Ambassador of Japan and President of Keio University visited the Faculty of Science and Technology

The guests were received by the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Aigars Ekers, along with the directors of faculty institutes and researchers. During the visit, several research units of the Faculty of Science and Technology were presented, including the Institute of Chemical Physics, the Laser Centre, and the Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy, where guests learned about the faculty’s scientific achievements.

At the Institute of Chemical Physics, researchers Dr. Margarita Volkova and Mg.sc. Lāsma Bugovecka introduced their latest studies in the green energy and nanotechnology. They demonstrated the development of thermoelectric materials, environmentally friendly batteries, and heterostructures for CO₂ photocatalytic reduction. Also showcased were innovative nanoelectromechanical switches, graphene nanostructures, and optical studies using anodized aluminum oxide surfaces. The researchers further highlighted the application of atomic force microscopy in characterizing human lung cancer tissues.

At the Laser Centre, headed by Dr. phys. Artūrs Mozers, the guests visited the Laboratory of Atomic and Molecular Physics and the Color Centre Laboratory, where researcher Reinis Lazda presented advancements in quantum technology applications.

At the Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy, the visitors met with Director Inga Šīrante and Associate Professor Jānis Alnis, who introduced research directions of the Quantum Optics Laboratory and demonstrated a laser frequency comb and microresonator setup. The guests also visited the ASI Biophotonics Laboratory, where Professor Jānis Spīgulis spoke about the lab’s history and development. Young researchers showcased some of the most current and significant studies in the field of biophotonics.

During the visit, Professor Ito expressed strong interest not only in physics research but also in UL’s approach to ICT and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as Latvia’s progress in digital governance. Keio University, one of Japan’s leading private universities, recently established the Keio Innovation Initiative (KII)—a platform aimed at promoting the commercialization of research, startup development, and aligning innovation with national policy.

The visit concluded with discussions on potential collaboration opportunities and further contact between the Faculty of Science and Technology and Keio University. Representatives from the Faculty of Science and Technology shared insights into the structure of their education and research systems, as well as successful projects and study programs that promote innovation and technology transfer.

We express our sincere gratitude to the Embassy of Japan in Latvia for initiating the visit and to the President of Keio University for his interest in the research conducted at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Latvia.