The World Congress of Latvian Scientists to propose solutions for the development of state and society

"The 4^th World Congress of Latvian Scientists is organized to bring together scientists from Latvia and of Latvian origin, their strategic partners and friends from all over the world. Science has a prominent role in the centenary of Latvia, because "Knowing is in the nature of Latvia!", and we are rich in our knowledge. Moreover, Latvian scientists have a vision of the development of Latvia's economic and social processes to advance toward European knowledge society focused on economic growth and sustainable development," emphasizes Minister of Education and Science, Professor Kārlis Šadurskis. The range of topics encompassed by the Congress is extensive – from the role of science in the 21^st century society (this topic will be introduced by the talk of Dr. Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga) and the contemporary view on the issues of public safety and security, to the topical themes of individual scientific disciplines and modelling the country’s future in “Formula of Latvia 2050". The Congress will also incorporate the 2^nd Congress of Latvian Historians (to be held at the UL House of Nature) and the 3^rd World Congress of Latvian Lawyers (to be held at the UL Small Hall). The theme of the first day is security and safety of society, and the matters pertaining to the theme will be arranged into four thematic groups: information space, economy, technologies and human security. The theme of the second day – charting the global development tendencies in science and the opportunities of Latvia therein. The scientists will discuss key issues for Latvia’s development in a range of major scientific disciplines arranged in six sections – Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Medical and Health Sciences, Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities. Section of Social Sciences will be held at the Conference Centre Hall C and dedicated to economy and regional economy, business, innovation, public sector and education management, political science and communication. Section of Humanities will be held at the Conference Centre Hall B and devoted to humanities from antiquity to present, as well as humanities in the context of national security. On the third day, the participants will look at the future in the concluding forum of the University of Latvia "Formula of Latvia 2050".The forum will involve discussions about the digital transformation of Latvia, business in the future economy, where the sharing economics will prevail, the educational challenges, and whether robots will deprive us of jobs in the future (programme of the forum). At the conclusion, the proposals provided by the participants of the congress will be publicised. These recommendations will address the role of science and its contribution to society to enable Latvia to exist, develop and be truly independent and secure, safety in all respects, viewing society as a whole to ensure that every person can attain the best quality of life, opportunities to cultivate oneself and to contribute to society. Congress participants are Latvian and foreign opinion leaders representing academic, business and state administration spheres. Several public events open to all those interested will be held in addition to the Congress, for example, on June 19, young scientists from Latvia will present a remarkable public introduction to research and results of scientific work at ResearchSlam event, from June 18 to June 20, science stories will be told in casual atmosphere, presenting an opportunity to meet the scientists from Latvia’s Science Calendar 2018 as well as the nominees and the laureates of the “Laiks Ziedonim” award science section. The Congress programme, including parallel events is available at the homepage of the Congress: congress.sciencelatvia.lv The events of the first and the third day will be streamed live at LMT straume here. Everyone can follow the events also in Twitter and Facebook accounts – @zinātkongress and become involved in discussions using tags #ZinātKongress and #ZinātneLatvijai. The event is organised by the Republic of Latvia Ministry of Education and Science in cooperation with the Latvian Association of Universities, scientific institutions and diaspora organisations.