World Health Day is observed globally on 7 April. One of the most significant public health challenges today is obesity and excess weight, which affect a growing share of the population worldwide, including children and young people. Sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits have contributed to rising obesity rates, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. At the same time, obesity places a growing burden on healthcare systems and national economies. As a result, not only public health experts but also scientists are actively searching for solutions to address this issue.
One such internationally significant initiative is “4Sir2”, a project funded under the Horizon Europe programme, in which the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) is participating.
Within the project, Latvian researchers and partners from nine other countries are working on the development of a functional beverage made from grape pomace. It turns out that this by-product of wine production contains valuable bioactive compounds, including resveratrol and other polyphenols associated with metabolic regulation.
The newly launched project is being implemented in several stages, with researchers from each participating country contributing their expertise to different parts of the process. Based on its specialization, the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry is currently focusing on technologies for extracting and preserving these valuable compounds. In later stages, researchers will also assess the sustainability and environmental impact of the production process.
“The project covers the entire process—from raw material to finished product—and brings together both scientists and food industry companies. This means that the work is not confined to the laboratory; practical implementation is being considered from the very beginning,” explains Dr.sc.ing. Uģis Cābulis, Deputy Director for Research and Leading Researcher at the institute.
At the heart of the project is grape pomace—the skins, seeds, and stems left over after grape processing—which still contains significant amounts of biologically active compounds.
“Our task is to determine how to extract and preserve these high-value substances as efficiently as possible,” he says.
More specifically, researchers are analysing how different processing methods affect the concentration of biologically active compounds and other substances beneficial to metabolism.
“After grape processing, grape pomace remains moist and deteriorates quickly, which makes proper processing essential. We are comparing different drying methods to determine which one best preserves these compounds,” explains Dr.chem. Māris Lauberts, a leading researcher involved in the project.
Previous studies have shown that storage conditions also play an important role. For example, ultraviolet radiation can reduce the concentration of active compounds, making it necessary to identify ways to minimise these losses at an early stage of processing.
At the same time, scientists are developing optimal extraction methods to obtain the highest possible concentration of active compounds from grape pomace. This is crucial if these substances are to be effectively used in future functional food products.
“It is not enough simply to prove that these compounds are present. We must also find ways to extract them in sufficient quantities and at the lowest possible cost,” emphasises Lauberts.
The project encompasses the entire value chain, from raw material to final product, and involves both scientific partners and food industry companies. This means that, alongside laboratory research, considerable attention is being paid to practical applications. Although the project is scheduled to run until 2030, the first results and product prototypes may emerge much earlier, within the next few years.
Participation in international projects of this scale not only enhances the global visibility of Latvian science but also creates important opportunities for young researchers to begin careers in science.
The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry emphasises that it is actively open to attracting young scientists. Students are involved in research activities, given opportunities to develop bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral theses under the guidance of experienced researchers, and provided access to modern technologies.
“We attract highly motivated young people, and we immediately give them the opportunity to work on real research projects. It is both valuable practical experience and a chance for them to determine whether they see a future for themselves in science,” says Uģis Cābulis.
At the same time, researchers acknowledge that interest in the exact sciences could be much higher. Unfortunately, even state-funded study places at Latvian universities are not always fully occupied.
“If Latvia wants to continue developing, we need more young people choosing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” he stresses.
To strengthen its scientific capacity and ensure full participation in high-level international projects, the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry continues to invest strategically in research infrastructure and actively utilises support from European Union Funds.
The institute is currently implementing the project “WoodChemPlus – Development of the Centre of Excellence in Bioeconomy at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry.” Through this initiative, more than one million euros are being invested in modern laboratory equipment and the development of research capacities in bioeconomy, smart materials, and biomedicine.
Part of the infrastructure acquired through the project is already being used in the 4Sir2 research activities, enabling Latvian scientists to work with state-of-the-art, high-precision technologies.
This story was created with the support of the European Union Funds.
