Highlighting Latvian scientists

Latvian scientists are increasingly being recognized for their significant contributions to some of the most groundbreaking scientific projects in the United States.
Their work not only reflects the high level of expertise and innovation that originates from Latvia, but it also showcases how these individuals are making a global impact in fields critical to the future of our planet. Among these talented scientists are Diāna Stamberga and Iļja Popovs, who are leading the charge in projects that address major environmental challenges, such as climate change and sustainable resource management. Their efforts have been recognized with prestigious R&D 100 Awards2024 (S&T (science and technology)), which highlight the most innovative technologies of the year.

Diāna Stamberga – Creating solutions to capture CO2 and tackle climate change

Diāna Stamberga, Latvian scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is making significant contributions to the APEX CDR (Amino acid Process for EXtreme Carbon Dioxide Removal) project. This initiative aims to develop technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from the atmosphere, helping to combat global warming. The technology uses environmentally friendly solutions containing amino acid salts to absorb CO₂ from the air. By adding compounds like ethylene glycol, the process remains effective even at very low temperatures, making it adaptable for use worldwide. The project’s goal is to create a scalable and economically viable solution to fight climate change, and Stamberga’s work is key to achieving this goal.

Iļja Popovs working on sustainable technology

Iļja Popovs, a Latvian scientist at ORNL, has made significant progress in two important areas of research—plastic recycling and lithium extraction. His work in both projects has earned him R&D 100 Awards.

• Selective mixed plastic recycling

In this project, Ilja Popovs and his team developed a cutting-edge method to recycle mixed plastic waste, which is typically difficult to process using traditional methods. This new technology uses a novel organocatalyst to break down various types of plastics, including bottles, packaging, textiles, and foams, into valuable chemicals. This innovation greatly reduces the need for fossil fuels, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and lowers energy consumption. By overcoming the inefficiencies of current recycling methods, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the plastic recycling industry, adding significant commercial value and contributing to a more sustainable future.

• High lithium capacity sorbents for direct lithium extraction

The other project where Iļja Popovs participated also played a crucial role in developing new materials and technologies for the efficient extraction of lithium, a critical component in energy storage, particularly in lithium-ion batteries. As global demand for lithium continues to rise, this project focuses on improving the extraction process from various sources, including geothermal brines, clay minerals, and recycled batteries. The team’s innovations enable the selective extraction of lithium with more than 90% efficiency, while also minimizing environmental impact and reducing production costs. This work is essential for ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of lithium to meet future energy needs.

Recognition and global Influence

The achievements of Diāna Stamberga and Iļja Popovs has been instrumental in securing R&D 100 Awards, which are among the most prestigious honors in research and development. These awards recognize technologies with the potential to drive significant change across industries and help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

We are proud that Latvian scientists are among the world’s leading minds in science and technology, and we celebrate the impact they are making internationally!