On April 9, the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) honoured Juris Purāns, the Head and Leading Researcher of the Thin Films Laboratory at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL). Having been one of the primary driving forces behind the institute's research development and expansion for over fifty years, this award comes as no surprise.
The formal ceremony at the Academy was followed by a smaller, more intimate gathering on Friday, April 10, where the ISSP UL family congratulated Juris in the Institute. The Grand Medal recipient delivered a presentation titled “Fifty Years in Solid State Physics Research: The Journey from Micrometers to Femtometers.”
He spoke about the origins of his research directions at the institute and how they have evolved and transformed over time – driven by the winds of new discovery or simply the meeting of bright minds from different fields that end up forging new paths together. Juris concluded his presentation with inspiring words: “Life opens up various opportunities. It's up to you to find the right one and work to create new opportunities.” It is clear that this insight permeates our researcher's scientific career, and it is a pleasure to see his experience and drive being passed down to future generations.
