The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), is the leading research centre in Latvia that can provide internationally comparable research in materials science, educate students in modern technology and material studies, and provide innovative solutions for industrial applications (Technopolis group research assessment, 2013). Its international competence was acknowledged already in 2001 when the Institute received the "Excellence Centre of Advanced Materials Research and Technology"​ award by the European Comission. The Institute is following research priorities set by the European Comission and the Latvian Government, which are in line with the European strategy for Key Enabling Technologies: - Nanotechnology: -- research of thin films, nanostructured surfaces and nanocomposites for applications in optics, electronics and photonics. - Micro and nanoelectronics (including semiconductors): -- experimental studies of electronic and ionic processes in wide-gap materials with different degree of structural ordering. - Advanced materials: -- theoretical modelling of physical and chemical processes, structure and properties; -- development of multifunctional and hybrid materials for energy applications including photovoltaic elements, fuel cells, hydrogen energetics and light emitting diodes. - Photonics: -- elaboration of functional organic and inorganic materials.