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Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art, University of Latvia

Organisation profile

Organisation profile

The Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia (ILFA) is the flagship humanities research organization in Latvia, a key contributor to cultural and comparative studies in the Baltic area, and an active international partner within the regional and transnational humanities community. Our vision is to foster innovative, inclusive, and internationally relevant research grounded in national heritage and engaged in global academic dialogue.

ILFA is a value-driven institution, guided by scholarly excellence, respect for cultural heritage, contemporary relevance, solidarity, and public engagement. These principles shape our research priorities, internal culture, and societal role—promoting inclusive scholarship, intergenerational exchange, and ethical collaboration. The Institute’s goals include advancing high-level research in literature, folklore, arts, cultural and gender studies, digital and environmental humanities; promoting interdisciplinary collaboration; supporting open knowledge and civic participation; and strengthening the role of the humanities in public life and policymaking.

Founded in 1946 and re-established under the University of Latvia in 1992. Research activities are organized across four specialized departments: (1) Literary Studies; (2) Folklore Studies/Archives of Latvian Folklore, (3) Arts; (4) Culture, Society, and Environment; and (5) a cross-departmental Digital Humanities Group. Its 2022–2027 strategy defines six long-term research goals, realized through flexible structures and collaborative practices: strengthening research excellence and leadership, deepening interdisciplinarity, supporting talent development and generational renewal, advancing digital infrastructure, expanding international collaboration, and increasing societal impact.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Our work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  1. SDG 1 - No Poverty
    SDG 1 No Poverty
  2. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
  3. SDG 4 - Quality Education
    SDG 4 Quality Education
  4. SDG 5 - Gender Equality
    SDG 5 Gender Equality
  5. SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
    SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
  6. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
    SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
  7. SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
    SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
  8. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
    SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
  9. SDG 13 - Climate Action
    SDG 13 Climate Action
  10. SDG 15 - Life on Land
    SDG 15 Life on Land
  11. SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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