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Science communication refers to a set of activities that promote the integration of scientific thinking and culture into society, helping the public understand the essence, processes, and discoveries of science in an accessible way.
Its main goal is to bridge the gap between scientists and the public, strengthen trust and prestige, spark young people’s interest in science, and contribute to the development of human capital and the long-term progress of the country.
Science communication aims to educate the public on current topics in a clear and understandable way, explain complex issues, encourage youth to engage in scientific research, and improve the public’s scientific literacy.
It also serves as a tool for transferring innovation and showcasing scientific discoveries to entrepreneurs, which is essential for developing a knowledge-based economy.
DU actively contributes to the development of science communication in Latvia by adopting best practices from Europe.
In 2025, DU became an ambassador for the researchLatvia portal, highlighting the university’s important role in national science communication.
Read also:
Daugavpils University – a Key Research Centre in Latgale
Daugavpils University offers a wide range of science popularization events, which annually involve school students, teachers, university students, and the wider public. The most notable among them are:
Recognizing outstanding DU researchers — awarded for significant achievements and to emerging scientists, in both natural and humanities disciplines; one award per category each year.
Free monthly classes for high school students covering various scientific fields.
An extracurricular educational programme for students in grades 10–12, free of charge, with a certificate awarded upon completion.
A regional platform for students to present their research projects.
An international initiative featuring experiments, lectures, and creative workshops that engage the wider public.
Beyond major events, DU’s science communication is a continuous effort, including:
Science communication at DU happens every day.
Departments, research institutes, and centres organize a variety of activities — open lectures, exhibitions, creative workshops, open-door days, and themed competitions.
These initiatives make science more accessible and relatable.
They inspire people to think, explore, and create.
The DU Annual Science Award is granted for outstanding achievements in science that have contributed to the scientific development of Daugavpils University.
The award is granted in two scientific fields: natural sciences, mathematics and engineering, and humanities, social sciences and education, in two categories: Daugavpils University Annual Science Award and Daugavpils University Annual Award for Young Scientists.
One award is granted annually in each category and scientific field.
The DU Annual Science Award may be granted to candidates who have worked at DU for at least five years:
– DU academic staff holding a doctoral degree;
– DU young scientists who obtained their doctoral degree no more than 10 years ago.
Any DU structural unit may propose candidates for the DU Annual Science Award by submitting the required documents characterizing the nominees to the DU Science Council.
The DU Annual Science Award is presented during a ceremonial event dedicated to the anniversary of the DU Constitution.
Award recipients deliver an open lecture at DU’s annual scientific conference.
The tradition of awarding the DU Annual Science Award began in 2009, when the first awards were given for achievements in 2008.
The aim of the conference is to deepen students’ knowledge in the fields of natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and engineering. It introduces students to contemporary scientific research topics and methods by involving them directly in the research process, while also fostering independent research skills.
To participate in the conference, students from general secondary education institutions in the Latgale region were invited to prepare a scientific research paper on a topic of their choice in the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences and to take part in the competition.
The aim of the Science School is to encourage and develop young people’s interest in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, as well as to promote their engagement with current trends in science.
During the school sessions, participants can attend free lectures and practical workshops, explore current scientific issues, take on the role of a researcher, and investigate topics of personal interest more deeply. This experience may help them choose a future profession and learn how to work with modern equipment.
The Daugavpils University Science School holds classes once a month, led by DU lecturers and specialists from various fields.
Over the course of four months from the beginning of the academic year, young people from across Latvia have the opportunity to explore the world of science more closely, observe how it is applied in daily life and industry, and discover surprising facts about familiar objects and processes.
Participants who attend more than 50% of the sessions receive a certificate of completion, which grants an additional 5 points when applying to any DU bachelor’s study programme.
The aim of the youth interest-based education programme “Humanities Academy for Youth” is to spark young people’s interest in literature, linguistics, foreign languages, theatre, cinema, visual arts, religion, folklore, and other fields of culture and the arts. It also seeks to motivate young people to choose humanities for their future studies.
The academy is open to students in grades 10–12 from Latvian secondary schools, vocational school students, and anyone with a deeper interest in the humanities.
The full Humanities Academy for Youth programme lasts for three years (from October to May, with sessions held one Saturday per month). However, participants may also choose to attend for one or two years.
Participation is free of charge!
It is an opportunity to participate in free lectures and practical workshops led by knowledgeable and experienced professionals from Latvia’s cultural and arts scene, as well as lecturers from the Faculty of Humanities at Daugavpils University.
Participants receive a certificate upon completion of each year of the programme.
Additional information:
Phone: +371 654 24238, +371 20218334
Email: humanitara.akademija@inbox.lv
European Researchers’ Night is an initiative launched by the European Commission. It takes place every year on the last Friday of September, offering engaging insights into scientific achievements and giving the public a behind-the-scenes look at scientific laboratories.
This event is organized across all European Union countries to promote research and innovation, raise public awareness of scientists’ work and its impact on our everyday lives, and inspire young people to consider a career in science.
Daugavpils University is the only scientific institution in Latgale organizing the event this year, offering a wide range of exciting activities.
We invite you to embark on a journey through the labyrinth of science — searching for simple answers to complex questions and meeting your very own scientist along the way.
Contact Information:
Department of Science
13 Vienības Street, Room 219
Daugavpils, LV-5401
Phone/Fax: +371 65425452
Mobile: +371 22042902
Email: zinda@du.lv
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