Shadow day 2024
On April 4th, 2024, 22 pupils from
several Latvia’s schools visited the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
and spent the day “shadowing” researchers and students carrying out their
activities at the institute. This was a great chance for them to obtain an
insight of the work of chemists, chemical engineers, chemical technologists and
to learn more about our laboratories and the wide opportunities of research
related to wood and its components. Amēlija and Mare, both 7th grade
pupils, were shadows for PhD Errj Sansonetti who took them through a journey of
a researcher’s working day in Laboratory of Wood Biodegradation and Protection.
Amēlija and Mare learn some basics about colour theory, wood colour and its
changes, available methods to preserve wood colour and water based paint
formulations (emulsion). The pupils were informed about the function of paints in
wood protection and why it is necessary to develop new green formulations,
which are more environmentally friendly, to use during service life of wood
products (e.g. in healthcare buildings), a question tightly connected to the
WOOD for HEALTH project topics. Despite their young age, they were very
patient, listened carefully and carried out also practical tasks with care and
attention during many hours. It was very gratifying after the long work day to
hear their will to come back again at the institute for the next Shadow day.
