Latvian Parliament to Re-Evaluate Studies with 'Most Interesting Titles'

The Latvian parliament (Saeima) is set to once again review research projects that feature unusual or quirky titles. The discussion first emerged last year, but now the head of the Expenditure Commission, Kaspars Melnis, proposes to restart the evaluation, focusing on the 'most interesting' studies.

This comes alongside the ongoing Fundamental and Applied Research Programme (FLPP), a state-funded initiative aimed at generating new knowledge and technological insights across all scientific fields. In the 2025 competition, 56 projects received funding totaling 16.8 million euros. Implementation began in early 2025 and will continue until the end of 2028.

It remains unclear whether Melnis’s renewed scrutiny will apply to the already approved FLPP projects or to other research. The recurring focus on study titles suggests that lawmakers want to ensure public money is spent effectively. No date has been set for when the Saeima will begin this new round of evaluations.