HISTORY OF RESEARCH STRUCTURE

      The Institute of Biology was founded in 1951 as the research institution of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. The departmental structure of the Institute and its mainline scientific directions were formed in early 1950-th and in 1960-th. The criterion for choosing fields of study has been based on their national importance. This criterion has always been the general strategy of the Institute.
      Since 1991, when Latvia renewed its national independence, Academy of  Sciences undergone the considerable changes, because in 1997 the Institute joined the University of Latvia as its independent research unit.
      Presently the Institute embraces 12 research laboratories and one research group.  The research activity of the Institute for many years has been involved in two mainline research directions:
    1.   Investigation of natural resources and ecology with the aim to provide the theoretical basis for sustainable development of Latvia's natural serources.
           Laboratories:         

Bioindication
Botany                                    
Experimental Entomology
Geobotany
Hydrobiology
Marine Ecology
Ornithology         

2. Bioregulatory mechanisms of vital process in plants and animals in connection with the improvement of its  bioproductivity.                

Laboratories:

   Animal Biochemistry and Physiology
   Biochemistry of Hydrobionts 
   Mineral Nutrition of Plants                                                
   Plant Genetics

   Magnethobiology 

Research group:
   Genomics and Bioinformatics     
            

      The staff of the Institute numbers over 100 persons; at least a third out of them are researchers (Dr).
The leading scientists of the Institute are heading in 12 research projects by the Latvian Council of Science. The Institute is involved also in EU IP, ERAF, COSTA, LIFE, OSMOSIS and other projects. The Institute is coordinating National Long-term Ecological Research Network which is part of International Long-term Ecological Research Network (ILTER).   The Institute is a leading scientific centre in the wide range of the basic biological investigations in Latvia.
    In the Institute there are also located Bird Ringing Centre, Herbarium of Latvia, Collections of  Stock Cultures, Biological agents-regulators of the plant pest populations, and large Entomological Collection. Also, the Ornithological Research Centre at Engure lake,  Ornithological Station at Pape, Ornithological Station at Kalnaji and the Hydrobiological Monitoring Station on the Salaca River are organized and intensively utilized by the scientists of the Institute.
    The Institute covers several state financed biomonitoring programs.   A new, more complete six-volume Red Data Book edition is being prepared in Latvian and English as the part of the “ Life” Project since mid 90-th.    

Collections:
      Biological agents-regulators of the plant pest populations
      Collections of  Stock Cultures
      Entomological Collection
      Herbarium of Latvia 

Field stations:
    Hydrobiological Monitoring Station on the Salaca River

    Long-term ecologycal research station at Mazsalaca
    Ornithological Research Centre at Engure lake
    Ornithological Station at Kalnaji
    Ornithological Station at Pape