As the demand for ultra-high-speed wireless communication grows, breakthroughs in millimeter-wave, massive MIMO, high-directive antennas, and reconfigurable reflective surfaces propel RF-based solutions towards 6G. However, reaching the Tbps milestone faces exponential resistance due to RF licensing constraints and physical limitations like bandwidth and free-space loss. This project embarks on an innovative journey to explore the immense potential of FSO for overcoming these challenges, leveraging its inherent higher directivity, broader bandwidth, and superior spatial resolution. Our groundbreaking approach focuses on the long-wave infrared (LWIR, 8-12µm, 25-40 THz) region, where issues like eye-safety and atmospheric perturbation sensitivity diminish or vanish. We aim to establish a new technological benchmark for FSO systems while nurturing the next generation of experts in this field. Key objectives include: 1. State-of-the-art QCL-based LWIR transceivers with high-speed modulation capabilities. 2. Designing holographic surfaces for LWIR beam steering and spatial multiplexing. 3. Innovating control and DSP algorithms for spatial resource allocation and multiplexing. 4. Analyzing overall system performance with proof-of-concept demonstrations. Our project will generate valuable knowledge and be disseminated through publications and patents, advancing the future of wireless communication.

The INNOVA project aims to develop an innovative solution for the operational management of a low-inertia, weakly interconnected power system with a high share of renewables to foster energy supply stability, reliability and cost-efficiency. The main scientific contribution of the project is an innovative method for emergency control of power system frequency as well as development of a specialised phasor measurement unit (PMU) prototype and software for testing the solution. The INNOVA solution will include a novel algorithm for load shedding improving both the frequency stability and cost-efficiency of power system operation. The methodology will be validated through comprehensive power system simulations and laboratory testing. Moreover, the developed prototype PMU terminal will allow demonstrating the INNOVA solution in operational environment (TRL7). Additionally, the foreseeable economic benefits will be assessed stemming from the reduction in interconnection capacity constraints which could be achieved in the market by deployment of the proposed frequency control method. INNOVA goals are particularly relevant in light of the expected desynchronisation of the Baltic power system from Russia and subsequent synchronisation with Continental Europe via a single AC line. Moreover, the produced scientific results and technological findings will be useful to any power system characterised by weak interconnections and low inertia as a result of energy system decarbonisation.

The biomaterials are crucial for the surgical remediation of bone defects caused by various diseases e.g. osteoporosis and traumatic fractures. However, there are several risks associated with this treatment; first, the surgical procedure itself carries a potential risk of inflammation and bone infection, second, the bone replacement can fail requiring revision surgery. In fact, the host immune response to implanted materials and devices is the main factor that will determine a long-term functional outcome of the biomaterial mediated treatment. Therefore, the bone biomaterial ability to modulate the local immune environment for favorable treatment outcomes has to be considered. The usage of bioactive metabolites has emerged as one of the most novel and potent approach for immune response modulation. The incorporation of metabolites with immune regulatory properties seems an especially attractive option for biomaterials as it would ensure site-specific delivery system and allow modulation of the microenvironment. The goal of this project is to develop novel biomaterials with incorporated metabolites as a potentially effective and safe strategy to modulate local immune response towards favorable outcomes of surgical bone remediation. To achieve it, the recent concept of metabolomics with the state of the art biomaterial design and research will be combined in this project. This proposal includes the transfer of knowledge to the host institution and the training of the researcher in new techniques and skills. The multidisciplinary nature of the project is strong, combining materials science, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Results have the potential to pave the way for novel biomaterials significantly improving clinical outcomes for patients suffering from bone injuries.

The 2022 update of global forecasts of Limits to Growth show that global climate change will drive advances in resource efficiency, and the focus will shift from per capita income to human well-being. However, it will bring future growth in population and GDP that will be constrained by rapid fertility decline due to increased urbanization, shift of income from well-being to adaptation costs, productivity decline as a result of social unrest. The project aims to answer two research questions: What are the unintended long-term consequences of short-term decisions of climate and energy policy in the post-Soviet country? What impact they will have on the national economy, environment and society? The research will be carried out based on system dynamics modelling approach. Existing national energy and climate model will be supplemented with sub-models representing economy, environmental and social structures. It will be used to simulate planned and alternative climate policies to assess their long-term consequences in the specific context of East un Central European countries. Different indicators will be used to assess the impact, including, energy access, energy affordability, community cohesion, employment, distributional and equity issues, livelihoods and poverty, procedural justice, subjective well-being, social tension, GDP, climate adaptation costs, environmental pollution. Finally, open access Internet based Interactive Learning Environment will be developed.

The overall objective of the “Carbon farming Certification system: The transition towards result-based agriculture sector (CarbFarmS)” project is to develop a roadmap for farmers and decision makers on implementation of Carbon farming Certification system for Latvian conditions, allowing to reach The Green Deal goals in connection with low-carbon circular economy principles. Selected carbon farming solutions and possible result-based payment schemes will be analysed vs its climate, environmental, economic, and social viability. The main aspects to be analysed within the research include: result-based carbon farming schemes, feasibility assessment of proposed solutions, the potential for climate change mitigation. Within the project, carbon farming solutions will be identified, their importance in reducing GHG emissions will be determined and evaluated, indicators for the assessment of solutions will be developed, a risk assessment will be carried out and a roadmap will be developed for the implementation of result-based carbon farming solutions in Latvia. The project is based on consecutive multi-modelling approach combining (1) literature review, (2) indicator analysis method, , (3) multi-criteria descion-making analysis (MCDA), (4) economic analysis and (5) life cycle assessment (LCA). ). Combination of the mathematical models deployed in the project will result in a roadmap on carbon farming solutions for Latvia in mid-term and long-term.