On 14 October 2008, several solemn events took place to mark the 146th Anniversary of the establishment of Riga Technical University (RTU) and the 50th Anniversary of the renewal of Riga Polytechnic Institute (RPI). President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers made a solemn speech at the plenary session of the enlarged Senate, which continued as the plenary session of the 49th RTU International Conference.
RTU Vice-Rector for Research Academician Leonīds Ribickis shared his thoughts on the role of science and scientists in the further growth of Riga Technical University, while Honorary Member of RTU Academician Jānis Stradiņš reported on the beginnings of Riga’s technical intelligence.