News


The International Drug Repurposing Conference 2026 (12-13 May 2026)
Join the leading international drug repurposing conference to explore the future of patient-centric drug repurposing. From rare diseases and AI-driven drug discovery, to policy, funding and community-led success stories, iDR26 brings together the global drug repurposing community to navigate the next chapter in maximising patient benefit. More information and sign up here.
European Conference on Rare Diseases & Orphan Products (3-4 June 2026)
ECRD 2026 is expected to unite over 500 participants in Prague, with an additional 300+ joining online. Thanks to its hybrid format, the conference will provide an unparalleled platform for connection and collaboration, enabling participants across the rare disease community to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and build partnerships. More information and sign up here.
cil of Science

From June 1 to 4, within the framework of the RI NCP network project RICH, free proposal pre-checks for Research Infrastructure (RI) projects will be organized, with the aim of improving the quality of applications and promoting scientific excellence.
– The proposal pre-check offers applicants a valuable opportunity to enhance the quality and competitiveness of their project by receiving detailed and constructive feedback from experienced RI proposal evaluators, thereby significantly increasing their chances of securing funding.
– Read more about this opportunity here: Opportunity to apply for “Horizon Europe” Research Infrastructure proposal pre-check | Latvian Council of Science

On May 18 from 14:00 to 15:00, the “Horizon Europe” NCP is organizing an informational event series “Meet Your NCP.” As part of this series, in May you will have the opportunity to meet online and ask questions to National Contact Point experts from Pillar 1 – Excellent Science about the MSCA, ERC, and RI programmes, their latest updates, as well as the services and support mechanisms provided by the NCP. You are kindly invited to register for the event here!
– Read more about the event here: Meet the “Horizon Europe” National Contact Point: “Horizon Europe” Pillar 1 “Excellent Science” | Latvian Council of Science

An Opportunity to Apply for Advisory Support for the Preparation of “Horizon Europe” Twinning Project Proposals
Advisory support for Latvian coordinators in the preparation of project proposals under the European Union programme “Horizon Europe” is now also available for the Twinning call.
The objective of this support scheme is to promote the participation of Latvian scientific institutions in the “Horizon Europe” programme as project coordinators by reimbursing the costs of consultations provided by foreign experts for the improvement of project proposals, up to a maximum amount of EUR 5,000.
The support is intended for Latvian scientific institutions to engage expert services for the provision of advisory assistance to coordinators of “Horizon Europe” project proposals. A consultation shall be understood as oral and written recommendations provided by an expert for the enhancement of a project proposal, as well as a preliminary review of the proposal prior to its submission to a “Horizon Europe” call. Support is granted for project proposals that have received expert consultations and that obtain an evaluation of “above the quality threshold” in the respective “Horizon Europe” call.
Further information on the conditions of the support scheme is available at:
https://www.lzp.gov.lv/lv/atbalsts-eiropas-savienibas-programmas-apvarsnis-eiropa-projektu-pieteikumu-latvijas-koordinatoru-konsultesanai.

Congratulations!
Our hospital’s Chief Specialist for Scientific Activities of the Medical Council, Professor Mārcis Leja, has been appointed a Knight Officer of the Order of the Three Stars. The award was granted in recognition of his contributions to medical education and science, with particular emphasis on the early diagnosis and prevention of oncological diseases, as well as the promotion of public health in Latvia.
The solemn ceremony for the presentation of Latvia’s highest state decorations – the Order of the Three Stars, the Order of Viesturs and the Cross of Recognition – took place at Riga Castle on 18 November, marking the 107th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia. The decorations were presented by Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of the Republic of Latvia.