Masters Study Programme "Physics"

Break-through research at Institute for Mechanics of Materials

Research involves the nanotechnologies, multifunctional performance of polymer composites and 3D printing. Institute implements interesting applied research projects, for example, a company-commissioned study for developing fire-resistant materials for sport aviation. The materials to be created will be used to produce gliders, which have a high risk of explosion of lithium batteries. The use of fire-resistant materials can save the lives of pilots.

Applications

All of the material research subjects have real-life applications. Nanotechnologies enable the use of a smaller content of materials to achieve the desired physical properties. Multifunctionality is applied through self-heating, self-healing, and structural health monitoring for wind energy, aerospace and automotive applications. 3D printing is widely used, creating complex shapes and reducing polymer waste. There are some challenges and issues for each of these techniques, which provide a space for improvement and adjustment – the researchers respond to the actual needs.

Students collaborate with other researchers or institutions, both nationally and internationally

The students can collaborate with all partners involved in the jointly implemented or planned projects. The institute has a vast network of partners in and outside Europe, including Kaunas University of Technology (Kaunas, Lithuania), Lulea University of Technology (Lulea, Sweden), Patras University (Greece), Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (Portici, Italy), Research Institute SYNPO (Pardubice, Czech Republic), Sport Aviation (Prienai, Lithuania), Baltic3D.eu (Latvia), Technical University of Denmark (Roskilde, Denmark), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Gjøvik, Norway), and Drexel University (Philadelphia, USA). 

Student employment, and the approximate salaries

The institute trains a select number of students, and plans to expand student involvement.  The hourly rate for a Master's student is approx. 10 EUR/h, for a PhD student, it is higher and depends on the scientific metrics and the elected position (Assistant Researcher or Researcher).

Publishing research achievements and building career in research

There are extensive possibilities for presenting the results at national and international conferences. Since 2020, the Institute for Mechanics of Materials organizes annual “Advanced Composites and Applications” session within the international conference of the University of Latvia. Everybody whose interests are in the scope of the session topic can participate free of charge. A student-friendly conference, the “Baltic Polymer Symposium”, is widely attended by students from three Baltic countries and changes its location annually. If students significantly contribute to the research, they are involved in publications and presentations as authors or co-authors and attend conferences during their master’s studies and beyond. 

Exchange opportunities

Staff mobility exchange within Erasmus+ and European RISE projects for mobilities/secondments. Students are considered early-stage researchers and can visit partner organizations for 1 month or more. They must arrange it with the academic staff to ensure the continuity of the study process.

Supportive environment

The students are supported, while ensuring that they have ample opportunities for self-guided research and hands-on practice. Research staff readily explain the methods and technicalities, as well as assist during the tests to ensure the correct procedure. Researchers are very flexible in their time management and work/plan to work when needed.  Being at the institute is even more relaxed than at home. The atmosphere in the lab (especially during the weekend) is fantastic and allows to focus on urgent work.

The best employment opportunities

The best careers are achieved in research or relevant industries, with extensive opportunities for applied research.

Three things that best characterize research here

• New materials
• Practical applications
• Exciting results

Three reasons why choose the UL master’s programme “Physics”

• High quality education
• Safe and interesting living environment
• Good work prospects

Break-through research carried out at Laboratory of Organic Materials, Institute of Solid State Physics

Research involves the functional organic materials, in some cases – combination with inorganic nanoparticles, creating hybrid structures. The investigated properties encompass optical, electrical, and thermal qualities. A particularly promising current direction – polymer photonics that includes quantum photonics.

Applications

The materials investigated by the research team have applications in solar cells, organic light emitting diodes, organic lasers, thermoelectric generators, as well as quantum communication.

Projects currently implemented at the lab

Laboratory coordinates Twinning project aimed at developing the ecosystem for quantum photonics in Latvia. The students can gain the experience

Opportunities for students to collaborate with other researchers or institutions, both nationally and internationally

The research team has strong collaboration with various groups in Europe, as well as worldwide. Every year, laboratory is involved in two international projects, and students participate in the project seminars.

How many students involved in the research at the lab, and the salaries

At present, ten local students – more than a half of the laboratory stuff, as well as international post-docs. Institute of Solid State has the specific salary system where salary depends on each performance.

Opportunities for professional development and employment during studies

Every student is welcome to launch their research career at the laboratory, introduced to the duties and trained by permanent staff, as well as other students. The preparation includes work instruction for various experimental equipment, learning the material deposition and investigation methods. The particular method depends on the chosen research direction. After training, student completes definite tasks. The student must complete the task in a certain time in a self-guided manner (it is not necessary to report on each step). As experience increases, the student is also expected to take initiative.

Postgraduate students in the research group can train and work as lecturers during their master’s studies.

Presenting research findings, such as conferences or publications, participation in meetings abroad, meeting foreign colleagues

Students who are involved in projects participate in international conferences, if the performance is excellent and all assigned tasks completed, obtaining presentable results.

Exchange programme opportunities for students in your research group as part of our master’s programme “Physics”

The laboratory has established cooperation and staff visits to University of Technology of Troyes, France and University of Trento, Italy. Students have continued their education also in Sweden.

Steps taken to ensure a supportive environment for students in your research group

Seminars are provided in English. Students in the laboratory support each other and suggest the best lectures and training, as well as work opportunities offered by the university.

Laboratory offers friendly and mutually supportive atmosphere – both regarding work environment and extracurricular matters.

The best employment opportunities of the former students of specialisation

The laboratory research concerns the top scientific fields with high application potential. Students gain expertise in operation with the current equipment. The obtained knowledge is sought after by laboratories and industry – employers are the companies like Giraffe360, LightSpace Technologies.

Three things that best characterize research here

• Modern infrastructure
• State of the art scientific fields
• Friendly, supportive atmosphere

Three reasons why choose the UL master’s programme “Physics”

• High quality education
• Research opportunities in scientific laboratories
• Gaining hands-on experience for future employment