European Union Cohesion Policy programme 2021–2027, European Regional Development Fund Specific Aid Objective 1.1.1 "Increase the research and innovative capacity of Latvian scientific institutions and ability to attract external funding by investing in human resources and infrastructure" Measure 1.1.1.5 "Support for international co-operation projects in research and innovation" agreement No. 1.1.1.5/3/24/I/008
Project implementation period is 55 months.
Total budget is 559,000.00 EUR, incl. ERDF funding 475,150.00 EUR.
The overall objective of the project is to promote the development of scientific capacity of forest science in Latvia, international recognition, competitiveness, as well as to contribute to the strengthening of scientific excellence. The direct objective of the project is to support at least 43 project applications of Horizon Europe and the 10th IP programme evaluated above the quality threshold, to promote international co-operation in the field of research and to link with the field of specialisation of the Smart Specialisation Strategy of Latvia (hereinafter – RIS3), as well as development of interdisciplinary specialisation areas of RIS3, including increasing participation of LSFRI 'Silava' in the Horizon Europe programme.
An important part of LSFRI 'Silava's' scientific activities has been the current international cooperation and the recognition of the Institute in the European Research area. Previous international cooperation and participation of LSFRI 'Silava' in international forest science research is possible thanks to the initiative of LSFRI 'Silava's' scientific staff to develop active communication with foreign researchers. The development of international joint projects is facilitated by the personal contacts of scientific staff acquired through participation in various types of information exchange activities (speaking conferences, participation in experience exchange tours), as well as the successful implementation of the international studies launched.
Actualities
- 26.09.2025. The European Researchers' Night 2025 took place all over Latvia, with the theme "Discover the researcher gene in yourself". Everyone, regardless of age and field of interest, could get acquainted with innovations and the latest technologies used in the daily work of scientists at LSFRI 'Silava'. In cooperation with the local Salaspils' municipality , LSFRI 'Silava' offered visitors a wide and varied range of activities that allowed them to get to know forest, environmental and climate research more closely.
Press release: 1.01.2025 European Researchers' Night 2025 at LSFRI 'Silava'. - 15.12.2025. By 30 September 2025, seven project applications (FORESEA, BioForest, CIRCUIT, FoRestPeat, SOILFIRE, CoCo, and FORWARDS) have received a positive expert assessment in the Horizon 2020 call, in which LSFRI 'Silava' has participated in active communication with foreign researchers as a partner. Overall, the projects cover climate, biodiversity, soil and circular economy issues, emphasizing data-driven decision-making, innovation and cross-sectoral cooperation.
Out of the above project proposals, cooperation is continued in the research projects: Co-creating coexistence: Advancing policies, practices, and stakeholder engagement for integrating wildlife and livestock into sustainable multi-functional landscapes in Europe (CoCo) and The ForestWard Observatory to Secure Resilience of European Forests (FORWARDS), which have been granted funding, implementing them in close cooperation with researchers from other countries.
CoCo aims to improve human-wildlife coexistence in multifunctional European landscapes by integrating scientific and practical knowledge, and developing policy recommendations and practical solutions based on extensive data collection and stakeholder engagement. The lead partner is an international consortium involving 18 organizations from 12 European countries, representing scientific institutions, non-governmental organizations and industry representatives.
FORWARDS focuses on strengthening the resilience of forest ecosystems to climate change by analyzing biodiversity at different levels and developing innovative management strategies for coastal and island ecosystems. The lead partner is the European Forest Institute, and the consortium of partners includes many European research institutions, universities and policymakers working on forest monitoring, climate adaptation and data integration.
LSFRI 'Silava' researchers also implement international cooperation in other research (Interreg and LIFE programs). - 15.03.2026. By 28 February 2026, three project proposals (BloomEra, DRIVESOIL, and CarbFarmNet) have received a positive expert evaluation in the Horizon 2020 call. The research is focused on sustainable land management, knowledge transfer and data-based decision-making, with LSFRI 'Silava' as an important scientific partner in the development and implementation of these solutions.
Of the evaluated applications, funding has been granted to the BloomEra study, and grant agreement is planned to be signed in July 2026. Aim of the research is to strengthen farmers' income and sustainability by promoting the introduction of innovative arable land management practices and the efficient use of agricultural residues in the circular economy. The Study aims to collect and adapt existing knowledge for practical use, develop training materials, digital tools and promote knowledge transfer between farmers and AKIS participants across Europe. The BloomEra consortium with leading partner (Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving Fondation), includes partners from several EU countries representing various sectors, combining science, practice and policy to ensure that innovations reach farmers and are adapted to different European regions.
An important part of the scientific activities of LSFRI 'Silava' is still the current international cooperation and the recognition of the institute in the European research space. Thanks to the initiative of LSFRI 'Silava' scientists to establish active communication with foreign researchers, in the first year of the project contract "Strengthening the international cooperation, research and innovation capacity of LSFRI 'Silava'", ten project applications in the Horizon Europe program were evaluated above the quality threshold with the participation of LSFRI 'Silava'.