When Daniela Godiņa talks about chemistry, it quickly becomes clear that for her it is far more than a dry science of formulas and laboratory calculations. In her view, chemistry is one of the most creative fields imaginable—a discipline where new discoveries and ideas can emerge every day and eventually evolve into practical solutions for challenges that matter to society.
In her postdoctoral research, Daniela is exploring ways to create additional value from birch bark extracts obtained from a by-product of the wood-processing industry. She is developing biomass-based polymer sorbents. Alongside her research work, she has also become a passionate ambassador for science, actively engaging with children, young people, and future scientists.
A lifelong interest in chemistry
Daniela’s fascination with chemistry began during her school years. Science subjects particularly appealed to her because they helped explain so many aspects of the world around us. As a result, she never had any doubts about her future career path.
She earned her bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in chemistry from the University of Latvia. While working on her bachelor’s thesis, she became involved in a collaborative project with researchers from the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, and that cooperation eventually developed into a professional career.
As Daniela herself explains, her journey into science evolved naturally and steadily, without major interruptions or doubts about her chosen direction.
“Everything in my life has progressed very naturally and step by step. There haven’t really been moments when I sat down and wondered what to do next. I simply keep moving forward and doing what interests me. Chemistry has always fascinated me because it provides answers to very fundamental questions.”
Science and creativity go hand in hand
For Daniela, chemistry is a multifaceted field that requires precision, analytical thinking, and a constant search for new solutions. She believes chemistry is not simply about formulas and predictable results; it is a process in which even the most carefully planned experiment can lead to unexpected discoveries.
“Chemistry is an incredibly creative field because you constantly have to think of new solutions, new ideas, and innovations. Even when you feel an experiment has been designed down to the smallest detail, something unexpected can always happen—and that is exactly what makes this work so exciting,” she says.
Turning birch bark into innovative materials
After completing her studies, Daniela continued her scientific career and focused her postdoctoral research on extracts derived from birch bark, a by-product of the wood-processing industry.
Her goal is to develop an innovative bio-based polymer sorbent from these extracts. Simply put, sorbents are materials capable of absorbing or binding different substances.
“The most familiar sorbent that many people have seen is the small packet of beads found inside a shoe box,” Daniela explains.
The key difference lies in the raw materials used. Traditional sorbents are often produced from petroleum-based materials, whereas Daniela’s aim is to develop a more environmentally friendly alternative using renewable local resources.
In the future, such materials could have a wide range of applications—from laboratory analysis and sample purification to environmental remediation and biomedical solutions, including the processing of blood samples.
“Sorbents are not something we notice in everyday life, but they play a very important role in many different processes—from laboratory work to solving environmental challenges. My goal is to explore how these materials can be developed further so that they are not only effective but also more environmentally sustainable,” she explains.
The research also has significance in a broader context. It aligns closely with the principles of the circular economy and sustainable resource use in Latvia, where the forestry and wood-processing sector is one of the country's most important industries. Birch bark, often regarded simply as a by-product, can thus become a valuable raw material for high-value-added products.
Beyond the laboratory
At the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Daniela specialises in analytical chemistry. Her daily work involves analysing samples, developing analytical methods, and studying the properties of various substances.
However, laboratory work is only one part of her professional life. No two days at the institute are alike. In addition to her research activities, Daniela regularly welcomes school pupils and university students to the institute, leads tours, demonstrates experiments, and explains how science works beyond the pages of textbooks.
Working with children and young people has become a particularly important mission for her. She believes that interest in science rarely begins with theory alone. Instead, it develops when people can see scientific processes in action and understand their connection to the real world.
“It is very important for me to talk about science and scientists. One of my personal goals is to break stereotypes—that scientists are boring people or that there is no room for personality in science. I think it is important to show that you can be creative, vibrant, and interesting even while working in a laboratory,” she says.
Inspiring the next generation
According to Daniela, many people still perceive science as a complicated and distant field. This perception can negatively affect children’s and young people’s attitudes toward STEM subjects.
Although the importance of STEM education is discussed more frequently than ever, interest in these fields does not always grow as quickly as hoped. In her opinion, one reason is that education often lacks sufficient practical experience and real-world connections.
“If a child only sees theory, interest quickly disappears. Interest develops when they can see how things work in real life—in experiments, in laboratories, and in actual scientific work. Often, children simply do not know what a scientist really does, which is why it is so important to show them this environment,” Daniela explains.
She believes scientists themselves must actively help build connections between schools, universities, and future professions. Early experiences often determine whether a young person eventually chooses a career in science.
For this reason, working with young visitors at the institute is not merely an additional activity alongside her research. It is an important part of her professional identity and a personal contribution to the next generation of scientists.
Two worlds in one person
Daniela describes herself as someone who naturally combines two seemingly different worlds: scientific thinking and creativity.
On the one hand, she values structure, precision, and logic. On the other, she enjoys communicating ideas in engaging ways, inspiring others, and creating meaningful conversations about science.
This balance between scientific excellence and public engagement is reflected in the recognition she has received. After earning her doctoral degree, Daniela became one of the laureates of the For Women in Science Baltic Scholarship Programme.
Supporting young researchers
The Postdoctoral Research Programme in Latvia is implemented with co-financing from the European Union Funds. The programme aims to develop the skills of early-career researchers, strengthen their scientific capacity, and support the start of research careers in scientific institutions and companies, thereby contributing to the renewal of Latvia’s research workforce and increasing the number of qualified researchers in the country.
Measure 1.1.1.9 “Postdoctoral Research” (2024–2029) is administered by the Latvian Council of Science.
More information about the programme:
https://www.lzp.gov.lv/lv/pecdoktoranturas-programma
This story was created with the support of the European Union Funds.
