Oskars Teikmanis
Oskars Teikmanis, Chair of the Board of the Latvian Association of Young Researchers (LJZA), is a researcher at the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI), where his primary research interests lie in autonomous robotics and machine learning. In addition to his scientific work, he contributes to the activities of the Science Council at the University of Latvia. Outside his academic endeavors, he is actively engaged in music, with a particular passion for choral singing, which offers a creative counterbalance to his research activities.
Currently serving his third consecutive term on the LJZA board, Oskars aims to foster a supportive environment for doctoral candidates and early-career researchers by strengthening cooperation with governmental institutions and cultivating a resilient and inclusive academic community. Furthermore, he seeks to employ innovative science communication strategies to enhance public understanding of emerging technologies and scientific developments.
Daniela Godiņa
Ph.D. Daniela Godiņa is a researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, holding a Ph.D. in chemistry. She was awarded the "Women in Science Baltic Fellowship 2024". Her research focuses on biomass valorization and the development of analytical methodologies. Daniela is actively involved in the early-career research community and science communication, serving as the lead of “Nucleate Latvia” and a member of LJZA.
As a board member of LJZA, she is committed to advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, professional development opportunities for young researchers, and enhancing synergies between academia and industry. She emphasizes the importance of developing mentorship programs, promoting international cooperation, and initiating science popularization activities to ensure young researchers in Latvia are well-prepared for both academic and professional challenges.
Ingus Pērkons
Ph.D. Ingus Pērkons is a researcher at the Institute for Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR” and a lecturer at Rīga Stradiņš University. His doctoral research investigated the fate of pharmaceuticals beyond the human body. His current research focuses on the occurrence and behavior of chemical contaminants in food and the environment.
With experience in project management and science communication, Ingus Pērkons aims to contribute actively to the strategic goals of LJZA. A member since 2019, he has participated in various outreach activities and public engagement initiatives to promote scientific literacy in general public and encourage the involvement of young people in science.
Rasma Pīpiķe
Rasma Pīpiķe is a doctoral candidate and researcher at Riga Technical University, as well as an expert in systemic diversity management. She is researching the impact of top-management team diversity on corporate financial performance. With substantial experience in organizational leadership and civic participation, she brings valuable strategic insight to the development of LJZA. Rasma is the initiator of the Latvian NGO Fund and has led multiple public participation initiatives.
Her expertise in organizational development, fund raising, and advocacy will help LJZA achieve its long-term objectives. She regards LJZA as the community where she found her academic identity during her PhD studies—a community she is proud to serve by contributing her knowledge and commitment to the advancement of science in Latvia.
Aina Semjonova
Ph.D. Aina Semjonova has been a member of LJZA since 2020. She holds a Ph.D. in natural sciences (chemistry) and a degree in pharmacy. She is a researcher at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences at the University of Latvia, and also serves as an acting assistant at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rīga Stradiņš University.
Her doctoral research focused on controlling polymorphism in organic compounds through the use of crystallization additives. Her postdoctoral work examines the influence of cocrystal coformers on modified physical properties. Her scientific interests include polymorphism, pharmaceutical solids, cocrystals, and crystal structure analysis.
Aina aims to continue strengthening science communication and academic community-building efforts, with a particular focus on engaging doctoral students in LJZA activities, fostering mentorship, and promoting public understanding of science.
Laila Silamiķele
Ph.D. Laila Silamiķele is a researcher at the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre with a Ph.D. in natural sciences (biology). Her areas of specialization include the gut microbiome, multi-omics approaches, and preclinical studies. She is also actively engaged in issues related to scientific reproducibility—an essential component for building trust in scientific findings and laying a robust foundation for future discoveries.
Within LJZA, Laila will focus on academic and research ethics, continuing existing initiatives in this domain. She also views this role as an opportunity to advance science communication practices, facilitating dialogue between the early-career research community and the wider public.
Raimonda Soloha
Raimonda Soloha is a researcher and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Latvia. She works in the Circularity and Sustainability Research Group at the Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology (University of Latvia). Her research interests include responsible resource use, circular bioeconomy, and data-driven sustainability solutions.
Raimonda has been a board member of LJZA since May 2023. She has contributed to internal and external communication activities, the development of a PhD roadmap, and a study on research integrity. Raimonda continues working on the topics of the new doctoral model and research integrity, while also assisting internal governance processes within LJZA. Raimonda turpinās iesāktās LJZA aktivitātes pie jaunā doktorantūras modeļa un akadēmiskā godīguma jautājumiem, vienlaikus atbalstot valdes iekšējos procesus.