In December, a national research program for the mitigation of the effects of Covid-19 was concluded, which provided nearly half a million euros for each of the ten research projects. Scientists have created different technologies and studied the nature of the virus, and created methods for combating it more successfully.
Two research projects were conducted at Riga Technical University (RTU).
Science prorector Tālis Juhna explained the studies: “If we talk about disinfectant methods, we developed two types of antiviral coatings. We developed an air disinfectant facility that can be used when a person is present. We also developed disinfectant gates that can be used at both airports and hospitals and other public places where sterilization of surfaces is required before someone enters the room.”
Meanwhile, three studies were conducted at the Rīga Stradins University on how the virus acts in the human body, how Covid-19 affects the health system and how the public can overcome this crisis. As the virus remains widespread, research continues, despite the fact that the national program is already over.
In total, nearly €5 million was allocated to ten studies. The Ministry of Education and Science said that a new competition was planned.
"There will be a competition which is somewhat a continuation of projects created and undertaken under the national research programme, technology development and commercialization. There are additional 11 million,” said IZM spokesman Dmitrijs Stepanovs.
As part of that program, projects will be able to be implemented by mid-2023, the ministry said. The necessary legislative amendments are currently being made and the information on the competition will follow in the near future.
