences Around fifteen years ago, it was a fairly tient diagnostics as well as easier Infrastructure for Biological Information small meeting; this year around 20 thou- access to and effectiveness of tre- ELIXIR. As A. Brāzma says, «it is easier to sand registered participants gathered at a atment through personalized ap- get involved in the international bioinfor- major conference centre in Chicago,» Al- proach and smart diagnostic tools matics circle than it is with other sectors, vis Brāzma, the leading researcher at the and methods. The latest biomedi- because no major investment is required. European Molecular Biology Laboratory cal research achievement approba- Bioinformatics is more of a bit and byte (EMBL) and the head of gene expression tion and further implementation in rather than an atom and molecule world. department at the European Bioinfor- clinical practice throughout Latvia Therefore you don’t need much more matics Institute (EMBL-EBI), points out a would also help bring to life innova- than a computer and internet». research topicality. EMBL is Europe’s lea- tions in the field of healthcare. Re- ding life sciences laboratory, an intergo- search on antibiotic molecular re- Not to let a cell commit suicide vernmental organisation with more than sistance and public health aspects, In life sciences, bioinformatic methods 80 independent research groups. One life threatening children’s diseases and data analysis is taking on a more im- of EMBL’s goals is to integrate European and development of prevention portant role. One of the branches of the life sciences by providing researchers and plans also need to have more sup- EBI is cancer genome research to un- students with opportunities to practice port. derstand what changes in cancer geno- research. Latvia’s participation in EMBL SOURCE: STUDY ON THE CURRENT ISSUES DEVELOPING mes take place, how to classify them, what would increase the opportunities for Lat- LATVIAN SOCIETY, ECONOMY AND SCIENCE, FUTURE the potential molecular mechanisms are vian PhD students to study in this labo- TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES that lead from the changes in the geno- ratory, as well as for Latvian scientists to me to cancer, and how to potentially use participate in top-level international rese- this knowledge in therapy, A. Brāzma arch, including opportunities to apply for explains. «At the bottom of oncological grants to the European Research Council. diseases is the unwillingness of cells to Being a part of EMBL would also mean an submit to the body’s control. They are opportunity to participate at the labora- international science organisations will no longer controllable and start growing, tory board meetings, enabling a better strengthen the image of the Latvian scien- «working» in their own favour. In all mul- understanding of current research trends ce community, help to gain contacts at di- ticellular organisms, including humans, and potential cooperation, he says. Of fferent levels and in different societies. At there are various mechanisms that cau- course, there is a risk that a Latvian stu- the moment, though, network of Latvian se cells to, so to speak, commit suicide, dent or a scientist involved in EMBL stu- and Latvian origin scientists is still thin when attempting to go out of control due dies would not return back home straight and there is still lots to be done in order to genome mutation. And there are also away, but even staying outside of Latvia, for «Latvia to integrate more deeply into different ways in which cells try to avoid they would form a network of scientists, European science». these mechanisms. The idea of molecu- which has a major impact in the develop- «For physicists it is important to be lar cancer research is to understand what ment of science, attracting funding and members of the European Organization the potential paths are that cells choose exchanging knowledge. «The only way to for Nuclear Research (CERN) — an orga- to avoid suicide and how to block them,» get this information and experience is to nisation where Latvia is about to become explains A. Brāzma using simple compari- find one’s way into the European scienti- involved; similarly, for biologists and me- sons. He is confident that in the next ten fic elite circles,» he believes. Participation dics involvement in EMBL is important,» to fifteen years, 80—90 % of cancer types in international research organisations says A. Brāzma, calling for consideration will be treatable, it will, probably, remain should be looked at also from the angle of Latvia’s membership in this or related a chronic disease, but it will not be lethal of security strengthening, emphasises organisations. Since 2015, Lithuania is a and patients’ quality of life will not suffer A. Brāzma. Namely, connections with potential member state — a status which as much. 8 personality

text / Anda Asere, Dienas Bizness, for Innovation photo / ESLSCA Business School Paris, Benjamin Brolet Pho- tography, Vera Goldberga A NEW PROFESSION — WELFARE AMBASSADOR

The overall long-term welfare of the society will be driven by technologies that have been ethically created and well-intended

In the future social engineering is ex- You will be participating at the World What does social engineering actually pected to become just as natural in our Congress of Latvian Scientists with a lec- mean? everyday lives as internet is. Internet was ture. What are you going to talk about? I have recently been wondering wheth- unknown, unfamiliar and scary to us in My lecture is on the subject of Trans- er I want to continue calling myself social the early days, as it is the human nature forming sociotech design — help for engineer. It is still a very fitting descrip- to be alarmed about everything that is people to change successfully. Breaking tion, as well as welfare ambassador. If we new. That is why people often take a very it down into terms: design means creat- stick to the term social engineer, I like cautious view on many modern technol- ing and everyone is fairly familiar with this title as it brings out the engineering ogies. Indeed, there is a possibility that this word. We can split the term «socio- competency, which is important in devel- they have been developed by people with tech» into two parts — social and techni- oping socially influencing technologies. bad intentions. Nevertheless, Agnis Stibe, cal, which are also fairly self-explanatory Nevertheless, the social component and professor of ESLSCA Business School Par- terms — technologies and their interac- understanding of people, their nature, be- is and social engineer, believes that this tion with people, social environment, so- haviour, relationship and interaction with fear will gradually disappear and there ciety. As for the term «transforming» it technologies is equally important in order will be ever more examples of ethically needs to be said that when we talk about for technologies to help people change developed and properly used technolo- change in behaviour, the result often fluc- in the direction of welfare, whatever that gies creating significant innovations that tuates backwards and forwards. For ex- means for different people. If we asked contribute to growth. «Any state and local ample, if a person follows a specific diet, anybody what welfare means, we would government body that looks after people at first they may lose weight, but after a always get an answer. We would also al- and their welfare at any level, needs at while they will put it back on, because ways get an answer to the question — is least one social engineer or welfare am- the human nature dictates that we need there anything that could contribute to bassador whose daily task would be solely to eat to be able to survive. This example welfare. If there is a social engineer pres- reviewing and developing society welfare demonstrates that there is no permanent ent when asking these questions, by lis- processes, and connecting them to tech- and purposeful movement in the set di- tening carefully their task becomes clear. nological solutions which essentially are rection. The goal of transforming technol- being purposefully developed in order to ogies is to help support individual goals How old is this scientific discipline? move into the direction of welfare,» he for them to move in the desired direction A book titled Persuasive Technology maintains. without much fluctuation. was published in 2003. Based on this 9 personality book and on the interest in this field by many researchers, the Persuasive Tech- nology Conference was founded in 2006. I have been attending this conference since 2010. Interest in persuasive technologies first started at the Department of Psy- chology at Stanford University where two elderly social psychology professors came face to face with a technological inno- vation — a computer. Their department started using computers and they were There need to be ethical and highly posed with a question — if they are re- moral standards adopted in developing searching people and how individuals can technologies that aim at improving influence and persuade one another, then people’s wellbeing, says Agnis Stibe, the question of how to build a persuasive professor of ESLSCA Business School Paris computer arises. I would not say it is a big and social engineer. conference, around a hundred people at- tend it every year, but this area of research is also represented in other computer re- lated conferences on interaction between a person and computer. For many years I have been involved in business as well as in academic sector and I can see that these nuances and characteristics overlap at conferences of both areas. One might think that forms of behaviour differ in business and the academic field — it is profit in one case and creating knowledge in the other, but the basic instincts that drive interaction, rivalry, cooperation, Where do you see this field in the fu- tion. As a result, the person knows what competition and similar, exist in both sec- ture? they are eating themselves and what their tors, because people work in both sectors. I think that in the future persuasive neighbours are eating and how healthy it technologies will flow into our everyday is. If you are doing worse than your neigh- How many social engineers are there life as naturally as internet has; it was bours, the fridge will constantly incon- in the world? unknown, unfamiliar and scary to us in spicuously show you that. I think few people have this title. In es- the early days. It is the human nature — I believe that those technologies that sence, they are people who have skills and everything that is new is frightening, as come into our everyday life properly, eth- understand both social psychology and our instincts react to everything unfamil- ically and morally, will be the ones that technologies. Most of the participants iar with fear and initial anxiousness. Many contribute to our common welfare. Of at the conference could in some way be- see technologies as possible manipula- course, I have to be honest and admit that long to the group of specialists who could tion, because people are scared of being there will always be the other spectrum as be called social engineers. Counting all influenced. Indeed, people with bad in- well where somebody will always want to the conference participants from previ- tentions can use technologies to manipu- make more profit, have more power, in- ous years, around a thousand people are late but, at the same time, I think this fear fluence and in principle nothing will stop probably involved in this area in depth. will disappear in the future as there will them from using these same technologies be ever more examples of technologies to implement their dark patterns. The first book on the subject was pub- helping the society when used properly lished 15 years ago. How has this sub- and if innovations are developed by peo- How do we fight that? ject evolved in this time? ple with high ethical standards. They can There need to be ethical and highly We had discussions about this at the help in many areas, for instance, health. moral standards adopted in developing last conference. Thanks to my initiative There are smart tooth brushes that as- technologies that aim at improving peo- a seniors’ meeting was convened and we sist in brushing teeth and, if you are not ple’s wellbeing. Technologies have to discussed the fact that, unfortunately, the doing it right, suggesting you to hold the be transparent. When people who aim characteristic figures of the conference brush differently. The more people will be for positive environment start building are stagnating. Even though in the last few pleased and will find the inner balance transparent persuasive technologies, years the environment where persuasive due to technologies, the more people any other technologies appearing on the technologies first appeared was promis- will become ambassadors. Another con- market that are not transparent, will ex- ing, and we should be seeing increase in troversial example is a smart fridge that pose and disqualify themselves. The main the numbers of participants at the confer- can evaluate the contents of the fridge thing is to give everybody an opportunity ence, in more scientific research, in reality and, for example, compare it to the con- to quickly determine what is the devel- it is not so. I believe that the conference tents of other fridges in the same block oper’s intention for the technology that next year will be much better. of flats, based on the collective informa- the person has acquired. If the intention 10 CV Agnis Stibe __Work Experience: Professor at ESLSCA Business School Paris. Previously Scientific Fellow at Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nologies Lab, Persuasion Engineer at Uni- versity of Oulu in Finland, Business Develop- ment Manager for First Data International, Graduate Association President at RTU Riga Business School, Technology Sales Manager for Oracle, Customer Relationship Manager and Consultant for Hewlett-Packard, Cus- tomer Relationship Manager for MicroLink, Interactive Department Manager for Bates ADM, Director for ADM Interactive, Deputy Director and Senior Rapporteur of the IT De- partment of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs __Education: Bachelour’s and Master’s de- gree in Computer Science (University of Latvia), Master’s degree in Business Man- agement (RTU Riga Business School), PhD in Philosophy (University of Oulu in Finland) __Hobbies: self-knowledge, transforming, hockey, poetry

is to help and they are not afraid of the have noticed. France, with their president view, at the basis of a sustainable urban transparency of technology, the users will at the forefront, emphasises its commit- environment is a sustainably minded in- be able to see how it is built, why, what ment to sustainable science and ecology. habitant, guest and society in whole. Cer- the intention is etc. Every time a person I see urban innovations every day. Right tainly, the urban environment itself can sees a transparent technology, they will now, sharing economy is very popular in be purposefully built, using all kinds of know that the developers are aiming for Paris, for example with bicycles and cars. technologies, in order to help these peo- welfare. As soon as they see a technology At first, I did not pay much attention to ple become sustainably minded people. that cannot provide this transparency, it sharing schemes, but when I started find- will be clear that the intention here is dif- ing out about ice-hockey halls and how to And what is a sustainably minded so- ferent. By giving everybody an opportuni- get to them, the local hockey players sug- ciety and individual? How would you ty to easily determine transparency of any gested using a car sharing scheme. Prac- measure whether what a person does is technology, in the long-term we can ar- tically every four blocks have a parking lot or is not sustainable? rive at the transforming vector that helps with electric cars for sharing. I am getting Here we come to essential core values. everybody recognise all the persuasive an impression that somebody is very stra- In my view long-term is paramount to be- technologies that increase welfare. tegically looking after and thinking about ing sustainably minded. We all make deci- a sustainable urban environment, espe- sions — individually, in our families, busi- You have previously worked as a scien- cially when it comes to transport. nesses, society, organisations, regions, tific fellow at Massachusetts Institute of countries. Each of these decisions has Technology Media Lab, now you are a What is your social engineer’s vision an impact date. Decision makers, when professor at ESLSCA Business School on sustainable urban environment? choosing one or another option, deter- Paris. What are the similarities and di- In my view the very basis of a sustain- mine what the effect and timeline of this fferences in the understanding of social able urban environment is people who decision will be. Every decision and action engineering on both sides of the ocean? think sustainably. It is an unconvention- taken impacts on welfare and it has a pre- I have been in Paris since July last year al answer as a common answer would dictable timeline. Sometimes a decision and my scientific activity is still global; be clever equipment, reactive systems, you make will have an impact for a day, more often than not I talk to people who accountability and feedback. Indeed, all while another decision will have an im- are not in France. I am developing my col- that forms part of sustainable urban en- pact lasting for years. Therefore, I would laborative network throughout the world; vironment, but unfortunately, or should say that a measure for being sustainably therefore, I often do not feel a direct bond I say fortunately, the central element will mindful is decisions made by any member with the place I am based at. My French always be people. Our behaviour dictates of public, their actions long-term. at the moment is not at such level that I how we behave within these smart urban would be able to follow the local news, environments, how we use the technol- What is your view, as a social engi- but there are some certain nuances that I ogies available to us. Therefore, in my neer, on what is happening with social 11 personality media, Cambridge Analytica and Face- What subjects do you teach your stu- My teaching style includes students book scandal, Brexit, Trump winning the dents in Paris? working on projects. Each student picks election? I teach subjects that are directly linked a topic and I give them a sample with It is all to do with ethics and morals. We to my work — Transforming Sociotech which they can define the main issue of try to convert as many people as possible Design, Socially Influencing Systems and the project. It is usually something to do to our own set of values, values that we Dark Patterns and Persuasive Backfiring. with a change in people’s behaviour that form, we invest time in promoting our Dark patterns are deliberate, they run they would like to achieve. They work own view of these values individually, according to a plan, for instance, an air- with their project, they understand which in our families, at school and work. The line wants to fool their ticket buyers and people they would like to help change, we same thing happens at the other end of they do so. Unconscious influencing, on look at the methodology, seven forms of the spectrum, where there are other eth- the other hand, means that sometimes social influence, transforming models ical and moral values and those people — and they use it all for their projects, believe that that is the norm; they use all thinking about innovations, technologi- technological tools to achieve and pro- cal solutions that would help this target mote their values. Everybody thinks that audience achieve change. their set of values is the best; similarly, There are many innovations that have there is also different views on ethics and been specifically built to change people’s morals. But people who do these things behaviour and, unfortunately, often they most probably believe that that is the The very basis of a can be targeted at a group of people who norm and everybody else who do not do are not ready to change and do not want it are stupid. Psychologically they have sustainable urban to. There are many people who want to a need to support their conviction and environment is people change therefore we need to work with views and they will use all technological who think sustainably. those people first. As soon as we help tools possible to achieve it. It is an unconventional them, they will be the ones showing the answer as a common example and inspiring to see that many What are your own values? have managed to change. For instance, As I said before, everybody thinks that answer would be clever if you would like to become sustainably their own values are the best. As a person equipment, reactive minded, to start recycling, then seeing an who has studied social psychology, tech- systems, accountability example that somebody has managed to nologies, management, forms of persua- and feedback. Indeed, do that and how they have achieved that sion and gained other knowledge, I can all that forms part can be very inspirational. One of the main see several sides to myself. Our brain is things that I encounter working with stu- the central control centre, but at the same of sustainable urban dents is that they, just like all of us do, time there are some basic instincts within environment, but look at and see what is around them. I us — if we had not eaten for three days, unfortunately, or should am trying to widen this line of vision. Of our values would somewhat change. I say fortunately, the course, I have to battle stereotypes that When people reach my age they often central element will have been put in place by consumer so- have to think about the meaning of life, ciety. I am particularly pleased to see stu- and values are at the basis of the mean- always be people. Our dents changing during the course. ing of life. My values are selfcare, caring behaviour dictates for my welfare in the way that would en- how we behave within Zero-waste living and other green ini- able me to be a productive and mindful these smart urban tiatives are very topical at the moment. member of my family, organisation and environments, how we How do they resonate with thinking society, so that I could add value to global long-term? developments and value scales. My core use the technologies I have not looked into these activities value is welfare and that includes feel- available to us. in depth, but I do understand that there ing well, being in good spirits and being AGNIS STIBE are many people who care about ecology PROFESSOR OF ESLSCA BUSINESS SCHOOL PARIS AND SOCIAL satisfied with what is happening around ENGINEER and sustainability. I believe that as much me and with myself. If a person is look- as they can, they make decisions and take ing after their inner balance and welfare, a person may have good intentions, but actions taking into account the long-term straight away it naturally reflects on all they are misunderstood and something measure. But at the same time, I assume their interactions on the outside. goes wrong. Considering that there are that also these organisations might need Therefore, the more stable a person’s going to be more and more technologies a more organised and better managed inner balance is, the more everybody else, developed in order to influence the pub- view on what long-term actually means. who may have not achieved such balance, lic, both situations when the developers An organisation may be focusing on waste will feel it. Those who are not balanced, have dark intentions and when bad things recycling, carrying out various activities in when interacting will naturally transfer happen unintentionally will arise. There- order to implement processes and sys- their anxiety onto the balanced person. fore, it is especially important to educate tems, to help people adapt, but maybe at The same goes for the balanced person — on these subjects. some point, when you are so focused, you the more balanced a person is, the more do not look at the whole picture, what is they will permit and encourage the unbal- How interested are your students in the common measure, why is it done and anced person to seek their own balance. this new scientific discipline? what will be the long-term impact. 12 key point

USA comes to mind here. They are being blamed for promoting the con- sumerism cult. Is the consumer culture really that much more significant there or are we just trying to flatter ourselves ANDRIS JANKEVICS thinking that we are not so consumer EXPERIMENTAL OFFICER AT PHENOME CENTRE BIRMINGHAM, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM minded? One of the greatest challenges in many areas of natural scien- Since the beginning of the age of inter- ces is the ever increasing volume of information available, both net all the tendencies have globalised. in the form of scientific publications, as well as through various Consumer culture was created very pur- data banks. Using effective, user-friendly information techno- posefully and, unfortunately, it is being logy tools to separate «grains» from «chaff» is one of the main actively maintained and promoted in conditions for future development of natural sciences. many ways, because the supporters of this culture are gaining from this way of thinking and promotion of it. I have lived in Latvia, USA and Finland, now I am liv- ing in France, I have also travelled and seen many countries. I have to say that consumer culture is spreading very quick- ly. I think that it is driven by the human nature, basic instincts and necessity. Fear INA DRUVIETE factor is also very important — people are PROFESSOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA, afraid of not being accepted, not being a VICE-RECTOR FOR HUMANITIES AND EDUCATION SCIENCES part of the society. Nowadays, besides solving problems that are common for the whole of mankind, the preservation of the identity of each You started your career working for country and every ethnic identity is becoming increasingly more technology companies. Which technol- important, so that the world would not move towards homoge- ogies do you see as having the most po- neity, but towards enrichment of each other. Topics of public in- tential to transform the world in a posi- terest, such as ethical and legal issues, cultural identity, religious tive way? thought, changes in culture, language, understanding of due to At the moment the world is full of all technologies and social mobility, distribution of resources and sorts of technologies and tendencies. The wealth cannot be addressed without the participation of huma- most recent examples are blockchain, ar- nities experts and direct communication between researchers tificial intelligence and machine learning. and social partners. The scientific capacity of the individuals These are techniques and technological employed in the field of humanities makes it possible to grasp processes that have a potential of becom- the various areas of the science of humanities interdisciplinary ing better and more productive. Some- linked, by identifying the most recent theories and using the times I ask myself — ok, we will develop opportunities presented by new technologies. It strengthens the a solution that will imitate human think- identity of our country and cultural and historical knowledge, as ing. How is that going to contribute to the well as increases understanding of the processes in the society, society? That is the most fundamental because Latvia is the only place in the world where full research question. Engineers are doing everything of the Latvian language, literature and culture can take place. right, but social engineers or welfare am- bassadors are needed to look at the role of technologies linked to welfare. My first degree in computer science and also my workplaces have been close- ly linked to this area. I am certain that technologies will become even better and more effective. We need to focus more TĀLIS JUHNA on having people who position these PROFESSOR AND VICE-RECTOR OF SCIENCES, RIGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY technologies within the bigger picture of With the development of competitive technologies, data will be welfare, this is an area that in many coun- increasingly used in the future and new sensors will be developed tries is not organized even at government to obtain it. Developing data processing techniques, such as mac- level. Of course, there are people who are hine learning, will boost robotics and automation, making equip- responsible for related areas, but people ment smarter. That will in turn increase the need for ensuring data who are sustainably minded, with tech- safety. Climate technologies will become economically more viable nological education and social psychol- and will compete against the more traditional energy producing te- ogy in order to effectively achieve a great chnologies. Smart technologies will be used even more in medicine change, that is the most important issues and agriculture, thus strengthening the health and welfare of the that all of us on this planet need to imme- society. Is the society ready for such rapid onset of technologies in

diately take care of. our lives - a question that is becoming even more topical. PREISS GUNDEGA PREPARED: 13 science

text / Zane Eniņa, 36,6 C, for Innovation photo / Evija Trifanova, LETA

On the edge of bacteria abyss The world is increasingly talking about an antimicrobial resistance, or an antibiotic insusceptible bacterial crisis: cases of people getting infected with germs and finding no medicine to fight it are becoming more frequent

There are countries where such a risk exists on a general do- mestic level; in the meantime the situation in Latvia is compara- tively good: here we still do not have any bacteria spreading that would be resistant to all existing antibiotics, and the problem er, the research highlights an unwelcome of resistance is mainly contained within reanimation units in trend — use of antibiotics is excessive in hospitals. There is work to be done in order to remain in this treating children, whereas, in treating position for a while longer — consumption of antibiotics should elderly people who are suffering from an be limited and hospitals with individual wards should be built, infectious disease, antibiotics are used evaluates Uga Dumpis, Chief Epidemiologist in Latvia, Profes- comparatively less. «In fact, children very sor of the University of Latvia, Head of the Infection Monitoring rarely suffer from bacterial infections that Service at the Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital. «We should be treated with antibiotics; but have been studying hospital-acquired infection and antibiotic with the elderly it is the other way round resistance issues for about twenty years now in Latvia. They are — situations where antibiotics should be usually interconnected because infections in the hospital are of- taken may be more common» he stresses. ten caused by micro-organisms that are resistant to antibiotics,» U. Dumpis explains. Threat to human development There are no bacteria in the world that are not resistant to antibiotics that have been invented to eliminate them. They Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is treated like in pre-antibiotics era, remov- are still not spreading in Latvia, and there mainly due to the inadvertent use of an- ing the pus and infection surgically. The are also 1 — 2 types of antibiotics that tibiotics in both humans and livestock: in damage is much wider, recovery is longer are used to treat microbial infections that the process of natural selection bacterial and may not be as successful.» are non-susceptible to other medicines. strains develop that are not susceptible to On the global scale, antibiotic resist- «For instance, there is a bacteria in our antibiotics, which should be killing these ance outside hospitals in Latvia is relative- hospitals that can only be fought with microbes. The spread of such micro-or- ly rare. The doctor explains that accord- one type of antibiotics. They have been ganisms is enhanced by poor infection ing to a not yet published research data manufactured since the fifties and were control in medical institutions, when re- in the Baltic States, it has transpired that used mainly in veterinary medicine at that sistance bacteria have the opportunity to Latvia has had the least cases of antibi- time. Then they were forgotten about be transmitted from patient to patient, or otic resistant gastrointestinal bacteria in for a while, but now they have proved to there is a risk of infection during surgical people not connected to health care. The be effective in treating people,» says U. procedures or operations. Infection does reason: we do not use a lot of antibiotics Dumpis, while emphasizing that similar not occur every time; the risk of infection and the health care availability is not of cases of resistance in Latvia are relative- also depends on the type of operation or the highest level. Another positive factor ly rare. There are countries, for instance manipulation. «If it is an ordinary bacte- in this context is that Latvia is not over- Greece and Turkey, where this has already ria, the patient will take antibiotics and crowded. Also livestock farming, in which created a crisis, and being admitted to the will get better. If an infection is caused antibiotics are widely used in other coun- Reanimation Unit of a hospital carries a by a bacteria that cannot be treated with tries, creating a huge «contribution» to high risk of dangerous infections. Circum- antibiotics, then we have a problem,» the problem of antimicrobial resistance, stances in, for example, India and China, says U. Dumpis. «In that case it would be is not that well developed here. Howev- are even more critical; over there the issue 14 At the global level, antimicrobial resistance is seen as a potential catastrophe that threatens human development, admits Uga Dumpis, Chief Epidemiologist in Latvia, Professor of the University of Latvia, Head of the Infection Monitoring Service at the Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital.

of resistance is no longer restricted only and there is no reason to hope that it will patient hospital rooms only. They have es- to hospitals — it exists outside the hospi- be possible to stop it; only ten years ago timated that it is more cost-effective to do tals as well. In these countries, antibiotics all infections could be treated and there this, rather than fighting the consequenc- are being both manufactured and widely were a whole range of effective medicines. es of the spread of resistant bacteria in a used; soil and water has been contaminat- It has to be said though, that during medical facility. There is great hope for ed with antibiotics, there is overcrowding, this period there has been some success creating new antibiotics, but people keep so bacterial resistance is a huge problem in limiting antibiotic resistance in Latvia, forgetting that innovative medicines are that involves the whole society. «It is pos- for example, a system has been put in extremely expensive. «People are used sible in a domestic context, for example, place that allows to observe and eliminate to antibiotics being cheap — one course whilst swimming, to contract a urinary the spread of antibiotic-resistant golden costs around EUR 5 — 10,» estimates U. tract infection that can not be treated staphylococcus in hospitals: in 2003, out Dumpis. «But now, also in Latvia, a treat- with medication,» the doctor illustrates, of all the cases of infections with golden ment course with the new generation of adding that such cases are described in staphylococcus 40 % were resistant, cur- antibiotics costs EUR 6000 — 8000 per the medical literature. At the global level, rently — only 3 %. Due to a successful patient. If there are more instances of antimicrobial resistance is seen as a po- program the situation with resistant tu- only this medicine being effective, then tential catastrophe that threatens human berculosis has also improved. the cost of medication for two patients is development. Two years ago the UN Gen- going to exceed the cost of building one eral Assembly was summoned to discuss Single use hospital rooms single patient hospital room, compar- antimicrobial resistance. It was only the «Now there are other problems — ing to this the cost will seem ridiculously fourth time in the history of the UN that gram-negative intestinal bacteria, which low.» Currently every third patient in the the Assembly was held on a health topic; is even more resistant than golden hospital is prescribed antibiotics. If we are previously only the risks of HIV/AIDS, Eb- staphylococci and causes serious com- going to be requiring the same amount of ola virus and non-communicable diseas- plications,» says the epidemiologist. the new, expensive medication, the health es have been discussed at this level. «Therefore, it should be researched which care system will soon go bankrupt, there- «Therefore there is talk about post-anti- measures best limit this bacteria. We fore the main task is to keep the effective- biotic era — what are we going to do when have been doing this for years, therefore, ness of the «old» antibiotics for as long as antibiotics stop working. The worry is we know that in the case of golden staph- possible. This may be achieved by drastic that liver transplants, dental implants or ylococcus, hand disinfection is most ef- reductions in the consumption of these other surgeries will no longer be possible, fective. That would not be enough for medicines (records show unjustified use because these patients will be at very high gram-negative bacteria, it is difficult to of antibiotics in hospitals in about every risk of dying from complications brought restrict their spread, especially since our third case, outpatients — in every oth- about by incurable infections,» U. Dump- hospitals have multi-patient hospital er case). It is also necessary to increase is describes a situation that has not yet rooms with a shared toilet.» With a view the control of antimicrobial resistance in occurred in Latvia, but is not far off either to limiting the transmission of resistant medical treatment units by transforming — in his opinion it could be a matter of bacteria from one patient to another, the infrastructure according to the new about five years. According to him, the Sweden and the Netherlands, for exam- circumstances. Use of antibiotics in live- situation is getting progressively worse ple, are building new hospitals with single stock farming also needs to be reduced. 15 analysis

Māris Kūlis, Researcher at Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of University of Latvia points out important aspect — internal threats that Latvia creates itself, by not being able to formulate what it’s national identity is going to be in the 21st century.

text / Dita Arāja photo / Ieva Leiniša, LETA THERE CAN NEVER BE TOO MUCH SECURITY Europe is currently weak as it is surrounded by uncertainty - the old ideas are no longer viable, but new ones have not been born yet

«Even when it feels safe, one should never rely on that,» says Māris Kūlis, Researcher at Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of University of Latvia. He explores intercultural relations and contemporary Islam, jihadism and terrorism and has collated his findings in the book «In the Cross-Fire of Terrorism. Islamic State». However, M. Kūlis believes that at present Latvia needs to be aware of not only external but also internal threats we cre- ate for ourselves, because we have not figured out and defined what the identity of Latvia is going to be in the 21st century. 16 Fight against Western Invasion FOR INFORMATION that will most probably come with certain Although we would like to believe that restrictions to the societies of these cou- after the two devastating world wars of __Studies and innovations focusing ntries, who are used to freedom of speech the 20th century the world has changed on the creation of a Latvian langua- and various self-expressions. However, and become wiser, however, we cannot ge corpus deserve a special support, Internet is only one of the options that feel completely safe in this time and age. since they would ensure a transfer terrorist organisations use. M. Kūlis spe- We are reminded of this by various indi- to create language products that cifically points out the role of media in the cators — security threats relating to our have a demand for nationally and spread of terrorism: «There is a type of de- neighbouring countries, the Near East internationally (amongst others - monic marriage going on between media and more distant countries. «The gene- speech technology development, and terrorists» — media needs as scanda- rations that have lived during the wars of machine translation, training ma- lous as possible news, to be able to attract the 20th century, are going, new ones are terials, etc.). the largest audience possible and with it taking their place, and the enthusiasm __In the future, the regions and — advertisers, and terrorists have, unfor- to make noise with guns is increasing,» countries that will strengthen and tunately caught on to this weakness of the says M. Kūlis. Since September 11, 2001, develop their unique identity will Western society. If you want to «get past» when Al Qaeda, run by Osama bin La- gain an important comparative «the very important» news on the size of den, announced itself internationally with advantage in the global race. Kim Kardashian’s bottom, then you can- an act of terrorism of an unprecedented SOURCE: STUDY ON THE CURRENT ISSUES DEVELOPING not kill just one person, you need to kill at scale, the world has suffered a series of LATVIAN SOCIETY, ECONOMY AND SCIENCE, FUTURE least ten. And you cannot just shoot them smaller-scale terrorist attacks that have TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES — you have to cut their head off, because recently taken place in Europe. «One of that is the kind of stuff that the Western the flags for radical Islamists is a fight ag- media will accept. It is absurd, but that’s ainst the invasion of Western culture and how it is, unfortunately.» the willingness to turn Islam into a hobby. European countries do emphasise that For them it is so unacceptable that they terrorist attacks do not frighten Europe- have to take guns in their hands and des- ans, but still, researcher says — the Wes- troy,» says M. Kūlis. He explains that one tern society is shocked about the suicidal of the most influential 20th century Egyp- aspect, because here death is viewed as tian Islam philosophers and one of the ra- something alienated, but, if people are dical Islam and Jihadist spiritual fathers, prepared to sacrifice their life in the name Sayyid Qutb (1906-1966), after visiting of an idea, then we don’t know what to the United States of America (USA) dec- say to them. If you blow yourself up, we lared the West to be crippled and everyt- are going to shoot you? But that does not hing possible needed to be done to pre- work. And the West do not know what to vent the Western society influencing be a new one — a «franchise type» consis- do with the suicide. «We live in our bu- Islamic countries. Namely, he believed ting of small «cells», which from time to bble of abundance, and then suddenly that the Western democratic countries time at various places and times, organise somebody destroys our way of life — it suffer from «schizophrenic secularism» — minor attacks, slowly terrorizing the ima- is very traumatic and makes terrorism a religion being separated from the state, ginary enemy. «It looks like the terrorist scary threat,» says M. Kūlis. But he also and Sayyd Qutb was of the view that this movement is currently headed this way. I points out that Islamic State propaganda must not happen in the Eastern countries, am concerned that the small attacks mig- only has about 1 — 2 % depiction of extre- since Islam and power, politics is an one. ht continue or even become more frequ- me violence, that is taken over and repro- «The war against the West is a long-term ent,» says M. Kūlis. duced by Western media. The greatest defence,» M. Kūlis sums up, and remin- part of propaganda is aimed internally, at ding of the war in Iraq, he adds — it is not Shooting alone is not enough followers of Islam themselves. entirely true that the governments of the Even though the Islamic State has liberal and democratic Western countries lost it’s territory and does not exist as a Uncertain road for Latvia have no influence in the Middle East. «country» any more, it has not disappe- As far as can be seen from the propa- If Al Qaeda once declared the United ared as a terrorist organisation and has ganda materials of the Islam State, Latvia States its enemy, then Islamic State di- moved from the material world into the still is not on the radar for the terrorists. rects its attacks at Europe, where from digital, where it is easy to express one- On the map, where the Islam State had time to time bombs go off and innocent self. Māris tells us of an incident that he graphically placed little flags next to the pedestrians get targeted by vehicles. M. learned about from New York Times. A countries that they consider their ene- Kūlis says that the Islamist strategist Abu Western girl wanted to convert to Islam mies, Latvian flag was not there, M. Kūlis Musab al-Suri is calling for «Torah Bora and needed two witnesses for this cere- says. In his view, Latvian citizens can live mentality» to be given up, or Bin Laden’s mony, which she did not have in real life. in peace for another 10-20 years, since way of thinking, which is built on a pyra- Nevertheless, they found a solution — terrorists might aim their attacks at the mid-type structured organisation and witnesses were found on Twitter and the big European countries. However, the re- large-scale attacks on imaginary enemy young lady converted to Islam through vir- searcher points out another, in his view, countries, mainly the USA. Abu Musab tual reality. This story brings it home that important aspect — internal threats that al-Suri is of the opinion that such a struc- Western countries need to be thinking Latvia creates itself, by not being able to ture no longer works and there needs to about cyber security more and more, and formulate what it’s national identity is go- 17 analysis ing to be in the 21st century. «European Union is at an interesting stage at the mo- ment, when the old ideas are no longer viable, but new ones have not been born The society’s yet. Sociologist Zygmunt Bauman descri- bes this issue using the term interregnum, attitude is comparing it to the emergence of Roman Empire, when the old power — Rem and Romulus — were dead, but the new one superficial was not born yet. What do we do? During this time of uncertainty Europe and Lat- JĀNIS GRABIS via are week - the countries do not know Professor at the Faculty of Computer Science and Informa- what they want themselves, and are repla- tion Technology, Riga Technical University cing it with buying new handbags, shoes and gadgets, thinking — if we buy new Despite the fact that the issue of cyber-security has been wi- things, we will contribute to the economy dely discussed, people still have not truly experienced cyber-secu- and it will be ok. But I am convinced that rity risks, and the society’s attitude towards these issues is super- no society is able to exist without the big ficial. A perfect example here is the recent incident with the stolen ideas, especially if they are located next to passwords — people are still using primitive passwords, that are the big countries, who have ideas, ideolo- easy to guess. Such an attitude is probably due to the fact that at gies, which make these societies want to present the losses related to cyber-crimes are relatively small for act,» M. Kūlis considers. people. Attitudes would change if, for example, a certain amount To his mind, since the European Union of money disappeared from the bank account every month. Then (ES) is primarily all about economic co- people would start thinking about cyber-security. operation, the notion of «all different, all Another aspect — a democratic society has no idea where to equal» is not yet rooted in the minds of draw a line and when crimes in the digital realm need to be met the citizens of those countries. The recent with a real force. Should it be at the point when cyber-criminals decision of Great Britain to leave the EU, damage data centres, infrastructure? At the moment we do not as well as the heated expressions of natio- know where this line is to be drawn, however, we can reach it nalism in the member states, for example, really quickly. The good news is that in this day and age focus in France and Poland, illustrate this. is on developing a persistent system. These are systems that The scientist believes that Latvia has are able to diagnose and prevent cyber-threats and counteract to define and decide what model of de- them. In an ideal scenario those who wish to spread fake news, velopment it is headed for. For example, to hack servers, would hit the barrier of the persistent system do we support blending with the EU and and would even receive a return punch. Persistence properties aim to become a federal European coun- should be built in during the development stages of an informa- try, or do we wish to keep Latvia as a cul- tion technology solution, since adding them to an existing system turally authentic county within Europe. is complicated and inefficient. Firstly, of course, these types of «The illusion that we will become a bridge systems are introduced for critical systems and the military, and between the EU and Russia is a naive one after that it is possible that they will be widely used by busines- — neither the EU, nor Russia will allow it,» ses and private persons. The only thing we have to bear in mind M. Kūlis is convinced and believes that is that these systems are secure and, as such, the price will be when defining the vision for the road of significantly higher. development, state institutions should ask for help from Latvian thinkers, artists, writers — that would be the humanities contribution to the future of our country. So far he has not noticed that politicians would be willing to define the great ideas for our future, because Latvian politics are tionism as that can lead to evil consequ- pragmatic. What road should be chosen ences,» says M. Kūlis. His opinion is that for Latvia? It is not that easy to say. M. we need to find a way to preserve our cul- Kūlis has observed that Eastern European ture, and in the meantime accepting and countries, probably because of their pain- respecting other people. But never should ful historic experiences, wish to preserve we underestimate international events. their culture, however, the desire to pre- «In the 20-30s of the previous century serve their country is fading, as the world people were taking out loans, building is become more interconnected, globali- houses, thinking — there is going to be sed. «If a society wishes to preserve their a future, but the most devastating war language and culture, while that is still of the 20th century started,» says resear- possible, then that should be done, but I cher, reminding that there can never be would not wish to support militant isola- too much security. 18 it works!

text / Lāsma Vaivare photo / Elīna Karaseva

VAS Latvijas Dzelzceļš has an interest in the development of hydrogen technologies, says Aigars Laizāns, Vice-Rector of Studies at Latvian University of Agriculture and a Member of the Council of Latvijas Dzelzceļš.

teksts / Lāsma Vaivare DIVERSIFYING foto / Elīna Karaseva

It is envisaged that during this year, the first hydrogen fueling station will be starting to serve customers in Riga, as well as an innovative trolleybus will start operating passenger routes; active use of FOR INFORMATION hydrogen in energy and transportation would increase Within the concept of national Latvia’s energy independence and security security, energy security has been recognized as one of the most im- portant issues of national security, Hydrogen manufacturing, fueling and with modules of hydrogen fuel elements. which is particularly significant un- storage station on Vienības Gatve in As such, the vehicle is more energy-effi- der the so called Hybrid hazard con- Riga has already been built, trolleybuses cient, generates less noise pollution and ditions. As such, studies on energy have been delivered, however tests are operates in no-emissions mode, informs independence and new approaches still being run and the project is delayed Rīgas Satiksme (Riga Traffic). A trolleybus to diversifying energy resources can slightly, admits Baiba Bartaševiča-Feld- without an overhead line will be able to also contribute to strengthening mane, Rīgas Satiksme representative. cover up to a 100 km with a single fueling Latvia’s national security. Due to the considerable costs — around up; using it will allow the replacement of SOURCE: STUDY ON THE CURRENT ISSUES DEVELOPING 16 million Euro, part of which has been diesel buses with partial overhead line LATVIAN SOCIETY, ECONOMY AND SCIENCE, FUTURE co-funded by EU funding — the company coverage. In addition, the hydrogen fue- TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES has received a lot of criticism. ling station will be available to the public. The plan is that there will be ten Hytrol- These initiatives form part of an interna- leys operating throughout the streets of tional project aimed at construction of Riga — trolleybuses, that have their trac- hydrogen fuel stations along the North tion power diesel generators replaced Sea-Baltic Sea Trans-European Transport 19 it works!

Network (TEN-T) — in Riga, Pärnu and the FOR INFORMATION returns to nature. Through hydrogen Dutch city of Arnhem — and promotion of oxygen cycle we obtain freshwater. Arou- the demand and use of hydrogen vehicles __Smart energy in Latvia is defined nd 95% of the world’s water supply is in the European Union (EU). as another smart specialisation area, salt water, the volume of freshwater is VAS Latvijas Dzelzceļš (SJSC Latvian which gives its specific contribution tiny. When sourcing energy we are creat- Railways) have also shown an interest in in the context of European Energy ing water mist in the atmosphere, which the development of hydrogen technolo- Community. This contribution can be eventually rains down somewhere. This gies and they have demonstrated their brought by a number of smart spe- way, indirectly, through energy activities, seriousness with an international gestu- cialisation niches: the development water and the environment get purified, re. Namely, last year at the EXPO 2017 of smart networks (development of where we base ourselves, for example, exhibition in Kazakhstan’s capital, Asta- demand-supply systems, smart buil- in urban areas, near ports where there is na, it demonstrated the prototype of the dings, devices and home automation busy traffic of cargos and people,» says A. world’s first hydrogen maneuver-loco- systems); development of next-gene- Laizāns. motive. «A maneuver-locomotive loads ration technologies for sourcing ener- The fact that it is an effective techno- cargos, it spends more time at standstill, gy from renewable sources; increasing logy also is crucial. «More than a hun- while waiting for carriages to be hooked energy efficiency (energy efficiency of dred years ago, a fuel cell was discovered on or off, than moving. It works for short building structures, energy efficiency within which a reaction between oxygen periods of time and very ineffectively - of residential area infrastructure ele- and hydrogen takes place, resulting in speeding up is quickly followed by brea- ments); sustainable energy for trans- electricity. Technologies are so advanced king. It creates a high level of pollution. port (new technologies, accelerating that hydrogen oxygen reaction within There are researches in Europe showing introduction of these, electric mobi- a fuel cell is very effective. 70 and more that port areas, customs warehouse zones lity). percent of energy is used for electricity, a are very polluted territories,» says Aigars SOURCE: STUDY ON THE CURRENT ISSUES DEVELOPING maximum of 30 percent - for heating,» A. Laizāns, Vice-Rector of Studies at Latvian LATVIAN SOCIETY, ECONOMY AND SCIENCE, FUTURE Laizāns says, adding that this is twice as University of Agriculture (LUA), Professor. TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES effective as internal combustion engine He is also member of the council of Latvi- generator system. jas Dzelzceļš, therefore, he is able to tell Hydrogen is a carrier of energy, therefo- that the locomotive will be powered by re its technologies could be used to stock an accumulator battery and elements of energy, thus becoming more independent hydrogen fuel. If the prototype turns out ne) or petroleum gas (a mixture of propa- from the large energy manufacturers and to be a success, there could be a maneu- ne-butane),» states the Alternative Fuel the prices that they dictate, the professor ver-locomotive transition plant in Latvia. Development Plan for years 2017 — 2020, goes on to explain. It would also permit Both these projects are mentioned by when looking at the alternative fuel sour- a scattered energy supply. When asked A. Laizāns as an example to describe how cing methods. Water electrolysis process — does that mean a hydrogen manufac- topical research on sourcing, storing and using only electricity and water, is men- turing plant near every body of water, A. utilising hydrogen in Latvia and in the tioned as a second industrial method that Laizāns responds — quite possibly. We are world is. Europe has research programs is being used to manufacture hydrogen. one a strange path — everything needs to on transitioning indoors transport to This world-tested and industrially ap- be centralised and within cities, creating hydrogen, transitioning cars to hydrogen, probed technology allows hydrogen to problems for ecology and people’s inte- for hybrid solutions, there is also elec- be manufactured anywhere where the- raction. Thinking about a proper organi- tric cars being gradually developed. «It is re is the necessary power connection to sation of transport and energy flows, we mostly about hybrid solutions, not about the electricity transmission grid and the could be living outside of city and it would putting hydrogen in the internal combus- required amount of water available. take us an hour to get to downtown Riga, tion engine and burning just that,» he Also, A. Laizāns, while enlisting all the we could build a network and spread peo- says. A. Laizāns does not rate hydrogen pros of using hydrogen, points out that ple all across Latvia,» says the Professor to be the only energy solution in the fu- its use in energy is more environmentally of LUA. ture: «If we, as a clever country, were able friendly compared to fossil fuels, besides to develop hydrogen technologies along the process is reversible. «It is double se- Critics exist with lithium-ion batteries, we would di- curity. Latvia has a lot of water, someti- Nevertheless, there is also plenty of cri- versify our risks and live more securely.» mes it seems that there is too much water. tics, who point out the high cost, complex Research in Latvia takes place both at If we make smart use of resources around and energy-intensive distribution, accu- the University of Latvia and Riga Techni- us, we can source hydrogen from water, mulation, safety risks. One of the critics cal University, as well as Institute of Solid this way reducing our energy dependency is, for example, Elon Musk, entreprene- State Physics at the University of Latvia. on oil products and import. Every country ur, inventor and millionaire. A. Laizāns that has water and electricity, can sour- rejects the criticism, saying that there is Double security ce fuel — hydrogen. Since we can source research underway currently on use of «Half of the world’s hydrogen produc- electricity from the sun, wind, water, we hard substances for storage of hydrogen. tion is achieved by breaking down metha- can be completely independent from oil At the same time he also admits that the- ne in the steam reforming process. This products. Another gain is the sense of se- re are still unresolved issues, for example, industrially approbed method can also be curity about the fact that we are not pol- creating a hydrogen sourcing, storage used to break down other hydrocarbons luting the environment. When hydrogen and supply network is problematic. He by using, for example, biogas (biometha- burns, it turns back into water, water is informed that there is reasearch on at- 20 key point

FOR INFORMATION

__According to the European Union, promoting alternative fuels is one of the key measures to reduce the negati- ve impact that transport sector has on UĢIS GRUNTMANIS the environment. PROFESSOR AT UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS __There already are vehicles in opera- One of the hot topics in the field of medicine and health is tion that use hydrogen as fuel: passen- the fact that the USA have approved using T CAR - (chimeric ger cars, city buses and minibuses, antigen receptor) for lymphomas, where other treatments lorries and ships that run on inland no longer work. This is a highly personalised therapy, where waterways. The performance of such each patient’s T lymphocytes or thymus cells are specifical- non-emission vehicles, the mileage ly activated, by placing T CAR on them, which locates and between each re-fueling and the frequ- destroys lymphoma cells. Using this method 57% of patients, ency of re-fueling, is comparable to the who would otherwise have died, are completely cured. We are relevant parameters for vehicles that expecting the greatest surprises from using the CRISPR (Cluste- run on gasoline and diesel. Compared red Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) genome to a battery operated electric vehicle, editing technologies. It will let scientists for the first time in the hydrogen electric vehicles cover more world history feel like they are gods, they will be able to change mileage with one refill and have shor- our genetic code, eliminating, for example, chances to develop ter re-fueling times. an inherited disease or, for example, to normalize cholesterol __The prevalence of hydrogen elec- levels. With the help of this technology the gender on malaria tric vehicles is directly linked to the carrying female mosquitoes can be altered, thus ending their available infrastructure - if it was pro- reproduction and eliminating these species entirely. moted, there would also be a notice- able increase in the number of these vehicles. Hydrogen infrastructure is at an early stage of development, in 2015, there were only around 200 hydrogen fuelling stations around the world, around a 100 of them in Europe. Hydrogen fuelling station network is rapidly developing in Europe, especial- JULIA ELLEN MELKERS ly in Germany and Scandinavian coun- ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PUBLIC POLICY AT THE GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY tries. One of the most pressing global issues for the social science __The projection is that by 2050, the research community to address is the development and sup- number of vehicles fuelled by hydrogen port of the human and social capital of the scientific commu- sourced by hydrogen oxidation within nity. With an increasingly global and mobile workforce and the the hydrogen fuel cell, will be around presence of innovation and economic disparities, attention 1%. to the factors that matter in the attraction, retention and SOURCE: ALTERNATIVE FUEL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 productivity of the scientific community is relevant to social — 2020 well-being. This is an issue relevant to the strengthening of the higher education system, but also relevant across sectoral and country boundaries. tempts to use existing natural gas supply networks. There is also the question of what elements need to be used for the membrane to last longer. All in all, thou- gh, maintenance of transport running on hydrogen is easier and cheaper, as the fuel elements are much simpler — «the- re are no moving parts, there is just the IEVIŅA STŪRĪTE membrane, which takes oxygen on one RESEARCHER AT NORWEGIAN INSTITUTE OF BIOECONOMY RESEARCH side and hydrogen on the other, finds Area of land that can be used for agriculture is shrinking, electrons through reactions and creates whilst biological diversity is also decreasing. In order to be able power,» A. Laizāns explains. to supply the world population with food, maintaining and In the development of hydrogen tech- increasing the fruitfulness of soil is crucial. nologies it is not just contributions to the environment that need to be considered. Scientists need to prove that business will

also benefit. PREISS GUNDEGA PREPARED: 21 science

Taking part in the discussion about quantum physics and the opportunities Latvia has in this area, are Vjačeslavs Kaščejevs, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics, University of Latvia, and Andris Ambainis, Professor of Faculty of Computing, University of Latvia.

text / Elīna Sprūde-Nesenberga photo / Sintija Zandersone, LETA What does quantum physics, Internet of Things and security have in common?

In science there is no borders between countries, but informal communication and as few obstacles as possible for approbation of new ideas and forming a team is very important

22 That is the view of Andris Ambainis, FOR INFORMATION we can be the best and cooperate with the Professor of Faculty of Computing, Uni- best in the world, because only then can one versity of Latvia, and Vjačeslavs Kašče- __There are significant advantages get to where nobody has ever been. This is jevs, Associate Professor of the Faculty of for the competition in the following also one of the major challenges that gets Physics and Mathematics, University of [ICT] research and innovation niches: talked about a lot in relation to quantum Latvia. innovative knowledge management, technologies — we need not only quantum system modeling and software deve- physicists, mathematicians, programmers, What is quantum and quantum phy- lopment methods and tools; innova- but also engineers and business people, as sics? tive ICT hardware and software appli- well a specialization called quantum engi- Andris Ambainis: Quantum physics is cations for industries; cyber-physics neering, which requires an overall knowle- physics that describes the laws of nature systems, language technologies and dge of the principles of how these devices at the level of individual particles, laws the semantic web; bulk data and know- work, but having an engineer’s thinking, that operate either for very small things ledge infrastructure; information secu- the ability to perfect the product. (for individual atoms) or for very cold rity and quantum computers; compu- things with a temperature of about 0.01 ter system testing methods. Alongside How could quantum computers influ- degrees above absolute zero. these niches of specialization, the Lat- ence public safety? Vjačeslavs Kaščejevs: These laws have vian scientific institutions highlight A. Ambainis: Quantum computers qui- been known for about 100 years already. a need to explore the possibilities of te directly influence encryption and safe What makes the practical application of integrating system technologies for date transmission. If we build a complete quantum laws current is the advanced tech- cyber-physics and high-speed optical quantum computer, then it will be able nologies, including nanotechnologies that transmission, high-performance signal to hack many of the existing encryption allow targeted manipulation of such small processing and fast modifications, as systems. We would need to change our systems — from individual atoms, mole- well as developing the next-generation whole encryption infrastructure to met- cules and quantum elementary particles radio frequency and microwave com- hods that are safe. The positive thing is sources it is possible to purposefully create munications system. that quantum mechanics can be used to devices and equipment for both computing SOURCE: STUDY ON THE CURRENT ISSUES DEVELOPING build safer encryption systems. The fact and measuring, and communication. LATVIAN SOCIETY, ECONOMY AND SCIENCE, FUTURE that quantum particles are very fragile TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES and can not be measured without taking Where else, apart from quantum com- them apart, can be used to construct an puting, are quantum technologies used? absolutely secure encryption, where any How would it be useful to the society? attempt of listening in is noticed. V. Kaščejevs: The other component, which stems from the peculiarities of in the quantum system, is safe communi- What is the potential for development quantum physics and makes developing cation. of quantum technologies? practical quantum computing so compli- A. Ambainis: An important issue at the cated, is the fact that quantum systems Are quantum technologies relevant in moment is how to use a quantum com- are very sensitive to external conditions. the context of Big Data and Internet of puter to model physics. In the nineteenth This disadvantage can be turned into an Things? century in order to create a new battery advantage by using the ability of a single A. Ambainis: I would call it the big all the possible designs had to be tested quantum to detect very small changes dream that Google and many other big in laboratories, nowadays modelling is in the external environment so that they players in this area have — we have quan- carried out on ordinary computers. Mo- could be very sensitive sensors for such tum computers that could offer much delling would be much more precise on ordinary physical quantities as magnetic more computing abilities in the futu- a regular computer. Actually this is the field, electric field, temperature. Unprece- re, and we have big data from which we closest purpose of quantum computers, dented sensitivity is what opens up a per- would like to compute something that since quantum physics is the natural en- spective for entirely different uses, which we are unable to compute on an ordinary vironment of quantum computers, this up to now have not been possible with computer. The big challenge is — how to is the case where a quantum computer coarser, large-scale, macroscopic sensors. connect them. Solutions are still being would have the greatest advantage over a A. Ambainis: It is possible to get a more sought, but it is a very topical subject, and regular computer. accurate measurement than with ordi- there is a lot of quantum machine-lear- V. Kaščejevs: Considering where the nary sensors, or to measure in situations ning related activities happening in the industry is investing and what products it where ordinary sensors cannot be used. world right now. It is interesting to note is working on, one niche would be mag- Quantum sensors are the thing that is that at one of the companies that work in netic field sensors that operate at room closest to reality at the moment, because this area, there is a Latvian employed in a temperature, are compact and stable, but the quantum physics that is needed there managerial role. at the same time extremely sensitive. The is relatively simple. The quantum compu- goal is to create easy to use and practi- ter needs to have, say, a thousand partic- Does that mean that Latvian scientists cal magnetocardiography and magneto- les working in harmony, much less partic- are at the global level? encefalography equipment. Everyone is les are necessary for the quantum sensor. V. Kaščejevs: Of course! Developing probably familiar with heart cardiograms V. Kaščejevs: Another area where quan- quantum technologies is a challenge of a and encephalograms that measure the tum sensitivity is used and the inevitable global scale. There are opportunities to electric signals transmitted by the heart traces that are left behind by intervention specialize and find exactly the niche where and the brain. 23 science

From the perspective of Internet One of the great challenges in science of Things, quantum sensors would in Latvia is to bring to Latvia the new provide a way to affordably and that has surfaced in the world in the accurately collate a large amount recent decades. of information, which could be ANDRIS AMBAINIS processed with the large data PROFESSOR OF FACULTY OF COMPUTING, UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA methods, and discover possibilities and relationships that would otherwise be invisible. VJAČESLAVS KAŠČEJEVS ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF THE FACULTY OF PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICS, UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA

But the heart and the brain also trans- FOR INFORMATION the areas of excellence is no longer work mit a magnetic field, a very weak one, and and contribution of just one or two peop- it requires very sensitive sensors to mea- __ICT as a branch of economics le. In a way it is our goal and vision — for sure it. has the best potential to collabo- there to be enough critical mass with en- One of the specific quantum systems rate with Latvian scientific institu- thusiastically minded young scientists, that is being actively explored and used, tions, ensuring knowledge co-buil- who do not look at the borderline in a tra- including at the University of Latvia’s La- ding and sharing. ditional way, am I an academic scientist ser Centre, are specially processed dia- SOURCE: STUDY ON THE CURRENT ISSUES DEVELOPING who is only interested in science, or, if I mond crystals which contain separate LATVIAN SOCIETY, ECONOMY AND SCIENCE, FUTURE am an entrepreneur, then it is entrepre- molecular type quantum systems that TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES neurship with a little technological added retain «quantum» also at room tempe- value. rature and change colour depending on A. Ambainis: One of the great challen- the magnetic field. With the help of laser ges in science in Latvia is to bring to Lat- physics methods, this slight change of co- ding fields. Of course, these fields gather via the new that has surfaced in the world lour can be turned into a signal, which is at the large research centres, but the in the recent decades. In my view, both detected on a computer. modern research environment in Europe computer science and quantum techno- From the perspective of Internet of is very open. We have proof that there is logies are positive success stories, as they Things, quantum sensors would provide enough talent in Latvia, we can prepare are areas where things can be achieved a way to affordably and accurately colla- them, so that they could be completely with a relatively small team. In computer te a large amount of information, which competitive, working at the TOP labora- sciences almost everything happens in could be processed with the large data tories in the world and using this expe- relatively small teams. If we were to talk methods, and discover possibilities and rience and developing further, including about quantum technologies, then quan- relationships that would otherwise be in- within Latvia. Eventually we will find our tum computer building is a challenge that visible. roots in the global circles — through our requires 50—100 or even 500 people, but young generation. quantum computing theory is something You already mentioned that Latvian Investments that Latvia receives both that can be done with a small group of scientists are at the global level. How through the structural funds and Excel- scientists and that way it is also the most would you rate the current situation in lence projects that Latvian scientists win productive. science in Latvia? by participating in equal competition V. Kaščejevs: The niche, that we have V. Kaščejevs: Our advantage is that, in with Western Europe, have the highest di- successfully proved ourselves in, is mo- order to get into the TOP circles in fields rect returns in people. And human capital delling and supporting theory when cre- that are connected with programming, is the resource that can be accumulated ating new devices, which experimentally with theory, less prior investment is ne- also in Latvia. And then it is achievable takes place in laboratories, where there is eded, in comparison to the «metal» buil- that the range of subjects to be studied, infrastructure that has been accumulated 24 for decades of years and know-how in pre- have success stories here, and not as suc- have successfully gained their education cisely this area; but often these laborato- cessful stories. On one hand there is plen- here and are now working outside of ries lack specific knowledge with regards ty of these success stories, on the other Latvia. Besides us, also Laura Mančins- to manipulation of quantum systems. It is hand, it would be better if there were even ka will be speaking at the congress. She a challenge for the conventional electro- more of them. On a positive note, aside started her scientific work on quantum nics, which has been nanoeletronics for a from quantum technologies — it is also computing here, at the University of Lat- while already, as certain sizes of elements worth mentioning what is happening in via, but 10 years ago she went to do her have been shrunk down to the absolute cognitive sciences — Jurģis Šķilters and PhD abroad and now is a professor at the minimum, which follows the laws of phy- his team, who have a very successful col- University of Copenhagen. I believe these sics, and they are the laws of quantum laboration between computer sciences kind of people are very important as they physics. Therefore there is a demand for on one part, psychology on another part help to build a bridge between Latvia and nanoelectronic’s theorists who know the and Latvian programming industry on the science outside of Latvia. laws of quantum physics like the back of third part. V. Kaščejevs: The most crucial element their hand, and at the same time have a V. Kaščejevs: In professional scientific that helps us build our national competi- thorough understanding of how they ma- communication borders between coun- tiveness, is our agents in the most active, nifest in practical, actual devices. This is a tries do not exist, exchange of scientific re- intellectually and technologically richest very fruitful area for collaborations, which sults happens very effectively, irrespective areas. They enable us to grow and achie- is very easy to do within Europe, and that of where the scientists are located. But a ve what we would not be able to achieve is so mainly for research projects that my level of informal communication and as otherwise. team are working on at the University of few obstacles as possible for approbation A. Ambainis: Science, knowledge are Latvia. The theoretical part is done in col- of new ideas and forming a team is very being transmitted through the social laborating closely with the experimental important. Therefore I am very pleased network, built up of contacts between — one step is taken in experimenting, the to see that both the University of Latvia people, built up of science magazines next — in theory. Theory and the practical and Riga Technical University are trying that they read. It is important for Latvia to part drive each other to understand what to place their faculties close by also geo- be a part of this network. If we look at the new things can be created on the same graphically, since often interdisciplinary inventions that came out in 1920 —1930 electronically technological basis, which collaboration starts with an informal chat in Latvia, they were very strongly based will have already out-served its classical at the coffee machine. A challenge and on being part of the German speaking purpose. necessity is to place people who think scientifically technical network. The great likewise also close by geographically, be- challenge for Latvia since 1990 has been What is your opinion on the collabora- cause only then this critical mass can be to get back there. In the Western world tion between disciplines among Latvian achieved that we already spoke about. science network. And that is something scientists and information exchange? A. Ambainis: We both represent areas that is still a process, and we are taking A. Ambainis: As with many things, we where there are quite a few Latvians who another step towards it. 25 achievement

The main culture of selection of the Institute of Horticulture is apple trees, they are the most demanded by growers, says Edīte Kaufmane, the leading researcher of the Institute of Horticulture.

text / Lāsma Vaivare photo / Gundega Preiss Local, innovative, valuable

Peas and beans, that have turned into protein-rich breakfast cereals, future food from earthworms, innovative products from manufacturing leftovers — Latvian scientists offer solutions for production of high quality food using locally sourced raw materials

At the packing plant of the Faculty of Food Technology, Latvia University of Agricul- ture (LUA), products that are currently being industrially manufactured, and that have been developed in the recent years with the involvement of university’s scientists, are all lined up on the table. There is baby food, drinks, packaged ready to eat vegetab- les, porridges, cereal flakes, various snacks, bee bread, etc. Very soon extruded legume snacks will be added to the list as well. These snacks can be used to supplement the traditional breakfast cereals or as an additive for salads and soups. Investors have alre- ady shown interest in manufacturing these, says Sandra Muižniece-Brasava, Professor at the Department of Food Technology of LUA and Head of Technology and Knowledge Transfer Office. 26 Protein and fibre-rich peas and beans FOR INFORMATION extend the shelf-life while maintaining have old cultivating traditions in Latvia, the nutritional value of the product wit- but nutrition experts admit that their The issue of security is often em- hout adding e-numbers, is on the agenda consumption in food could be higher. It phasised in various science policy for both researchers and entrepreneurs. would be worth consuming both animal development documents, but pub- Everyone wants organic and eco products and plant protein, S. Muižniece-Brasava lic opinion points to other set of with a long shelf-life, she smiles. Empha- also agrees. Scientists from the LUA in an issues that are more important. sising the importance of packaging, the international project (16 partners from Namely, in the opinion of the Latvi- professor tells us about a packaging solu- 10 countries participated in the EU 7th an people, support should be focu- tion for perishable products, for instance, Research Framework Programme EURO- sed on research into problems that Olivier salad. It keeps the salad fresh for LEGUME ) have created innovative pro- are empirically closer to us, such as nearly two months without the need to ducts from grey peas, broad beans and health and food quality. add preservatives. Even more important- field beans: legume pâtés, extruded legu- SOURCE: STUDY ON THE CURRENT ISSUES DEVELOPING ly, tests have shown a better microbiolo- me snacks and legume bars. Two docto- LATVIAN SOCIETY, ECONOMY AND SCIENCE, FUTURE gical quality than of a salad that has been ral theses have also been written on this TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES freshly made. This study has coincided subject, their authors were Asnate Ķirse with the doctoral theses of Vita Levkāne. and Liene Strauta. «Protein intake with Development of functional products, food is important for all of us, but even innovative packaging technologies, the more so — for growing children, althou- use of high-pressure and other advanced gh not everyone likes to eat meat. What technologies are important areas that are children more likely going to eat? scientists of the Faculty of Food Techno- Breakfast cereals. Why not make them logy of LUA are working on by evaluating out of legumes? They are rich in protein both microbiological parameters and and fibre, besides legumes do not contain ducts from Baltic herring and European sensory parameters as well as parame- gluten, which is often found in grains,» S. sprat caught in the Baltic Sea, which in ters such as microstructure, amount of Muižniece-Brasava explains the reason Latvia are traditionally tinned or proces- vitamins, adds associate professor Jeļe- for creating the extruded legume snack sed into fish meal. LUA scientists have na Zagorska. «Extending the shelf-life is products. It is true that it took more than developed a wide range of structured fish one thing; we also need to ensure that a year to give peas and beans cereal-like mass products, for example, fish sausa- the product quality does not suffer du- texture. «They do not puff up as easily as ges, bread rolls with fish filling, semi-fi- ring this time,» she points out. As part it was hoped they would. We had to find nished fish products. The new products of the national research program Agri- optimal technological parameters and have not only been developed in the labo- cultural Resources for the Sustainable adapt them to ensure a continuous ma- ratory, but also have been approbed for Production of Quality and Healthy Food nufacturing process,» the professor goes manufacturing. Using herring and sprat in Latvia a research has also been carried on to explain. The snacks have also been expands the local fish processing as well out on substituting food additives used enriched with different flavours, therefo- as, by using imported raw materials, we in manufacturing with natural compou- re, children and young people who would have gained a cheaper product, S. Muiž- nds, such as extracts from lovage, celery, not normally eat legumes, are happy to niece-Brasava emphasises. parsley. Although not equally effective, eat these as they cannot tell what they are There is a number of other projects still they do prolong the shelf life of the pro- actually made of. Legume bars contain in the early stages; one of the most exotic duct. Researchers at the Faculty of Food more protein and less sugar. The pâtés of those is a study of use of earthworms in Technology of LUA have also evaluated that have been created, have been given food. Leading researcher Ilga Gedrovica, various fermentation starters to obtain an extended best before term without ad- Faculty of Food Technology, LUA analyses the best possible consistency of yoghurt ding any preservatives. This is possible the use of protein-rich non-traditional and other sour milk products without the using high-pressure technology, which al- raw materials in food. She explains that use of stabilisers. At the moment there lows the destruction of microorganisms, by using earthworms, it is possible to re- is a clear demand for more natural pro- significantly extending the shelf-life of duce ecological and economic problems ducts in the market. Besides, by not using products without the use of thermal tre- in food manufacturing. Namely, the cur- stabilisers we are able to reduce the cost atment. This is very important if the pro- rent world food consumption is not sus- price, the associate professor goes on. Si- duct is to be exported, but at the same tainable, the economic activity of people, milarly, researchers are looking into ways time it needs to retain valuable compo- including the acquisition of food, causes of replacing sugar in bakery products with nents, therefore, high temperature would climate change, reduces the availability of natural sweeteners such as agave syrup, be damaging. The work of LUA scientists fresh water, impairs the quality of air and using biologically active compounds ext- S. Muižniece-Brasava, A. Ķirse, L. Strauta, water, degrades ecosystems, etc. racted from cranberries, vibernums and Ruta Galoburda and Daina Kārkliņa has chokeberries in confectionery. As part of been appraised by the Latvian Academy The role of packaging the national research program scientists of Sciences, naming it as one of the achie- Research shows that about one third of have expanded the range of gluten-free vements of Latvian science in 2017. the world’s food is thrown away; the main products and introduced a new kind of reasons — packaging is too big, shelf life gluten-free pasta, using Jerusalem artic- Fish and earthworms is too short and insatiability when buying hoke, cabbage core and pumpkin marc to Another project has been nearly com- products on sale, says S. Muizniece-Bra- improve the nutritional value and taste. pleted on the creation of innovative pro- sava. Finding technologies to be able to The use of by-products in manufacturing 27 achievement

Scientists from the Latvia University of Agriculture (LUA) have created innovative products from grey peas, broad beans and field beans, which are all grown in Latvia, for example, extruded legume snacks, says Sandra Muižniece-Brasava, Professor at the Department of Food Technology of LUA and Head of Technology and Knowledge Transfer Office.

of new products is very topical, says J. Za- patented the manufacturing technology an additive for feeding young calfs who gorska and lists some examples that have for candied cranberry and quince. have abdominal and problems. Adding been worked on in the national research The Institute has developed a suc- sea buckthorn leaves and shoots to their program. For example, phenols derived cessful co-operation in the development food stabilizes their abdominal function from potato processing products could of products and technologies with various and increases their resistance to diarrhea. be used in pharmaceuticals, whey-deri- processing companies, for example, SIA Sea buckthorn can only be picked along ved lactulose — as a probiotic to increa- Lat food LP developed dry cereal manu- with all the shoots, but afterwards the se the nutritional value of milk and other facturing technology for baby food, but berries get separated from the stalks and products, etc. SIA Mežrozītes LV — a product based on leaves. Why not use the sea buckthorn rose hip mass. There are also companies leaves as well? They can also be used to Use everything that the institute has approached with manufacture horse food, to give them a The creation of new synbiotic products their initiatives, for example, at the mo- better shine,» she goes on to explain. from fruit and berry marc and cereal bran, ment it is interested in waste-free techno- using biocatalysts — enzymes — is cur- logies. «Manufacturing candied quince, Eating your own apple rently being explored by the Institute of their cores are left behind. A chutney or a Fruit processing is just one of the bran- Horticulture (LUA Scientific Institute — a meat additive has been developed; it has ches of the Institute of Horticulture. Its derived public person) as part of PostDoc chopped quince seeds as a base to which specialist work provides the full spec- project leading by Vitalijs Radenkovs. The fruits are added. There are very valuable trum (selective breeding, growing and Institute of Horticulture plays a major role substances in, for example, apple stalks. storage technology development, pat- in the development of fruit processing Why not use them? There are also many hology and genetic research) to promo- and waste-free technologies, as eviden- good substances to be found in raspberry te the development of the fruit growing ced by this fact. «A very a popular product and black-currant marc. There is a com- sector and the provision of local buyers at the moment is candied fruit — it was pany that uses black currant marc to add and processing companies with fruit, created here. There are many manufac- to their meat additive, which is good for winning the competition against the Po- turers for these now and, for instance, gastrointestinal tract,» E. Kaufmane in- lish rivals, whose produce dominates the Rāmkalni even export them to Japan,» forms. Waste-free technologies can also stores. «At the end of the nineties com- the institute lead researcher Edīte Kauf- be used to manufacture animal food. «Sea mercial orchard planting began, most of mane acknowledges. The institute have buckthorn leaves and shoots are used as them are currently producing and provi- 28 The new building of the Faculty of Food Technology, which hosts the laboratories and a pilot manufacturing plant, creates ample opportunities for developing innovative products and technologies from an idea to a finished product. ding the market with local fruits. A lot of been registered as a plant of fruit in Lat- being developed that were very different the harvest is being used for the school via. The Latvian Academy of Sciences ac- from those used during the Soviet era. At fruit program at educational institutions. knowledged selecting the quince variety that time fruit cultivated mainly for pro- Grocery stores have our own apples, blu- Rasa by the Institute of Horticulture to cessing, not for fresh consumption, so eberries, cranberries, also strawberries. bear fruit as one of the most significant quality was not essential. Learning from Theoretically we can grow raspberries, achievements in science in 2012. Also el- the European experience, work on lower- pears, plums, cherries and many others; derberry, viburnum, edible mountain-ash growth rootstocks began, planting them the question is — how to guarantee a and honeysuckle are becoming fashio- closer together, introducing planter ed- price. The whole world is wondering how nable now. «Candied strawberries are ges. The next steps were watering, fertili- Poland can offer such low prices on fruits currently being manufactured, although sation program, crowning. Work with risk — they have mass produce, cooperation, only a few varieties are suitable. Candied reducing technologies has also begun, and at one point they had great support plums turn out well also, but only one for example, covers for sweet cherries, from the state,» E. Kaufmane explains. At variety out of the 30 currently grown in raspberries, strawberries. «In fruit cultiva- the same time she admits that consumer Latvia can be used for this purpose. Cider tion scientists face many risks, for exam- demand for local apples is growing, there- production is developing in Latvia and the ple, if a PhD student has four years to fore everything possible needs to be done little «paradise apples» are good for this,» write their doctoral theses, but on two of to improve the quality and to reduce the some of the examples mentioned by the these years the entire harvest suffers from price. Work is now under way on a project leading researcher. frost? It is critical also for cultivators — aimed at wider mechanization of the fruit investments in fruit cultivation are huge, industry, where there is still a great deal of Select, grow, preserve and if the harvest suffers from frost, then manual work, both in terms of crowning The Institute of Horticulture has regis- losses are huge,» E. Kaufmane explains. and thinning of fruit buds. Nevertheless, tered more than 50 varieties in Latvia, Technologies for storing fruit are also it is very unlikely that there are only going there are also varieties registered abroad. developing. The institute has studied sto- to be local fruits at stores, but their domi- Work is ongoing all the time, mainly on rage, both by increasing carbon dioxide, nance can be achieved. the selection of apples, raspberries and but lowering the oxygen content of the Changing along with the customers’ quinces, in an effort to create new varie- storage facility, as well as by treatment tastes and demand, new cultures and ties suitable for our climate conditions, with methylcyclopropene (MCP). E. Kauf- varieties are being developed. «We used high fruit quality, productive and resis- mane explains that the latter method to grow such varieties as Antonovka, Ru- tant to diseases. This is very important in stops the ripening process in the fruit, dens svītrainais, Sīpoliņš, Trebū... At the the context of the shift towards environ- therefore it does not spoil, therefore, if moment only Antonovka still does not mentally friendly and integrated farming, a fruit has been placed in storage while have a suitable replacement, but everyt- which means plant spraying against pests still green, it will remain exactly the same hing else has. We lack varieties that can and diseases only when absolutely ne- months later. Determining the stage of easily be stored long term. We have re- cessary. «We have great success in the ripeness, again, is a science in itself, she gistered a new variety Monta — one that selection of disease-resistant apple varie- says, and admits that she is an optimist can be eaten nearly until the next harvest ties, we have created varieties resistant to and sees a perspective for fruit cultivation. comes in. It takes a long time to «tame» apple scab, but new diseases continue to «We have local market with low supply as a new variety,» E. Kaufmane says. Talking emerge,» says the leading researcher. The well as exporting opportunities. There are about new cultures — highbush blueber- development of cultivation technologies also the small businesses, who are trying ry, buckthorn, flowering quince are still is also important for industry. In the mid- out something new and who need raw considered new cultures. The latter have 1990s modern breeding methods were material,» the scientist adds. 29 technologies

We are not going to become a manufacturing state. If there is something simple to be manufactured, like a leather wallet or a plastic cup, it is not worthwhile doing it here, but if we are considering a complex and smart product with a high added value, then it can be done quickly in Latvia, says Kristaps Rikāns, Regional Managing Director of Ubiquiti Networks.

text / Lāsma Vaivare BRAIN photo / Zane Bitere, LETA CENTRE Not advertising themselves loudly, for the fifth year running, talented engineers in Riga have been creating innovative solutions for communication and internet of things for the global market; creating research and development centres could be a success story in Latvia

Around 250 million dollars — quarterly turnaround that is being calculated in the financial year of 2018 for the former Apple employee Roberts Pera’s information te- chnology company Ubiquiti Networks. Part of this turnover is made up of products developed in Latvia, at the company’s research and development (R&D) centre U-Labs. «We are a research and development cell, a small group of talented people who genera- te ideas, hear out the ideas of our parent company and sees them to finished products and manufacturing,» says Kristaps Rikāns, Regional Managing Director of Ubiquiti Networks, head of U-Labs. Although they modestly call themselves a «small group of talented people», the team consists of around 60 engineers of various specialties, programmers, testers and mobile application developers. 30 key point

Teleporting The number of employees since the be- ginning of U-Labs has grown significantly. The product basket offered by U-Labs is also increasing. A small social camera — video camera that can take photos, film MĀRCIS JANSONS and stream videos on-line, has joined Am- ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY, pliFi, a home Wi-Fi router that has become DIRECTOR OF EARLY ENGINEERING PROGRAMS a multi-million dollar business, with signal Globally, tremendous engineering resources are being amplifier that can expand home wireless devoted to advance autonomous vehicles, electrification, and network. «There is also AmpliFi Teleport vehicle-to-vehicle communication. These developments are — a device that you put in your hand- occurring simultaneously. They will impact the way we live and bag and get teleported,» jokes K. Rikāns. work, our health and our environment. «Being anywhere in the world, the device allows you to connect to your home Wi-Fi network, making your phone or computer think you are at home. What is the use? You can read your local news portals, wat- ch your local TV channels, control your smart devices at home,» he explains seri- ously now. Besides, a smart home air puri- fier that measures air quality, — pollution, AIVARS LEJNIEKS amount of dust, odours, gases, humidity, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL MEDICINE AT RIGA STRADIŅŠ UNIVERSITY temperature, and cleanses it, is the first Currently integrating the findings of various branches of product that we can say has been deve- science into development of technologies and medicines and loped in Latvia from A to Z. Previously, the the demonstrating their efficacy in order to reduce mortality products were developed and prototyped and to stop or prevent the development of pathology is topical. here, but manufactured in China. The air Studies on stem cells and their use in the treatment of various purifier is produced in cooperation with pathologies are under-way, development of regenerative medi- the Latvian electronics company Hansa- cine (tissue and organ replacement) and studies on gene the- Matrix. «We are not going to become a rapy and “repair” of damaged (defective) genes is also taking manufacturing state. If there is something place. With the help of new technologies, when working out simple to be manufactured, like a leather and implementing an individualised approach to each patient’s wallet or a plastic cup, it is not worthwhi- treatment, it is essential to maintain humane attitude towards le doing it here, but if we are considering the patient. a complex and smart product with a high added value, then it can be done quickly in Latvia, manufacturers are flexible in rela- tion to amendments, reconciliations. We can run into problems if there is a need for some specific materials that can not be manufactured in Latvia, or if there is a need to produce a large volume,» says the head of U-Labs. Manufacturing in China, ZINTA GAILE if you do not need a million simple plastic PROFESSOR AT LATVIAN UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE cups, but, for example, a thousand com- The main challenges that global agriculture is facing are plex machines, is definitely not cheaper supplying the rapidly growing world population with food, at than what Latvian manufacturers would the same time protecting the environment, as well as global charge. Besides, Chineese manufacturers climate change and water scarcity. Agricultural scientists are are not interested in such small volumes. working in all possible directions in order to resolve these issues innovatively. The most significant trend in forestry can Being able to step away be described with the phrase “climate-smart forestry”, namely, from an idea planning such activity in the forest landscape, rather than at R&D centre in Riga is continuously the level of a single habitation, which would ensure the contri- working on new internet of things, some bution of this ecosystem to reducing climate change and, at the are in their development stage, others — same time, the resilience to withstand the negative impacts of prototyping stage. However, the head of the ongoing changes. U-Labs emphasizes that all ideas do not need not be developed into a product. Sometimes people believe in their idea so strongly that they cannot objectively eva-

luate the possible risks. PREISS GUNDEGA PREPARED: 31 technologies

We will continue developing ideas and will try to manufacture more in Latvia. I see a great potential for Latvia in this area, especially if those currently still at school will see it. I think they will see it. If we look at robotics extra-curriculum activities in schools — there are so many interested and active students there!

KRISTAPS RIKĀNS

REGIONAL MANAGING DIRECTOR OF UBIQUITI NETWORKS

«We spent two years on a fantastic idea nufacture. There are companies such as For the next person whos is going to do — a spherical drone. The idea was slight- HansaMatrix, Volburg, a 3D print com- it, it is going to be even easier — they will ly crazy, but we really believed in it. We pany of European level Baltic 3D, world- be able to say that not only SAF Tehnika, developed a prototype — an actual flying class testers TesDevLab , and many small Catch Box, but also U-Labs and others are ball just like in Star Wars. A ball was flying workshops where anything can be mol- from Latvia,» he smiles. around the office. There was a huge inte- ded out of metal,» K. Rikāns points out When asked whether R&D centre and rest in the prototype, nobody had ever cre- all the pros. There is, however, also a drop the development of manufacturing is ated anything like it before, and apparently of tar — quality packaging. He shows us not being slowed down by the lack of there was a reason why nobody had. Only the packaging for the smart air purifier work-force, he admits that the circle of afterwards did we start to realise what the and the solution offered in Latvia. They good specialists is limited; he has been problem was. Manufacturing such a drone are not comparable. «You can find a nice in situations where students are expec- would be very complicated and expensive, card-board box to put a cake in or a baby ting an unreasonably high salary. There there would be potential quality problems, rattle. The amount of things we produce are engineers whose qualifications do not we would not even be able to consider in Latvia — medicines, chemicals, lasers, add up, who change employers often. And manufacturing in Latvia. Often turning an optics — but it is hard to produce a simple there are those who do not really want to idea into a prototype is only 10% of the thing. That is absurd — we manufacture work. «I started working when I was 14 — I work, the rest is taking it to mass manu- the goods in Latvia, but have to order the was sawing wooden planks at a sawmill. facturing and on the shop shelves. We had packaging from China,» he says. At the age of 16 I was putting together to discontinue the project,» K. Rikāns is computers,» K. Rikāns shares his expe- sharing the lesson they learned. Americans do not need to be rience. convinced Due to the limited number of specia- Country of opportunities The skills and achievements of the Lat- lists, U-Labs and other R&D centres are In our conversation he repeatedly em- vian engineers were the key words to con- unlikely to become large corporations in phasizes that despite the criticism we vince R. Pera to set up Ubiquiti Networks the future. Is that necessary? «I think it is have about our country (and he himself R&D Centre in Latvia. At the time, K. Ri- wiser and more efficient to form R&D cells also has some, as he calls them, «red kāns was the head representative in North with 50—60 engineers in each, possibly flags»), Latvia has all the preconditions America for the Latvian manufacturer of even fewer specialists. There were 10 peo- to be the country of future iPhone, Tesla, microwave data transmission equipment ple in the AmpliFi team. 10 people deve- AmpliFi, etc. «The business environment, SAF Tehnika. Once he decided to return loped products which are now a business tax policies, investment environment is to Latvia he was looking for new challen- worth millions!» emphasises the Regional overall not bad. In many ways we are a ges. At a technology conference he ap- Managing Director of Ubiquiti Networks. safe country with convenient logistics, proached R. Pera, told him about Latvia, He would not really want to work for a there are simple customs, import, export technologies that have been developed giant company with lots of project ma- procedures, so that it is easy to opera- here, talented engineers, and he believe nagers, general managers and directors, te an R&D or a logistics centre here. Our him. «I had lived in America for a while, prescribed working procedures, reports, location geographically and the political I was well known in my industry, I had a where employees are just little screws in orientation to the West, as well as talen- large network of clients and partners, SAF the mechanism. He would like to conti- ted and clever engineers, we have plenty Tehnika also had become known in North nue developing ideas with his team and of opportunities to prototype and ma- America. I had a credit of trustworthiness. try to manufacture more in Latvia. 32