Maksims Brezgins, a second-year bachelor’s student in biology at Daugavpils University, came to study from his hometown of Liepāja, driven by a strong interest in the natural sciences. His particular fascination lies with beetles, a passion he recently shared with the Rector of Daugavpils University and renowned entomologist, professor Arvīds Barševskis.

Professor Barševskis shared the following about their recent visit to the DU research centre Ilgas: “One evening, Maksims and I went to Ilgas to explore a possible topic for his bachelor’s thesis related to tropical beetles. A particular small genus of longhorn beetles came to mind—one that includes only four known species worldwide. As we examined the beetle collection housed at Ilgas, we were astonished to discover at least six potential species that may be new to science, all within a single evening. This genus now forms the basis for Maksims’ research and thesis. I believe we’ve made the right choice. The next step is to conduct detailed research and prepare his first scientific publication, including descriptions of the newly discovered species.”

This experience is a vivid example of how Daugavpils University provides students with unique hands-on opportunities to participate in real scientific discoveries early in their academic careers.

If you know a young person with a passion for biodiversity, scientific exploration, or discovering species unknown to science, encourage them to consider studying biology at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Health Care of Daugavpils University. Here, dreams can truly come to life – through research, expeditions, and the excitement of contributing to global scientific knowledge.