To Grasp the Granite of Sciences. A Commission Will Be Established to Evaluate the Activities of the Latvian Academy of Sciences

As reported to the LETA agency by the ministry, an agreement to establish a commission was reached today at a cooperation meeting. The comprehensive evaluation of the functions and future role of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) was initiated by the Minister of Education and Science Ilze Indrikson. The Ministry of Education and Science will submit a draft order to the government regarding the creation and tasks of the commission. The ministry believes that recent events surrounding the LAS have reached a critical point, confirming that the originally intended model of the academy's mission is no longer functioning in practice. "Doubts about the actions of the LAS leadership, problems in organizing scientific activities, and addressing administrative issues indicate a systemic crisis," the ministry stated. According to Indrikson, the recent events surrounding the LAS have become "a clear signal that cosmetic changes are no longer sufficient." She stated that the originally intended mission of the LAS in its current form is not working and that the LAS should not be "a pocket club for its leadership, detached from the needs of state development and the real problems of the scientific community." The commission's goal will be to thoroughly assess the current situation and develop a concrete action plan to ensure that the LAS aligns with the fundamental principles of its activities and the strategic interests of the state, as well as to prepare proposals for the further development of the academy. It has already been reported that on October 15, the Saeima adopted a law granting citizenship to Divya Vishwanath for special merits to Latvia. The leadership of the LAS justified its support by her contributions to the development of science, entrepreneurship, and innovation, as well as attracting foreign investments. However, doubts arose in the public space regarding education, scientific publications, and the justification for granting citizenship to Vishwanath. A week later, the decision to grant citizenship was revoked.