On April 1, 2026, the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI) hosted a Career Exploration Day (in Latvian Ēnu diena), during which high school students visited the institute to learn about the research sector and gain insight into the daily work of scientists and engineers. During the visit, the students had the opportunity to experience firsthand the institute’s areas of activity and see how scientific ideas are transformed into practical technological solutions.
At the start of the day, the students went to their mentors, the institute’s researchers and specialists, to observe their work and gain a closer look at the research process. One of the mentors was Roberts Lazdiņš, an electrical systems engineer at EDI, who was shadowed by Nora, a 5th-grade student from Riga Teika Secondary School. During the day, Nora learned about Roberts’ daily work, his project responsibilities, and the research process at the institute.
During the shadowing session, Nora, along with other students, visited the institute’s laboratories, learned about the technologies and research equipment used there, and gained insight into the development of various projects across the institute’s research fields. During the tour, researchers shared their experiences regarding their career paths, study opportunities, and the skills needed to work in science and technology development.
As part of the LACISE project, Nora also had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on assignment at the energy laboratory. She developed mock-ups of screens in various sizes intended for the laboratory’s interior design, to help evaluate the most suitable solution for the future layout of the space. This assignment provided an opportunity to learn not only about the research process but also about the practical work involved in developing research infrastructure.
The Shadow Day gave the students the opportunity to better understand the profession of a researcher and gain insight into the day-to-day work of a scientist. Such experiences help students form an idea of future study and career opportunities in the fields of technology and research.
The Institute of Electronics and Computer Science thanks the students for their interest, as well as the institute’s researchers and staff for their involvement and the time they dedicated to sharing their experiences with the young people.
