Ahead of Latvia’s Proclamation Day on 18 November, 20 outstanding professionals in the fields of research, education and sport will receive government awards, including four who will receive the Cabinet of Ministers Award and 16 who will receive Certificates of Recognition from the Cabinet of Ministers.
“Latvia’s strength rests on the talent, professionalism and dedication of our people. Today, we say thank you to outstanding professionals and organisations for their significant contribution to the development of our country – from the sports sector and the building of an inclusive society to international cultural relations, medical science, research, youth work and historical heritage. By expressing our gratitude for what has been accomplished, we remind ourselves of the importance and value of each of these contributions, which make Latvia stronger and inspire future achievements,” emphasises Minister for Education and Science Ilze Indriksone.
On 20 October 2026, the government approved the proposal by the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) to award the Cabinet of Ministers Award to Daiga Dadzīte, former President of the Paralympic Committee; Anna Žīgure, writer, publicist, translator, diplomat and public figure; Mārcis Leja, Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences of the University of Latvia, Dr. med.; and Sandra Lejniece, Professor at Rīga Stradiņš University, Academician of the Latvian Academy of Sciences and Head of the Haematology Clinic at SIA “Riga East Clinical University Hospital”, Professor and Doctor of Medicine.
Daiga Dadzīte was awarded the Cabinet of Ministers Award for her significant contribution to Latvia’s sports sector and the inclusion of people with disabilities in society;
The Cabinet of Ministers Award was presented to Anna Žīgure for strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties between Latvia, Finland and Estonia, preserving Latvia’s cultural and historical heritage, and her long-standing contribution to literature, translation and journalism;
Mārcis Leja has been awarded the government's high honour for his outstanding and long-standing contribution to the development of oncology, medical science, cancer prevention, early diagnosis and medical science in Latvia, as well as to the training of young scientists, the promotion of interdisciplinary cooperation and the development of higher education;
Sandra Lejniece has been awarded the Cabinet of Ministers Award for her lifetime contribution to Latvian medical science and the modernisation of the healthcare system.
The government has also approved the Ministry of Education and Science's proposal to award the Cabinet of Ministers' Certificate of Recognition to 16 scientists and professionals in the fields of education, youth and sports for their significant contribution to the development of science and education in Latvia:
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Latvia, Dr. theol. Juris Cālītis, for his outstanding lifetime contribution to the development of higher education and theology in Latvia, the enrichment of the Latvian language and culture, as well as his significant public activities and the strengthening of the values of human dignity;
Dean and Professor at the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology of the University of Latvia, Dr. paed. Linda Daniela, for her contribution to the development of educational sciences and outstanding achievements in educational sciences, as well as her significant contribution to the development of teacher education programmes and the promotion of Latvia's achievements internationally;
Researcher at the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Latvia, Dr. habil. hist. Aivars Stranga, for his outstanding and long-standing contribution to the study of Latvian history, academic work and raising public awareness of the complex processes of Latvia's 20th-century history;
Professor (Tenure Professor) and Leading Researcher at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Latvia, Dr. sc. comp. Andris Ambainis, for his outstanding and long-standing contribution to research in quantum computing and quantum information theory, and to the development of study modules and two quantum strategies in Latvia;
Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences of the University of Latvia, Dr. med. Gustavs Latkovskis, for his significant contribution to the development of cardiology, medical science, public health and higher education in Latvia, as well as international clinical research;
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences of the University of Latvia, Dr. sc. soc. Signe Mežinska, for her significant contribution to the development of bioethics, medical and social sciences, higher education and research in Latvia and internationally;
Professor, Leading Researcher and Doctor of Engineering Sciences at Riga Technical University Andra Blumberga, for her significant contribution to the development of energy and climate science in Latvia and to the shaping of climate change and energy policy;
Deputy Director for Academic and Research Affairs at the Red Cross Medical College of Rīga Stradiņš University Sanita Litiņa, for her achievements in science, education and healthcare digitalisation, as well as her contribution to the development of the study environment and international cooperation in healthcare education;
Leading Researcher at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava” and Head of the Genetic Resources Centre Dainis Edgars Ruņģis, for his contribution to forest science and the preservation and research of genetic resources;
Head of the Academic Information Centre Baiba Ramiņa, for her contribution to strengthening the international recognition, competitiveness and reputation of Latvia's education system;
Project Manager of the association “Latvijas Mazpulki” Ilze Juhņēviča, for her significant contribution to youth work by promoting the education of young people in rural regions;
The association “Laiks Jauniešiem”, for its contribution to youth work by promoting the development of a democratic, inclusive and future-oriented society;
Scientific Secretary of the State Scientific Qualification Commission of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Chemistry Alma Edžiņa, for her lifetime contribution to the development of Latvian science, the activities and growth of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, as well as scientific work in the field of chemistry;
Senior Expert at the Latvian Council of Science, Doctor of Chemistry Arnis Kokorevičs, for his contribution to the development of Latvian science, the improvement of the administration, analysis and evaluation of scientific activities, the implementation of research projects and the integration of Latvian science into the European Research Area;
Preschool Sports Teacher at Alūksne Preschool Educational Institution “SPRĪDĪTIS” Dita Holla, for her contribution to the professional development of teachers and the promotion of the professional growth of preschool education teachers;
The association “Creative Minds for Culture”, for its purposeful work in the professional development of young people, strengthening leadership and cooperation skills, as well as creating a sustainable impact at local, national and international levels.
The Cabinet of Ministers' Certificate of Recognition is presented to express the government's appreciation to individuals for outstanding achievements in the fields of the national economy, science, education, health, environmental protection, public administration, culture, sports and national defence. The Cabinet of Ministers established the Certificate of Recognition in April 1995.
