Latvian institutions join for the development of the European Life Sciences Infrastructure; RSU – leading institution to move towards ELIXIR

On 10 October, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), together with the University of Latvia, the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, and the Children’s Clinical University Hospital, signed the Latvian National Memorandum of Understanding on Latvia’s Participation in the European Life Sciences Infrastructure for Biological Information Consortium (ELIXIR). The Memorandum of Understanding confirms the partners’ commitment to jointly develop bioinformatics and systems biology infrastructure in Latvia and to ensure its integration into the European Research Area. 

The signing of the memorandum

ELIXIR is a European Strategic Research Infrastructure initiative (ESFRI/ERIC) that brings together research resources and expertise from more than 20 countries to provide high-quality data, tools, and services in the life sciences. Participation in ELIXIR is essential for Latvian researchers, bioinformaticians, and systems biologists to access Europe-wide resources – including expertise, datasets, computing resources, and training programmes – as well as the opportunity to take part in the joint Horizon Europe Programme and other EU projects in science, innovation, digitalisation, and health. 

According to the concluded Memorandum of Understanding, RSU becomes the lead ELIXIR institution in Latvia, which will coordinate Latvia’s representation in the international network, ensure cooperation with the ELIXIR central office, and promote information exchange among national partners in the field of science.

This Memorandum of Understanding is an acknowledgment of the need for Latvia to integrate into the EU research organisations. By combining the expertise and resources of our institutions, we are laying foundation for the establishment of a modern, internationally recognised bioinformatics infrastructure and strengthening Latvia’s research potential in the field of life sciences. Without it, the development and innovation of related sectors would not be possible.

Agrita Kiopa, RSU Vice-Rector for Science

The partners have agreed on close collaboration in developing research infrastructure in Latvia and accelerating its integration into ELIXIR platforms - in the areas of data, tools, computing, interoperability, and training. At the same time, it is planned to promote Latvia’s participation in the activities of ELIXIR communities and focus groups, including research on the human genome, cancer data, biodiversity, and machine learning.

Participation in ELIXIR will also provide significant support for researchers’ training and capacity raising, as well as promote the development of new collaborative projects within the European Research Area.

To enable Latvia to become a full ELIXIR member, action from the Ministry of Education and Science is required.