In anticipation of the Latvian National Day on November 18, 29 outstanding professionals in their fields of research and education will receive government awards, including two scientists with the Cabinet of Ministers Award, 9 Cabinet of Ministers Letters of Appreciation, and a Letter of Gratitude from the Prime Minister.
On October 28, 2025, the government approved the Ministry of Education and Science proposal to grant the Cabinet of Ministers Award to Dr. habil. Phys. Andris Šternbergs, Leading Researcher and Deputy Director for Science at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), and Vice-President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS), as well as Professor Janīna Kursīte-Pakule, Leading Researcher at the University of Latvia and Academician of the LAS.
The Minister for Education and Science Dace Melbārde emphasises: "The Cabinet of Ministers Award highlights the excellence of Latvian science and its significant contribution to both the exact and the humanities fields. The lifelong work of Andris Šternbergs and Janīna Kursīte-Pakule vividly demonstrates that our researchers, with their curiosity, perseverance, and values-based approach, enrich not only Latvia’s but also Europe’s and the world’s research space. These awards are also a testimony to the fact that science forms the foundation of Latvia’s statehood."
Dr. habil. phys. Andris Šternbergs is awarded for his outstanding contribution to the development of Latvian science and to society at large, especially in the fields of materials science and nanotechnology. Academician Šternbergs is one of Latvia’s most renowned physicists, who has advanced research in new functional materials and nanotechnologies. His scientific work encompasses both fundamental research and its practical applications.
One of Šternbergs’ most significant achievements in fostering international cooperation and advancing the ISSP UL is the development and implementation of the European Commission Centres of Excellence projects CAMART and CAMART², which enabled the ISSP UL to become one of Europe’s leading research institutes in materials science.
Meanwhile, Professor Janīna Kursīte-Pakule receives the Cabinet of Ministers Award for her outstanding contribution to the study and promotion of Latvian folklore and culture. She is one of Latvia’s most prominent literary scholars and folklorists. Over the past decade, she has authored and co-authored several notable books on Latvian folklore and literature, including “Svētupe krustām šķērsām” (2016, with Rasma Noriņa), “Zīmju valoda: latviešu žesti” (2016), “Dainu kodekss” (2018), “Latviešu dievības un gari” (2020), and “Kamolkoks. Apcere par ceļiem uz latviskumu” (2024).
Professor Kursīte-Pakule continues to research Latvia’s regions, inspires students to engage in research, and encourages doctoral candidates to study regional folklore and cultural heritage. Even for students who do not pursue research careers, understanding regional distinctiveness, communicating effectively, and working collaboratively are invaluable skills that will serve them in any professional field.
The Cabinet of Ministers Award includes the Cabinet of Ministers Honorary Diploma, a breast badge, and a monetary prize. It is awarded for significant achievements or merits in strengthening Latvia as a democratic and lawful state, as well as for outstanding contributions in economic, social, or other nationally substantial fields.
The government has also approved the Ministry of Education and Science proposal to grant the Cabinet of Ministers Certificates of Recognition to nine researchers and education professionals for their significant contributions to the development of Latvian science and education:
- Professor Dr. sc. ing. Jānis Ločs, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technologies, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Riga Technical University (RTU); Academician of the LAS – for outstanding achievements in biomaterials research and significant contributions to the development of Latvia’s materials science research infrastructure and human resources.
- Professor Dr. sc. ing. Andris Šutka, Tenured Professor, Institute of Physics and Materials Science, RTU; Academician of the LAS – for scientific excellence and leadership in modern materials science.
- Ilze Brante, former Director of Ogre Technical School, for her lifelong contribution to the development of vocational education in Latvia and her long-standing professional and selfless work in establishing Ogre Technical School as a centre of excellence and innovation.
- Professor Dr. habil. Phys. Jānis Spīgulis, Department of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Optometry, University of Latvia; Head of the Biophotonics Laboratory, Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy; Academician of the LAS – for significant contributions to training young scientists in biophotonics and for promoting the international recognition of the University of Latvia and Latvia.
- Professor Dr. habil. Med.., Dr. med. Jānis Gardovskis, Chairman of the Senate of Riga Stradiņš University (RSU), Head of the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, RSU, for his contribution to the development of Latvian surgery and medical science.
- Dr. med. Modra Murovska, Associate Professor, Leading Researcher at the RSU Institute of Microbiology and Virology, and Academician of the LAS, for strengthening Latvia’s scientific prestige in healthcare and virology.
- Dr Paed. Zenta Anspoka, Expert at the Latvian Language Agency, author of textbooks, and distinguished educator, for her significant contribution to the development of Latvian language teaching materials, promotion of Latvian language learning, preservation of the language in the diaspora, and professional development of teachers.
- Dr Valtis Ernštreits, Director and Leading Researcher of the Livonian Institute, University of Latvia, for his outstanding and multifaceted contribution to the research, preservation, and development of the Livonian language and culture.
- Professor Dr Inta Mieriņa, Tenured Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Latvia, for her outstanding achievements in science and promotion of Latvian scientific accomplishments worldwide.
For his significant contribution to science, the study of cultural and historical heritage, and the development of interdisciplinary research in Latvia, Māris Zunde, Leading Researcher at the University of Latvia, will be awarded the Letter of Appreciation from the Prime Minister.
More information on the Cabinet of Ministers’ decisions of October 28, 2025, regarding the decrees “On the Awarding of the Cabinet of Ministers Prize” and “On the Awarding of the Cabinet of Ministers Certificate of Recognition” is available on the Cabinet of Ministers website.
The Cabinet of Ministers Certificate of Recognition was established in April 1995 to honour individuals for exceptional accomplishments in areas significant to the state.
