LU konference
The event was opened by Guntars Kitenbergs, Vice-Rector for Research at UL and Aigars Ekers, Dean at the Faculty of Science and Technology, UL who expressed their gratitude to the European Commission for supporting this opportunity and welcomed Dr. Faivre, who has moved from France to take up a permanent senior researcher position at the University of Latvia.
Dr. Faivre brings with him an impressive track record of high-level publications, international project coordination, interdisciplinary research, and talent development. As ERA Chair, he will not only build an excellent research team, but also contribute strategic recommendations tailored to the Latvian research environment—covering topics such as talent attraction, project preparation and execution, dissemination of results, and doctoral education.
During the event, Maria Isabel Farfan Camacho, REA, Policy Advisor emphasized that under the leadership of the ERA Chair, BioMagnetLink will work to unlock Latvia’s research and innovation potential, attract and retain high-quality researchers, and enhance competitiveness at all levels of the scientific system.
Guest speaker Prof. Stefan Klumpp from the University of Göttingen shared insights into the basics of magnetotactic bacteria and his research on modeling magnetotactic motility, further showcasing the international collaboration at the heart of this initiative.
In his presentation, Dr. Faivre expanded on the fascinating world of magnetotactic bacteria—microorganisms capable of forming nanoscale magnetic particles. These bacteria are of great interest for both fundamental research and applied technologies, as they can precisely control the size and shape of the nanoparticles they produce, often more efficiently than materials scientists under laboratory conditions. Potential applications range from understanding biomineralization to using these organisms as drug carriers to access hard-to-reach areas of the body.
With its interdicsiplinarity, the BioMagnetLink project will serve as a bridge between several departments and faculties at the University of Latvia. Beyond scientific goals, it will support the mentoring of young Latvian scientists to help them develop strong research profiles. It will also propose measures to make research careers in Latvia more sustainable, reducing administrative burdens and promoting a supportive research environment.
