IES leading researcher Ilva Nakurte receives L’Oréal Baltic fellowship “Women in Science”

On the 5^th of June, in a solemn ceremony at the Latvian Academy of Science, leading researcher of the Institute for Environmental Solutions (IES) Dr. Ilva Nakurte received 6000 eur L'Oréal Baltic for Women in Science fellowship for determination of pigments used in traditional textile dyeing processes using chromatographic analysis. 

The aim of Dr. Ilva Nakurte research is to develop methods for phytochemical screening of plants pigments used in dyeing processes. So far, such studies in Latvia have not been taken place. Furthermore, Ilva together with doctors from history will try to join worldwide studies of plant pigments used in traditional dyeing processes. The results of the research can provide a new knowledge of Latvia’s cultural heritage and renewable resources.

As Ilva highlights, “work with traditional textiles is incredible because this is the part of our historical heritage, cultural traditions, and nationality.” She also stresses that receiving L'Oréal for Women in Science fellowship means an invaluable degree of confidence for her work and choices. By receiving this fellowship Ilva hopes that she will inspire youngsters to join the world of science.

This year, five talented women researchers from Baltic States received the award – Dr. Ilva Nakurte (Latvia), Mg. sc. ing. Anna Fridrihsone (Latvia), Mg. sc. chem. Margarita Baitimirova (Latvia), Dr. Ģiedre Motuzaite-Matuzevičūte (Lithuania) and Dr. Karin Kodermann (Estonia). Since 2005, when L'Oréal Baltic, the Latvian National Commission for UNESCO, the Latvian Academy of Sciences and honorary patron of the fellowship Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga started implementing the programme in Latvia, 42 scientists from Latvia has been awarded with the fellowships for personal growth. Last year, the project was expanded in the Baltic States, opening the opportunity for Lithuanian and Estonian researchers to receive the fellowships. Since 2017, two Lithuanian scholars and two scholars from Estonia have received L'Oréal Baltic fellowships for Women in Science.

Find out more about the L'Oréal Baltic for Women in Science fellowships here:  https://www.forwomeninscience.com/en/