Development of Magnetic Resonance in Latvia

The aim of the MR LATVIA project is to establish a regional centre of excellence in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) at the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS), with a special focus on NMR applications in (bio)pharmaceuticals research. By linking the coordinating institution with two top-class European NMR centres (and facilities), Centre de RMN Trs Hauts Champs in Lyon and Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine in Florence, the project aims to create a national NMR core facility, enhance the research and innovation performance of LIOS, raise the research profile of its staff as well as strengthen its research management and administrative capacities. The transfer of expertise from the advanced partners to LIOS will be achieved through inter-institutional seminars, organisation of scientific events (workshops, summer schools and a conference), short-term visits, on-the-job training of LIOS early-stage researchers during long-term secondments, and implementation of a joint research project. As a result of this project, LIOS will develop as a regional NMR hub involved in strategic networking activities with two leading NMR European facilities and integrated into the broader European network of NMR research infrastructures. Through providing access to NMR instrumentation and expertise the developed research excellence will be further spread across Latvia and the whole Baltic see region, thereby contributing to closing of the research and innovation gap within Europe.