Science grows from curiosity: ILFA garden festival brings together more than 700 visitors
More than 700 enthusiasts of science, culture, and nature gathered at the University of Latvia Botanical Garden on 27 June for the garden festival Living Green!. Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to meet researchers from the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia (UL ILFA) and discover new knowledge through a wide range of engaging activities.
Opening the festival, the Rector of the University of Latvia noted that the Latvian expression dzīvot zaļi ("to live green") carries a broad meaning. It reflects not only care for the environment and a sustainable future but also joy in life, curiosity, and the value of being together. He emphasized that a sustainable way of living is built on balance, purpose, and joy. Professor Gundars Bērziņš, Rector of the University of Latvia, remarked:
"This event is also a fitting tribute to the anniversary of the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia. Eighty years represent the work of several generations of researchers dedicated to preserving Latvia's cultural memory and advancing the study of language, literature, folklore, and the arts. Their work enriches our shared understanding of who we are, where we come from, and the kind of society we aspire to build."
"In the garden where we invited people to come together, everything grows, blossoms, and changes. Science is much the same—it grows from curiosity, from questions, from conversations, and from people who never stop wondering about the world. As we celebrated our Institute's 80th anniversary, we wanted this to be a day of celebration for everyone. We hoped that every visitor would leave with new knowledge, inspiration to read a book, meaningful conversations with fellow participants and researchers, the restorative atmosphere of the Botanical Garden, and the joy that comes from being together," said Eva Eglāja-Kristsone, Director of the UL Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art.
The programme featured researcher-led workshops in the Folklore Courtyard, the Temple of Arts, and the Literature Pavilion. Visitors also enjoyed a live discussion on science and culture, interviews with researchers, broadcasts on Radio NABA, communal singing, eco-poster creation, and many other activities designed for participants of all ages and interests. The festival vividly demonstrated that science can be open, creative, and accessible, bringing together nature, culture, and society in a shared experience.
The event marked one of the first public activities of the University of Latvia's project Aurora Nexus: Connecting People, Science and Arts, highlighting the University's commitment to international collaboration and strengthening the European Research Area. The project fosters dialogue between science and society by creating an environment in which knowledge becomes a shared experience and science becomes a natural part of everyday life.
About MSCA and the University of Latvia project Aurora Nexus: Connecting People, Science and Arts
The University of Latvia project Aurora Nexus: Connecting People, Science and Arts will run until spring 2028 with support from the European Commission under the programme MSCA and Citizens: European Researchers' Night and Researchers at Schools 2026–2027. The project aims to strengthen science communication and increase public engagement in research through activities including the European Researchers' Night at the University of Latvia, the Researchers at Schools initiative, and a nationwide Science Ambassadors Programme. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) are a European Union initiative supporting research, innovation, researcher mobility, and science communication.
Photo: Toms Grīnbergs, University of Latvia.