University of Latvia
Encyclopedia
University of Latvia is a university
located in Riga
, Latvia
. Being established in 1919, University of Latvia is the biggest university in the Baltic states
.
. In 1923, this school received its now resumed name - the University of Latvia (Universitas Latviensis).
In the period between 1919 and 1940, the University of Latvia was the greatest center of higher education, science and culture in Latvia. The former building of Riga Polytechnic in 19 Raina boulevard serves as the main building of the University even nowadays.
In the pre-war years, it was possible to gain higher academic education not only at the University of Latvia but also at the Conservatoire of Latvia and Academy of Arts. In the course of time, such higher educational establishments as Latvian University of Agriculture, Latvian Academy of Medicine
, Riga Technical University
separated from the University of Latvia and became well-known centers of education and research.
With Latvia regaining independence the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia confirmed the Constitution of the University of Latvia on September 18, 1991. It stated that the Higher School is "a state establishment of academic education, science and culture which serves the needs of Latvia and people". Alongside the Constitution, the flag, the hymn, the University's emblem, the Rector's chain and the official garments for the Rector, Vice-Rector and deans were renewed as attributes of the University of Latvia.
It consists of 13 faculties:
In addition to the university’s various faculties, the University of Latvia offers most of the resources traditionally associated with accredited universities, including several libraries, research facilities, study centers, a language school, and a career center.
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
located in Riga
Riga
Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia. With 702,891 inhabitants Riga is the largest city of the Baltic states, one of the largest cities in Northern Europe and home to more than one third of Latvia's population. The city is an important seaport and a major industrial, commercial,...
, Latvia
Latvia
Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden...
. Being established in 1919, University of Latvia is the biggest university in the Baltic states
Baltic states
The term Baltic states refers to the Baltic territories which gained independence from the Russian Empire in the wake of World War I: primarily the contiguous trio of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania ; Finland also fell within the scope of the term after initially gaining independence in the 1920s.The...
.
History
The University of Latvia named at that time "The Latvia Higher School" was founded on September 28, 1919 on the basis of the former Riga Polytechnic (founded in 1862). The first rector of the university was chemist Paul WaldenPaul Walden
Paul Walden was a Latvian-German chemist known for his work in stereochemistry and history of chemistry. In particular he invented the stereochemical reaction known as Walden inversion and synthesized the first room-temperature ionic liquid, ethylammonium nitrate.-Early years:Walden was born in...
. In 1923, this school received its now resumed name - the University of Latvia (Universitas Latviensis).
In the period between 1919 and 1940, the University of Latvia was the greatest center of higher education, science and culture in Latvia. The former building of Riga Polytechnic in 19 Raina boulevard serves as the main building of the University even nowadays.
In the pre-war years, it was possible to gain higher academic education not only at the University of Latvia but also at the Conservatoire of Latvia and Academy of Arts. In the course of time, such higher educational establishments as Latvian University of Agriculture, Latvian Academy of Medicine
Riga Stradiņš University
Rīga Stradiņš University is a public university located in the city of Riga, Latvia. The Stradiņš name in the university’s title is fitting, since members of the Stradiņš family have had a significant influence on the course of community and academic life in Latvia for over a century...
, Riga Technical University
Riga Technical University
Riga Technical University is located in Riga, Latvia.- Riga Polytechnical Institute, 1862-1918 :...
separated from the University of Latvia and became well-known centers of education and research.
With Latvia regaining independence the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia confirmed the Constitution of the University of Latvia on September 18, 1991. It stated that the Higher School is "a state establishment of academic education, science and culture which serves the needs of Latvia and people". Alongside the Constitution, the flag, the hymn, the University's emblem, the Rector's chain and the official garments for the Rector, Vice-Rector and deans were renewed as attributes of the University of Latvia.
Enrollment
The University of Latvia offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels of study and in January 2008 more than 23,000 students, including PhD and exchange students, had enrolled in various study programs. Almost one third of them studied in business and economics related programs.Organisation
- Faculty of Biology;
- Faculty of Chemistry;
- Faculty of Physics and Mathematics;
- Faculty of Economics and Management;
- Faculty of Education and Psychology;
- Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences;
- Faculty of History and Philosophy;
- Faculty of Law;
- Faculty of Medicine;
- Faculty of Humanities;
- Faculty of Social Sciences;
- Faculty of Theology;
- Faculty of Computing.
In addition to the university’s various faculties, the University of Latvia offers most of the resources traditionally associated with accredited universities, including several libraries, research facilities, study centers, a language school, and a career center.
Notable professors and lecturers
- Andris AmbainisAndris AmbainisAndris Ambainis is a Latvian computer scientist active in the fields of quantum information theory and quantum computing. He has held past positions at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton, New Jersey and the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo. He is currently a...
, computer scientistComputer scientistA computer scientist is a scientist who has acquired knowledge of computer science, the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their application in computer systems.... - Mārcis AuziņšMārcis AuziņšMārcis Auziņš is a Latvian physicist. Since 2007 he is the rector of the University of Latvia. In 1998 Auziņš was also elected a member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.- External links :* at the University of Latvia...
, physicianPhysicsPhysics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic... - Kārlis BalodisKārlis BalodisKārlis Balodis was a notable Latvian economist, financist, statistician and demographist. Most notably, he is the author of civilian rationing, which was first used in Germany during the First World War...
, economistEconomistAn economist is a professional in the social science discipline of economics. The individual may also study, develop, and apply theories and concepts from economics and write about economic policy... - Konstantīns Čakste, legal theoristJurisprudenceJurisprudence is the theory and philosophy of law. Scholars of jurisprudence, or legal theorists , hope to obtain a deeper understanding of the nature of law, of legal reasoning, legal systems and of legal institutions...
- Jānis Endzelīns, linguistLinguisticsLinguistics is the scientific study of human language. Linguistics can be broadly broken into three categories or subfields of study: language form, language meaning, and language in context....
- Augusts KirhenšteinsAugusts KirhenšteinsAugusts Kirhenšteins, formerly spelt Kirchenšteins , was a Latvian microbiologist and educator. He was prime minister of Latvia June 20, 1940-August 25, 1940 and Acting President of Latvia July 21, 1940-August 25, 1940...
, microbiologistMicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms, which are defined as any microscopic organism that comprises either a single cell , cell clusters or no cell at all . This includes eukaryotes, such as fungi and protists, and prokaryotes... - Eižens LaubeEižens LaubeEižens Laube was a Baltic German Latvian architect. He was responsible for some of the reconstruction work of Riga Castle in the 1930s and designed more than 200 houses in Riga.-Biography:...
, architectArchitectureArchitecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art... - Jānis Maizītis, lawyerLawyerA lawyer, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is "a person learned in the law; as an attorney, counsel or solicitor; a person who is practicing law." Law is the system of rules of conduct established by the sovereign government of a society to correct wrongs, maintain the stability of political...
- Andrejs Veisbergs, linguistLinguisticsLinguistics is the scientific study of human language. Linguistics can be broadly broken into three categories or subfields of study: language form, language meaning, and language in context....
Notable alumni
- Māris Čaklais, Latvian poetPoetA poet is a person who writes poetry. A poet's work can be literal, meaning that his work is derived from a specific event, or metaphorical, meaning that his work can take on many meanings and forms. Poets have existed since antiquity, in nearly all languages, and have produced works that vary...
- Valdis DombrovskisValdis DombrovskisValdis Dombrovskis is the Prime Minister of Latvia. He previously served as Latvia's Minister of Finance and as a Member of the European Parliament for the New Era Party.-Education and science career:...
, Latvian politicianPolitics of LatviaThe politics of Latvia takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. The President holds a primarily ceremonial role as Head of State. Executive power is exercised by the government...
, current Prime Minister of LatviaPrime Minister of LatviaThe Prime Minister of Latvia is the most powerful member of the Government of the Republic of Latvia, and presides over the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers...
, MePMember of the European ParliamentA Member of the European Parliament is a person who has been elected to the European Parliament. The name of MEPs differ in different languages, with terms such as europarliamentarian or eurodeputy being common in Romance language-speaking areas.When the European Parliament was first established,... - Klāvs ElsbergsKlāvs ElsbergsKlāvs Elsbergs was a Latvian poet and translator. He was the son of a famous Latvian poetess Vizma Belševica.- Biography :...
, Latvian poetPoetA poet is a person who writes poetry. A poet's work can be literal, meaning that his work is derived from a specific event, or metaphorical, meaning that his work can take on many meanings and forms. Poets have existed since antiquity, in nearly all languages, and have produced works that vary... - Ivars GodmanisIvars GodmanisIvars Godmanis is a Latvian politician and currently 1 of the 8 Latvian MEPs in the European parliament. He was the first Prime Minister of Latvia after the country became independent from the Soviet Union, and he became a Prime Minister for the second time in December 2007.Godmanis served as...
, Latvian politicianPolitics of LatviaThe politics of Latvia takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. The President holds a primarily ceremonial role as Head of State. Executive power is exercised by the government...
, former Prime Minister of LatviaPrime Minister of LatviaThe Prime Minister of Latvia is the most powerful member of the Government of the Republic of Latvia, and presides over the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers...
, MePMember of the European ParliamentA Member of the European Parliament is a person who has been elected to the European Parliament. The name of MEPs differ in different languages, with terms such as europarliamentarian or eurodeputy being common in Romance language-speaking areas.When the European Parliament was first established,... - Uldis ĢērmanisUldis GermanisUldis Ģērmanis was a Latvian historian, writer and publicist born in Novaya Ladoga, Russian Empire. His father was Jānis Ģermanis, and his family returned to the newly independent Latvia in 1919....
, Latvian historianHistorianA historian is a person who studies and writes about the past and is regarded as an authority on it. Historians are concerned with the continuous, methodical narrative and research of past events as relating to the human race; as well as the study of all history in time. If the individual is...
and writerWriterA writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images.... - Ivars Kalviņš, Latvian chemistChemistA chemist is a scientist trained in the study of chemistry. Chemists study the composition of matter and its properties such as density and acidity. Chemists carefully describe the properties they study in terms of quantities, with detail on the level of molecules and their component atoms...
, has worked on the foundation of mildronateMildronateNot to be confused with Medronate, a bisphosphonate that forms a complex with radioactive technetium to be used as a radiopharmaceutical.Mildronate is an antischemic agent of a metabolic action produced by Grindex in Latvia. The active substance is trimethylhydrazinium propionate dihydrate... - Guntars KrastsGuntars KrastsGuntars Krasts is a Latvian politician, former Prime Minister, and former Member of the European Parliament for the single Latvia constituency. Born in Riga, he was the Minister of Economy of Latvia from December 1995 to August 1997, Prime Minister of Latvia from August 1997 to November 1998, and...
, Latvian politicianPolitics of LatviaThe politics of Latvia takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. The President holds a primarily ceremonial role as Head of State. Executive power is exercised by the government...
, former Prime Minister of LatviaPrime Minister of LatviaThe Prime Minister of Latvia is the most powerful member of the Government of the Republic of Latvia, and presides over the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers...
, former MEPMember of the European ParliamentA Member of the European Parliament is a person who has been elected to the European Parliament. The name of MEPs differ in different languages, with terms such as europarliamentarian or eurodeputy being common in Romance language-speaking areas.When the European Parliament was first established,... - Zenta MauriņaZenta MaurinaZenta Mauriņa , was a writer, essayist with a degree in philology . She was married to the EVP researcher Konstantin Raudive.-References:...
, Latvian writerWriterA writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images.... - Artis PabriksArtis PabriksArtis Pabriks is a Latvian politician, a former Foreign Minister of Latvia and the current Minister of Defence of Latvia....
, Latvian politicianPolitics of LatviaThe politics of Latvia takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. The President holds a primarily ceremonial role as Head of State. Executive power is exercised by the government...
, former Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs - Andris PiebalgsAndris PiebalgsAndris Piebalgs is a Latvian politician and diplomat, currently serving as European Commissioner for Development at the European Commission. Between 2004 and 2010 he served as Commissioner for Energy.-Career:...
, Latvian politicianPolitics of LatviaThe politics of Latvia takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. The President holds a primarily ceremonial role as Head of State. Executive power is exercised by the government...
and diplomat, former European Commissioner for EnergyEuropean Commissioner for EnergyThe Commissioner for Energy is a member of the European Commission. The current Commissioner is Günther Oettinger .-Responsibilities:The Commissioner holds responsibility for the European Union's energy policy as well as nuclear issues . It was previously a backwater in the Commission but has now... - Ilmārs PoikānsIlmārs PoikānsIlmārs Poikāns is a Latvian AI researcher at the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Latvia...
, Latvian AIAiAI, A.I., Ai, or ai may refer to:- Computers :* Artificial intelligence, a branch of computer science* Ad impression, in online advertising* .ai, the ISO Internet 2-letter country code for Anguilla...
researcher - Einars Repše, Latvian politicianPolitics of LatviaThe politics of Latvia takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. The President holds a primarily ceremonial role as Head of State. Executive power is exercised by the government...
, former Prime Minister of LatviaPrime Minister of LatviaThe Prime Minister of Latvia is the most powerful member of the Government of the Republic of Latvia, and presides over the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers... - Eliyahu RipsEliyahu RipsEliyahu Rips, also Ilya Rips is a Latvian-born Israeli mathematician known for his research in geometric group theory. He became known to the general public following his coauthoring a paper on the Torah Code....
, IsraeliIsraelThe State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
mathematicianMathematicsMathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity... - Knuts SkujenieksKnuts SkujenieksKnuts Skujenieks is a Latvian poet, journalist, and translator from fifteen European languages.He spent his childhood near Bauska, Zemgale...
, Latvian poetPoetryPoetry is a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities in addition to, or in lieu of, its apparent meaning...
, journalistJournalismJournalism is the practice of investigation and reporting of events, issues and trends to a broad audience in a timely fashion. Though there are many variations of journalism, the ideal is to inform the intended audience. Along with covering organizations and institutions such as government and... - Daina TaimiņaDaina TaiminaDaina Taimina is a Latvian mathematician, currently Adjunct Associate Professor at Cornell University, known for crocheting objects to illustrate hyperbolic space. She received all her formal education in Riga, Latvia, where in 1977 she graduated summa cum laude from the University of Latvia and...
, Latvian mathematicianMathematicianA mathematician is a person whose primary area of study is the field of mathematics. Mathematicians are concerned with quantity, structure, space, and change.... - Guntis UlmanisGuntis UlmanisGuntis Ulmanis is a Latvian politician and was the fifth President of Latvia from 1993 to 1999.-Early life:Guntis Ulmanis was born in Riga on September 13, 1939. His grandfather was the brother of then-President and Prime Minister Kārlis Ulmanis. In 1941 Guntis Ulmanis and his family were exiled...
, Latvian politicianPolitics of LatviaThe politics of Latvia takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. The President holds a primarily ceremonial role as Head of State. Executive power is exercised by the government...
, former President of Latvia - Jānis VanagsJanis VanagsJānis Vanags is the archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia . Vanags is seen as a "conservative" on theological or moral issues and opposed women's ordination as well as homosexuality...
, archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of LatviaEvangelical Lutheran Church of LatviaThe Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia is a Lutheran Protestant church in Latvia. Latvia's Lutheran heritage dates back to the Reformation. Both the Nazi and communist regimes persecuted the church harshly before religious freedom returned to Latvia in 1988.The Church is governed by a...
See also
- List of universities in Latvia
- Utrecht NetworkUtrecht NetworkThe Utrecht Network is a network of European universities. The network promotes the internationalisation of tertiary education through summer schools, student and staff exchanges and joint degrees.- Utrecht Network member universities :...
- List of modern universities in Europe (1801–1945)