Latvia actively supports research and innovation through national and European funding instruments. Research policy is primarily developed by the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia and implemented through the Latvian Council of Science, focusing on strengthening research capacity, promoting excellence, and fostering international collaboration.
Research policy and governance
Research policy in Latvia is coordinated mainly by the Ministry of Education and Science and its subordinate institution, the Latvian Council of Science.
The Ministry of Education and Science defines national research priorities, manages research, higher education, and innovation policy, and represents Latvia in international scientific cooperation.
The Latvian Council of Science is responsible for implementing national science and technology policy, managing research programs funded by the state and the European Union, providing expert evaluations, and promoting international scientific cooperation.
Research institutions
Research institutions in Latvia comprise universities, public research institutes, companies, and other organisations involved in research, development, and scientific training. All recognised entities are included in the register of research institutions maintained by the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia. The complete list can be accessed here.
Research funding programs
National Research Programmes are funded by the government and developed by sectoral ministries to promote progress in priority fields and address national development needs. The Latvian Council of Science supervises the call process and evaluates research proposals.
Fundamental and Applied Research Programmes provide funding for projects that generate new scientific knowledge and practical technologies. These calls are announced annually and are open to researchers from various scientific disciplines.
Applied research programmes focus on projects that connect science with industry and innovation. They are co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and linked to Latvia’s Smart Specialisation Strategy, supporting cooperation between research institutions and companies.
Latvia also takes part in major international research initiatives, such as Horizon Europe (2021-2027) – the European Union’s largest research and innovation programme.
More information here.
Early-stage research career pathways
PhD studies in Latvia
Doctoral positions in Latvia may be either self-funded or state-funded. Following the introduction of the new doctoral study model in 2024, state-funded PhD candidates are gradually integrated into an employment-based system, receiving remuneration for research work instead of traditional scholarships.
Doctoral studies in Latvia are offered by major universities and research institutions across a wide range of disciplines:
- University of Latvia offers doctoral studies in 17 different study fields: humanities and social sciences, economics, computer science and information technology, natural sciences, medicine and health sciences, law etc.
- Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies covers doctoral studies in 11 fields across biosciences, social sciences and engineering sciences.
- Riga Stradins University has two doctoral programs: health care and social sciences.
- Riga Technical University runs 21 PhD study programs across various scientific and engineering disciplines.
- Latvian Academy of Culture offers an academic doctoral programme in Arts, and participates in a joint professional doctoral programme in Arts with the Sub-programme “Audiovisual Arts, Theatre and Contemporary Dance”.
- Art Academy of Latvia runs academic and professional doctor studies within the humanities and arts in collaboration with other universities.
- Vidzeme University of Applied Science. Doctoral studies in economics and business, and socio-technical systems engineering.
- Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Doctoral studies in economics and business, and in language and literature.
- Daugavpils University. Doctoral studies in a wide range of fields, with a total of 10 PhD programmes.
Post-doctoral grants
Latvia supports early-career researchers through the Postdoctoral Research Programme, implemented by the Latvian Council of Science within the framework of the EU Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027. The programme is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the state budget, and private partners. It provides support for individual research projects, covering researchers’ remuneration, research activities, and international mobility. The evaluation process follows the principles of the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Read more.
Towards stabilization
Latvia does not have a clearly defined “starting” or “consolidator” grant scheme at the national level specifically targeting the transition to independence. The Latvian research funding system is characterized by a project-based model, where continued participation in competitive funding schemes is essential for career development and long-term stability.
Application timelines vary depending on the programme. For the most up-to-date information on calls and eligibility conditions, researchers are advised to consult the Latvian Council of Science website.