If you could describe the TED4LAT project in a metaphor, what would it be and why?
The TED4LAT project is like a river delta, where streams of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration come together to increase the capacity for scientific innovation in Latvian universities. Just as a river delta expands and strengthens the land it touches, TED4LAT empowers Latvian universities to grow and thrive in the international scientific community.
How has your involvement in the TED4LAT project changed your perspective on your field of study?
As a postdoc and project coordinator, TED4LAT has broadened my understanding of the power of collaborative networks. TED4LAT has expanded my view on how interdisciplinary collaboration is key to solving complex environmental challenges. The partnership between Latvian institutions and leading European research centers has highlighted how vital it is to merge local strengths with global expertise.
What unexpected discoveries or insights have emerged from the TED4LAT project so far?
One of the most valuable discoveries from the TED4LAT project is the powerful impact that cross-border collaboration can have on research outcomes. By working closely with INRAE (France) and Politecnico di Torino (Italy), we’ve realized how these partnerships are not only boosting the research capabilities of Latvian universities but also introducing new perspectives and methodologies that we hadn’t anticipated. For instance, PhD students and junior researchers, through workshops and exchange programs, have gained access to advanced agent-based modeling and data science techniques, enriching the quality of their work.
Moreover, TED4LAT’s research agenda has been shaped by the inputs and experiences of both local and international partners, demonstrating how international expertise can drive forward Latvia’s capacity to engage in large-scale, high-quality research in fields that are essential for its future competitiveness.
If you could collaborate with any historical figure on the TED4LAT project, who would it be and what would they contribute?
I would collaborate with Leonardo da Vinci. His visionary understanding of both natural systems and engineering would bring a creative perspective, helping us think more innovatively about environmental and social systems modeling and data analysis.
How do you balance the scientific rigour of the TED4LAT project with the need for creativity and innovation?
In the TED4LAT project, we maintain scientific rigor by grounding our work in established methodologies and comprehensive data analysis. This foundation ensures that our research meets high academic standards while contributing meaningfully to the scientific community. However, we also recognize the importance of fostering creativity and innovation.
To achieve this balance, we actively encourage collaboration across disciplines. For instance, students and young researchers are guided by experienced advisers from our partner institutions, Politecnico di Torino (POLITO) and INRAE (Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement). They participate in PhD schools and workshops designed to introduce them to cutting-edge methods and approaches. These programs provide invaluable learning experiences, allowing researchers to explore unconventional ideas while benefiting from expert insights. Our recent PhD schools and workshops, such as those organized by INRAE, exemplify this blend of rigor and creativity. These events not only focus on data-driven methodologies but also encourage participants to think outside the box, leveraging interdisciplinary knowledge to tackle complex environmental challenges.
What personal experiences or passions inspired you to join the TED4LAT project?
As a postdoc, I’m driven by the challenge of solving complex problems through dynamic systems, and TED4LAT offers the perfect platform to develop new projects that push the boundaries of environmental science. My interest is to see how research can directly improve and balance the well-being of people and the environment.
TED4LAT is a fantastic opportunity for PhD students and young researchers to enhance their skills and knowledge in their research fields while contributing to meaningful outcomes.
