AbstractFrom 1945 to 1990, science in Latvia was an integral part of the science of a large country (the Soviet Union). To a great extent, it was affected by all positive and negative elements of Soviet science. Now, after the restoration of independence in 1990–1991, Latvian science has suddenly become the science of a small country. The current political strivings of Latvia can be characterised by one main feature: to return to Europe, where it was from 1918 to 1940, and to stay there forever.This general political orientation is in line with the general transformation of the research system which started in 1989. The main thrust of science policy in Latvia for the last five years has been to model it along western lines.