‘Global impact of Covid-19 has highlighted the enormous role of science. When the virus began to spread, we had to find vaccine as soon as possible, and research on better versions of these vaccines continues as we speak. It was thanks to science and technology that the world managed to overcome this crisis, and you as members of the scientific community also deserve praise for what BIOR did to support the fight against Covid-19,’ said the President of Latvia Egils Levits when visiting the BIOR research institute and thanking its staff for vital support in fighting the pandemic.
President also emphasised the significance of collaboration with Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre and Riga Technical University, which has led to a new monitoring model for early detection of potential Covid-19 hotspots based on viral contamination of the wastewater: ‘Your significant contribution has enabled Latvia to launch the national wastewater monitoring programme while others are still struggling with fragmentation in wastewater research. People and public sector benefit from early detection and response to possible virus hotspots’.
Egils Levits also acknowledged BIOR’s role in promoting animal health.
President also thanked BIOR for maintaining high standards of success and excellence in the Latvian research industry since the founding of research institute in 2010: ‘When public administration went through major structural reforms following the economic downturn, it was decided to make BIOR the national and European Union focal point for food, agriculture, fisheries, veterinary medicine and public health. I checked the list of all the state delegated functions across various disciplines before coming here. You are the only scientific institution in most of these areas’.
Egils Levits also noted the international profile of the institute: ‘We are proud that the name of BIOR is well known also beyond the borders of Latvia. BIOR is considered an industry leader in biochemistry, veterinary medicine, food science and public health’.
He reminded researchers of their mission to supply national decision-makers with reliable data to ensure the pandemic response on the political level is based on scientific evidence.
President Levits praised institute for following One Health concept where optimal health outcomes are achieved recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants and their shared environment and climate: ‘It is a holistic approach to the health of our planet and the people that inhabit it’.
President expressed his deep admiration for science and stressed, ‘From the national sustainability perspective, science and technologies, scientific progress, investments into researchers, science and, of course, future scientists have always been important for the future of our nation’.