We continue to introduce the authors of the best scientific research papers, who were awarded prizes in the competition organized within the framework of the LIFE Integrated Project "Waste as a Resource in Latvia" (LIFE Waste to Resources IP).
In the competition, second place was awarded to Antra Adiene. She is a third-year student of the study program "International Relations - European Studies" at Riga Stradiņš University. Her interest in political processes in Europe, which often serve as a key precondition for better understanding Latvia’s position and contribution to the European Union as a whole, inspired her to choose this study direction. Antra’s approach to university tasks and life in general is characterized by the motto, "If you do something – do it excellently, because otherwise it’s not worth the effort!", as her inner perfectionist does not allow her to approach tasks in a superficial manner. After obtaining her bachelor's degree in July 2024, Antra plans to continue her studies in a master's program, developing herself in the field of public relations. Political planning and coordination are vitally important, but it is often necessary to successfully communicate with all parties involved and the public in general about political changes and activities in both the state and non-governmental sectors. An informed and educated public is a significant factor in ensuring that a country can develop both domestically and internationally in the future.
The topic of her research on food waste reduction in various European countries was inspired by a semester spent in the exchange program at Sciences Po Toulouse University in France. The French approach to food waste reduction, implemented since 2016, prohibits supermarkets from throwing away quality food. Although this was Antra’s first research on this topic, learning about France’s approach to food waste reduction, Antra was interested in finding out what other European countries are doing. During her research, she chose to analyze four countries to highlight the different approaches and identify the key prerequisites for change.
Considering the similarities in external conditions and shared features, studying regional best practice examples is a way to gain ideas for applying initiatives and to understand in advance what mistakes can be avoided when adapting them to national policies. Antra hopes that her research will serve as an inspiration to reduce food waste in Latvia and more widely and effectively utilize existing initiatives, such as the approach of the private preschool “CreaKids” in cooperation with children during mealtimes.
A. Adiene’s scientific research paper, "Analysis of Food Waste Reduction Initiatives: Solutions in European Countries and Best Practice Examples in Latvia" here.
