Leading researcher and academician at LVMI Silava, Tālis Gaitnieks, has received the Eižens Ostvalds Prize in forestry science. The Eižens Ostvalds Prize is awarded for contributions to the development of the forestry sector on both a global and Latvian scale.

Eižens Heinrihs Ostvalds (1851–1932) was a Baltic German forester who made an invaluable contribution to the early days of Latvian forestry science. Eižens Ostvalds directed forest hydro-reclamation and regeneration work in the vicinity of Riga and was the first to study and scientifically describe the impact of forest drainage on tree growth. He developed a new theory of forest rent and compiled forest taxation tables and resources for forest assessors, as well as being the author of numerous scientific publications.

Forestry scientist and leading researcher in the Forest Phytopathology and Mycology division at LVMI Silava, Tālis Gaitnieks, has worked at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava" since 1981, conducting research on the importance of soil microflora in increasing forest productivity and controlling root rot. Since 2001, Tālis Gaitnieks has served as Chairman of the Scientific Council of the "Silava" Institute. The results of his research are reflected in 74 scientific publications and 155 conference reports.