On June 1, the National Research and Innovation Institute (NRII) was officially opened at the Kokar Hall of the Great Stage of Mežaparks. The event was attended by representatives from the state, higher education institutions, and the science sector. The NRII is a new European-level center for life and natural sciences. The newly established institute unites the two strongest research organizations in the country – the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (IOS) and the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (BMC). Both institutes will begin operating as a unified research organization, while simultaneously taking over the coordination of the “BioPhoT” platform, previously managed by the IOS.
“By combining the expertise of over 400 scientists, we gain the opportunity to achieve more in both science and innovation development. NIRI will become a stronger platform for attracting international projects, modern research infrastructure, and closer cooperation with businesses and universities,” emphasizes Director of NIRI, Dace Kārkle.
The creation of NIRI is a strategic step that will strengthen Latvia's scientific excellence and international competitiveness. By combining the expertise, infrastructure, and human resources of two leading research organizations, conditions will be created for more targeted use of available resources, closer cooperation, and higher added value in both education and innovation. This merger is a prime example that it is possible to successfully merge high-level scientific institutions in Latvia, creating an internationally competitive center of scientific excellence.
NIRI's goal is to develop world-class research in the development of new drugs, diagnostics, and treatments, personalized medicine, biotechnology, and public health. The institute's overarching mission is to find solutions that help people live healthier and longer lives.
By combining the capabilities of OSI and BMC, NIRI consolidates resources and expertise to develop innovative healthcare solutions – from the development of new drugs and therapies to health data analytics and personalized medicine. NIRI will become a significant partner for entrepreneurs, as well as offering a practical and research environment for students in the fields of medicine, life sciences, and chemistry.
