On December 20, at a festive gathering held at the Latvian National Opera House, the Latvian Academy of Sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturer Grindeks presented awards to the best Latvian scientists. Awards and cash prizes in the amount of 1000 lats were received by three notable Latvian scientists, and four young scientists received cash prizes in the amount of 250 lats.
Awards in the amount of 1,000 lats and the ‘Golden Owl’, a badge of honour created by Jānis Strupulis that is presented for a lifetime’s contribution to the development of science were received by – LAS member Emīlija Gudriniece, LAS member Rūsiņš Mārtiņš Freivalds and LAS honorary member Pēteris Guļāns.
Recognised this year as being the best young Latvian scientists were Agrita Puzuka from the LU’s Biomedicine Research and Study Centre, Tatjana Bogučarska from the RTU’s Biomedicine Engineering-Sciences Nan technology Institute, Ilze Boldāne from LU’s Latvian History Institute and Edmunds Svenčs from the National Defence Academy. These young scientists received the ‘Silver Owl’ badge of honour, diplomas and cash prizes in the amount of 250lats.
This year’s science award winner Pēteris Guļāns noted that he considered the science award he’d received not only to be recognition for himself and his work but also for the entire research area of current economic problems that he represents. “The world is changing, and as a result there needs to be a change in all economic thinking, which is why in researching current economic problems we endeavour to change this thinking. The award not only provides support for me personally, but for the sector as a whole”, acknowledged Pēteris Guļāns.
For her part, young scientist Agrita Puzuka admitted that: “I feel honoured that my work has been appreciated. I am extremely pleased and honoured to receive the Grindeks and LAS Science Award.” The scientist added that often a person has difficulty in evaluating the fruits of his or her labours, therefore it is important to receive this recognition from one’s peers.
The Annual Award for Science was presented for the sixth time. This tradition was initiated on June 4, 1998 when LAS President Jānis Stradiņš and Grindeks’ Chairman of the Board, Valdis Jākobsons signed an agreement regarding co-operation and annual awards and cash prizes for science. The costs of the cash prizes are provided for financially by PJSC Grindeks.
Among those participating at the festive ceremony were the Latvian Minister for Education and Science, Kārlis Šadurskis, Latvian Academy of Sciences President, Jānis Stradiņš, PJSC Grindeks Chairman of the Board, Valdis Jākobsons and others.
