A festive ceremony that took place on December 18 at the Latvian Railway Museum marked the seventh time that the Latvian Science Academy (LSA) and the pharmaceutical manufacturer a/s Grindeks have presented awards to the best Latvian scientists. Awards and prizes in the amount of 1000 lats were received by three notable Latvian scientists for their lifetime contribution to the development of science whereas four young scientists received prizes in the amount of 250 lats.
For their lifetime’s contribution to the development of science, prizes in the amount of 1000 lats and the honorary Gold Own gold badge created by Jānis Strupulis were awarded to – LSA veritable member, Gunārs Čipēns for his lifetime’s contribution to the development of peptide chemistry and peptide hormone synthesis technology, LZA veritable member, Ivars Knēts for developing the field of bio-mechanical science and preparation of specialists in Latvia, as well as LSA, veritable member Ēvalds Mugurēvičs for his lifetime’s contribution to research into sources of Latvian archaeology and medieval history.
Moreover, University of Latvia (UL) Faculty of Medicine Doctoral Student, Latvian Organic Synthesis Institute Assistant, Edgars Liepiņš, Master of Chemistry Science, Latvian Organic Synthesis Institute Assistant, Laura Sīle, Doctor of Physics, UL Faculty of Physics and Mathematics Optometry and Sight Science Department Assistant Gunta Krūmiņa and Master of Teaching, Liepāja Teaching Academy Contractual lecturer, Evita Lapšāne were recognised as the year’s best young Latvian scientists. The young scientists received an honorary Silver Owl badge, diplomas and prizes in the amount of 250lats.
“Grindeks has nominated support for Latvian science and scientists as one of its priorities. We are honoured that it is Grindeks which in partnership with the Latvian Science Academy presents these important annual awards to Latvian scientists. Since its founding, Grindeks has been closely linked to Latvian science and has always promoted co-operation both through the utilisation of scientific innovations in its work, by becoming one of the most important patrons in the industry which is one of the most important for the development of the country,” stressed Grindeks Chairman of the Board, Valdis Jākobsons.
The annual award in science was established on June 4, 1998 with the signing of an agreement by erstwhile LSA President Jānis Stradiņš and Grindeks Chairman of the Board, Valdis Jākobsons regarding co-operation and annual awards and prizes in science. The expenditures related to the referred to prizes are covered by JSC Grindeks.
