The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) is proud to announce Edgars Butanovs, Leading Researcher at the Laboratory of Thin Films, has been selected as one of the 12 Latvian scientists featured in the “Zinātne Latvijai 2026” (Science for Latvia 2026) calendar initiative by the science communication platform researchLatvia of the Ministry of Education and Science.
The initiative was officially launched at yesterday’s ceremonial event where the calendar and a travelling exhibition were formally unveiled. The project highlights twelve outstanding researchers representing Latvia’s leading scientific institutes, each becoming a “scientist of the month” for 2026.
Edgars Butanovs represents May in the calendar, and it recognises his contribution to materials science and thin film research carried out at ISSP UL. His inclusion underscores the strong role of solid state physics and materials research in Latvia’s scientific ecosystem.
ISSP UL congratulates Edgars on this recognition and is proud to see the Institute represented among the leading faces of Latvian science.
The opening event saw all 12 research institutions represented in the calendar receive "Member of researchLatvia" token awards, honouring their work in strengthening Latvian science and its recognition on the world stage.
Alongside the calendar, a travelling exhibition introducing the featured scientists and their work will be on display across research institutions and publicly accessible venues throughout Latvia. Also, initiative is accompanied by a dedicated video story produced by researchLatvia, aimed at increasing public awareness of Latvian science and its researchers.
