Development of BIOR’s Research Infrastructure in RIS3 Priority Areas

GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

The aim of the project is to develop the research infrastructure of the BIOR scientific institute, strengthen its scientific capacity and ensure long-term investment in the priority areas of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3): bioeconomy, and biomedicine, medical technologies and pharmaceuticals. The project will help strengthen Latvia’s innovation system and support BIOR’s development as a centre of excellence.

Planned project activities

The project involves developing research infrastructure through the acquisition of an ion mobility Orbitrap mass spectrometry (IM-Orbitrap-MS) system. This is a modern, high-precision analytical technology that combines ion mobility spectrometry with high-resolution mass spectrometry.

The system consists of:

• A liquid chromatograph that directs the mobile phase to a tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer.

• An ion mobility spectrometer combined with a high-resolution mass spectrometer (AIMS).

Technological contribution

IM-Orbitrap-MS technology will significantly improve analytical selectivity and sensitivity. Ion mobility spectrometry enables ions to be separated according to changes in their mobility under high and low electric field conditions, allowing more effective separation of isomers and substantially reducing matrix effects.

By combining this approach with high-resolution mass spectrometry, the system provides a highly precise set of analytical tools for identifying chemical compounds, even at ultra-low concentrations.

Relevance to RIS3 priority areas

The acquired IM-Orbitrap-MS system will be particularly important in two RIS3 priority areas:

1. Bioeconomy

The IM-Orbitrap-MS system will enable the analysis of complex biological matrices, such as plant metabolites and fermentation products, facilitating the identification of new bioactive substances and the determination of key indicators in biotechnological processes.

2. Biomedicine, medical technologies and pharmaceuticals

The equipment will be used to analyse biological samples, with a particular focus on identifying biomarkers, analysing medicines and their metabolites, distinguishing structurally similar compounds, and reducing matrix interference.

Applications in environmental and public health

BIOR is developing research focused on the instrumental detection of pollutants and biomarkers in various environmental matrices. The application of IM-Orbitrap-MS technology to the detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is particularly important.

These substances are persistent environmental pollutants that can significantly affect human health. The equipment will enable their identification at very low concentrations, which is essential for effective environmental monitoring and public health protection.

Contribution to research and human capital

The planned investment will contribute not only to research excellence at BIOR but also to the training of early-career scientists, ensuring continuity in research, attracting talent to science in Latvia, developing innovative research methods, and preparing scientific publications for internationally recognised journals.

It will also strengthen cooperation with other research centres and industry, while expanding BIOR’s participation in international research consortia, including the Horizon Europe programme.

The project will promote the generation of new knowledge and technology transfer, particularly in the medical, food and environmental sectors, while strengthening Latvia’s position as a regional leader in food safety and environmental chemistry research.

Strengthening the One Health approach

The project plays an important role in advancing the One Health concept, which addresses human, animal and environmental health in an integrated manner.

The planned investments will provide evidence-based data to support policy planning for the protection of public and animal health, improve solutions for food chain safety and sustainable environmental management, and provide a basis for developing and improving regulatory frameworks.

Project implementation conditions

The project will be implemented as a non-economic activity. Throughout its depreciation period, the modernised research infrastructure will be used exclusively for the non-economic activities of the research organisation. Neither complementary economic activities nor ancillary services will be carried out using the acquired equipment.

PROJECT PROGRESS

1. Compliance with the horizontal principle has been ensured by creating an “Easy to Read” section on the BIOR website.

2. Preliminary research has been carried out and procurement contracts for the supply of modern mass spectrometry equipment have been concluded, with a total value of EUR 641,663.

3. Equipment installation and the final payment were scheduled for March 2026.

NEWS: 

https://bior.lv/lv/projekts/1-1-1-2-pasakuma-ris3-petniecibas-un-inovacijas-centri-projekts-nr-1-1-1-2-1-25-i-001-bior-petniecibas-infrastrukturas-pilnveide-ris3-jomas/  

https://bior.lv/lv/projektu-jaunumi/1-1-1-2-pasakuma-ris3-petniecibas-un-inovacijas-centri-projekta-nr-1-1-1-2-1-25-i-001-bior-petniecibas-infrastrukturas-pilnveide-ris3-jomas-aktualitates-no-08-09-2025-07-12-2/  

Esay to read: 

https://bior.lv/lv/viegli-lasit/viegli-lasit-nr-1-1-1-2-1-25-i-001-1-publikacija/ 

https://bior.lv/lv/viegli-lasit/viegli-lasit-nr-1-1-1-2-1-25-i-001-2-publikacija/  

Events: 

An event is planned for September or October, following the installation and testing of the equipment.