Latvia’s science academy faces review as ministry seeks new role

Latvia’s Ministry of Education and Science wants a commission to assess the functions and future role of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LSM reported. The review may receive support in political and scientific circles, although the academy is an independent institution.

The proposed commission would include scientists and representatives of universities, the Saeima, Latvia’s parliament, the government and other institutions. The ministry said recent events surrounding the academy had been the last straw, leading it to conclude that the institution’s original model no longer works in practice.

The academy has been caught up in controversy over the granting of Latvian citizenship to Indian citizen Divja Višvanata, whose scientific work has come under suspicion. The ministry also cited doubts about the academy’s leadership, problems organising scientific activity and difficulties handling administrative and financial matters, which it said pointed to a systemic crisis.

The comprehensive review was proposed by Education and Science Minister Ilze Indriksone of the National Alliance. The ministry said it would examine the academy’s functions and future role in order to protect the interests of the state and society.

University of Latvia Rector Gundars Bērziņš told Latvian Radio he supported an objective assessment, including a plan for how the institution should operate in the future. The university is ready to appoint a representative to the commission. Bērziņš said the academy needed to find its place in Latvia’s scientific system.

The head of the responsible Saeima committee said the Academy of Sciences should be strengthened.