Engaging with the international natural products research community

Anitra Zile, a member of the Natural Products Research group, presented her work at the Natural Products in the 21st Century Conference hosted by Technical University of Denmark on February 9–11, 2026 (https://magic-molfun.dtu.dk/np21c-conference).

Her poster, “Phylogenomic Characterisation, Antimicrobial Profiling, and Feature-based Molecular Networking of Actinobacteria Preserved at the Microbial Strain Collection of Latvia”, highlighted innovative approaches to studying microbial diversity and their antimicrobial potential.

Bridging research and policy: Horizon Europe opportunities and FP10 expectations

On January 21, 2026, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS) hosted a roundtable discussion as part of two Horizon Europe projects coordinated by LIOS – project Natalion  and WIDEnzymes.

The event gathered representatives from academia and policy making sectors to discuss:

• progress and results of Natalion – boosting natural products research for innovation;

• progress and results of WIDEnzymes – advancing enzyme technologies and cross-sectoral biotech applications;

• opportunities offered by Horizon Europe and key lessons learnt from engagement with the programme;

• what the next EU Framework Programme (FP10) might hold for Widening countries.

Participants included:

Dace Karkle, Director, LIOS

Aigars Jirgensons, Deputy Director for Science, LIOS

Emilio Parisini, Head of Biotechnology Group, LIOS

Stefano Donadio, ERA Chair of Natalion project, founder of NAICONS Srl

Phan Chin-Soon, Head of Natural Products Research group, LIOS

Linda Vecbiskena, Representative in Brussels, Latvian Council of Science

Uldis Berkis, Expert in biomedicine, medical technologies, biopharmaceuticals, and biotechnology sector, RIS3 Unit, Ministry of Education and Science

Elina Priede, Project Manager, LIOS

Elina Zeltkalne-Ratniece, HR Specialist, LIOS

This roundtable discussion fostered an exchange of insights on how to better position Latvia within European and international R&I networks, strengthen an innovation-driven biotechnology sector, and engage more actively in the 10th Framework Programme, including by taking on coordinator roles.

Project Natalion at the 7th Annual Peptides and Proteins Symposium in Singapore

We’re proud to share that Dr. Chin-Soon Phan represented project Natalion at the 7th Annual Peptides and Proteins Symposium in Singapore, held on December 8–9, delivering a presentation "Discovery of the radical SAM cyclophane synthases in RiPP biosynthesis".

The symposium brings together researchers working in fields such as enzymes and biocatalysis, structural biology, organic synthesis, materials development, and drug discovery/chemical biology, providing an excellent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Inspiring the next generation of researchers and innovators

As part of the event series “Career in the European Union” organized by Europe Direct Vidzeme, Dr. Anna Stikane visited Salacgriva Secondary School to share her educational and professional development journey.

Anna spoke about her study and research experience at the University of Edinburgh, her role in organizing the “Evidence Matters” event at the European Parliament, and her current work at the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, where she contributes to fostering innovation. She shared personal insights from studying abroad and working in international research environments emphasizing that opportunities are everywhere for those who take initiative and make the most of them.

European Researchers’ Night 2025

We were thrilled to welcome visitors at the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis to explore the fascinating world of bacteria – the hidden source of many life-saving medicines. Guided by Anitra Zile from the Natural Products Research group, participants discovered how unique bacterial strains from soil samples are studied for their potential to produce new natural products and drug candidates that can help combat disease.

Dr. Anna Stikane participates in Life Sciences Baltics 2025

Dr. Anna Stikane attended Life Sciences Baltics event (Vilnius, Lithuania, September 17–18, 2025) – the leading life sciences forum in the region, serving as a global hub for top-tier biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and healthcare experts. The event served as a valuable networking platform, fostering connections and collaborations that drive innovation and growth in the life sciences sector.

Natalion at the September Science Academy in Marburg

We are proud to share that Anitra Zile, member of the Natural Products Research group at the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, took part in the September Science Academy for Microbial and Molecular Biosciences at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg.

This international summer school brings together early-career scientists from underrepresented genders to:
🔬 present their research,
🤝 engage in scientific discussions,
🏛️ explore cutting-edge labs, and
🚀 strengthen leadership, grant writing, and career development skills.

By empowering women and marginalized gender identities in science, the Academy opens pathways for the next generation of researchers to shape their careers and expand their international networks. Anitra contributed to the session “Discovery and Design of Bioactive Compounds”, where she presented her research and engaged in discussions with international peers.

Invited lecture by Dr. Chin-Soon Phan

On July 30, 2025, Dr. Chin-Soon Phan delivered an invited presentation "Natural products – marine invertebrates to microbes – biosynthesis, bioactivity and enzymes" at the School of Pharmacy, Walailak University, Thailand. The event brought together faculty members, researchers, and graduate students, providing a platform to make new connections that could foster future collaborations in natural products research.

Project Natalion at the Symposium on Natural Products and Biosynthetic Enzymes

We’re proud to share that Dr. Chin-Soon Phan, leader of the Natural Products Research group at the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, represented project Natalion at the "Symposium on Natural Products and Biosynthetic Enzymes", held on July 14–15, 2025, at the National University of Singapore. This event gathered leading scientists to discuss cutting-edge research in natural products chemistry and biosynthetic enzyme mechanisms, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Dr. Chin-Soon Phan delivered an engaging presentation titled "Cross-linking enzymes in RiPP biosynthesis", highlighting recent advancements in ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) and their biosynthetic pathways.

 

Exchange of knowledge and biodiversity exploration in Sicily

Within the ERASMUS+ programme, Anitra Zile, a member of the Natural Products Research (NPR) group, had the opportunity to spend two weeks (May 25 – June 7, 2025) at the University of Palermo, hosted by Assoc. Prof. Rosa Alduina. This scientific exchange strengthened our shared focus on actinobacteria isolation, microbial diversity studies, and the discovery of new natural products – a key mission of the Natalion project.

During the visit, Anitra joined a field trip to the Nature Reserve Saline of Trapani and Paceco, a unique salt marsh ecosystem protected by the World Wide Fund for Nature. Water samples were collected for the isolation of algae and actinobacteria - potential sources of novel bioactive compounds.

A highlight of the stay was the presentation by Anitra on her research results from the past nine months, sparking fruitful discussions and exchange of practical techniques in natural products discovery.

Anitra shares her impressions: "These two weeks at the University of Palermo gave me a great opportunity to learn new methods for discovering novel natural products from actinobacteria, as well as to present my own project. We also exchanged practical tips and tricks on how to uncover greater microbial and chemical diversity."

Project Natalion at the LAMPA conversation festival 2025

On June 20–21, 2025, two members of the Natalion team took part in Latvia’s leading conversation festival LAMPA in Cēsis, joining conversations that bridge science and society.

🔬 Ms. Anitra Zile joined the panel discussion “How to Become a Researcher? Fun Stories from Expeditions” organized by the Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology. The next day, Anitra gave a short talk (hosted by the Latvijas Jauno zinātnieku apvienība) on the chemical language of microorganisms revealing how bacteria communicate and how this knowledge can lead to the development of new medicines.

💡 Dr. Anna Stikāne took part in the interview "THINK SLOWLY | ABOUT INNOVATION" hosted by the Latvijas Jauno zinātnieku apvienība. From the LAMPA stage, she shared why innovation is not about quick fixes but thoughtful, smart, and sustainable solutions.

Project Natalion is proud to support public engagement and science communication that inspire future researchers and innovators.

Workshop 'Enzymes in Natural Products Biosynthesis'

On June 13, 2025, the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis and project Natalion hosted the workshop "Enzymes in Natural Products Biosynthesis". This full-day event brought together experts from across Europe to explore the latest breakthroughs in microbial natural product biosynthesis from enzymatic pathways and radical mechanisms to applications in drug development.

We were honored to welcome:
🧪 Yvain Nicolet (University Grenoble Alpes, presentation A Dual-Enzyme Dance: Radical SAM and Oxygenase Unite for Triceptide Formation)
🧪 Robin Teufel (University of Basel, presentation Enzymatic Tailoring and Bioengineering of Aromatic Polyketides)
🧪 Joleen Masschelein (KU Leuven, presentation Bacteria as Tunable Drug Production Factories)
🧪Florian Hubrich (Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Saarland University, presentation Expanding the Prenylated Ribosomal Peptide Diversity).

Researchers, students, and biotech professionals joined us in Riga for a day of scientific exchange and community building. Thank you to all who participated and helped make this event a success!

Project Natalion annual meeting

We were glad to host the annual meeting of project Natalion on June 12 marking a key milestone as we reached the project’s midpoint. The meeting brought together the ERA Chair holder, members of the Project Management Board, Recruitment Committee, and External Advisory Board, along with the leaders of the project’s work packages.

The event included a comprehensive review of the progress across all work packages, discussions on future strategic directions, and valuable input from the advisory board members. It also sparked fruitful dialogue on ways to further enhance the project’s outcomes and long-term impact.

The meeting was part of a two-day series of scientific and strategic events, including:
🧲 A workshop on Interpretation of 2D NMR Spectra of Natural Products (June 12)
🧬 A workshop on Enzymes in Natural Products Biosynthesis (June 13).

Thank you to everyone involved for your valuable insights and continued commitment to advancing natural product research and innovation.

Workshop 'Interpretation of 2D NMR Spectra of Natural Products'

On June 12, 2025, workshop "Interpretation of 2D NMR Spectra of Natural Products" was hosted at the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis. Organized under projects Natalion and MR LATVIA (Development of Magnetic Resonance in Latvia), the event brought together researchers to deepen their understanding of 2D NMR techniques in natural product analysis.

We were pleased to welcome Dr. Alons Lends, who delivered an insightful talk on "NMR Spectroscopy for Organic Chemistry", and Dr. Abujunaid Khan, who led a practical session on interpreting real 2D NMR data.

Big thanks to all participants for making it an engaging and collaborative experience!

Participation in Deep Tech Atelier 2025

Dr. Anna Stikane represented project Natalion at Deep Tech Atelier 2025 (May 15–16, Riga), taking part in the panel discussion 'The Power of Regional Collaboration in Driving Life Science Innovations.' The event provided a valuable platform for networking and establishing new connections with investors, industry representatives, research performers, funding organizations, and innovation agencies.

Invited presentation by Dr. Chin-Soon Phan at Chang Gung University of Science and Technology

During May 2–15, 2025, Dr. Chin-Soon Phan visited the Chang Gung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan to strengthen international collaboration. During the visit, he participated in networking activities and delivered an invited presentation highlighting project Natalion and the Natural Products Research group’s work on microbial natural products and their biosynthesis.

Representation at Swiss Biotech Days 2025

Dr. Anna Stikāne and Dr. Pavels Dimitrijevs represented the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis and project Natalion