The first Science Festival in Latvia, organised by the Daugavpils University with the support of the British Council and the National Commission of UNESCO, took place in Daugavpils on 6–11 November 2006.

The British Ambassador Ian Bond spoke at the launch ceremony of the festival together with Ms Rita Strode, Mayor of Daugavpils, and the Rector of Daugavpils University Professor Ikere.

UK experts at the Science Festival

Two UK experts participated in the festival: Prof Neil Champness, a chemistry nanotechnology profesor at the Nottingham University, delivered lectures about the impact of nanotechonogies and nanorobots on the mankind. Prof Frank Burnett from the University of the West of England, the leading science communication professor in the UK, had greatly contributed to the organisation of this pilot festival. He delivered lectures for students and presented a drama performance, “Gene machine”, to illustrate ethical dilemmas about gene technology. Prof Burnett has worked with the British Council in Latvia on the development of science communication.

Festival programme

The programme of the festival featured lectures, quizzes, debates engaging diverse types of audience, a science village with open practical workshops and open days at research institutions.