https://eng.lsm.lv/ eng.lsm.lv en https://eng.lsm.lv//assets/logo/lsm_hi.png https://eng.lsm.lv/ https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/16.07.2026-small-demonstration-staged-against-closure-of-sports-school.a655319/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:55:00 GMT 655319 Around 20 people gathered outside the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM) building in Old Riga on Thursday morning to protest against the closure of the Jūrmala branch of the Murjāņi Sports Gymnasium (MSĢ). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/16.07.2026-young-latvians-lag-behind-neighbours-in-digital-skills.a655278/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:39:00 GMT 655278 In 2025, 74.6% of young people aged 16-24 in the EU had at least basic digital skills, according to data published by Eurostat on July 15th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/16.07.2026-researchers-in-latvia-concerned-about-potential-threat-to-academic-freedom.a655251/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:36:00 GMT 655251 Researchers are expressing concerns about a possible threat to academic freedom after learning that the Saeima plans to discuss the usefulness of certain research. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/14.07.2026-schools-out-latvian-examination-results-similar-to-last-year.a655028/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:15:53 GMT 655028 The average results of centralized exams in primary education this year have not changed significantly compared to the previous school year, and 818 students have not passed a single exam. In secondary school, the results of centralized exams in Latvian and English have improved, but secondary school students have also shown worse results in mathematics, reports Latvian Radio. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/14.07.2026-research-institute-merger-forms-new-latvian-science-centre.a655005/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:12:00 GMT 655005 A National Institute of Research and Innovation (NIRI) has been established in Latvia by merging the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis and the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre. Institute representatives believe that the merger will accelerate the development and implementation of new medicines, diagnostic methods and medical technologies, reports Latvian Television. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/09.07.2026-university-enrolment-begins-in-latvia-thursday.a654545/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:51:08 GMT 654545 On Thursday, July 9, the unified admissions process for undergraduate programs began at eight Latvian universities. Online applications for admission will continue on the “Latvija.lv” portal from Thursday through July 20, while prospective students will be able to apply in person starting July 14, Latvian Radio reports. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/05.07.2026-population-research-continues-in-zemgale-and-vidzeme-this-summer.a653899/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 05 Jul 2026 11:39:00 GMT 653899 This summer, anthropological expeditions to study or, to put it more simply, 'measure' the polulations of Latvia's regions are continuing. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/25.06.2026-asteroid-named-after-latvian-filmmaker-janis-streics.a652678/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:31:57 GMT 652678 The name of Latvian film director Jānis Streičs will henceforth be found not only in Latvia’s cultural history, but also on maps of the Solar System, according to the University of Latvia's Institute of Astronomy. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/25.06.2026-education-minister-mulls-11-school-years-instead-of-12-in-latvia.a652664/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:42:51 GMT 652664 Young people should no longer be in school at the age of 19, said Ilze Indriksone (National Alliance), Minister of Education and Science, on the Latvian Radio programme “Krustpunktā” on June 25. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/17.06.2026-plant-anti-freeze-being-developed-at-university-of-latvia.a651800/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:16:34 GMT 651800 Spring frosts cause concern for many farmers and gardeners every year, as a significant portion of the expected harvest can be lost during a few cold nights. Latvian scientists are currently working on a solution based on naturally occurring microorganisms that could help plants better withstand temperature fluctuations in the future, Latvian Television reports on June 17. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/16.06.2026-latvia-to-push-science-and-innovation-during-2028-presidency-stint.a651713/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:19:00 GMT 651713 During Latvia’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2028, the country will try to push an agenda that stresses scientific, research and innovation potential, according to a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/16.06.2026-childrens-math-skills-drop-between-grades-3-and-6-test-suggests.a651681/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:40:27 GMT 651681 According to data from the student knowledge assessment tests conducted this spring and released by the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM), Latvian students’ average knowledge levels drop sharply in mathematics and science between grades 3 and 6, while their reading comprehension improves, Latvian Radio reported on June 16. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/16.06.2026-200-year-old-school-in-western-latvia-to-close.a651613/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:53:13 GMT 651613 Due to insufficient student enrollment, many municipalities in Latvia are facing difficult decisions. After postponing the decision for several years, Kuldīga Municipality has finally had to make it: schools in Ēdole and Kabile will no longer operate in the coming school year, Skrunda Television reported on June 16. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/12.06.2026-watch-again-kiva-programme-anti-bullying-conference.a651208/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:33:00 GMT 651208 As previously reported by LSM, the KiVa anti-bullying programme conference is taking place in Rīga on Friday and features speakers from Finland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic, with the aim of sharing experience, knowledge, and inspiration. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/12.06.2026-latvia-risks-being-kicked-out-of-space-affairs.a651199/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:01:05 GMT 651199 Latvia joined the European Space Agency in 2020; however, funding for the country’s continued membership is no longer included in the multiannual budget for next year, according to Minister of Education and Science Ilze Indriksone (National Alliance). Is Latvia’s membership in the agency at risk? There is no answer to that yet, Latvian Television reported on June 11. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/09.06.2026-why-do-latvian-universities-spend-thousands-to-attract-foreign-students.a650706/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:23:02 GMT 650706 Latvian higher education institutions spend thousands to attract foreign students to their courses. How and why this happens, Latvian Radio explained for the benefit of anyone unable to work it out for themselves. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/04.06.2026-about-9-of-latvian-students-leave-school-early.a649559/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:07:35 GMT 649559 In 2025, the share of early school leavers (young people aged 18-24 leaving early from education and training) in the EU was 9.1%, almost meeting the EU-level target of 9.0% for 2030, according to Eruostat data published on June 4th.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/02.06.2026-kiva-anti-bullying-conference-to-take-place-in-riga.a649736/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:48:00 GMT 649736 On June 12, 2026, from 09:00 to 16:00, a conference dedicated to the KiVa programme developed in Finland  – a peer violence prevention method that is being implemented in 190 Latvian schools – will be held at the National Library of Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/02.06.2026-two-latvian-scientific-institutions-merge.a649683/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:01:41 GMT 649683 Through the merger of two state research institutes – the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis and the Latvian Centre for Biomedical Research and Studies – the National Research and Innovation Institute was officially established on June  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/26.05.2026-over-1300-students-had-exams-postponed-due-to-air-threats-in-latvia.a648810/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 26 May 2026 12:13:21 GMT 648810 Approximately 1,350 pupils will take the second part of the Latvian language exam during the extended testing period, as their exams last week were disrupted by a potential airspace threat, according to information available to the State Education Development Agency (VIAA). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/26.05.2026-distinguished-scientist-juris-upatnieks-has-died.a648805/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 26 May 2026 11:59:28 GMT 648805 On May 17, 2026, the outstanding physicist of Latvian origin, founder of holography, and foreign member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS), Professor Juris Upatnieks, passed away, the LAS announced. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/25.05.2026-riga-plans-spending-cuts-on-private-kindergartens.a648640/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 25 May 2026 13:00:02 GMT 648640 The decline in kindergarten waiting lists is forcing local governments to reevaluate a solution introduced during the waiting list crisis: subsidising private kindergartens. While this once helped children gain access to services more quickly, it has now become an increasingly heavy burden on local budgets in many places, Latvian Television reported on 24 May. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/21.05.2026-education-ministrys-software-purchase-to-be-evaluated.a648084/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 21 May 2026 05:18:57 GMT 648084 Minister of Education and Science Dace Melbārde (New Unity) has approached law enforcement agencies regarding the procurement process for the JAMA software, the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM) told newswire LETA on May 20. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/20.05.2026-exams-disrupted-again-wednesday-in-latgale.a647994/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 20 May 2026 11:51:05 GMT 647994 A potential airspace threat in Rēzekne and the municipalities of Rēzekne, Ludza, and Krāslava disrupted the physics exam for high school students and the Latvian language exam for 9th-grade students on the morning of Wednesday, May 20, LSM's Latgale studio reports. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/19.05.2026-exams-suspended-due-to-drone-alert-in-several-of-latvias-regions.a647814/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 19 May 2026 11:57:00 GMT 647814 On Tuesday, 9th-grade students across Latvia are taking their Latvian language exam. Due to a potential air hazard, the centralised Latvian language exam has been suspended in the regions where the hazard has been declared.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/18.05.2026-latvia-does-pretty-well-on-provision-of-pre-school-education.a647668/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 18 May 2026 14:39:00 GMT 647668 In 2024, 95.0% of children between the age of 3 and the compulsory starting age for primary education in EU countries were in pre-primary education, up from 91.2% in 2014, according to Eurostat data published on May 18th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/17.05.2026-sigulda-teacher-bungee-jumps-to-inspire-students.a647474/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 17 May 2026 07:07:15 GMT 647474 A teacher in Sigulda has performed a terrifying bungee jump to encourage his students before they sit important examinations, reports Latvian Television. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/07.05.2026-no-school-thursday-in-rezekne-ludza-remote-learning-in-balvi.a645989/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 07 May 2026 05:58:00 GMT 645989 On Thursday morning, foreign unmanned aerial vehicles flew into Latvian territory from Russia, and two drones crashed in Latgale. Given the threat, a decision was made in Rēzekne, as well as in the Rēzekne and Ludza municipalities, to suspend classes at all educational institutions, LSM.lv has confirmed. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/29.04.2026-sse-riga-lecture-to-outline-impact-of-sanctions-on-russia.a645050/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:08:45 GMT 645050 The Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (SSE Riga) will be holding a public lecture next week titled "Sanctions and the Russian War Economy — What Has Worked, What Has Not, and What Comes Next" with Yuliia Pavytska, Head of the Sanctions Hub of Excellence at the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) Institute. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/24.04.2026-studying-in-riga-is-a-major-financial-challenge-for-students-from-the-regions.a644376/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:20:00 GMT 644376 A ninety-minute lecture in Riga may mean a five-hour bus ride for a student. For someone else, finding affordable rental housing in the capital at current market prices may mean struggling to pay for meals. There are warnings that higher education in the capital is in danger of becoming a privilege that is unrealistic for students from the regions, due to high rent prices. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/20.04.2026-electrician-among-most-demanded-adult-education-programmes-in-latvia.a643666/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:38:41 GMT 643666 On the skills management platform "Stars", the greatest interest currently lies in the professions of electrical engineer, electrical installer, and caregiver, while there is also high interest in educational programs for learning artificial intelligence tools, according to representatives of the State Education and Development Agency (VIAA). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/17.04.2026-students-hack-ai-solutions-to-latvias-public-administration-challenges.a643361/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:13:30 GMT 643361 At the end of March, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) concluded a hackathon for its Digital Strategy and Artificial Intelligence Management program, organized in collaboration with the Consumer Rights Protection Center (PTAC), reports Labs of Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/16.04.2026-big-data-centre-opens-in-riga-latvia.a643155/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:04:06 GMT 643155 An impressive data centre opened in Rīga on Wednesday – a massive and highly secure home for information on the internet, Latvian Television reported on 15th April. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/14.04.2026-transition-to-schooling-in-latvian-only-a-rocky-road.a642788/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:48:00 GMT 642788 The transition of minority schools to instruction in Latvian was formally completed at the start of this school year, when all students are required to study exclusively in the state language. Latvian Television's "Forbidden Method", aired on 13th April, tried to look at the way this reform has been implemented. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/10.04.2026-women-scientists-invited-to-apply-for-women-in-science-baltic-fellowship-2026.a642355/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:07:00 GMT 642355 The Baltic Academies of Sciences in cooperation with the UNESCO National Commissions are announcing the third joint fellowship competition for women scientists “Women in Science Baltic Fellowship 2026”, reports Labs of Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/09.04.2026-riga-stradins-university-establishes-new-microbiology-laboratory.a642188/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:21:23 GMT 642188 A new laboratory has been opened at the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Science Hub’s Institute of Microbiology and Virology, established with an investment of more than EUR 90,000 from the laboratory equipment manufacturer Biosan Ltd. reports Labs of Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/02.04.2026-safety-of-female-students-questioned-in-liepaja-residences.a641482/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Apr 2026 07:49:00 GMT 641482 The management of the Riga Technical University (RTU) Liepaja Academy has begun looking for another hotel for students, as young women in particular feel their safety is threatened in the current residences. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/24.03.2026-latvian-language-teaching-for-adults-could-undergo-systemic-changes.a640143/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 24 Mar 2026 07:29:10 GMT 640143 In the coming years, the fragmentation of Latvian language instruction for adults must be addressed by entrusting this function to the Latvian Language Agency. This is the plan of the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM), as outlined in a conceptual report. However, this report has been disapproved of by other ministries, Latvian Radio reports on 24th March. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/24.03.2026-latvias-tilde-takes-part-in-space-observation-mission-with-ai-component.a640130/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 24 Mar 2026 05:47:17 GMT 640130 Latvian language technology company Tilde has been selected to develop the project “AI Assistant for Data Discovery on the EO Baltic Platform”, reports Labs of Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/13.03.2026-saeima-approves-mobile-phone-ban-in-elementary-schools.a638697/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:42:12 GMT 638697 Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, decided on Thursday, March 12th, to expand the ban on the use of mobile phones in schools, stipulating that from now on, students will not be allowed to use them throughout elementary school - from grades 1 to 9. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/10.03.2026-latvian-academic-wins-international-optics-honour.a638174/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:37:04 GMT 638174 Tatjana Pladere, a leading researcher at the University of Latvia, has been awarded the Optica Ambassador title — a distinction granted by the international professional society Optica (formerly The Optical Society of America) in the fields of optics and photonics, reports Labs of Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/05.03.2026-university-of-latvia-approves-rules-for-use-of-ai.a637454/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:36:10 GMT 637454 The Senate of the University of Latvia (UL) has approved regulations on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the study process, establishing a legally defined framework for the use of AI in studies, reports Labs of Latvia. The new regulations will come into force almost immediately – on 16th March, 2026. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/03.03.2026-construction-engineering-top-choices-in-latvian-vocational-education.a637155/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:53:43 GMT 637155 Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) data, published on 2nd March, show that the number of new entrants in vocational education totalled 10.3 thousand in the 2025/2026 school year. Engineering, manufacturing and construction recorded the largest number of entrants – 4.1 thousand (39.6 % of all new entrants).  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/27.02.2026-lack-of-suitable-specialists-hampers-transition-to-latvian-language-education.a636656/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 27 Feb 2026 08:28:00 GMT 636656 The planned transition to full Latvian-language education in all Latvian schools is being hindered by a shortage of suitably qualified specialist teachers, reports Latvian Radio.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/26.02.2026-latvian-cern-team-zooms-in-on-new-device.a636532/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:59:06 GMT 636532 The Latvian team at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) is working on a new sensor for an experiment, LSM's Kārlis Miksons reports. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/26.02.2026-latvian-tilde-boasts-new-ai-translation-platform.a636457/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:11:02 GMT 636457 Latvian language technology company Tilde has adapted its large language model (LLM) TildeOpen for translation and integrated it into a machine translation platform that will provide translations in 34 European languages, including Latvian, the company announced. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/19.02.2026-distance-learning-will-be-gradually-restricted-in-latvia.a635446/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:48:19 GMT 635446 On Thursday, February 19th, the Saeima adopted amendments to the Education Law that had been returned for reconsideration, deciding that distance learning will be gradually restricted from the 2027/2028 academic year. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/18.02.2026-state-audit-basic-education-in-latvia-not-equal.a635186/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:09:59 GMT 635186 The state and local governments have not created conditions that would guarantee equal quality basic education at the school closest to the place of residence, as a result of which children in Latvia acquire basic education with significantly different opportunities and results, according to the conclusion of the State Audit Office (VK) audit, published on 18th February. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/12.02.2026-higher-education-student-numbers-rose-in-2025.a633774/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:56:24 GMT 633774 According to the latest Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) data published on February 12th, the number of students in tertiary education in Latvia reached 76.4 thousand in the academic year 2025/26, which is 1 594 students (2.0 %) more than in the previous academic year. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/11.02.2026-women-lead-the-way-in-latvian-science-and-engineering.a634119/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:36:00 GMT 634119 Eurostat data published on February 11th to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science show that Latvia is one of Europe's leading regions when it comes to the number of women scientists and engineers it has.