At the University of Latvia in Riga, the face of innovation is drastically changing.

Experts from the Institute’s Solid State Physics department (ISSP UL) are revolutionising the way in which the field of solid-state physics is carried out and applied.

Not only has it just been upgraded to what their managers claim is the "most advanced" Centre of Excellence for education, research, innovation and technology transfer in the Baltic States, but it is now turning itself away from just academia-focused research towards industry-oriented projects too.

This is all thanks to the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 funding, which is radically transforming how solid-state physics is used in an industrial and commercial manner, under the CAMART2 project.

"CAMART² serves as a knowledge base and key enabler for materials physics development that is vital for academics and the successful establishment of new companies through the fostering of scientific excellence, forming strong networks with academia and industry for knowledge exchange and educating a new generation." Mārtiņš Rutkis Director at the Institute of Solid State Physics

CAMART2 is aimed at upgrading the existing ISSP UL to a new significantly stronger Centre of Excellence. This upgrade will enable the efficient transfer of new materials and technologies into products for commercial and public benefit.

It is also designed to enhance cooperation between business and academics, paving the way for innovation-based economic growth, whilst diminishing the disparities between Latvia and better-performing EU Member States.

BSc, MSc and PhD theses completed at the ISSP UL

Scientists from the ISSP UL have developed a new ceramic compound that helps the human eye to see invisible, damaging, with multiple applications in the medical field or during surgery.

This is just one example of how researchers are paving the way for innovation.

The Institute’s Director has even said that he would like it to be more involved in global challenges, like climate change and healthcare, which for issues like these, as much help as possible is needed.