Dr. phys. Gints Kučinskis, Leading researcher and Head of the Energy Materials Laboratory, Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) has used his more than five years of experience working in research institutes in Germany to establish what is probably the largest battery materials research group in Latvia at the ISSP UL, successfully collaborating with both local start-ups and Europe’s leading lithium-ion battery manufacturing companies. His professional work focuses on research into lithium and sodium-ion battery materials, looking for more environmentally friendly alternatives, as well as the ageing of lithium-ion batteries and how to extend their lifetime.
Gints has brought this valuable knowledge to Latvia and, together with colleagues at the UL ISSP, is researching and developing new materials for energy storage. Laboratory of Materials for Energy Harvesting and Storage led by Gints, is developing lithium-ion battery and sodium-ion battery materials, as well as conducts research on hydrogen energy.
Gints emphasises that working on oneself is also important in achieving any big goal – investing time and effort in your skills and knowledge, and being ready to receive constructive criticism. But not only that – modern science is a collective initiative for a common goal and progress, which is why a good researcher, in his opinion, builds successful collaboration both within his research group and with other colleagues in Latvia and abroad.
