Over the past eight years, the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), has experienced rapid growth, becoming a significant player in the international science and innovation landscape. The institute’s financial turnover has tripled (from €3 million to €9 million per year), while international project funding has increased more than fivefold (from €0.5 million to €2.5 million annually). New partnerships have been formed with leading research centres and companies in Europe and beyond, positioning ISSP UL as a reliable and stable cooperation partner involved in increasingly important projects.
ISSP UL's development is guided by a clear vision – to evolve from an academic institution into a world-class research centre focused on innovation and real-world applications. The institute has created open-access infrastructure and a research environment that enables scientists to carry out fundamental studies while developing innovative technologies with tangible benefits for industry and society.
One such example is Spectromarine, a state-of-the-art, fully automated underwater optical spectroscopy system developed by ISSP UL. It accurately measures water quality and has great potential for environmental protection, fish farming, and desalination processes. The system has already been tested in Spain, Saudi Arabia, and the USA.
Another example is the organ-on-chip technology developed by ISSP UL’s spin-off company CellBox Labs. It is a miniature model of human organs (lungs, intestines, etc.) built on a plastic microfluidics chip, allowing scientists to study diseases and test drugs in a realistic environment while reducing the need for animal testing. “Our technology not only transforms the in-vitro research approach but also opens new possibilities in precision medicine,” emphasizes CellBox Labs co-founder Gatis Mozoļevskis.
A major technological achievement is TESS – a thermoelectric radiation sensor capable of detecting millions of laser pulses per second. It can be used in laser surgery, engraving, and 3D printing. The technology has already been licensed to the globally recognized photonics company Thorlabs. Meanwhile, OG Sense, a compact optical gas sensor, enables air quality monitoring and can be easily integrated into smart home and IoT systems.
“The institute’s growth has been driven by modern infrastructure and strategically developed collaborations with industry and international partners – all built on our scientific excellence. Researchers can engage with industry to identify real-world needs, and technology commercialization support mechanisms are available. This allows ideas to be turned into innovations that drive economic growth in Latvia and Europe,” says ISSP UL Director Andris Anspoks.
These achievements have been significantly supported by the CAMART² project, which has contributed to infrastructure development, researcher training, knowledge exchange with Swedish partners, and the development of international scientific contacts and collaborative projects. Additionally, the innovation ecosystem created at ISSP UL in photonics, smart materials, and technologies provides the necessary environment for turning research into practical innovation.
The CAMART² project’s closing event will take place on March 28 at 16:00, at Ķengaraga iela 8, Rīga. The event will include a panel discussion evaluating the results achieved and outlining future development opportunities. Media representatives are also invited.
