Researchers in Latvia concerned about potential threat to academic freedom
Latvian researchers are expressing concern over political interference in academic funding after the Saeima's Public Expenditure and Audit Committee began questioning specific research projects. The committee is demanding justification for the utility and economic impact of these studies.
Why it matters
The tension between political oversight and academic freedom is a critical issue for the integrity of scientific research and institutional independence.
The Saeima's Public Expenditure and Audit Committee is scheduled to discuss funding for research projects granted by the Latvian Science Council at its July 22nd meeting. The committee is scheduled to examine three of the more than 50 projects at the meeting. Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) leading researcher Ieva Puzo is leading one of the projects that has been funded by the Latvian Science Council. 56 research projects have been approved in the 2025 Fundamental and Applied Research Project Competition. Each of them had to compete in fierce competition to win the competition. In addition, the scientific contribution of each project has been assessed by high-ranking internationally renowned scientists. This was also approved by the Latvian Science Council.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in