Today, 5 September, the Interdisciplinary Scientific Laboratory of the Faculty of Forest Sciences (MF) of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU, formerly LLU) was opened at 41 Dobeles Street, Jelgava; it is currently the only building and research institution of its kind in Latvia.

Opening the event, Prof. Linards Sisenis, Dean of the LBTU Faculty of Forest Sciences, highlighted the support and collaboration of the forestry sector, the academic staff of the Faculty of Forest Sciences and forest science, offering special thanks to LBTU Vice-Rector for Science Irina Arhipova for her contribution to overcoming bureaucratic obstacles and resolving administrative issues.

The speakers (all in sequence) – LBTU Council Chair Laimdota Straujuma, LBTU Rector Irina Pilvere, Jelgava City Council Chairman Andris Rāviņš, ZAZA TIMBER Production SIA Chairman of the Board Māris Peilāns, Director of the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Institute Andrejs Domkins, Executive Director of the Latvian Forest Industry Federation Kristaps Klauss, and Minister for Agriculture Kaspars Gerhards – all emphasised the value, weight, and importance of the forestry sector in Latvian society and the national economy, as well as the cooperation between the sector, academic staff, science, and entrepreneurs.

Laimdota Straujuma highly valued the sector's support for the laboratory's concept, project, and its implementation.

Irina Pilvere recalled how 'it all began', specifically noting the concept's author Andrejs Domkins and the 'catalyst' of the process, Kristaps Klauss.

Andris Rāviņš presented the Dean of the Faculty of Forest Sciences, L. Sisenis, with a flag of the city of Jelgava, so that it might always fly at the newly constructed building.

Māris Peilāns expressed his delight at the successful completion of the construction work and the builders' adherence to the set deadlines, congratulating the city on its new timber building.

Andrejs Domkins issued a call and a reminder never to be afraid of high and ambitious goals.

Kristaps Klauss, whilst apologising to Rector Irina Pilvere for the four rather difficult years spent on the laboratory's construction, highlighted in his speech that the 'lowest price principle' still in force in Latvia, unfortunately, often results in the well-known adage: 'The miser pays twice'.

Kaspars Gerhards urged everyone to remember that success is only possible through the joint work of the sector, scientists, and academic staff, stressing that the Faculty of Forest Sciences is an important starting point for the success of the forestry sector.

As the opening speeches concluded and the ribbon was cut, Executive Director of the Latvian Timber Producers and Exporters Association Artūrs Bukonts, with those present now inside the laboratory, stated that this day had brought very good news to society regarding both timber construction and forestry education (and more).

As previously reported, this autumn more than 300 civil engineers and structural engineers will begin training at the laboratory.