The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) is an internationally recognized leader in materials science and cross-disciplinary topics. ISSP UL combines world-class expertise with state-of-the-art facilities to conduct groundbreaking research that shapes the future of science, educate and inspire the next generation of scientists, and deliver innovative solutions tailored to industry needs.
Our Vision is to be a world-class recognized Excellence Centre – an outstanding place for research and innovation.
Our Mission is to create a dynamic environment for solutions of global societal and technological challenges, strengthening the role of Latvian and European science in the world.
Our Goal is to strengthen the Institute as a Centre for Excellence in Material Research and transfer it into a Material Research & Innovation Centre.
Our research directions include fundamental and experimental research in solid state physics and materials science, improvement of technologies and experimental methods, as well as research on material applications. More on our areas of work & research here.
The institute collaborates with more than 100 scientific institutions – nearby European allies and world-renowned leaders alike – and carries out over 50 research projects annually with about one third implemented in partnership with industry – bridging the gap between science and business to create real-world impact. To promote this collaboration, the institute has established an industry cooperation platform – Materize.
ISSP UL also pays great attention to education and to attracting highly qualified scientific staff. The Institute currently employs around 300 employees, 100 of which are doctors of science – all carrying out internationally competitive research, educating students and offering innovative solutions for industrial needs. The study programs in cooperation with the University of Latvia are the basis for building young people's knowledge and industrial competitiveness in the future. ISSP UL actively cooperates with international scientific organizations and universities to raise the qualification of both students and scientists as well as to attract entrepreneurs and investors.
ISSP UL is located in a 10 000 m2 office and laboratory building with modern infrastructure for the synthesis and analysis of various types of materials and a 650 m2 ISO class 4 - 8 cleanroom space for dust-free experiments. The work is organized in the form of Open Labs, available to all researchers, industry and students trained to work with the equipment or by applying research projects where the institute’s scientists carry out the work.