October – December, 2025
October:
On 1st October, we launched the RESCUE project with the goal of tackling antibiotic resistance. During the first month of the project, we prepared a short and easy-to-understand summary to explain the project to a general audience. In addition, we created a clear and concise project poster that highlights what RESCUE is about and what will be achieved during its implementation.
Easy-to-understand RESCUE summary:
When bacteria become stronger than medicines. All over the world, more and more bacteria are learning how to survive medicines called antibiotics, which once could easily kill them. This problem is known as antimicrobial resistance. Bone infections are especially difficult to treat. They can occur in diseases like osteomyelitis or around metal implants used to replace damaged bone or fix bone fractures. In these areas, bacteria form thick protective layers called biofilms, which shield them from medicines. Because of this, common antibiotics often no longer work. The RESCUE project aims to find a better solution. Its goal is to develop a new injectable gel that can fight harmful bacteria and support bone healing without using antibiotics.
The RESCUE project kick-off meeting, held on 20 October 2025, took place at Riga Technical University (RTU), Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, marking the official start of the collaboration and aligning partners on shared goals and next steps.
Project coordinator Prof. Dagnija Loca (RTU) presented the project concept, objectives, and expected outcomes, followed by Alternative Plants Ltd., represented by Mg. biol. Anna Ramata-Stunda, who introduced the partner’s research expertise and technology plan focused on plant stem cell extracts.
The meeting continued with constructive discussions on key scientific and practical topics, including sustainability, extract composition, in vitro testing, and dissemination strategies. Partners agreed on concrete next steps, laying a strong foundation for effective collaboration and impactful results throughout the project.
November:
On 3rd November 2025, members of the RESCUE project team – Dagnija Loca, Anna Marija Vaišļa, Elizabete Liva Puzule, and Kristine Salma-Ancane – took part in an inspiring Gender Ethics & Equality training led by Francesca Carlin at the Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence.
The training offered a thoughtful mix of theory, reflection, and practical tools, covering key topics such as gender equality in research, unconscious bias, inclusive communication, imposter syndrome, and boundary-setting strategies. Through real-life examples and interactive discussions, participants explored how implicit assumptions and communication patterns shape workplace culture and scientific careers, while also gaining strategies to strengthen confidence, self-awareness, and resilience.
The session concluded with hands-on techniques for setting healthy professional boundaries, empowering participants to communicate needs clearly and constructively. The RESCUE team values this experience as an important step toward fostering a more respectful, equitable, and inclusive research environment, and looks forward to integrating these insights into the project’s daily work and collaboration culture.
We explored:
🧠 Unconscious bias
🗣️ Inclusive communication
💭 Imposter syndrome
🛑 Boundary-setting strategies.
