This section publishes the most significant RTU events by study years, starting from 2016/2017. Chronology of Key Events of Riga Technical University was compiled by RTU Research Centre for Engineering History (RCEH) since 1 February 2017 when RCEH was established.
The chronology publishes the most important events of RTU studies, research and extracurricular activities, which reflect the life of RTU and the most significant achievements of a particular study year. To the extent possible, each event is linked to a post with more information.
September 1
The RTU Calling Festival is held in the RTU Student Campus in Ķīpsala.
September 9
For the first time in the history of Latvian triathlon, the Latvian Aquathlon Championship (combining two disciplines – swimming and running) is held for students, in which Artūrs Liepa, a 2nd-year student of RTU Riga Business School (RBS), wins the champion title, while RTU swimming team athlete Maksis Maksimilians Veģeris takes 3rd place.
September 9–10
RTU chess players win the championship title in the Latvian Team Chess Championship.
September 13
September 14
September 15
Marc Lemaitre, Director General for Research and Innovation Directorate of the European Commission, visits RTU, to get acquainted with the university’s contribution to research and innovation development.
September 17
RTU volleyball players win 2nd place in the Enthusiast Volleyball League.
September 18
Jānis Džeriņš begins to perform the duties of the Director of RTU Liepāja Maritime College.
September 19
The forum «Ūdeņradis mobilitātei un enerģijai» (Hydrogen for Mobility and Energy) is being held, where national and international energy industry experts gather and a demonstration of various types of hydrogen-powered transport takes place.
September 20
September 28
The RTU International School of Science and Technology (ISST) is opening in the EHS premises of RTU at 1 Kronvalda Boulevard, which, starting from September 2024, will offer Cambridge-level secondary education in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in English.
September 28–29
A delegation of the Korea Development Institute (KDI School of Public Policy and Management) is visiting RTU to get acquainted with RTU’s infrastructure, discuss cooperation opportunities and sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
September 29
In September
October 3
October 4
In order to strengthen Latvia’s competitiveness in the fields of education, science and business, as well as to improve the country’s assessment of innovation and competitiveness indicators, the State President Edgars Rinkēvičs has established the State Competitiveness Commission, which will also include RTU Vice-Rector for Innovations Liene Briede, FMSAC Professor Andris Šutka, Research Director of RTU Riga Business School Arkādijs Zvaigzne and mentor of RTU students, President of the Latvian Space Industry Association Pauls Irbins.
October 10
October 13
October 13–15
The International Furniture, Interior, Lighting and Design Exhibition «Furniture & Design Isle 2023» is being held in the International Exhibition Centre in Ķīpsala, during which the Latvian Designers Society traditionally organizes the competition «Design Arena», in which students and graduates of the Institute of Design Technologies (IDT) of FMSAC also participate. In the category «Design Research» of the «Design Arena 2023» competition, two 1st places were awarded: to Reinholds Švarcs (RTU «Futurimo Riga» Curiosity Centre Exhibit «Pixel»; supervisor: Lecturer Mg. sc. ing. Baiba Lukaševiča, consultant: Assistant Professor Dr. sc. ing. Ilze Gudro), to Eduards Helmuts Šmits (RTU «Futurimo Riga» Curiosity Centre Exhibit «Future Materials»; supervisor: Lecturer Mg. sc. ing. Artūrs Ķīsis, consultants: Assistant Professor Dr. sc. ing. Ilze Gudro, Lecturer Mg. sc. ing. Baiba Lukaševiča). 2nd place is won by three students: Agnese Sauska (RTU «Futurimo Riga» Curiosity Centre Exhibit «Sound booth»; supervisor: Assistant Professor Dr. sc. ing. Ilze Gudro, consultant: Lecturer Mg. sc. ing. Baiba Lukaševiča); Kitija Berga (Zero Waste Garment Making; collection managers: Lecturer Mg. art. Agnese Oleksāne, Assistant Professor (practical) Mg. art. Daina Škiņke, supervisor: Assistant Professor (practical) Mg. sc. ing. Agrita Krieviņa-Siliņa) and Inese Līga Kaminska (Deposit Bottle Storage Bag; supervisor: Assistant Mg. art. Juta Ķimenīte). The 3rd place goes to Unigunda Meijere (RTU «Futurimo Riga» Curiosity Centre Exhibit «Climate-Friendly Diet»; supervisor: Lecturer Mg. sc. ing. Baiba Lukaševiča, consultant: Assistant Professor Dr. sc. ing. Ilze Gudro). In this category, IDT graduate Kristīne Pavloviča is awarded for her master’s thesis «Electrospun Fibrous Membranes for Wound Care» (supervisor: Leading Researcher Dr. sc. ing. Zane Zelča).
October 18
October 19
Liene Briede, RTU Vice-Rector for Innovations, and Sławomir Pietrzyk, General Director of the Polish company «IS-Wireless», sign a memorandum of cooperation, which provides that the RTU will be supplied with specialized software to create a private 5G network from the company, where laboratory conditions for various scientific researches will be provided.
October 20–23
The RTU mixed choir «Vivere» (Artistic Director Gints Ceplenieks) wins the honourable 2nd place and a cash prize in the international choral music competition «12th Choral Festival Songs to Mary», which takes place in Koziegłowy (Poland).
October 21
October 26
Representatives of the US Department of Defence visit RTU.
October 25–27
Elīna Gaile-Sarkane, RTU Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, has been elected to the Advisory Committee of the International Association of Top International Managers in Engineering (T.I.M.E.) for a six-year term, having received the highest number of votes among all the candidates. Elections are held at the annual association assembly at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (Poland).
October 27
November 1
The Director of RTU Latvian Maritime Academy (LMA) – RTU LMA Associate Professor Dmitrijs Goreļikovs– started the work.
November 3
In the auditorium centre «Domus Auditorialis» the conference «Kā vadīt Latvijas cilvēkresursu attīstību?» (How to Manage Human Resources Development of Latvia?) is being held, the purpose of which is to evaluate human resources development strategies and discuss their implementation possibilities, as well as compliance with the real needs of the national economy. The conference is organized by the Education, Culture and Science Committee of the Saeima, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economics and RTU.
November 5–10
The annual open data hackathon and idea generator of the Latvian Open Technologies Association (LATA) is taking place. In the hackathon, the RTU EHS team «RTU īpašums 2.0» wins the laurels with the idea «Aplikācija ģimenes ārsta atrašanai» (Application for Finding a GP). In the idea generator, the RTU EHS team «Iģortusiņš» won with the idea «Taročeks». Both teams win valuable cash prizes for realizing their ideas.
November 6
Ivars Miezis, the new Director of RTU Department of Information Technologies, begins his work.
November 8
The conference «Look at the Future of Mobility: Innovations, Education and Collaboration» is being held in the auditorium centre «Domus Auditorialis», where industry leaders and policy makers discuss future transport, mobility and sustainable transport policy guidelines. The conference is opened by RTU Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Professor Elīna Gaile-Sarkane, Minister of Transport Kaspars Briškens and Swedish Ambassador to Latvia Karin Höglund.
November 10
November 13
To strengthen cooperation and promote innovation and technology skills of those employed in education and science, University at Buffalo Vice Provost for International Education Nojin Kwak and Associate Vice Provost John J. Wood and MIT J-WEL Education Laboratory founder Vijay Kumar and Assistant Director Julia Reynolds Cuellar are visiting RTU.
November 16
In the RTU Curiosity Centre of «Futurimo Riga» is opened the exhibition «Latviešu karavīra ceļš pagājušajā gadsimtā» (The Path of a Latvian Soldier in the Last Century), allowing one to look into the everyday life of soldiers from the march of the rifleman until the 90s of the last century, when the Latvian National Armed Forces were restored and the National Guard was established.
November 17
November 18
November 21
At a monthly meeting with the RTU family, RTU management introduces the new faculty deans who will lead the new faculties created in the consolidation process from 1 January 2024. The current Dean of FMSAC, Professor Māris Turks, will become the Dean of the future Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology (FNST), current FCSIT Professor Agris Ņikitenko was chosen as the Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science, Information Technology and Energy (FCSITE). The competition for the position of Dean of the Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (FCME) has ended without results, and for the post of Acting Dean appointed FCE Professor Līga Gaile. So far, the FEEM Dean has not been found, and the faculty will continue to be managed by the current dean, Assistant Professor Aldis Čevers. Dmitrijs Goreļikovs has been chosen as the new Director of RTU Latvian Maritime Academy (RTU LMA).
November 22
November 23
Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis visits RTU, meeting with the university’s management and scientists.
November 24
The topping-out celebration of the new building of the Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence (BBCE) in Ķīpsala, at 3 Paula Valdena Street is taking place.
November 25
Remembering and honouring the long-time Artistic Director of our university dance collective «Vektors», choreographer and dance pedagogue Uldis Šteins (1935–2023), the concert «Sveiks, māksliniek!» (Hello, Artist!) is being held at VEF Culture Palace.
November 27
Latvian State President Edgars Rinkēvičs is visiting RTU, getting acquainted with the study and research environment and meeting with RTU Rector Tālis Juhna, university management, scientists and students to discuss the importance of engineering education in the growth of the national economy, the development and challenges of science and innovation.
In November
September 1
September 2
The traditional meeting of RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis with RTU faculty and staff, at the beginning of the new academic year, takes place for the first time in the RTU Student Campus in Ķīpsala, in the Domus auditorialis hall, at 8 Zunda Embankment.
September 5
At the beginning of the new academic year, the RTU Calling Festival is held in the Ķīpsala colonnade.
September 5–9
In the presence of Latvian Ambassador to Italy Solvita Āboltiņa, Italian Ambassador Deputy to Latvia Luigi Giovinazzi, RTU Vice-Rector for Research Tālis Juhna and management representatives, the practical part of the International Summer School «Nonlinear Life. Edition 5» organized jointly by RTU and the University of Bergamo (UniBg) in Italy which takes place in the laboratories of the Student Campus in Ķīpsala is opened.
September 7
September 12
In accordance with the new version of the Higher Education Law, RTU announces an open international competition for the position of rector. Applicants are invited to submit applications by 10 October.
September 13–18
RTU EHS 12th grade pupil Lukass Roberts Kellijs wins the special prize «Naturalis Bioversity Center» at the European Young Scientists Competition (EUCYS 2022), which takes place in Leiden, the Netherlands, and where 132 participants from 23 countries defend their scientific research works.
September 15
Italian Ambassador to Latvia Alessandro Monti visits RTU to discuss the cooperation between RTU and the Italian Embassy in Latvia so far, outline the directions for further development and sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the provision and promotion of the Italian language course at RTU. In honour of RTU’s 160th anniversary, the ambassador plants a tree in the RTU Student Campus in Ķīpsala.
September 16
Confirming RTU’s commitment to academic principles, RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis signs the renewed version of the Great University Charter (Magna Charta Universitatum) in Bologna.
September 21
In the «Origo» shopping centre, at 4 Stacijas laukums, on the 2nd floor of the new building, an interactive changing exhibition «RTU un «Origo» nākotnes pietura» (RTU and «Origo» Future Stop) opens, where one can get acquainted with the latest technological solutions and achievements of RTU students, engineers and scientists.
September 22
23. septembrī
With the participation of the Minister of Education and Science, Anita Muižniece, in Ķīpsala, in the auditorium centre «Domus Auditorialis», a seminar «On the road to excellence» is held, in which RTU receives an award from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) – a four-star rating «Recognized by EFQM» awarded by international experts, ranking the quality management system implemented by RTU among the most highly rated and better managed systems that comply with the EFQM model.
September 25–29
RTU's mixed choir «Vivere» wins a Gold Diploma in two categories: «Laikmetīgā mūzika» (Contemporary Music) and «Garīgā mūzika» (Sacred Music), as well as 2nd place in the X International Choir Competition «Isola del Sole», which takes place in Grado, Italy.
September 26
September 28
RTU is organizing a seminar for Latvian physics teachers online, on the Zoom platform, «Sharing our experience», which offers materials for physics practical work, experiments and problem solving, helping teachers to prepare for physics lessons.
October 1–2
RTU men’s and women’s duets successfully compete in Latvian XXXIII Universiade in beach volleyball: Sandis Bērziņš (Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSIT, 1st year) and Rūdolfs Stankevičs (Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications (FET, 3rd year) won 1st place; Stefānija Krista Jaunzeme (Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management (FEEM, 2nd year) and Gerda Eleonora Šnore (FEEM, 1st year) – 3rd place.
October 7
In honour of the prominent scientist, chemist and science historian, RTU Honorary Member (2000), Academician Jānis Stradiņš (1933–2019), VAS «Latvijas Pasts» issues a stamp and an envelope dedicated to him.
October 8
The artistic Director and Conductor of the RTU men’s choir «Gaudeamus» Ivars Cinkuss is presented with the Teodors Reiters Music Grand Prize for his significant contribution to the development of choral art in Latvia and promoting its recognition in the world.
October 10
On the sixth RTU History Day, the session of the RTU 63rd International Scientific Conference section «History of Engineering Sciences and Institutions of Higher Education» was being held; the scientific monograph prepared by the RTU Research Centre for Engineering History «Olympians of Riga Technical University in 110 years. 1912–2022» was opened and the opening ceremony of our university’s Olympians Gallery was opened.
October 11
October 12
The RTU Faculty of Architecture (FA), at 6 Ķīpsalas Street, opens the exhibition «Dialogs ar telpu» (Dialogue With sSpace), dedicated to the long-time RTU faculty member and architect Professor Ivars Strautmanis (1932–2017) on his 90th anniversary.
October 14
October 15
The RTU interfaculty erudition competition «Spice 2022» is taking place.
October 17
Professor Ion Tiginyanu, President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, and Tudor Braniste, Head of the International Relations Department, are visiting RTU on a working visit, getting acquainted with RTU’s achievements in studies, science, technology transfer, innovation, infrastructure modernization and internationalization of the study environment.
October 18
October 20
The first TEDx Riga Technical University is taking place in RTU’s auditorium centre «Domus Auditorialis», at 8 Zunda Embankment, and online on RTU’s Youtube and Facebook channels, gathering representatives of business, innovation, technology, science, medicine, maritime and other fields. This is the first time in Latvia that an educational institution has obtained a license to organize TEDx – the event is organized by the FEEM Institute of Business Engineering and Management.
October 21
RTU EHS Open Doors Day is taking place, where interested parties get to know EHS in person and the possibilities of enrolling in this secondary school, the environment and curriculum of which are specially designed for in-depth study of engineering.
October 22
The anniversary concert of the RTU men’s choir «Gaudeamus» is being held in Riga St. Peter’s Church.
October 25
The official opening of the multifunctional exercise bench «sol(i)s augšup» (bench (step) up), which was installed in Ķīpsala, near the colonnade, by the information technology company «Accenture», to promote the physical health of RTU students and workers and to take care of the welfare of society as a whole, is taking place.
October 26
Minister of Education and Science Anita Muižniece presents Letters of Recognition to the organizing committee and program makers of the 19th Baltic States Student Song and Dance Festival «Gaudeamus», including RTU employees: long-time Head of the Culture Centre Asja Visocka, Head of the mixed choir «Vivere» Gints Ceplenieks, Head of TDA «Vektors» Dagmāra Bārbala, the Head of the women's choir «Delta» Elīza Dūma and the Head of the student brass band «SPO» Māris Martinsons.
October 27
During her working visit to RTU, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, is coming to Latvia. She is meeting with 100 young Latvians in the RTU auditorium centre «Domus Auditorialis» and online discuss the future of Europe.
October 28
October 29
The RTU Self-defence Team won several prize-winning places in the open Duo-system competitions organized by the Latvian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, gaining the right to represent Latvia in international competitions: the gold medal was won by RTU Varsity Team athlete Laura Leja; bronze medal – Mārtiņš Ciekurs (4th course at RTU Riga Business School) Aleksandrs Burdžibaljans (3rd course at FCE) and Veronika Jonina (3rd course at FA).
October 31
In October
November 1
By the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers (CM) of 5 July 2022 (session protocol No. 35, § 57; Order of the Cabinet of Ministers of 6 July 2022 No. 492) Latvian Maritime Academy (LMA) as an autonomous structural unit, continuing all existing LMA study programs, providing maritime education in accordance with international conventions and taking over the obligations of LMA, as well as preserving the name, identity and traditions of the academy, added to RTU.
November 4–5
November 5
An Open Door Day is held at the RTU Student Campus in Ķīpsala.
November 4–6
In the «Design Arena 2022» competition organized by the Latvian Designers’ Society, which takes place during the International Furniture, Interior, Lighting and Design exhibition «Furniture & Design Isle 2022», several awards are received by the students of the Institute of Design Technologies (IDT) of RTU FMSAC and the design products created by them. In the Product Design category: 1st place – Sindija Medne, supervisor – IDT Scientific Assistant Inga Zotova, S. Medne was also chosen as the student of the year in design; 2nd place – Sintija Grīnberga, supervisor – IDT Scientific Assistant Kristaps Zvirgzds; 3rd place – Ance Kalniņa, supervisor – IDT Lecturer Artūrs Ķīsis. In the Design Research category: 2nd place – Sindija Medne, supervisor – IDT Scientific Assistant Inga Zotova; 3rd place – Liene Brice, supervisor – IDT Assistant Professor Ilze Gudro. IDT also wins a prize from Ltd. «Stikla Serviss».
November 10
November 11
Celebrating Latvian Freedom Fighters’ Remembrance Day (Lāčplēsis Day), in an event organized by the RTU Student Parliament, students, faculty and staff light up the Ķīpsala colonnade, creating the outline of Latvia and Latvian symbols with candles.
November 12
FCSIT 2nd year student Deniss Vasiļjevs wins prize-winning places in the Latvian junior championships in table tennis, winning 1st place in singles and doubles (paired with Artūrs Spalis), as well as 2nd place in mixed doubles (paired with Rēzija Meļke).
November 14–17
By creating an innovative fire extinguishing complex, 3rd-course students of the Aviation Transport study program of FMETA Institute of Aeronautics Gļebs Panfilovs, Jurijs Lukanovs and Emīls Aliks won the 1st place in the international competition «TRA VISIONS 2022 Young Researcher Competition».
November 15–18
At the international conference of additive manufacturing – the exhibition «Formnext 2022», which takes place in Frankfurt, Germany, a prototype of a particle accelerator component printed in 3D technology, which was made for the first time in history using additive manufacturing technology, from pure copper in one piece and which was created in the project I. FAST by RTU, was exhibited. It was designed by Guntis Pikurs, a researcher at the Centre of High Energy Physics and Accelerator Technologies, in collaboration with several international partners.
November 24
New full members (academics), corresponding members, foreign members and one Honorary member were elected at the plenary meeting of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS), among them two RTU scientists were elected as corresponding members of the LAS: FET Professor Sandis Spolītis and FMSAC Associate Professor Raivis Žalubovskis.
November 29
RTU, University of Latvia, Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Economics, Electronic Communications Office of Latvia, Ltd. «Tet», Ltd. «Mikrotik», Employers’ Confederation of Latvia, Liepāja Special Economic Zone Administration and Ltd. «LMT» sign a memorandum of understanding on the next generation technological development – for the development of Latvia’s capabilities for the production of microchips necessary for electronics.
November 30
While visiting Riga and participating in the «5G Techritory» forum, Ulrik Vestergaard Knudsen, Deputy Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), visited RTU to meet with the university management and learn about study opportunities and research in our university.
In November
December 1
In order to discuss potential cooperation and highlight the benefits provided by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to RTU students and scientists, Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of ITU, and Jaroslaw Ponder, Head of the Office for Europe, are visiting RTU.
December 3
RTU athletes win medals at the Riga Table Tennis Championship: Eduards Spāģis (FCSIT graduate) won the gold medal in men’s doubles, playing in a pair with Māris Freibergs; silver medal in mixed doubles – Viktorija Majorova (2nd course at FEEM), playing in a pair with Aleksandra Maskaļonoka.
December 4
RTU luger Anda Upīte (FEEM, 3rd year) wins the bronze medal in the first stage of the World Cup, competing with Sanija Ozoliņa.
December 7
The new RTU Advisory Board convenes for its first meeting (the personnel composition of the Advisory Board was approved at the 21 November meeting of the RTU Senate (Minutes No. 667) and at the 28 November meeting of the RTU Council). Leonīds Jākobsons, a Board Member of the Latvian Construction Engineers Union, was elected as the Chairman of the RTU Advisory Board, and Aigars Ločmelis, a Board Member of the «Industry Service Partner», was elected as his deputy.
December 10
In the competition stage of the European Cup in bobsleigh, the Latvian crew of four, in which the pusher is FCE 4th year student Lauris Kaufmanis, wins the third place.
December 10–11
RTU chess players won the title of Champion and Vice-champion in the Latvian Team Championship in rapid chess and in a similar tournament in rapid chess.
December 15
December 19
In December
January 7
At the fourth stage of the Luge World Cup, which takes place in Sigulda (Latvia), Anda Upīte (3rd course at FEEM) won the 1st place in women’s doubles in a pair with Sanija Ozoliņa, achieving a new record of the Sigulda bobsled and luge track.
January 12
The meeting of the RTU Constitutional Assembly is taking place, in which the RTU Council nominates two candidates for the rector’s election: RTU Vice-Rector for Research Tālis Juhna and RTU Riga Business School Director Jānis Grēviņš. RTU's Constitutional Assembly elects the Rector’s Election Commission in the following composition: Aneta Tarasova, President of the RTU Student Parliament («for» – 150 votes out of 160 present members of the Constituent Assembly); Professor Elīna Gaile-Sarkane, Chairwoman of RTU Senate, Dean of FEEM (135); Professor Juris Blūms, |Drector of the Institute of Technical Physics of FMSAC; Professor Sandis Spolītis of FET (111); Head of the Procurement Unit of the Legal Department Mārtiņš Briedis (98).
January 13
For active participation in the «Asins draudzība 2022» (Blood Friendship 2022) campaign of the State Blood Donor Centre, thanks to 1463 RTU donors who donated blood last year, RTU wins the traveling «Asins draugu kausu» (Blood Friends Cup) in the group of large universities.
January 14
In the fifth stage of the World Cup in luge sports, which takes place in Sigulda (Latvia) and is also the European Championship, Anda Upīte (3rd course at FEEM) won the 2nd place in women’s doubles paired with Sanija Ozoliņa.
January 15
In the cultural centre «Ziemeļblāzma» the first graduation of RTU Latvian Maritime Academy (LMA) is held after the consolidation process of the two universities, when LMA joined RTU as an autonomous structural unit. 66 graduates are graduating from RTU LMA this year.
January 17
LAS awards name awards and young scientists awards to several RTU scientists and graduates: Award named by Emīlija Gudriniece in chemistry – to FMSAC Researcher Linards Lapčinskis; Award named by Vitauts Tamužs in the mechanics – FMETA graduate Ph. D. Ivo Vaicis; Award named by Edvīns Vedējs for outstanding achievements in organic chemistry – to FMSAC graduate Ph. D. Lūkass Tomas Lukašēvics; Young Scientists Award – to FMSAC master student Artūrs Spergs. For persistent work in attracting young people to science, the Award named by Artura Barklavs in the promotion of science is given to RTU EHS physics teacher, Researcher at the Institute of Solid State Physics of the UL, Dr. phys. Virgīnija Vītola.
January 18
In the presence of the Minister of Education and Science Anda Čakša, the Minister of Health Līga Meņģelsone and the Minister of the Interior Māris Kučinskis, the Personal Protective Equipment Testing Laboratory with unique world-class equipment is opening in the Laboratory House of RT at 1 P. Valdena Street.
January 26
On the International Customs Day, which is traditionally celebrated on 26 January, Normunds Rudzītis, a Practical Assistant Professor of the FEEM International Business and Customs Institute, receives a Certificate of Honour from the World Customs Organization for his significant contribution to the development and strengthening of customs education in Latvia, as well as his active participation in the implementation of various international projects.
January 27–29
Luger, Anda Upīte (3rd course at FEEM), paired with Sanija Ozoliņa, wins the bronze medal in women’s doubles at the U-23 FIL World Championships in Oberhof, Germany.
January 30
The RTU Senate decides (Minutes No. 669) decides:
In January
February 1
For the third year in a row, the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre awards RTU the «eParaksta čempions» (eSignature Champion) award and a Certificate of Recognition for the 3rd place. In the first place – the State Treasury, in the second place – the State Revenue Service.
February 2
In order to promote cooperation in the theoretical and practical preparation and research of engineering specialists, the introducer of «Rail Baltica» in Latvia «Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas», the builder «Rail Baltica» Riga Central Junction «BERERIX» and RTU sign a cooperation agreement.
February 4–5
RTU Badminton Varsity Team player Reinis Krauklis paired with citizen of Sigulda Artūrs Akmens wins 1st place in men’s doubles at the 2023 Latvian Badminton Championship.
February 7
The Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities of Guinea-Bissau, Suzi Carla Barbosa, is visiting the RTU Student Campus in Ķīpsala, meeting with the university management, visiting the laboratories and getting to know the technical support used in the field of studies, science and innovation.
February 9
Representatives of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway visit the RTU Rudolfs Cimdins Riga Biomaterials Innovations and Development Centre to familiarize themselves with the project that RTU is implementing together with the University of Oslo (Norway), the University of Reykjavík (Iceland) and the Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia) and in which a new technology for processing eggshells into biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration is designed and developed.
February 10
Ambassador of Denmark to Latvia Flemming Stender is visiting RTU. During the visit, he is meeting with management and representatives of structural units and discussing opportunities for cooperation with Danish universities, potential opportunities to attract more Danish students to study and research at RTU, as well as opportunities to cooperate in science in the field of environment and green technologies.
February 12
Luger Anda Upīte (3rd course at FEEM), together with Sanija Ozoliņa, won the seventh stage of the «Eberspacher» World Cup, which takes place in Winterberg, Germany, and bronze medals in the overall standings of the «BMW Sprint» World Cup.
February 17
The charity concert «Caur gaismu Ukrainā» (Through the Light in Ukraine) organized by the RTU Culture Centre and the Society «Tavi draugi» is taking place in the Ziedonis Hall of the Latvian National Library. Proceeds from the concert tickets will be used to purchase generators to be delivered by volunteers to war-torn Ukraine.
February 18–19
Several RTU students won bronze medals at the Latvian Indoor Athletics Championship: Daniela Lasmane (1st course at FCE) – 60 m hurdles; Maksims Pjazings (2nd course at FEEM) – 60 m race; Kārlis Degins (RTU Sports Club) – 200 m race; Ralfs Roga (1st course at FEEM) – 800 m race.
February 22
At the meeting of the RTU Constitutional Assembly, the new Rector of RTU is elected – Academician Tālis Juhna, the former Vice-Rector for Research. In total, 192 members of the Constituent Assembly participated in the meeting, 190 valid ballots were registered. Distribution of votes: T. Juhna – «for» 137 votes, «against» – 53; J. Grēviņš – «for» 43 votes, «against» – 147. The newly elected Rector T. Juhna will start his work at the end of March, the exact date will be agreed with the RTU Council.
February 24
In February
March 3
March 3–5
The traditional exhibition «Skola 2023» (School 2023) is taking place.
March 4–5
In the repertoire test shows, which are traditionally held in preparation for the General Latvian Song and Dance Festival, the A, D, E compositions of the RTU Folk Dance Ensemble «Vektors» obtain the highest degree diplomas.
March 4–12
FEEM graduate (2021) Polina Rožkova, paired with Agris Lasmans, wins gold medals at the 2023 World Championship in wheelchair curling, which takes place in Richmond (Canada).
March 6
March 9
The Italian Design Day is taking place, organized by the Embassy of Italy in Latvia and RTU.
March 12
The RTU Men’s Volleyball Team wins the bronze medal in the National League of the «Optibet» Latvian Championship.
March 13–17
The traditional event «Seko studentam» (Follow the Student) is taking place.
March 14
In order to promote the creation, implementation and transfer of innovations, as well as the improvement of the educational process and its connection with the working environment, RTU Rector Leonīds Ribickis and Ltd. «Rīgas meži» Board Chairwoman Anita Skudra sign a memorandum of cooperation.
March 17
The traditional RTU Career Day takes place in the International Exhibition Centre in Ķīpsala, with the participation of more than 100 companies from various industries.
March 18
March 20
Ieva Ose becomes the Head of the RTU Culture Centre.
March 24–25
The XXIV Latvian Student Theatre Days organized by RTU Culture Centre are taking place.
March 27
March 29
RTU and Liepāja Maritime College (LMC) sign the Memorandum of Intent on cooperation in the LMC reorganization process. LMC will join RTU as an agency on 1 April, henceforth it will be called RTU LMC.
In March
April 1
At the general meeting of the RTU Student Parliament (SP), a new SP Board is elected, the post of SP President will be continued by Aneta Tarasova (FEEM).
April 4
According to the decision of the President and the Chapter of Orders, 104 representatives of the society have been awarded the highest Latvian state awards, among them the Order of the Three Stars (OTS) has been awarded for special merits for the benefit of the Latvian state, and Academician Aigars Jirgensons, RTU Professor, Deputy Director of the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, has been appointed as the Commander of the OTS; FA Assistant Professor Ilmārs Dirveiks was awarded OTS and appointed as OTS Officer; FA technical specialist architect Velta Holtcmane was awarded the OTS and was appointed as a Knight of the OTS. The presentation ceremony will take place on the 33rd anniversary of the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Latvia, on 4 May, in Riga Palace.
April 5
April 5–25
The exhibition «Zinātne Latvijai» (Science for Latvia) can be viewed in the auditorium centre of RTU «Domus Auditorialis».
April 12
April 14–16
RTU EHS pupils Lukass Roberts Kellijs (12th grade) and Ilya Reutin (11th grade) win bronze awards at the Nordic-Baltic Physics Olympiad (NBPhO), which takes place in Estonia and where Latvia is represented by 18 pupils.
April 17
April 19
April 19–21
April 20
April 24
The effective date of changes to the RTU structure is determined by the RTU Council.
April 25
The RTU Council approves the decision of Senate on structural changes of RTU conceptually supported at the meeting on 24 April 2023. (Minutes No. 672).
April 27
While improving the sports infrastructure of RTU, the new lighting system of the RTU Stadium (Daugavgrīvas Street) is solemnly opened, in the improvement of which both RTU and the Latvian Football Federation have made equal investments.
April 28–May 2
RTU EHS 11th grade pupil Adriāns Piliksers wins a silver medal at the Baltic Informatics Olympiad, which takes place in Denmark.
April 29– May 5
RTU EHS 10th grade pupil Edvards Meržvinskis and his team win a silver medal at the European Olympiad of Experimental Sciences, which is being held in Latvia this year and is attended by 230 students and their mentors from 23 countries.
May 2
May 10
Simona Ozoliņa-Ugore starts working as the Executive Director of the RTU Alumni Association.
May 10–12
Bringing together scientists and experts from 25 countries, the international scientific conference «Conect 2023» is held in the RTU auditorium centre «Domus Auditorialis», which is organized annually by FEEE Institute of Energy Systems and Environment. The conference was opened by the Minister of Climate and Energy Raimonds Čudars, the Italian Ambassador to Latvia Alessandro Monti and the RTU Rector Tālis Juhna.
May 11
RTU receives the Letter of Recognition of the Employers’ Confederation of Latvian for its significant contribution to the improvement of professional education and the organization of training and internships based on the work environment.
May 13
RTU Electronics Day 2023 and Robotics Championship are taking place. In the contest «Jaunais elektroniķis 2023» (Young Electronics 2023), in the age group from 15 years old, the pupils of RTU EHS Kirils Koļesņikovs (11th grade) and Nikita Travins (12th grade) won the 2nd place.
May 22
RTU Rector Tālis Juhna, the Italian Ambassador to Latvia Alessandro Monti and Latvian Ambassador to Italy Solvita Āboltiņa sign the Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of RTU Latvian-Italian Cooperation Centre (Latvijas-Itālijas sadarbības centrs – LISC) in Bergamo. Ēriks Badamšins, Head of International Cooperation Unit of RTU International Cooperation and Foreign Students Department, has been appointed as the Executive Director of LISC.
May 26
With the decision of the FMSAC Council (Minutes No. 151), the Memorial Medals of the outstanding chemist Paul Walden were awarded to RTU history researcher Professor Alīda Zigmunde, RTU Honorary Doctor, University of Houston Professor chemist Olafs Daugulis and FMSAC Leading Researcher, Member of RTU Council material scientist Jānis Ločs.
May 30
June 2
June 6
RTU signs a cooperation agreement with the company «LVR Flote» on cooperation in studies and innovation development. The contract is signed by RTU Vice-Rector for Innovations Liene Briede and a Member of the Board of «LVR Flote» Kaspars Ozoliņš.
June 3–4
FMETA 1st course student Lauris Pēteris Vējš as part of the Latvian Junior Shotgun Shooting Team wins a bronze medal in the team competition at the World Junior Cup competition, which takes place in Suhl, Germany.
June 9
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Executive Vice President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis are visiting RTU to get acquainted with Latvia’s initiatives in creating innovations, as well as RTU’s research.
June 9–10
RTU Rector Tālis Juhna, Vice-Rector for Innovations Liene Briede, as well as students, researchers and SIC employees participate in the traditional conversation festival «Lampa», which takes place in Cēsis Palace Park.
June 12–16
RTU EHS11th grade pupils Aleksis Ķeviņš and Rinards Melnis win silver medals at the International «Genius» Olympiad, which takes place in Rochester, USA.
June 14
June 15–16
A delegation from the University of Salento (US; Italy) is visiting RTU to discuss opportunities for closer cooperation. US Rector Fabio Pollice and RTU Rector Tālis Juhna sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the two universities.
June 16–18
RTU swimmers win several prize-winning places in the Latvian Championship in the 25 m pool, which takes place in the Valmiera Olympic Centre: FVE 2nd year student Rihards Kahanovičs ranks 2nd in 50 m and 3rd in 100 m breaststroke; FEEM 2nd year student Marija Goberga gets two 3rd places – 100 m and 200 m breaststroke; FCSIT 1st year student Dainis Kudrjavcevs – 3rd place in 400 m complex swimming.
June 16–20
At the European Physics Olympiad (EuPhO), which takes place in Hannover, Germany, RTU EHS 11th grade pupils receive awards: Ilya Reutin – silver medal, Sandijs Raksiņš – appreciation.
June 17
RTU Folk Dance Ensemble «Vektors» (led by Dagmāra Bārbale) wins the XXVII General Latvian Song and XVII Dance Festival Grand Prize in the A (young) group, «Vektors» ranks 1st in the D (middle age) group. The final of the dance competition takes place in the Hall of the International Exhibition Centre in Ķīpsala, 16 groups participate in group A, and nine groups in group D.
June 19
In order to strengthen science and education, children’s health care, as well as solve environmental problems, Latvian Finance Minister Arvils Ašeradens and Swiss Government representative for trade issues Dominique Paravacini sign the Swiss-Latvian cooperation program framework agreement, which provides for 42.4 million euros in Swiss support funding. The signing of the contract takes place in FA building. Before signing the contract, the Swiss delegation familiarizes itself with RTU laboratories and the work of scientists.
June 21
RTU management – Chairman of the Council Andris Vanags, Rector Tālis Juhna, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Elīna Gaile-Sarkane, Vice-Rector for Innovations Liene Briede, Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and Finance Artūrs Zeps, Deputy Vice-Rector for Research Gatis Bažbauers and Director of Administration Juris Iljins – visit the Rēzekne Academy of Technology, starting with negotiations on the consolidation process.
June 21–30
Open HPC Week is taking place for the third year in a row. The events take place in SIC Event Hall «The Moon».
June 26
Claudio Andres Rivera starts his work as Director of RTU Riga Business School (RBS), replacing the long-time RBS Director Jānis Grēviņš.
June 26–30
The 11th-grade pupil of RTU EHS Rūdis Freipičs wins a gold medal at the Baltic Geography Olympiad, which takes place in Valka (Latvia) and Tartu (Estonia).
June 27
The RTU Council approves the RTU Strategy 2023–2027 (Minutes No. 29), which for the next planning period foresees a proactive connection of the university’s activities with the needs of the national economy and an orientation towards high quality and efficiency.
June 27–29
The fifth World Congress of Latvian Scientists is taking place in Riga, in which RTU scientists and students also participate.
June 28
The seventh RTU Grand Graduation is taking place, which is organized for the first time in the Student Campus in Ķīpsala, and where approximately 1000 RTU graduates receive their diplomas.
June 30–July 9
On the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the Festival, the XXVII General Latvian Song and XVII Dance Festival is held, in which RTU’s amateur art groups also participate: men’s choir «Gaudeamus», women’s choir «Delta», mixed choir «Vivere», EHS mixed choir «Izvēle» student brass band «SPO», as well as students theatre «Spēle».
In June
July 1
The RTU Project Support Department begins its work, which was created as a result of the reorganization of Project and Development Department; the newly formed department has three units: Project Preparation and Development Unit, Project Implementation and Coordination Unit, Business Development Unit.
July 2
The RTU management team: Rector Tālis Juhna, Vice-Rector for Innovations Liene Briede, Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and Finance Artūrs Zeps, Chairman of the Senate Juris Blūms, Director of Administration Juris Iljins and Head of the Culture Centre Ieva Ose go in the procession of the participants of the XXVII General Latvian Song and XVII Dance Festival «Novadu dižošanās» together with RTU’s amateur art collectives.
July 6
Design master classes are held in the Innovations and Science Exhibition Hall Future «RTU un «Origo» nākotnes pietura» (RTU and «Origo» Future Stop), led by teaching staff and students of the Institute of Design Technology of FMSAC.
July 7
RTU and the Valdis Valters Basketball School start a new initiative «Izglītots sportists» (Educated Athlete), the Memorandum of Cooperation is signed by RTU Rector Tālis Juhna and the Head of the Basketball School, Latvian basketball legend, graduate (1988) of the Faculty of Engineering and Economics of Riga Polytechnic Institute Valdis Valters.
July 12
The sixth graduation of the RTU EHS is taking place in the RTU Student Campus in Ķīpsala, in the premises of FA.
July 16–25
RTU EHS 12th grade pupils Daniils Soško and Viesturs Strelčs win bronze medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad, which is held in Zurich, Switzerland.
July 21
In order to get acquainted with RTU’s activities in studies, science and innovation, as well as to evaluate the development of RTU’s infrastructure and technical support, the President of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves-Robles, together with the first lady of Costa Rica, Latvian Signe Zeikate, are visiting RTU.
In July
August 1
August 6–18
The 11th-grade pupil of RTU EHS Rūdis Freipičs wins a silver medal at the International Geography Olympiad, which takes place in Bandung, Indonesia.
August 7–12
The largest and one of the most prestigious international chess festivals «RTU Open 2023» is taking place for the 12th time in Northern Europe, where more than 500 participants from 29 countries compete in 11 tournaments of different levels – from haha grandmasters to children and young people. International master Elham Abdrlauf (Norway) became the winner in the main or A tournament of 201 participants.
August 8
The Cabinet of Ministers supports the reorganization of Liepaja University (LiepU) (MK Order No. 482), by adding Liepaja University RTU as a separate structural unit from 1 March 2024.
August 9
In RTU Student Campus in Ķīpsala, 3 Paula Valdena Street, the foundation stone and time capsule of the new building of the Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence (BBCE) are being laid.
August 10–20
RTU EHS 12th grade pupil Viesturs Streļčs wins a bronze medal at the 16th International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad, which is held in Chorzow, Poland.
August 11
RTU Rector Tālis Juhna and the management team are meeting with the future Latvian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dana Goldfinča, to discuss cooperation opportunities with the UAE and other Persian Gulf countries.
August 15
Marija Hramcova, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Financial Affairs of Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and Finance A. Zeps, starts work at RTU, under whose leadership the Department of Financial Planning and Management and the Accounting Department of the Office of the Vice-Rector for Strategic Development will continue to work.
August 17–18
RTU is holding an educational inspiration conference «Iedvesmas kods 2023» (Inspiration Code 2023), which is dedicated to modern education solutions for excellence and which gathers around 170 teachers, school directors and representatives of educational institutions from all over Latvia.
August 28
Assistant Professor Ivo Vaicis becomes Acting Dean of FMETA, Assistant Professor Marina Čerpinska becomes Acting Vice-Dean of Studies of FMETA.
August 29
The opening event of the fourth season of the RTU Talent program is taking place, in which the patron of the program, the Executive Vice President of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis, is taking part.
August 30
August 28–September 4
Andriāns Piliksers, a pupil of the 11th grade of RTU EHS, wins a bronze medal at the International Informatics Olympiad, which takes place in Szeged, Hungary, in which 351 pupils from 87 countries competed.
August 29
Dean (2005–2023) of RTU FMETA Professor Ēriks Geriņš and Vice-Dean of Studies (2005–2023) Professor Aldis Balodis receive the RTU Honorary Diploma for their lifetime contribution to the development of RTU and FMETA.
August 31
The traditional meeting of Rector Tālis Juhna with faculty, staff and students is taking place at the beginning of the new academic year. The Chairman of RTU Council Andris Vanags, his deputy Anita Straujuma, Vice- Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Elīna Gaile-Sarkane, Vice-Rector of Innovations Liene Briede, Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and Finance Artūrs Zeps, Deputy Vice-Rector for Research Gatis Bažbauers and Director of Administration Juris Iljins inform about current events and planned works. RTU management presents plans for the near future: strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation in studies and science, from 1 January 2024, it is planned to merge FCSIT, FEEE (except for Institute of Energy Systems and Environment – IESE), FET and FETH, creating the Faculty of Digital Technologies and Engineering; FCE (with the exception of the Institute of Water Systems and Biotechnology – IWSB) and FMETA are planned to be transformed into the Faculty of Construction and Mechanics; FMSAC is planned to join IESE and IWSB, creating the Faculty of Nature, Environment and Material Sciences; FEEM will maintain its current status, its name is planned to be changed to the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences; it is planned to add the Institute of Design Technology to FA, creating a School of Architecture.
In August
September 1
September 3
The opening of the new building and auditorium centre «Domus Auditorialis» of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSIT) at 10 Zunda kanāls in Ķīpsala is taking place. Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš, Minister of Education and Science Anita Muižniece, RTU management, students and industry professionals participate in the solemn event.
September 8
RTU EHS has been recognized as the best school in the Friendly Call Fund’s Best School Ranking in 2020 by the City Secondary Schools Group, as well as receives awards in several nominations. The solemn awarding ceremony takes place at the National Library of Latvia.
September 16
September 20–24
The very first official European University of Technology – EUt+ (the result of the alliance of eight European partners) meeting is taking place in Cyprus. Rector of RTU Academician Leonīds Ribickis and Rector of Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT) Professor Beatriz Miguel Hernández has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between RTU, UPCT and the University of Latvia whose Rector Academician Indriķis Muižnieks has signed the Memorandum last week in Riga. In the context of the EUt+, the agreement provides the promotion of the development of new study programs within the EUt+ consortium i.e. master program in Environmental Biotechnology.
September 21
Rolf Wenzel, President of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), visits RTU with representatives of the steering group to get acquainted with RTU infrastructure projects implemented with CEB funding.
September 24
RTU Vice-Rector for Research Academician Tālis Juhna pays an introductory visit to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of Latvia Kanchana Patarachoke to inform about RTU’s activities in the field of studies, science, and innovation and discuss possible directions of cooperation with higher education institutions in Thailand.
September 27
By the decision of the RTU Senate (Minutes No. 653):
September 29
A modern complex of surface and nano-object spectroscopy is discovered at Laboratory House (1 P. Valdena Street) in Ķīpsala.
In September
October 1
Evaluating the 69 submitted applications, the Council of the State Scientists Emeritus grants the status of State Emeritus Scientist to 32 scientists, among them – six RTU researchers: Jurijs Dehtjars, Jānis Grundspeņķis, Valdis Kokars, Andrejs Koliškins, Gaļina Merkurjeva and Andris Ozols.
October 8
The fifth RTU History Day is taking place.
October 9
RTU inter-faculty erudition competition «Spice 2021» is taking place.
October 11
By the decision of the RTU Senate (Minutes No. 654):
October 12
Today, remembering and honouring the founders and the first rectors of our university, the team of RTU Research Centre for Engineering History visited their resting places in Riga cemeteries. RTU management was represented by Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Professor Uldis Sukovskis; students – by the Head of Study Department of RTU Student Parliament Airita Olehnoviča. Photo gallery.
October 14
Celebrating the 159th anniversary of RTU, the 62nd Plenary Session of the RTU International Scientific Conference and the Solemn Sitting of the RTU Senate take place, in which the most outstanding RTU scientists and lecturers are traditionally praised: the Award «RTU Scientist of the Year 2021» is awarded to Andris Šutka, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry (FMSAC); «RTU Young Female Scientist of the Year 2021» – FMSAC Researcher Jana Vecstaudža; «RTU Young Scientist of the Year 2021» – FMSAC Researcher Kristaps Rubenis; the Award «RTU Annual Award for Valorisation» is awarded to Professor Agris Ņikitenko, Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSIT); «RTU Annual Student Award for Valorisation» – FMSAC doctoral student Kristīne Irtiševa. «RTU Annual Academic Excellence Award» is awarded to FCSIT Professor Jānis Grabis; «RTU New Lecturer of the Year 2021» – Assistant Professor of the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications (FET) Ingrīda Lavrinoviča.
October 16
RTU chess players win 1st place both individually and in the overall rating in the Latvian Student’s Chess Championship, which takes place during the XXXII Latvian Universiade.
October 19
Latvia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology on closer co-operation in promoting innovation. The Ministry of Education and Science entrusts the implementation of the memorandum in Latvia to RTU.
October 20
The Ambassador of Mongolia to Latvia Barkhas Dorj pays a working visit to the RTU Student Campus in Ķīpsala to get acquainted with the development of RTU infrastructure, technical support and to discuss the current cooperation between RTU and higher education institutions in Mongolia and future opportunities.
October 22
The Paul Walden Memorial Medal is awarded: to Māra Jure, Professor of the Institute of Technology of Organic Chemistry of FMSAC; to Māris Knite, Professor of the Institute of Technical Physics (ITP) of FMSAC; and to Pāvels Arsenjans, Head of the Pharmacomodulators Synthesis Group of the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS).
October
November 2
RTU men’s choir «Gaudeamus» founder (1959) and Honorary Conductor, Chief Honorary Conductor of the General Latvian Song and Dance Festival, composer Professor Edgars Račevskis is awarded the Cabinet of Ministers Prize for lifelong contribution to strengthening and developing the Latvian choir art and General Latvian Song and Dance Festival tradition.
November 2–6
The third face-to-face meeting of the European University of Technology Consortium (EUt +) is taking place at the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences in Germany; during which the rectors of the eight universities involved in the project, including Rector of RTU Academician Leonīds Ribickis, sign a letter of intent on the establishment of research institutes for the development of science.
November 10
The President of Latvia Egils Levits and the Chapter of Orders decide: to award the Order of the Three Stars to the Professor of the FMETA Toms Torims for special merits in favour of Latvia by appointing the Professor as an Officer of the Order of the Three Stars; to award the Cross of Recognition to Aija Janbicka-Vība, Director of the RTU Scientific Library, by appointing her an Officer of the Cross of Recognition.
November 15
RTU Senate (Minutes No. 656), based on the Regulations «Par RTU padomes kandidātu izvirzīšanas un ievēlēšanas nolikuma apstiprināšanu» (On Approval of the Regulations on Nomination and Election of RTU Council Candidates) approved on 11 October 2021, elects five members of the RTU Council by secret ballot: Jānis Braunfelds, Jānis Grabis, Jānis Ločs, Jurģis Poriņš and Anita Straujuma. Such elections are taking place for the first time not only in the history of RTU but also in the history of Latvia.
The RTU Council will consist of 11 members. Five persons, elected by the RTU Senate, will be joined by another outstanding non-academic representative nominated by the President, and five members of the public will be appointed by the Ministry of Education and Science in accordance with the Cabinet of Ministers.
November 23
November 25
December 2–3
Representatives of RTU faculties and the International Cooperation and Foreign Students Department in Ķīpsala meet with Philippe Bolon, Dean of the Polytech Annecy-Chambéry, University of Savoie Mont Blanc, France.
December 3
December 11
At the XXXII Latvian Universiade in badminton, RTU students win 1st place in the men’s competition, the women’s team ranks 2nd.
December 11–12
RTU Team wins gold and bronze medals in Latvian Quick Chess and Rapid Chess Championships.
December 13
At the solemn event, removing a granite plaque with the name of RTU from the facade of the building at 1 Kaļķu Street, RTU leaves the historic building. From now on, the university administration will be located on the RTU Student Campus in Ķīpsala.
December 20
RTU scientists receive JSC «Latvenergo» and the Latvian Academy of Sciences Annual Awards for excellence in energy research: Gatis Bažbauers, Deputy Vice-Rector for Research at RTU, Professor of the Institute of Energy Systems and Environment (IESE), receives the Award named by A. Vītols for outstanding contribution to Latvian Energy in 2021; Annual Award for Significant Contribution to Energy receive Laila Zemīte, Associate Professor of the Institute of Power Engineering of FEEE and Dmitrijs Rusovs, Associate Professor at the Department of Thermal Power Systems of FMETA; Annual Award for Success in Energy for Young Scientists receives IESE researcher Edīte Biseniece; the Promotion Award for doctoral dissertation is won by two young scientists – IESE researcher Armands Grāvelsiņš and Toms Mols, who developed the dissertation at IESE.
December 30
The Latvian Olympic Team (LOT) approves the composition of sportsmen in summer sports in 2022, including 131 athletes in the LOT Gold, Silver, and Bronze squads. Among them are three RTU students: 3rd-year student of the Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management (FEEM) beach volleyball player Artūrs Rinkevičs is included in the Silver squad, 2nd-year student of FEEE judoka Aleksejs Zarudņevs and FEEM 2nd-year master student-athlete Patriks Gailums are is included in the Bronze squad.
In December
The LAS names the most significant achievements in science in 2021, including several studies of RTU scientists in applied science: Faculty of Civil Engineering (FCE) and FMSAC jointly developed solution for modification of bitumen and asphalt concrete composition with used car tire granules (developers – Viktors Haritonovs, Jānis Zicāns, Remo Merijs-Meri in cooperation with colleagues of the Latvian Tire Management Association, Ltd. «Eco Baltia vide», Ltd. «Ceļu būvniecības sabiedrība «IGATE»» and VSIA «Latvijas Valsts ceļi»); research of FMSAC scientists on the transformation of biomass waste into sustainable bioplastic products (developers – Sergejs Gaidukovs, Oskars Platnieks, Anda Barkāne, Sergejs Beļuns, Gerda Gaidukova in cooperation with colleagues from the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) and the UL).
For significant achievements in science Letters of Recommendation by LAS receives: on interdisciplinary research «Drošu tehnoloģiju integrācijas aizsardzībai pret Covid-19 veselības aprūpes un augsta riska zonās» (Safe technology integration for protection against Covid-19 in healthcare and high risk areas) – RTU, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, UL, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga Stradins University, Rezekne Academy of Technology, LSIWC and Scientists from the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science: Tālis Juhna, Linda Mežule, Ivars Kalviņš, Juris Purāns, Andris Šutka, Inga Dāboliņa, Inese Fiļipova, Ilze Irbe, Ivars Vanadziņš, Atis Elsts, Andreta Slavinska, Anna Zajakina, Andris Martinovs, Atis Skudra, Gita Rēvalde, Agris Ņikitenko, Kārlis Pajuste, Aleksandrs Ļevinskis; on an interdisciplinary study on how to transform traditional e-learning technology into a digital learning ecosystem – Researchers of Distance Education Study Centre of the Faculty of E–Learning Technologies and Humanities (FETH): Atis Kapenieks, Aleksandrs Gorbunovs, Mērija Jirgensons, Jānis Kapenieks, sen., Iveta Daugule, Žanis Timšāns, Jānis Kapenieks, jun., Viktors Zagorskis, Bruno Žuga, Ieva Vītoliņa, Ieva Grada, Guna Jākobsone-Šņepste, Loreta Juškaite, Evija Mirķe.
The LAS Letter of Recognition also praised the monograph «Latvijas tautsaimniecība pandēmijas ēnā un pēckrīzes izrāviena iespējas = Latvian Economy in the Shadow of Pandemic and Opportunities of the Post-Crisis Recovery»; the authors are FEEM scientists Nataļja Lāce, Jūlija Bistrova and Ludmila Kasperoviča.
January 10
The cycle of events of the 160th anniversary of RTU Scientific Library is opened with a virtual exhibition.
January 18
The LAS Senate awards name prizes to two young FMSAC scientists: the Award named by Mārtiņš Straumanis and Alfrēds Ieviņš in Chemistry to Dr. chem. Krista Gulbe; the Award named by Emīlija Gudriniece in Chemistry and Chemical Technology to Mg. chem. Andris Jeminejs.
January 19
FEEM graduate Liene Bondare, a skier, wins the opportunity to start at the XXIV Winter Olympic Games, which will take place from 4 to 20 February in Beijing, China.
January 23
The four-man piloted bobsleigh by FEEM student Dāvis Kaufmanis wins the World Bobsleigh Championship, which takes place on the Igls track in Austria. RTU FCE student Lauris Kaufmanis is also one of the pushers.
January 27
RTU Rector Leonīds Ribickis meets with Rector of the Chernihiv National University of Technology (CNUT) in Ukraine Oleh Novomlynets to present RTU’s achievements in studies, science, valorisation and infrastructure development, as well as to discuss the current cooperation, outline its further development directions and sign the Memorandum of Understanding.
January 28
RTU Open Day is taking place online.
January 31
In January
February 1–4
RTU students present business ideas at the European University of Technology (EUt +) demo day in Spain.
February 2
For the second year in a row, the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre grants RTU with the award «eParaksta čempions 2021» (eSignature Champion 2021) and a Certificate of Recognition for 3rd place. In the first place – the portal Latvija.lv, in the second place – the State Revenue Service.
February 5
RTU students win the 32nd Universiade of Latvia in powerlifting.
February 5–6
FCE 5th year bachelor student Reinis Krauklis wins the first two places in the Latvian Badminton Championship: mixed doubles (with Diana Stognija) and men’s doubles (with Artūrs Akmenis).
February 15
The Cabinet of Ministers approves five members of the RTU Council, thus the RTU Council has been established in the following composition: Andris Ambainis, Jānis Braunfelds, Rik De Doncker, Jānis Grabis, Neils Kalniņš, Sanda Liepiņa, Jānis Ločs, Gary B. Marquis, Jurģis Poriņš, Anita Straujuma, Andris Vanags. The first meeting of the RTU Council is scheduled for the beginning of March.
February 20
Anda Upīte, a 2nd course student of the FEEM, won a silver medal at the Latvian Junior and Youth Championships in Women’s Luge, starting in a Doubles with Zane Kaluma.
February 21
A sitting of the Constitutional Assembly of RTU is taking place, at which a decision (Minutes No. 34) has been adopted and a new version of the Regulations of the Constitutional Assembly of RTU has been approved. After listening to the informative report on the RTU Council, the Constitutional Assembly by vote expresses convincing support for the composition of the RTU Council, thus the newly established RTU Council receives a confirmation of confidence from the RTU.
February 24
In solidarity with the Ukrainian academic community, RTU sends an invitation to the partner universities in Ukraine and the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia, offering the doctoral students of the partner universities to continue the research work interrupted by the war at RTU.
February 25–27
RTU swimmers win prizes in the Latvian Open Swimming Championship, which takes place in Ķīpsala swimming pool: Olympian FMETA 2nd ycourse ear master student Daniils Bobrovs wins a gold medal in the 200 m Breaststroke and a bronze medal in the 50 m Breaststroke; FEEM graduate (2018) Ģirts Feldbergs wins a gold medal in two disciplines – 50 m and 100 m Backstroke; FEEM 1st course master student Jevgenijs Bojcovs wins a gold and a silver medal in a 50 m and 100 m Breaststroke; FEEM 1st course student Marija Goberga wins bronze medal in the 200 m complex swimming.
In February
March 1
March 4
RTU Virtual Career Day is taking place.
March 11
At the solemn presentation ceremony of the competition «Latvijas Būvniecības Gada balva 2021» (Latvian Construction Year Award 2021), which takes place in Āgenskalns Market Square, the new buildings of FCSIT and «Domus Auditorialis» receive the award for the 2nd place in the nomination «Sabiedriskā ēka – jaunbūve» (Public Building – New Building).
March 12
For the fourth year in a row, the RTU Team is winning the title of Champion at the XXXII Latvian Universiade in Chess.
March 13
FEEM Master’s student javelin thrower Patriks Gailums wins a silver medal in the European Throwing Cup in Leiria, Portugal.
March 22
Stefano Fontana, the Italian Ambassador for Design to Latvia in 2022, nominated by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is visiting the Institute of Design Technologies of FMSAC.
March 23
The Italian Design Day, organized by the Italian Embassy in Latvia in cooperation with RTU, is taking place at the «Domus Auditorialis» auditorium.
March 25–26
RTU swimmers win six gold medals at the Baltic States Championship in Tartu, Estonia: FEEM graduate (2018) Ģirts Feldbergs – 50 m, 100 m and 200 m backstroke; FMETA 2nd year master student Daniils Bobrovs in 100 m and 200 m breaststroke; FEEM 1st year student Jevgeņijs Boicovs – 50 m breaststroke.
March 26–27
In the Latvian Table Tennis Championship, FEEM 1st year master student Viktorija Majorova wins the third place in both singles and doubles (paired with Diāna Afanasjeva).
March 27
RTU Men’s Volleyball Team «RTU Robežsardze/Jūrmala» wins a silver medal in the Latvian Championship.
March 29
The RTU Council approves the election commission and election regulations of the RTU Constitutional Assembly.
March 29–April 29
Twice a week – on Tuesdays and Wednesdays – there is an online event «Pieslēdzies RTU!» (Connect RTU), where RTU students talk about their studies, students’ lives and career opportunities after graduating from RTU.
In March
Professor Ivars Strautmanis’ Latvian Regional Architecture Scholarship is awarded to FA graduate Ieva Liepa.
April 7
April 7–8
RTU, the University of Bergamo, the Italian Embassy and the Latvian Embassy in Italy sign a patronage agreement for the «Nonlinear Life» summer school.
April 9
In the Latvian Universiade competition in table tennis, RTU athletes win gold medals in both women’s and men’s competitions, doubles, and in the overall ranking of women’s and men’s teams. In the women’s competition, the 1st place in singles is won by Viktorija Majorova, 1st year master student of the FEEM, in doubles – V. Majorova and Liāna Zeltiņa, 4th year student of FCSIT. In the men’s competition, the 1st place in singles is won by FCSIT 3rd year student Eduards Spāģis, the 2nd place – FCSIT 1st year student Deniss Vasiljevs, 3rd place – FEEM 1st year student Dāvis Pavlovs; E. Spāģis and D. Vasiljevs win 1st place in doubles.
April 19
The Government decides to award the Letter of Recognition of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia to RTU Rector Leonīds Ribickis for a significant contribution to increasing the university’s influence in promoting economic development, as well as to RTU for a significant contribution to Latvia’s economic development.
April 22–24
April 28
In April
Evaluating RTU’s performance in implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 cooperation program, RTU is ranked 201st–300th among the world’s universities that are most successful in achieving sustainability goals. RTU’s work in promoting sustainable innovations and combating climate change is rated the highest – 29th.
The team of pupils of RTU EHS and Varmdo Gymnasium in Sweden «North Filters» wins and the jury prize at the international team of ideas «Dragon’s Den», developing a portable modular filter system to protect the sea from the rainwater entering it.
May 6
RTU team wins the 32nd Latvian Universiade in Athletics in Men’s Competition.
May 8–14
Aleksandrs Vjaters, a 10th grade pupil at RTU EHS, wins a bronze medal at the European Experimental Science Olympiad in Hradec Kralove (Czech Republic).
May 10
May 12
The management and leading researchers of the Korean Institute of Machinery and Materials are visiting the FMETA to get acquainted with their scientific work and studies.
May 17
Professor Inga Lapiņa of FEEM receives a Letter of Commendation from the President of Latvia for her selfless contribution to the improvement of the quality of education in Latvia.
May 18
A representative of the State Chancellery and the Head of the Prime Minister’s Office Jānis Patmalnieks is visiting RTU to acquaint students with the opportunities of young people in the European Union, to provide a broader view of the processes taking place in Europe and the world, and to listen to students.
May 20
May 20–24
Lukass Roberts Kellijs, a 11th grade pupil at RTU EHS, won a bronze prize at the European Physics Olympiad in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
May 23
The newly elected Constitutional Assembly of RTU convenes for the first sitting. During the sitting, the Constitutional Assembly approves the new Constitution of RTU, which will enter into force on 1 June, as well as elects the new leadership of the Constitutional Assembly: Professor Valdis Kokars of FMSAC has been elected as the Chairman, Inga Lapiņa, Professor of the FEEM – Deputy Chairman, Anita Pētersone, Head of the Unit of Legal Provision in Real Estate Issues – as the Secretary of the Constitutional Assembly of RTU.
May 25
Emphasizing the current issues of higher education and science, FA hosts a discussion «6 pret 6» (6 against 6) of the rectors of six Latvian universities and representatives of the six most popular political parties, organized by the Association of Latvian Universities.
May 30
A delegation from the Tashkent Institute of Textiles and Light Industry (Uzbekistan) – Rector Professor Ilkhom Sabirov, Vice-Rector Bakhtiyor Bobohodjayev, Head of the International Cooperation Department Surayo Mamadzhanova, and the Head of the Master’s Studies Department Professor Khayrulla Usmanov visit RTU to discuss possible directions of cooperation in the field of design and chemical technologies and gain an idea of RTU infrastructure development and technical support.
In May
June 1
June 3
RTU, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) sign a letter of intent regarding the establishment of an Education Laboratory in Latvia.
June 6
June 8
June 10
A forum «Interaction of the Education System in Secondary and Higher Education» is taking place to discuss how to successfully prepare pupils for higher education. The forum is organized by the Saeima Education, Culture and Science Commission, the Ministry of Education and Science, and RTU.
June 14
RTU signs a cooperation agreement with the Riga City Council on the establishment of the RTU Curiosity Centre «Futurimo Rīga» at 6 Meža Street.
June 17–19
The Baltic Students’ Song and Dance festival «Gaudeamus» is taking place in Vilnius (Lithuania), with the participation of RTU amateur art groups: the choirs «Vivere» and «Delta», the student symphonic band «SPO» and the folk dance ensemble «Vektors».
June 21
June 28
Starting the celebration of the 160th anniversary of RTU, the management of the university planted beeches, red maples and Sakura in Ķīpsala. It is planned to plant 160 trees in the RTU Student Campus until RTU’s birthday – October 14.
In June
July 1
Celebrating RTU’s 160th anniversary, several festive events are taking place:
July 2
The fifth graduation of the RTU EHS is taking place in the RTU Student Campus in Ķīpsala.
July 4
At the European Cheer Sports Championship, which takes place in Athens (Greece), the RTU Cheer Team «RTU cheer» wins the title of European Champion and a ticket to the World Championship, which will be held on 19–21 April 2023 in Orlando (USA).
July 5
The Cabinet of Ministers decides, starting from 31 October, to reorganize the Latvian Maritime Academy, adding it to RTU as an autonomous structural unit that retains its name, identity, and traditions.
July 9–16
RTU EHS 11th-grade pupil Alfrēds Saročinskis receives a diploma of recognition at the International Mathematical Olympiad, which took place in Oslo, Norway.
July 10–17
RTU EHS 11th-grade pupil Lukass Roberts Kellijs wins a bronze medal at the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), which took place in a distance (online) in Zurich, Switzerland.
July 10–18
RTU EHS 11th-grade pupil Daniils Soško wins a bronze medal at the 54th International Chemistry Olympiad, which is organized by China this year.
July 11
RTU is visited by the spouses of Latvian Honorary Consuls, who meet with RTU management, visit laboratories, get acquainted with RTU, technical education in Latvia, and the achievements of RTU scientists.
July 11–18
RTU EHS 10th-grade pupil Rūdis Freipičs wins a silver medal in the International Geography Olympiad (IGeo), which takes place in distance (online) and is organized by France this year.
July 21
RTU is visited by the President of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid. The guest learns about RTU’s achievements in the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and visits several RTU laboratories, getting acquainted with the work of scientists.
In July
August 13–21
The international chess festival «RTU Open 2022» is being held 11 times in the International Exhibition Centre in Ķīpsala, which gathers around 700 participants from more than 30 countries of the world. At the festival, Lithuanian chess grandmaster Paulius Pultinevicius reaps the laurels of victory.
August 24
August 24–25
During his visit to Latvia, the President of the Council of the European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN) Eliezer Rabinovici also visits the RTU Ķīpsala Student Campus and familiarizes himself with the academic environment of our university and the achievemens of scientists.
August 27
FEEM 2nd year student Artūrs Rinkevičs in a duet with Rūdolfs Stankevičs wins 2nd place in the «DEPO Open 2022» Latvian beach volleyball championship.
August 31
The opening event of the RTU Talents program is taking place, in which the patron of this program, the executive Vice-President of the European Commission and RTU graduate Valdis Dombrovskis, is taking part. In honour of RTU’s 160th anniversary, V. Dombrovskis plants one of the planned 160 trees in the Ķīpsala Student Campus.
September 1
RTU Engineering High School (EHS) hosts a Knowledge Day event with the participation of Minister of Education and Science Ilga Šuplinska and one of EHS supporters, a graduate (1986) of Riga Polytechnic Institute (RPI; now RTU) entrepreneur, Chairman of the Board of JSC «SAF Tehnika» Normunds Bergs.
September 2
Ilmārs Bērziņš, a graduate of the Institute of Design Technologies (IDT) of the RTU Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry (FMSAC), wins second place in the nomination «The most sustainable student idea 2020» in the 2020 competition «Sustainability in Architecture, Construction, Design» nomination; graduate of IDT Nadīna Anija Poga obtained competition jury recognition nomination.
September 7–13
Pupil of RTU EHS Daniels Stabulis wins a silver medal at the International Economic Olympiad.
September 11
September 14
Students meet at the traditional RTU Freshmen Meeting Festival.
September 18
In honour of the chemical scientist Emīlija Gudriniece (1920–2004) and celebrating the academician’s 100th birthday, «Latvijas Pasts» (Latvia Post) issues a new stamp and envelope.
September 24
This year's graduate of RTU EHS Kārlis Šusters is winning a bronze medal at the International Informatics Olympiad for the second year in a row.
September 28
With the decision of the Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 642):
September 29
The Topping-out Celebration of the new building of the RTU Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSIT) and the shared auditorium centre is taking place in Ķīpsala, 10 Zunda krastmala.
In September
In the prestigious «The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2021», RTU has been recognized as the 284th best university in the world, evaluating the cooperation of universities with industry.
October 1–2
RTU celebrates the World Association of Engineers Day – «IEEE Day».
October 5
In connection with the amendments to the Law on Higher Education Institutions submitted to the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, which envisages changing the higher education governance model by introducing councils, the RTU Constitutional Assembly addresses the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia with a request to postpone RTU rector elections. According to order No. 38 of the Cabinet of Ministers on 27.01.2016. «On approval of the Rector of Riga Technical University» RTU Rector Leonīds Ribickis has been confirmed in position on 02.02.2016. Point 2 of the Article 17 of the Law on Higher Education Institutions stipulates that the Constitutional Assembly of a higher education institution elect the Rector for a term not exceeding five years.
October 8
October 9
The traditional RTU History Day is taking place.
October 12
In honour of the founders and former rectors of our university, representatives of RTU administration and the Student Parliament (SP), as well as RTU RCEH visit their resting places in Riga cemeteries.
October 14
October 16
To get acquainted with RTU research in energy, FEEE is visited by a delegation of the Ministry of Economics, which also is attended by the Minister of Economics Jānis Vitenbergs.
October 19–23
To update the discussion on the observance of ethics in the academic environment, RTU hosts Academic Integrity Week, in which, marking the International Day of Ethics and the Day for Combating Commissioned Works, the RTU Glossary for Academic Integrity Terms is opened.
October 23–25
Students of IDT of FMSAC win the main prizes in the competition of schools and universities «Design Arena 2020». In the category «Best Design Student of the Year» Marta Cimdiņa wins 1st place; 2nd place – Svens Martulevs. 1st place in the category «Environmental design» wins Renāte Santa Gruzniņa; 3rd place – Elīna Leiba-Lipsne. 3rd place in the category of bachelo’'s theses in the category «Design research» wins Ilmārs Bērziņš; R. S. Gruzniņa wins the 3rd place in this category in the master’s thesis section.
October 26
With the decision of the Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 643):
October 30
FCSIT Professor, politician and former Minister of Education and Science (2002–2004; 2016–2018) Kārlis Šadurskis is awarded the Order of the Three Stars for special merits for the benefit of the State Latvia.
In October
November 16
RTU is the first higher education institution in the Baltic States to sign the Latvian Diversity Charter, thus confirming that it supports diversity and equal opportunities in the study and work environment.
November 20
The Dean of FCSIT, Professor Agris Ņikitenko, receives the Certificate of Honour of the National Guard of the Republic of Latvia.
November 26
At the general meeting of the LAS, FMSAC Professor Jānis Ločs, has been elected an executive member (academician) of the LAS.
November 27
President Egils Levits remotely greets RTU EHS pupils and graduates – Džonatans Miks Melgalvis, Daniels Stabulis, Edvards Miķelis Mežciems, Filips Ēcis, Kārlis Šusters and Atis Krebss – and their teachers – Līga Kamola (economics), Agra Lipsberga (geography), Laura Fjodorova (chemistry) and Andrejs Liepiņš (programming) – on achievements in international training Olympiads.
November 30
With the decision of the Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 644):
In November
RTU is the only Latvian university education institution to enter the section of the international rating «World’s Universities with Real Impact» (WURI), which evaluates the university’s contribution to the promotion of entrepreneurship.
December 6
FEEM student, Latvian bobsleigh pilot Dāvis Kaufmanis wins third place in the second stage of the European Cup in Germany.
December 15
The Latvian government decides on the establishment of a laboratory for personal protective equipment for accredited testing. The new laboratory will be established on the basis of RTU, with the involvement of Riga Stradins University, especially the Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, as well as the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment «Bior».
December 19–21
RTU team wins second place in Latvian online sports championship in the bridge.
December 21
RTU Strategy 2021–2025 was approved by the decision of the RTU Senate (Minutes No. 645).
December 22
Marta Cimdiņa, a 1st year master’s degree student of FMSAC IDT, wins 1st place in the competition of young fashion designers «Fashion Manifestation», winning the right to represent Latvia with her collection «Introvert Extraversion» in the competition «International Young Designers Contest 2021» in Kiev, Ukraine next year in July.
December 23
In December
January 5
Taking into account the amendments to the Covid-19 Infection Spread Management Law adopted by the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia on 18 December 2020, which give the right to higher education institutions to hold elections of key decision-making bodies by 1 May 2021, RTU Constitutional Assembly makes a decision (Minutes No. 31) to postpone the elections of the RTU Constitutional Assembly, Academic Arbitration Court, Senate and RTU Rector until 31 December 2021. Until the date of entry into force of the powers of the newly elected main decision-making bodies of the University, the powers of the said elected institutions shall be fulfilled, and until the date of entry into force of the powers of the new Rector, the current Rector and existing Vice-Rectors shall continue their work.
January 15
During the European Cup in bobsleigh on the Igls track in Innsbruck (Austria), the four of the piloted by Latvian bobsleigh player Dāvis Kaufmanis, a student of the FEEM, wins the high 3rd place.
January 19
LAS awards the Award named by Emīlija Gudriniece in chemistry to Jānis Miķelis Zaķis, Research Assistant at the FMSAC Institute of Technology of Organic Chemistry.
January 21
The Saeima of the Republic of Latvia grants Latvian citizenship to the patron of RTU, co-owner and Chairman of the Board of CEO «Mikro Tik» John Martin Tully.
January 27
In January
February 1
Congratulating the most active users of the e-signature of 2020, the Latvian State Radio and Television Center awards the award «eSignature Champion 2020» and a diploma for the obtained third place to RTU. In the first place – the portal Latvija.lv, in the second place – the State Revenue Service.
February 5
Gathering students, lecturers, representatives of RTU management and faculties online, the winners of the RTU Student Parliament Annual Award 2020 are solemnly named and congratulated online.
February 6
RTU wins the Year Award of the Students Union of Latvia in two nominations: FET doctoral student Jānis Braunfelds has been recognized as the «Young Scientist of the Year 2020»; in the nomination «Innovation of the Year», the award is received by the impact program «CrisisLab» initiated by RTU, created in cooperation with the University of Latvia, the Latvian Maritime Academy, the University of Liepaja and Ventspils University of Applied Science.
February 20
In the European Cup overall, FEEM student, Latvian bobsleigh pilot Dāvis Kaufmanis win the 2nd place in doubles.
February 26
RTU Open Day takes place online.
February 26–28
RTU students win medals in the international swimming competition «Latvian Open 2021», which is also an officially recognized qualification competition of the Fédération internationale de natation (FINA) for the XXXII Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. Daniils Bobrovs wins two silver medals (100 m and 200 m breaststroke), while Artūrs Markovs – a bronze medal (400 m freestyle).
March 1
FA graduate Una Īle becomes a laureate of the Latvian Regional Architecture Prize of Professor Ivars Strautmanis.
March 4
RTU Career Day takes place online.
March 5
RTU receives an award from the Ministry of Defence in the nomination «Educational Institution «Educator for the National Guard»».
March 26
In March
April 13
The first 3D concrete printing scientific laboratory in the Baltics is opened, created by RTU in cooperation with Ltd. «Sakret».
April 19–30
An online event «Connect to RTU!» is taking place, which allows secondary school students to feel in the skin of RTU pupils and learn about study opportunities. Each day is dedicated to one of the nine faculties of RTU.
April 19
RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis and Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Artūrs Toms Plešs sign a memorandum of cooperation online on the exchange of information, skills and experience.
April 20
The President of Latvia Egils Levits and the Chapter of the Order decide: for special merits for the benefit of the State of Latvia to award the Order of the Three Stars to the Dean of FA, Professor Uģis Bratuškins, by appointing the Professor as an Officer of the Order of the Three Stars; to award the Cross of Recognition to Professor Alīda Zigmunde, a long-term researcher of RTU history, by appointing the Professor as the Commander of the Cross of Recognition.
April 21
RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis signs the updated «Magna Charta Universitatum 2020».
April 22
RTU University of Children and Youth organizes the first international lesson for Latvian and Danish pupils, giving a start to the project «Phereclos». Its aim is to promote an open school culture in Latvia, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) access to education and the involvement of young people in science.
April 23
RTU is visited by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic to Latvia Stefano Maria Taliani de Marchio.
April 29
The artistic Director and choreographer of RTU Folk Dance Ensemble «Vektors» Dagmāra Bārbale at the Dance Prize Awards Ceremony in the category «Dejas notikums» (Dance Event) receives the LSM.lv voters’ sympathy award for the video work «Saules zīmē rotāties» (Decorate in the Sun Sign).
In April
May 2
FEEM student Aneta Tarasova, who was previously the Head of the Department of External Relations of RTU SP, is elected the President of the RTU SP. .
May 3
FCSIT celebrates its 60th anniversary.
May 5
RTU Business School Director Jānis Grēviņš becomes a Member of the Council of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.
May 13–14
RTU students pick the laurels of victory in international swimming competitions «Latvian qualification meet»: Daniils Bobrovs (FMETA) wins 200 m swimming in the breaststroke; Artūrs Markovs (FEEM) wins a gold medal in the 200 m and a silver medal in the 400 m freestyle; Atis Āre (FCE) wins a bronze medal at a distance of 50 m in backstroke; RTU graduate Ģirts Fedbergs, on the other hand, wins a gold medal in the 100 m backstroke and wins the overall standings.
May 15–16
FEEM 2nd year student Artūrs Rinkevičs in a duet with Ardis Daniels Bedrītis wins a silver medal in the European U-22 beach volleyball championship.
May 21
A digital forum «Does the Latvian education system achieve its goal» is being organized by the Saeima Education, Culture and Science Commission, the Ministry of Education and Science and RTU, where expert discussions on linking higher and vocational education with the labour market are taking place. Each day of the forum is dedicated to a specific topic – primary and secondary education, higher and vocational education, as well as adult education and retraining (the first discussion on 21 May; the second discussion on 28 May; the third discussion on 4 June).
May 28
In gratitude for the successful cooperation, the Commander of the Naval Forces of National Armed Forces, Captain Kaspars Zelčs, presents a Letter of Recognition to the Director of RTU Liepāja Centre for Studies and Research Mārcis Priedītis.
May 28–29
For the tenth year in a row, RTU is hosting the «10th International Doctoral School of Energy Conversion and Saving Technologies». This year, school activities take place online.
May 31
The Senate of RTU makes a decision (Minutes No. 650):
In May
June 1
RTU Leading Researcher Inga Ļašenko receives the Award of the Latvian Security and Defence Industries Federation 2021 in education and research.
June 10
The annual fashion show of the students of the IDT of FMSAC takes place, in which the students’ works are decorated in an innovative format – in a special fashion short film cycle.
June 22
RTU is visited by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia Krišjānis Kariņš. The officials meet with the RTU management, visit the Student Campus in Ķīpsala, get acquainted with the innovations created by scientists and give a press conference.
June 26–27
RTU athletes win the title of Latvian champion in athletics.
June 28
The Senate of RTU makes a decision (Minutes No. 651):
In June
July 1
Professor of FA Dr. arch. Sandra Treija receives a Letter of Recognition from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia for outstanding achievements in developing higher education in architecture in Latvia.
July 2
July 3 and 4
For the first time in the history of the Baltic States, three «EIT Food» centres in the region – «AgriFood Lithuania DIH», RTU and Tartu Biotechnology Park – are jointly organizing an international online hackathon, «HACK DigitalSea'21», to find solutions for sustainable aquaculture development in the Baltic Sea region.
July 8
July 9
The traveling exhibition «Jaunie arhitekti – Latvijai» (Young Architects – for Latvia) created by FA is opened in Cēsis Central Library. The exhibition is the final event in the cycle of events celebrating the 150th anniversary of the education of architects.
July 17
The fifth RTU Grand Graduation takes place at Spilve Airport, where approximately 1000 graduates of all faculties and study levels receive diplomas. Considering the situation of epidemiological safety and the restrictions on gatherings set in the country, the release takes place in the auto or drive-in format for the second year in a row.
July 27
Latvian swimmer, FMETA 2nd year master student Daniils Bobrovs makes his debut in the Summer Olympic Games (Tokyo), winning the 31st place in the 200 m long breaststroke distance, showing the time 2:14.25.
In July
August 2
Latvia becomes a full associate member of the European Organization for Nuclear Research, (CERN). Anita Muižniece, Minister of Education and Science; Toms Torims, RTU Professor and Latvian representative in CERN and Ilze Rūse, Director of the International Organizations and Human Rights Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking part in the online solemn reception, which is taking place at both CERN’s headquarters in Geneva and Riga; in the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia, CERN Latvia will be represented by the Latvian Ambassador to the ANO in Geneva, Bakhtijors Hasans, and the ceremony will be attended by CERN Director General Fabiola Gianotti and other CERN management representatives.
August 7–8
The RTU team (FEEM 1st year master student Viktorija Majorova, FCSIT 4th year student Diāna Zeltiņa, RTU Sports Centre Deputy Director Sanita Sveile and future RSU student Diāna Afanasjeva) wins a silver medal in the Latvian team championship table tennis in the highest league.
August 7–15
For the tenth time, the largest chess festival «RTU Open 2021» in Northern Europe is taking place at the Ķīpsala International Exhibition Center, where German Grandmaster Aleksandrs Dončenko had won.
August 10–16
In the competition of 46 member states and 180 participants, Džonatans Miks Melgalvis, a pupil of RTU EHS, wins a gold medal at the 17th International Geography Olympiad, which took place online this year and was organized by Turkey.
August 16
Amendments to the Law on Higher Education Institutions enter into force, which envisages a reform of the management of higher education institutions, changing the management of the higher education system in Latvia and dividing higher education institutions into a new typology.
August 25
August 28
RTU women’s team – Viktorija Majorova (FEEM), Liāna Zeltiņa (FCSIT), Kristīne Berežkova (FCE) – wins the 1st place in the Latvian XXXI Universiade competition in table tennis. V. Majorova and L. Zeltiņa also win in women’s doubles. Eduards Spāģis (FCSIT) becomes the champion in the individual evaluation for men.
August 30
August 31
September 2
September 3
Professor Jānis Krastiņš, Head of the Chair of History and Theory of Architecture at the Faculty of Architecture (FA) of RTU and Professor Andris Krēsliņš, Senior Researcher of the Chair of Heat Engineering and Technology of the Faculty of Civil Engineering (FCE) receive the major award of the Construction Industry for a lifetime contribution «Pamatakmens» (Foundation Stone).
September 10
Researchers of the Institute for Industrial Electronics and Electrical Engineering of the Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering (FPEE) present a robust-range robot simulator at the RTU Laboratory building, 1 Paula Valdena iela, Ķīpsala.
September 11
Italian Ambassador to Latvia Sebastiano Fulci and a delegation from the University of Bergamo (Università degli Studi di Bergamo; Italy) visit RTU led by Rector Professor Remo Morzenti Pellegrini.
September 19
In the 11th Paul Walden Symposium Paul Walden Commemorative Medal is presented to RTU Professor, Academician, Deputy Director in scientific work of the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS) Aigars Jirgensons. Commemorative Medal is also awarded to Research Associate of Chair of Organic Chemistry of University of Rostock (Universitaet Rostock; Germany) and internationally renowned researcher in the history of chemistry Gisel Boeck, who receives it on 24 October at the RTU 60th International Scientific Conference in the Section «Materials Science and Applied Chemistry».
September 19–22
The international leading trade fair «Kind + Jugend» for premium baby and toddler products is held in Cologne, Germany, where Anastasija Ribaka, a student of the Institute of Design Technologies (IDT) of the Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry (FMSAC), holds a diploma work on multifunctional children’s furniture set «Luni» – nominated for «Kids Design Award 2019».
September 23
With the decision of Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 632), the title of RTU Honorary Alumnus is granted to Chairman of the Management Board, Chief Executive Officer of «Latvenergo AS» Āris Žīgurs.
September 24
Agreement on the establishment of the Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence (BBCE) in Latvia is signed in Brussels. It is formed by RTU, LIOS, Riga Stradiņš University (RSU), RSU Institute of Stomatology, AO Research Institute Davos (ARI) in Switzerland and Biomaterials Centre of Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuernberg (Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet Erlangen-Nuernberg) in Germany. The contract is signed by BBCE coordinator, RTU Professor Jānis Ločs.
September 26
RTU, Kaunas University of Technology (Kauno technologijos universitetas; Lithuania) and Tallinn University of Technology (Tallinna Tehnikaülikool; Estonia) agree on the establishment of a Knowledge and Innovation Contact Point «EIT RawMaterials Baltic Hub» that will help Baltic scientists and companies create competitive innovations in raw materials.
In September
October 1–2
RTU hosts a day of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), where readings and masterclasses is held by guest lecturers from Luebeck University of Applied Sciences (Technische Hochschule Luebeck; Germany), Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Vilniaus Gedimino Technikos Universitetas; Lithuania), Lund University (Lunds universitet; Sweden) and University of Gaevle (Högskolan i Gävle; Sweden).
October 4
October 5–6
Expanding into South Asia, RTU is opening two information and study centres in Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Chennai (India) in early October.
October 8
October 9
RTU visit Russian delegation from Pskov State University (PSU; Псковский государственный университет; Russia) under the guidance of Rector’s Acting Duty Officer Professor Natalia Ilyin (Наталья Анатольевна Ильина). RTU and PSU agree to promote cooperation in studies and science.
October 10
The third RTU History Day is taking place. Section of the RTU 60th International Scientific Conference «History of Engineering Sciences and Institutions of Higher Education» unveils the third RTU RCEH Scientific Journal dedicated to the 150th Anniversary of the acquisition of university education in architecture in Latvia. In the afternoon, scientific monograph «Ernst Nauck (1819–1875). First Director of Riga Polytechnicum» in three languages (German, English and Latvian) by Professor Alīda Zigmunde is opened. The event is attended by Eddie Wolfgang Nauck, the great-great-great-grandson of E. Nauck, from Germany.
October 11
October 14
October 17
October 18
October 18–20
Ķīpsala International Exhibition Centre hosts the exhibition «Design Isle 2019», which is attended by FMSAC IDT, winning three award-wining places at the competition for universities «Dizaina arēna 2019» (Design arena 2019) in the category «Produktu dizains» (Product design).
October 22
Celebrating the 155th Anniversary of the FMETA, a solemn meeting of the Faculty Council takes place.
October 26
Celebrating the 155th Anniversary of the FMETA, there is a solemn ceremony at the Small Guild and the opening of a book «Mašīnzinību, transporta un aeronautikas fakultātei 155» (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Transport and Aeronautics155).
October 28
RTU Senate (Minutes No. 633):
In October
November 4–9
RTU Electronics Week is taking place.
November 7
Celebrating the Centenary of Latvia’s Customs and the 25th Anniversary of Customs Education, the SRS Customs Board and Institute of International Economic Relations and Customs (SESMI) of FEEM are organizing a conference «Vai muita ir gatava rītdienai» (Shaping a Smarter Future of Customs).
November 8
November 9
At the contest «BAUA Awards 19'», PhD student of FA Matijs Babris receives a recognition on his Master’s thesis «Būves kokos dabas tūrisma veicināšanai. Strenču ūdens tūrisma centrs» (Buildings in trees to promote nature tourism. Strenči Water Tourism Centre) from the Baltic Architects Unions Association (BAUA).
November 11
November 11–23
RTU delegation visits eight universities in three Latin American countries, while visiting, Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis signs a global cooperation agreement with Albert Einstein University in Mexico.
November 14
In the paper bridge design competition organized by the FCE Student Council, the team «Šneks» (Mārtiņš Arājs, Linards Hremenkins, Valts Segliņš) takes the first place in the category of student bridges. The built-in bridge can withstand a load of 139.9 kilograms.
November 15
In the Exhibition Hall of the RCEH History Museum, the Institute of Humanities (IH) of FETH celebrates its 25th Anniversary and unveils the scientific monograph «Skolotāju profesionālā identitāte» (Teacher Professional Identity) whose scientific editor is IH Director Associate Professor Airisa Šteinberga.
November 18
Professor of FMSAC and Academician Valdis Kampars receives the highest state award – the Order of Three Stars.
November 21
FCSIT Associate Professor Ērika Nazaruka, FMSAC Associate Professor Andris Šutka and Senior Researcher Dagnija Loča and FCE Senior Researcher Sandris Ručevskis are elected as Corresponding Members of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS).
November 22
Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Latvia’s Customs, Director of SESMI Aivars Vilnis Krastiņš and Assistant Professor Normunds Rudzītis receive an award for a significant contribution to the development of the customs service – anniversary sign – «Latvijas muitai 100» (the Latvia’s Customs 100).
November 22–23
In the 30th Latvian Universidad swimming competition, RTU swimmers win the first place among the men.
November 25
November 27
RTU is visited by a delegation of Parliament of Indonesian North Sulawesi Province led by its Speaker Andrei Angouw and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Latvia in Indonesia Ayub Junus. During the meeting, Deputy Rector for International Academic Cooperation and Studies I. Tipāns and A. Junus sign an agreement in which RTU expresses its commitment to provide Indonesian university education institutions with information on study opportunities at RTU.
November 30
RTU chess players win convincingly in the Latvian Club Cup 2019, taking first place and outscoring their followers by four points; this is the record for nine years in the history of the Latvian Club Cup.
In November
An interdisciplinary national working group of the European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN) is being set up to promote cooperation between Latvian research institutions and business and CERN by engaging in scientific research, experiments and projects. Latvia plans to become an Associate Member of CERN in 2021.
December 5
December 8
RTU Frisbee team won the 1st place in the Latvian Student Championship.
December 11–13
December 12
Professor Dagnija Blumberga, Director of Institute of Energy Systems and Environment (IESE) of FPEE receives an Award named by f Professor Alfrēds Vītols for outstanding contribution and lifelong contribution to the Latvian energy industry. Professor Ivars Veidenbergs of IESE receives the «Annual Award» for significant contribution in energetics. RTU new scientists also receive awards for success in energetics: researcher Kaspars Kroičs of Institute of Industrial Electronics and Electrical Engineering, researcher Vladmirs Kirssanovs of IESE and new Phd students – Aivis Ašmanis, Viesturs Zimackis, Deniss Bezrukovs, Artis Riepnieks All awards are grated by the LAS and «Latvenergo». The award ceremony takes place at RTU EHS hall at 1 Kronvalda Boulevard.
December 14
Lauris Kaufmanis, a third-year student of FCE at startup with Oskars Ķibermanis piloted crew, along with Arvis Vilkastis and Matīsse Mikne, takes 2nd place in the World Cup first stage in bobsleigh which takes place in Lake Placid (USA).
December 19
The award of Latvian-born Civil Engineer Guntis Bole is given to FA graduate Raivis Jānis Mucenieks and the student of FCE Marta Amoliņa; the premium of Professor Ivars Strautmanis receives FA graduate Elza Taube.
December 22
RTU volleyball team «RTU / Border-guard» becomes Latvian Cup winners.
In December
Among the ten most significant achievements of Latvian science in 2019, LAS also names RTU scientists who worked out the new DC power supply system for producing industry (authors: LAS Academician Dr. habil. sc. ing. Leonīds Ribickis, Dr. sc. ing. Oskars Krievs, Dr. sc. ing. Pēteris Apse-Apsītis, Dr. sc. ing. Dāvis Meike, Dr. sc. ing. Andrejs Stepanovs, Mg. sc. ing. Ansis Avotiņš, Mg. sc ing. Armands Šenfelds, Mg. sc ing. Kristaps Vītols, Mg. sc. ing. Maksims Vorobjovs, Mg. sc. ing. Mārcis Priedītis, Mg. sc. ing. Artūrs Paugurs, Mg. sc. ing. Oskars Bormanis).
January 14
Master students of FMSAC are awarded LAS prizes: Miks Puriņš – received Award named by Emīlija Gudriniece; Renāte Melngaile – received Awards named by Mārtiņš Straumanis and Alfrēds Ieviņš; Lūkass Tomass Lukaševics – Young Scientists Award. The LAS Young Scientists Award was also awarded to RTU EHS physics teacher Virgīnija Vītola.
January 17
The first discussion on «Individual Professional Development Choices and Influencing Aspects» at the educational forum «Education System Goal: Future Perspective» at the Saeima Baltic Hall take place organized by Saeima Education, Culture and Science Commission, Ministry of Education and Science and RTU.
January 25
Brothers Andris Šics and Juris Šics triumph at the important stage of the World Cup in luge competition between two teams. Elīza Cauce wins the bronze in the ladies’ race. Both sleighs are embellished by the RTU coat of arms, as they have been improved by RTU scientists, who have been cooperating with athletes since 2017.
January 27
With the decision of Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 636) the names of RTU Daugavpils Affiliate, Cēsis Affiliate, Liepāja Affiliate and Ventspils Affiliate were changed and Regulations of RTU Daugavpils (including – Cēsis, Liepāja and Ventspils) Study and Science Centres have been approved.
January 28
Graduates and teachers of RTU EHS receive the awards of the Friendly Calling Fund: in the nomination «Graduate» the certificate of recognition is given to Agnis Salmiņš and Artem Ubaidullajev, Elīza Elizabete Bicāne receives the Bronze Medal; mathematics teacher Inguna Granta and economics teacher Līga Kamola are awarded the title «Teacher».
January 29
The President of Latvia Egils Levits, representative of the European Commission Directorate General for Research and Innovation, Widening Stefan Weiers and RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis open the project of the Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence (BBCE) at the premises of FMSAC.
In January
February 2
RTU badmintonists win awards at Latvian Championship: FET third-year student Teodors Kerimovs in pair with Jekaterina Romanova become Latvian Champion in mixed doubles; paired with Ardis Daniels Bedrītis, T. Kerimovs win 3rd in men’s doubles; FCE fourth-year student Reinis Krauklis becomes vice champion, winning 2nd place in singles, 2nd place in doubles with FEEM graduate Toms Preinbergs and 2nd place in mixed doubles with Diāna Stognija.
February 5
RTU is visited by delegation of Kumamoto University (Japan) led by Vice-Rector for Studies, Professor Dr. Mikio Furushima.
February 13
RTU is visited by Ambassador of Mexico Francisco Eduardo del Río López and Honorary Consul of Mexico Carlos Arredondo Martinez.
February 18
Six Latvian secondary school pupils go to the world’s largest scientific laboratory, the European Nuclear Research Centre (CERN) in Switzerland, to shade (follow) five RTU scientists.
February 24
With the decision of Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 637): FCSIT Institute of Computer Control, Automation and Computer Engineering changed its name to Institute of Intelligent Computer Technology.
February 27
The Italian Ambassador to Latvia, Stefano Taliani de Marchio, has introductory visit in RTU.
February 29
At the 30th Latvian Universiade, RTU badmintonists win gold medals both in the men’s and women’s overall and individual performances.
February 29–March 1
In February
March 2
At the 96th Latvian Open Swimming Championships, FMETA student Daniils Bobrovs wins medals in two swims: 200m silver and 100m bronze in breaststroke.
March 10
March 13
In response to the state of emergency announced by the Latvian government to limit the spread of the «Covid-19» virus, all full-time student lectures, as well as all extra-curricular activities and preparatory courses have been cancelled from March 13 to April 14 by RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis. The Rector’s decree stipulates that employees shall, as far as possible, also ensure remote work, in writing confirming compliance with occupational safety and data protection measures.
March 16
By RTU Rector’s order No. 01000-1.2-e/29 «On amendments to Order No. 01000-1.2-e/29 of 18 February 2019 01000-1.2-e/14 «For 2019/2020 academic year study work schedule»» RTU has cancelled spring break, determining the spring semester from 27.01. until 21.06.2020. Such a decision was made in order to be able to continue the distance learning process and compensate for the time required to start and implement distance learning.
March 30
In March
RTU is recognized as one of the top 500 universities in the world in engineering and technology by tehnoloģijās «QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020», becoming the only university in Latvia ranked among the top five industries.
April 3
RTU awards special prizes to the 17 best authors of scientific research papers in the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) of the 44th Latvian Students’ Scientific Research Paper Conference.
April 7
April 14
By the order of RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis No. 01000-1.1-e/59 operating time is extended until 12 May 2020 on 13.03.2020. Rector’s order no. 01000-1.1-e/44 «On epidemiological precautionary measures in relation to the spread of COVID-19».
April 20–30
Taking into account the state of emergency announced in the country, due to which it is not possible to visit faculties in person, instead of the traditional RTU Open Doors, there is an event «Connect to RTU!». Where it is possible to watch online interviews and ask questions to the members of the faculty and students. Each day is dedicated to one of the nine faculties of RTU.
April 21
In the foundations of the future building of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSI) at the RTU Student Campus in Ķīpsala, a time capsule is laid with a message for future generations from RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribicks and four faculty’s deans – current Dean of FCSI Professor Agris Ņikitenko and former Dean Professor, Jānis Grundspeņķis (as Dean 1994–2005; 2007–2018) and Uldis Sukovskis (as Dean 2005–2007).
April 23
April 27
With the decision of Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 639):
In April
May 8
RTU lecturers and the Ambassador of Latvia to the Republic of Azerbaijan participate in a video conference of the Academy of State Customs Committee of Republic of Azerbaijan.
May 12
Entering the Big Clean-up of 2020, one of the 140 poles provided by the society «1836» is dug at FA in Ķīpsala, symbolically marking the road around Latvia.
May 23
The general meeting of RTU Student Parliament (SP) is taking place, where a new SP Board and SP President Lāsma Līga Reisa (FCSIT) are elected.
May 25
With the decision of Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 640):
May 28
FET receives a valuable gift – case internet network base station – from «OG Baltics», an exclusive partner of «Sigfox» in Latvia.
June 18
In June
July 8
Ilze Gudro, Head of RTU RCEH and Assistant Professor at the Institute of Design Technologies of FMSAC, receives the award «For Investment. Woman – Design Promoter 2019» in the competition-forum «Woman in Architecture, Construction, Design».
July 10
For the ninth year in a row, RTU is recognized as the most recommended university education institution in Latvia by employers.
July 22
RTU Vice-Rector for Research Academician Tālis Juhna signs a memorandum of understanding on behalf of RTU on the establishment of the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) association.
July 23–30
Three pupils of EHS – Džonatans Miks Melgalvis (11th grade pupil), Edvards Miķelis Mežciems and Filips Ēcis (both 12th grade pupils) win bronze medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad, which is taking place remotely this year.
July 24
The fourth RTU Grand Graduation takes place at Spilve Airport, where more than 1000 graduates of all RTU faculties receive diplomas at the same time. Following the rules of distance associated with the epidemiological situation, the graduation takes place in an unprecedented – drive-in – format.
July 25
The third graduation of RTU EHS takes place.
July 28
Institute of Design Technologies of FMSAC organizes the first digital fashion show «Mijiedarbība 2020» («Interaction 2020»), which continues the tradition of the fashion show «Ķīpsalas pavasaris» («Spring of Ķīpsala»).
In July
RTU athletes win the third place in the final stage of the Latvian Teams Table Tennis Championship.
August 1
The new director of EHS, Aleksandrs Vorobjovs, starts work.
In August
September 1
Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering (FPEE) celebrated its 60th anniversary. Excursions in the former building of the faculty at 1 Kronvalda bulvāris and at the present building at 12 k-1 Āzenes iela in Ķīpsala, as well as a social event at 1 Kaļķu iela took place.
September 12–14
The 4th year’s student team of the Bachelor’s Professional Study Program «Trantsportbūve» («Transport Building») of Faculty of Civil Engineering (FCE) – Romāns Kornišovs, Kristaps Maneks and Juris Latišs – got the second place in the 3rd International Transport Building Student Olympiad in Minsk, Belarus.
September 14–21
School year 2017/2018 graduate of RTU Engineering High School (EHS) Roberts Pavlovskis got the Gold Medal at the International Economics Olympiad in Moscow.
September 17–21
RTU was organizing the Most Powerful Conference on Power Electronics «EPE 2018» of European Power Electronics and Drives Association (EPE).
September 18
RTU joined the Magna Charta Observatory (Magna Charter Universitatum). At a solemn ceremony held in Spain, at the University of Salamanca, the accession document was signed by RTU Vice-Rector for Strategic Development Artūrs Zeps. The Spanish King and Queen, Rector of the University of Bologna, President of the Magna Charta Observatory and representatives of other universities took part at the ceremony.
September 27
The best-equipped and most modern metrology laboratory in the Baltics «Mitutoyo» was opened at RTU Laboratory Building at 1 Paula Valdena iela, Room 106 within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Transport and Aeronautics (FMETA).
September 28
With the decision of the Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 622) the title of RTU Honorary Doctor was granted to Professor of Chair of Mechanics and Robotics of University of Duisburg-Essen Andrés George Kecskeméthy Darányi.
September 29
RTU students Daniils Bobrovs (FMETA), Gustavs Vīksne (Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology; FCSIT) and Tomass Jegorovs (FCSIT) as well as graduate (2018) of the Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management (FEEM) Ģirts Feldbergs took part in a 100 x 100 meter freestyle relay swim dedicated to the centenary of Latvia. That was an attempt to beat the Guinness World Record. Latvian swimmers reached a world record in a swimming relay (1:30:28) in a 50-meter swimming pool, Guinness’s record (1:29:03) was reached in Britain in a 25-meter pool.
October 3
RTU signed cooperation agreement with Latvian Academy of Sport Education on cooperation in studies, science and innovation and student exchange.
October 5
RTU and five other Latvian universities signed the Memorandum of Cooperation on Efforts to strengthen sustainability in Latvia. The Memorandum was signed at the seminar «Augstskolu loma un atbildība Latvijas ilgtspējas veicināšanā» («Role and Responsibility of University Institutions in Promoting Sustainability in Latvia») of «GreenMetric» which was held at RTU.
October 5–7
Students of Bachelor’s Professional Study Program «Material Technology and Design» of Institute of Design Technologies (IDT) of The Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry (FMSAC) Ieva Kreile and Santa Pikuma acquired Annual Award 2018 from the Latvian Designers’ Society in the category of universities in sub-category «Product Design».
October 10
The second RTU History Day and the 59th International Scientific Conference in the Section of History of Engineering Sciences and Institutions of Higher Education were held. The second volume in Latvian and English of the scientific journal of RTU Research Centre for Engineering History (RCEH) and popular-scientific book «Riga Technical University. Half a Century on Ķīpsala» were opened.
October 12
At the 59th plenary session of the International Scientific Conference, the title «RTU Scientist of the Year 2018» was awarded to Senior Researcher of FMSAC Jānis Ločs; the title «RTU Young Female Scientist of the Year 2018» was awarded to Researcher of FMSAC Arita Dubņika; the title «RTU Young Scientist of the Year 2018» was awarded to Senior Researcher of Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications (FET) Andis Supe; RTU Annual Award for Valorisation received Professor of FPEE Dagnija Blumberga; for the first time the prize in valorisation was presented to the student, it received Researcher of FMSAC Uldis Peipiņš; the title «RTU Honorary Alumnus 2017» was awarded to Chairman of the Board of «HansaMatrix» Ilmārs Osmanis; for the first time the lecturers were congratulated: the «RTU Annual Academic Excellence Award 2018» was awarded to Associate Professor of FCSIT Alla Anohina-Naumeca; Honorary title «RTU New Lecturer of the Year 2018» was awarded to lecturer of FEEM Leonards Budņiks; development grants were awarded to Dean of FEEM Professor Elīna Gaile-Sarkane; Professor of FMSAC Svetlana Čornaja and Professor of FCSIT Inta Volodko.
October 16–18
In Frankfurt, during the «InterGeo» Forum, work «The Use of Combined Methods for Precise Topographic Data Acquisition» of undergraduate of Professional Study Program «Geomatics» of FCE Rūdolfs Mellēns was acknowledged as the Winning paper of CLGE Student Contest in category Geodesy, Topography.
October 16–19
For the third year in a row, FEEM and the Riga Business School (RBS) of RTU saved the Four Leagues of Palms of Excellence at «Eduniversal» rating.
October 17
Pupils of the 10th grade of RTU EHS took part in the world’s largest lesson, which took place in Vecumnieki village and was being developed in cooperation with the company «Latvian State Forests».
October 18
President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis, Minister of Education and Science Kārlis Šadurskis and Head of the National Centre for Education of the Republic of Latvia Guntars Catlaks at the solemn ceremony at Riga Castle welcomed secondary school pupils who had successfully participated in international training Olympiads. Among them were pupils of RTU EHS: graduates of EHS –Roberts Pavlovskis (Gold Medal in the 1st International Economic Olympiad); Tomass Ernests Auziņš (Bronze Award at the 29th International Biology Olympiad); pupil Artems Ubaidullaevs (recognition at the 59th International Mathematical Olympiad), pupil Jana Boļmante (participation in the International German Olympiad). Gratitude for contributing to the preparation of Latvian pupils for the International GENUS Olympiad was given to the Researcher of the Institute of Technology of Organic Chemistry (ITOC) of FMSAC Krista Suta.
October 29
With the decision of Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 623) Institute of Mechanics (IM) and Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IME) of FMETA was reorganized and their obligations and rights were taken over by the newly established structural unit – Institute of Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering.
October 31
November 5–9
RTU delegation under the leadership of Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis attended five institutions of university educations – Kyungpook National University (Daegu, Korea), Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taipei, Taiwan), WuFeng University (Chiayi, Taiwan), Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong, China) to sign a cooperation agreements, discuss the success of the cooperation and mark new opportunities.
November 7
RTU ranked 801st+ place in the new rating «Times Higher Education», which evaluates university performance in natural science.
November 8
RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis at Hong Kong City University in China received the «World Cultural Council» award for contributing education.
November 12–15
November 16
Senior Researcher of the Institute of Applied Chemistry of FMSAC Kristaps Māliņš received the highest award of the Jelgava Region – Honorary Diploma.
November 17
The Director of Institute of Transport Infrastructure Engineering of FCE, the Head of Department of Roads and Bridges Professor Dr. sc. ing. Ainārs Paeglītis received the Cross of Recognition, III Class. Head of RTU Defence and Military Technology Research Centre, Chief of Intelligence Division of the National Guard Student Battalion of the Latvian National Guard, Head of the National Guard Science, Research and Innovation Implementation Center Captain Juris Ķiploks received the Order of Viesturs, V Class.
November 21
The Cabinet of Ministers (CM) of the Republic of Latvia decided to reorganized Mechanics and Technology College of Olaine by joining to RTU from 1 July 2019.
November 29
Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) at Autumn General Meeting elected FMSAC Professor Valdis Kokars as Academician and choose Senior Researcher of FMSAC Jānis Ločs and Dean of FET Professor Jurģis Poriņš as LAS Corresponding Members.
In November
December 6
RTU EHS received the LAS Award in Education and Science – Honorary title of Cicerone.
December 10
Professor Aivars Vilnis Krastiņš, Director of the Institute of International Business and Customs (IIBC) of FEEM was awarded with the State Revenue Service (SRS) Badge of the Honour, Badge of Honour of the First Class for personal contribution to the development of the SRS by establishing and strengthening the customs and tax education system in Latvia.
IIBC of FEEM received Certificate of Recognition for the acknowledgment of long-term cooperation, promoting the achievement of the SRS goals.
SRS also expressed gratitude to Associate Professor of Chair of Customs and Taxes of IIBC Maris Jurušs for participation in elaboration of excise duty gap methodology and conducting research on illegal movement of excise goods, involving students who promote SRS goals.
December 12
December 13
Annual Awards of «Latvenergo» and LAS were awarded to three scientists: Associate Professor of the Institute of Industrial Electronics and Electrical Engineering (IIEE) Pēteris Apse-Apsītis received the LAS Award named by Alfrēds Vītols for outstanding contribution to energetic; Senior Researcher of IIEE of FEEM Jānis Zaķis and Senior Researcher of Scientific Laboratory of Functional Materials Technologies (SLFMT) of FMSAC Andris Šutka acquired the award of «Latvenergo» and LAS for significant contribution to energetics; the young scientists Līga Grase and Poļina Ivanova, who had developed and defended doctoral theses at RTU (2017, 2018) received the 2018 Award for Success in the Energetics; 11 students of RTU (10 from FPEE; one from FMETA) received awards from LAS for successful defending of diplomas.
December 17
By decision of the Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 625), the Centre of Industrial Design and Ergonomics of the Institute of Mechanics of FMETA was liquidated by establishing the Chair of Industrial Design.
December 20
Award of Civil Engineer Guntis Bole was handed to graduate of Faculty of Architecture (FA) Agnija Pastare and to 4th year student of study programme «Heat, Gas and Water Technology» of FCE Raimonds Bogdanovčs at the FA. At the same event the Latvian Regional Architecture Premium of Professor Ivars Strautmanis was awarded to graduate of FA (2018) Luīze Marta Aizpurva.
In December
January 4
The Exhibition #ZinātneLatvijai created by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) was opened at the fashion and entertainment center «Riga Plaza» at 71 Mūkusalas iela. The exhibition was also attended by Senior Researcher of Institute of Telecommunications (IT) of FET Sandis Spolītis, Associate Professor and the Head of the Chair of Environmental Protection and Heat Systems of FPEE Jūlija Gušča, graduate of FMSAC Kristaps Jaudzems and graduate of FMETA Dainis Jakovels.
January 16
Robotics Hobby Group of RTU EHS participated in the largest Festival of Robotics in the world «Robotex» in Tallinn in 2018 gaining the 3rd place in girls competition and outstanding success in other categories of competitions, reaching the top of world ratings.
January 17
The opened competition organized by the RTU Procurement Unit for the construction of the FCSIT building and Public Auditorium Centre at RTU Campus in Ķīpsala was recognized as «Annual Procurement» in 2018.
January 22
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Chile Hernan Bascuñán-Jiménez, third Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Chile Michel Lavin and the Honorary consul of the Republic of Chile to Latvia Marc Fedder attended the RTU.
January 23
The FEEM opened the «Bloomberg» laboratory, giving access to a wide range real-time databases, researches and analysis tools for students and researchers.
January 28
Graduates and teachers of RTU EHS were awarded with the Honorary Diplomas and Medals of the Friendly Call Foundation. In the nomination «Absolvents» for outstanding achievements, Bronze Medal at the International Biology Olympiad in 2018 was awarded to the graduate Ernests Tomass Auziņš; Roberts Pavlovskis was awarded for the gained Gold Medal at the 2018 Economic Olympiad; graduate Vladislavs Aščeulovs was awarded for the gained Bronze Medal at the 2017 International Chemistry Olympiad. Three teachers were awarded in the nomination «Skolotājs»: Biology teacher Dace Bērtule, Economic teacher Uldis Kamols, Chemistry teacher Laura Fjodorova.
January 29
The symbol of FMETA – the gear – was moved from 36 Viskaļu iela to Ķīpsala and placed in front of the building at 6B Āzenes iela.
January 31
In January
February 3
RTU florbolists became champions of the XXIX Universiade of Latvia.
February 4
RTU signed a new contract with the MES on the training of specialists and ensuring the development of scientific activity on the resources of the state budget.
February 8
Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ogre Municipality Egils Helmanis and RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis signed a cooperation agreement, continuing the previously successful cooperation.
February 13
In the Shadow Day, RTU scientists and employees were followed by 180 «shadows». Five «shadows» of RTU scientists also followed by the largest particle physics laboratory – the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland. US Ambassador to Latvia Nancy Bikoff Pettit visited the RTU Design Factory on the Shadow Day.
February 15
The first RTU and RSU joint graduation of bachelor’s professional study program «Medical Engineering and Physics» happened. 12 graduates received a joint diploma of both universities.
February 16
2nd year student sprinter of FMETA Kristaps Sietiņš became a Latvian champion in 60 m sprint hurdle race indoors (7.94) at Kuldīga Latvian Championship in Indoor Athletics and qualified for European Championship.
February 28
The open-type prototyping workshop «theLAB Cēsis» of the regional affiliate of the RTU Design Factory «theLAB» network was officially opened at RTU Cēsis Affiliate.
In February
The 3rd year students of the study program «Material Technology and Design» of the IDT of the FMSAC were evaluated in a competition organized by «Modernists» dedicated to the centenary of «Bauhaus». Paula Kristiāna Kalniņa was recognized as the winner of the competition, the second best was Alise Sietniece and the third – Jānis Martuļevs.
March 1
RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis and 38 scientists from 13 European Union (EU) Member States signed a joint communiqué expressing commitment to make the EU as the world’s strongest community and leader in education, research, innovation, quality and ethical standards by 2050.
March 5
Embassy of India in Sweden and Latvia organized Student Day at RTU.
March 18
RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis during his visit to Italy signed an agreement with Rector University of Trieste Professor Maurizio Fermeglia on co-operation in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biochemistry, medical physics and biotechnology.
March 21
The exhibition «Ķīmisko elementu periodiskā tabula – no Mendeļejeva līdz šodienai (1869–2019)» («The Periodic Table of Chemical Elements – from Mendeleev to Present (1869–2019)») of Mendeleev Tables was opened at FMSAC. The exhibition was a donation to the faculty by the long-standing chemistry teacher of Iecava Secondary School Mihails Gorskis.
March 23
2nd year student Reinis Krauklis of FCE won the final stage of the Badminton Tournament «Victor Latvia GP 2019», which took place at the Salaspils Sports Complex.
March 25
By decision of the Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 628), by reorganising the Department of Maintenance such structures were established: Infrastructure Department and Student Hostel Department; by reorganizing the Administrative Department, Administrative Service Office of the Director of administration was established.
March 26
The conference «Pārmaiņas ilgtspējīgai augstākajai izglītībai» («Changes to Sustainable University Education») dedicated to the future of university education took place at the Scientific Library of RTU, with the participation of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia Ilga Šuplinska and members of the Education, Culture and Science and Sustainable Development Committee of the Saeima.
March 27
March 28
RTU opened a scientific photo exhibition of the CERN at the Liepāja Affiliate, giving an opportunity to learn how the Large Hadron Collider works.
March 31
RTU dance group «Vektors» with concerts at VEF Culture Palace celebrated its 60th anniversary.
In March
April 3
April 4
At the LAS 2019 Spring General Meeting, the new scientist of the ITOC of FMSAC Armands Sebris on the master’s thesis « Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Amorphous Purine-Azole Conjugates» received LAS Emīlija Gudriniece Prize in chemistry and technology of chemistry.
April 8
On 8 April 2019, President of the Republic of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis and the Chapter of Orders decided to award the Cross of Recognition for special merits in favour of the State of Latvia: Dean of the FMETA Professor Ēriks Geriņš and Professor of Chair of Theoretical Mechanics and Strength of Materials, Correspondent Member of LAS Jānis Vība; Director of Institute of Inorganic Chemistry of FMSAC, Senior Researcher, Academician of LAS Jānis Grabis. The solemn award ceremony took place on 3 May in Riga Castle.
April 10
Traditional fashion show of ITD of FMSAC «Ķīpsalas pavasaris 2019» («Spring of Ķīpsala 2019») celebrated its 15th anniversary.
April 16
JSC «Augstsprieguma tīkls» concluded a cooperation agreement with RTU and in the lobby of FPEE revealed the exhibition «Moving Energy». On 10 May, the exhibition travelled to Liepāja Affiliate of RTU, where it was opened until 25 May.
April 18
FEEM opened the Customs Control Laboratory.
April 24
RTU, UL, MES, New York State University of Buffalo established a new study program «Computer Science and Organizational Technologies». For the first time, the program is financially supported by the MES, the Ministry of Economics, banks and the IT industry.
April 26
The Senior Researcher of the Institute of Construction Technology of FCE Videvuds Ārijs Lapsa, had been awarded the «Medal for Inventors» of the World Intellectual Property.
April 29
In April
The World Customs Organization (WCO) endorsed the renewed international standards for the profession of customs officers developed at the FEEM IIBC. The WCO expressed its gratitude to RTU for the renewal of the standards.
April 27–May 1
At the Baltic Olympiad in Informatics in Tartu, Estonia, the 11th grade pupil Kārlis Šusters of RTU EHS won the Bronze Medal.
May 9–11
May 16–17
For the first time in the Baltics RTU was hosting an international annual conference «ICAReAlumni 2019» organized by RTU Alumni Association in cooperation with Porto Business School and Centre for Social Studies from Portugal.
May 18
For the first time in the History Museum of Customs and Taxes, FEEM was hosting a Museum Night event, providing a glimpse into the everyday life of custom officers. The event was created in cooperation with the Customs Board of the State Revenue Service and the Bauska Museum.
May 22
May 25
RTU women’s choir «Delta» celebrated its 60th Anniversary with a concert in RTU Great Hall, at 1 Kaļķu iela.
May 27–31
For the first time the 8th International Staff Training week of RTU took place at the RTU RCEH Exhibition Hall at 1 Kronvalda bulvāris.
May 29
FPEE the Institute of Energy Systems and Environment (IESE) received the 1st prize in the category «Urban development. Developing cities resilient to climate change» in the competition of the Ministry of Finance «RegioStars Latvija 2019».
May 31
In anticipation of 60th anniversary, the RTU Men’s Choir «Gaudeamus» was performing in the former Riga Steam Water Pumping Station at 196 Maskavas iela, where no concert has been performed so far.
In May
June 8
RTU vocal group « Jauna nianse » celebrated its 20th anniversary with a concert in the RTU Small Hall, at 1 Kaļķu iela.
June 17–22
Kārlis Rimaševskis, a pupil of RTU EHS, received a Bronze Medal and Uģis Vevers received a recognition at the International Young Scientists’ Competition «Genius Olympiad» in Oswego, New York.
June 17
By decision of the RTU Senate (Minutes No. 631), the title of RT Honorary Doctor was granted to Professor Hidenori Mimura, Director of the Research Institute of Electronics of Shizuoka University (Japan); RTU BALTECH Study Centre was included in the FEEM.
June 20
The third RTU Grand Graduation took place in «Arena Riga».
June 21
FMSAC opened a new laboratory where faculty researchers will work with «Microactivity effi» reactor for the production of liquid fuel components from carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO).
In June
July 2
RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis received a Certificate of Commendation from the President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis. It was awarded for personal contribution to the formation of knowledge society and the development of exact sciences in Latvia.
July 5
RTU was included in the «200+» category in the International European Training Ranking THE (Times Higher Education), which includes all universities ranked in 200–258th place. RTU is included in this rating for the first time.
July 23
RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis meet members of the summer camp – school for talented Latvian students «Alfa» and, inspiring for future challenges in engineering, presented a book about RTU Honorary Member Mikhail Dolivo-Dobrovolsky.
In July
For the eighth year in a row from the employers RTU has been admitted as the most highly recommended university in Latvia.
August 3–11
The International Exhibition Centre BT1, in Ķīpsala, hosted the largest international chess festival in Northern Europe, «RTU Open 2019», the winner of whom was Latvian chess player Igors Kovaļenko.
August 4–11
Kārlis Šusters, a pupilof RTU EHS, won a bronze medal at the 31st International Olympiad in Informatics in Baku (Azerbaijan) along the 325 participants.
August 9
August 24
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Baltic Way, RTU men’s choir «Gaudeamus» under the direction of Ivars Cinkuss participated in a largescale concert «Saule. Pērkons. Daugava» («Sun. Thunder. Daugava») in the Likteņdārzā (the Garden of Destinies). One of the creators of the concert program was I. Cinkuss. The President of Latvia Egils Levits also attend the event.
August 29
Solemnly the new building of FMETA at 6B Ķīpsalas iela was officially opened (the FCE was located at previously renovated building). Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia Ilga Šuplinska participatd in the opening ceremony. The Minister of Economics of the Republic of Latvia Ralfs Nemiro visited the RTU Campus.
August 30
September 1
October 6
October 10
The first RTU History Day and the 58th International Scientific Conference of the Section of History of Engineering Sciences and Institutions of Higher Educations was held. A new Exposition Hall of RTU RCEH was opened at 1 Kronvalda Boulevard, as well as the 5th book of the historystudy «Augstākās tehniskās izglītības vēsture» («History of Higher Technical
Education») and the first volume of scientific articles of RTU RCEH were presented.
October 11
RTU Administration, staff and students put flowers in the final resting places of the deceased rectors of university in Rīga Great Cemetery, Meža Cemetery and Matīsa Cemetery.
October 14
October 19
Vice-President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh visited RTU.
November 2
British Embassy’s Defence Attache to Republic of Latvia Mark Sapsford visited RTU.
November 14
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Latvia Hanan Khalfan Al Aleeli visited RTU.
November 15
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Chile to Republic of Latvia Jose Goni visited RTU.
November 17
Professor of FMSAC of RTU Andris Ozols received the The Certificate of Recognition of the Cabinet of Ministers.
November 18
Head of the RTU Culture Centre Asja Visocka received the Cross of Recognition, IV Class.
November 23
November 28
New RTU magazine «Innovation» was founded.
In November
RTU became a full Member of the Association of European Network for Academic Integrity.
December 1
Practical Associate Professor of the Institute of Design Technologies of FMSAC Juris Emsiņš received the highest award of the forest and timber industry «Zelta čiekurs» («Golden Pine Cone»), the Certificate of Recognition of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Honorary diploma and the chest badge «Zelta sēkliņa» («Golden Seed»).
December 14
December 18
Professor Elīna Gaile-Sarkane was elected as Chair of the Senate of RTU for the second term, Associate Professor Jānis Kaminskis was elected as Deputy Chair.
In December
January 11
For the first time New Employees’ Day took place.
January 13
First Lady of Japanese Prime Minister Akie Abe visitied the RTU and EHS of RTU.
In January
RTU students who graduated from the University in winter 2017/2018, for the first time in the history of Latvia received diploma annexes in electronic form.
February 7
The student of the FPEE Patriks Gailums was recognized as the best young athlete of the year (U-20) in Latvia.
February 11
The 2nd year student of the FMETA Artūrs Dārzieks, took the 24th place in luge racing at the XXIII Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea (KOR).
February 16
February 20
The Exposition Hall of the RTU RCEH held an exhibition «Three countries. Three centenaries. Three architects», dedicated to the centenary of the Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
March 9
The first festive event of presenting students of the 12th grade of EHS of RTU with the school badges took place.
March 13
RTU RCEH launced perennial Professor of FPEE Jēkabs Barkāns’ book «Noklusētās sāpes» («Hidden Pain»).
March 27
Vice Mayor Zhang Gong of Beijing (PRC) and President of the Beijing International Studies University (BISU) Ji Jinbiao visited RTU.
April 11
The artistic director of the RTU mixed choir «Vivere» Gints Ceplenieks was awarded the Annual Award «Baltais zvirbulis» («The White Sparrow ») of the Education, Culture and Sports Department of Riga City Council.
April 12
April 19
April 23
With the decision of the Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 619), the Student Services Department, which includes the Admission Commission and the Division of Career Development and Services, was established.
April 27
RTU Alumni Association presented a new digital platform «RTUconnect» at the Alumni Party.
May14
«The CERN – Science Accelerator» exhibition organized by RTU was opened at the Latvian National Library, with the aim of raising the awareness of the Latvian public about the importance of Latvia’s accession to the European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN), as well as educating the public about innovative technologies and promoting interest in the
field of exact sciences.
May 21
The Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 620), on the bases of the decisions of the Faculty Council, confirmed the following positions: Dean of the FCSIT – Professor Agris Ņikitenko (from 02.07.2018); Dean of the FMSAC – Professor Māris Turks (from 02.07.2018).
May 22
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Latvia Jeong-Kyu Lee visited RTU.
May 29
Universities of the Baltic States signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the European CERN in Geneva. The CERN Baltic Group was officially established, which included all the major regional universities – Riga Technical University, University of Latvia, Riga Stradiņš University, Kaunas University of Technology, Vilnius University, Estonian National Institute of Biochemistry, Tallinn University of Technology and Tartu University. RTU Professor and Research Assistant of CERN Toms Torims was elected Head of the CERN Baltic Group.
In May
RTU student teams «Riga Airmobile» and «Riga Fresh» won two silver and one bronze medal at the International Pneumobil Races in the Egra city in Hungary.
June 2
The Vidzeme Invention and Innovation Festival «Minox» took place in Cēsis Affiliate of RTU.
June 8
Delegation of the Saxony-Anhalt (Federal Republic of Germany) Landtag Committee on Science, Economics and Digitization visited RTU.
June 15
Researcher of FCE Aleksandrs Zajacs receives prize of LAS and «Latvijas Gāze» for research on heat supply systems.
June 18–20
The 4th World Congress of Latvian Scientists took place in Latvia, with the participation of RTU scientists.
June 20
The «Siemens» Laboratory of Controllers was opened in the FET.
June 21
In «Arēna Rīga» («Arena Riga»), the second RTU Grand Graduation Party takes place, where for the first time, together with bachelors and masters, the young doctoral students who had defended their doctoral theses in 2017 were also welcomed. RTU diplomas were received by 1392 bachelors and masters, as well as 35 young doctors.
June 22–24
The 18th Baltic Student Song and Dance Festival «Gaudeamus» takes place Tartu, Estonia. The following are represented from the RTU: the choirs «Delta», «Gaudeamus» and «Vivere», the groups of young and middle-aged people in Folk Dance Ensemble «Vektors».
June 30
The first Graduation Party of EHS of RTU was held in RTU Great Hall, at 1 Kaļķu Street. President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis, the Minister of Education and Science Kārlis Šadurskis, as well as the supporters of the secondary school, participated in it.
June 30–July 8
XXVI Nationwide Latvian Song Festival and XVI Dance Festival took place. The following RTU collectives participated: female choir «Delta», mixed choir «Vivere», male choir «Gaudeamus», vocal ensemble «Jauna nianse», Folk Dance Ensemble «Vektors», brass band «SPO», student theatre «Kamertonis», post-folk music group «Daba san». RTU Rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis participated in the festive opening procession.
In June
RTU for the first time was included in platinum category of «Ilgtspējas indekss» («Sustainability Index») of Latvian enterprises.
July 1
The Dean’s Office of the FMETA started operating in the Laboratory Building, Room 303, at 1 Paula Valdena Street 1, Ķīpsala.
July 3
Latvian Honorary Consuls from 55 countries visited RTU.
In July
For the seventh year in a row, RTU was named the most recommended higher education institution in the survey of employers, which had been compiled by the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia in cooperation with the career and education portal prakse.lv.
August 29
The President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis to the representatives of the EHS of RTU presented Atis Kronvalds Foundation Award «Lielā Pūce» («Great Owl») in the Best Small School Rating. The president also presents acknowledgement to the representatives of the High School for the third place in the Foundation’s created Star Rating, which includes schools whose students have had the best performances at international educational Olympiads.
August 31
The traditional meeting of RTU Rector with teaching staff and employees of RTU at the beginning of new study year.
September 1
In accordance with the decision of the Senate of RTU on 21 March, the new graphic identity of RTU came into force.
September 2
The Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management (FEEM) celebrates its 50th Anniversary with an event honouring employees at 1 Kaļķu Street.
October 1
Reception of the Dean of FEEM and solemn event takes place at the Culture Palace «Ziemeļblāzma», dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the faculty.
October 13
RTU Design Factory is officially opened.
October 14
The events of RTU 154th Anniversary:
October 20
The Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSIT) celebrates its 55th Anniversary.
October 21
RTU Riga Business School celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
October 22
The 50th anniversary of the renewed Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunication (FET) is celebrated with a discussion of physics and interest education teachers and the solemn opening of the renovated building.
October 27
The new branch of the Health Center-4 – RTU Health Centre – Is opened in the premises of Ķīpsala Swimming Pool.
March 11
The fifth graduation of doctoral students is taking place in RTU Great Hall, at 1 Kaļķu Street. 50 young scientists who received their doctoral degree in 2016 receive doctoral diplomas.
April 1
The Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning is renamed the Faculty of Architecture (the decision of Senate of RTU on 20 February 2017, Minutes No. 607).
April 21
The Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 609) decides to create the position of the Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and, as of 2 May 2017, to approve Artūra Zeps, previous Deputy Rector for Development, in the position.
April 29
RTU men’s volleyball team «RTU/Robežsardze» becomes Latvian champions for the second year in a row.
May 12–14
Sintija Pastare, a graduate of the Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry (FMSAC), becomes the European champion in the European Open Weightlifting Championship, at the same time reaching a new Latvian record in her weight category (up to 63 kg).
May 25
RTU Professor Jurijs Merkurjevs in the solemn meeting, is honoured with the award of Eižens Āriņš in Computer Science 2017, which is rewarded for a significant theoretical contribution to the development of Latvian computer science.
May 26–28
RTU swimmers correct four national records in the 93rd Latvian Championship – 50 m in the breaststroke (N. Maskaļenko), 100 m in the breaststroke (D. Bobrovs), 200 m in the breaststroke (D. Bobrovs) and 4 x 200 m in the freestyle swim (D. Bobrovs, G. Feldbergs together with team members).
May 29
The Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 610):
June 1
June 2
The opening ceremony of the book «Dejas inženieris» dedicated to the life of Uldis Šteins, the long-term Artistic Director of the RTU Folk Dance Ensemble «Vektors» and the Head of the Latvian Dance Festival, is taking place at the Culture Palace «Ziemeļblāzma».
June 15
Commemorative medals of Pauls Valdens are awarded to professors of the Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry Ērika Bizdēna, Mārtiņš Kalniņš, Valdis Kokars and chemistry historian Uldis Alksnis.
June 26
The Senate of RTU (Minutes No. 611), based on the decisions of the faculties’ councils’ confirms:
June 30
For the first time in the history of Latvia and RTU, a joint graduation of all nine RTU faculties and a gathering of graduates is taking place in the arena «Rīga» – it is one of the events of the 155th Anniversary of RTU, bringing together about 6000 people.
In June
RTU at «OS World University Ranking 2018» enters 2.5% among the best universities in the world. Among employers, RTU is recognized as the 193rd best in the world.
July 1
With the decision of the Senate of RTU on 27 May 2017 (Minutes No. 608) the Chair of Sports and the Sports Club terminate their activities as independent structural units, joining the RTU Sports Centre.
July 7–8
The first gathering of foreign graduates takes place.
In July
For the second year in a row, RTU Engineering High School wins the first place in the ranking of the best small schools created by the Atis Kronvalds Foundation and keeps the traveling award «Lielā Pūce» for another year.