JĀNIS KLEPERIS was born in 1951 at “Lejas Kleperi” in Launkalne parish. He studied in Drusti and, after completing secondary school in Smiltene, enrolled in the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics at the Latvian State University in 1970, specialising in semiconductor physics. He graduated in 1975.
His scientific journey began in 1972 as a senior laboratory assistant at the Laboratory of Semiconductor Physics Problems at LVU. By 1979, he was already leading a research group at the newly founded Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL). His entire scientific career remained closely connected with ISSP UL, where he worked for over five decades. In 1998, he established and led the Gas Sensor Laboratory; in 2005, the Hydrogen Energy Materials Laboratory; and in 2018, as the research fields expanded, this lab evolved into the Laboratory of Energy Harvesting and Storage Materials.
Dr. Kleperis devoted his research to materials physics and solid-state ionics, electrochromism, and innovative thin film deposition methods, as well as to the investigation of their physical and chemical properties. He studied materials suitable for hydrogen energy technologies – electrodes for water electrolysis, hydride-forming metals, porous and layered materials for hydrogen storage, ion-conductive polymers and inorganic materials, membranes for fuel cells and gas separation, and materials for gas sensors and artificial olfaction systems. He also researched photocatalytic and light-sensitive materials for solar energy harvesting and storage. Part of his scientific work was dedicated to identifying and reducing urban air pollution.
Dr. Kleperis led numerous Latvian and international research projects and authored more than 200 scientific publications, over 100 of which are indexed in SCOPUS, with an h-index of 18 and over 1,800 citations. He was the author of two book chapters, editor of the book Electrolysis, and editor of two collections of scientific papers. He actively contributed to the work of the Latvian Hydrogen Association as its board chairman, was a member of the advisory council of the Riga City Council, served as an expert for the Latvian Council of Science, and was a long-standing member of the ISSP UL Scientific Council.
In addition to his extensive academic activity, Jānis Kleperis was also a patriot of Latvia. In 1981, together with like-minded individuals, he laid the foundation for the folk tradition group Budēļi, which still actively performs and preserves Latvian traditions across generations. Above all, Jānis was a devoted family man who cared deeply for his loved ones.
His work was future-oriented – dedicated to sustainable energy, innovation, and environmental protection. His scientific and public contributions have left a lasting mark on the development of science and culture in Latvia. We have lost not only an outstanding scientist but also a warm-hearted and supportive colleague, a person of deep intellect, wisdom, and responsibility. His work and character will be held in warm memory.
