Plenary Session on Creation of National University Opens 72nd UL Scientific Conference

Bolin was awarded a PhD degree at Lund University, Sweden, in 1990 and pursued his academic career at Södertörn University specializing in 19th century social history of Great Britain and Sweden. Later, the Baltics became his field of interest. For the last 15 years, the professor has been investigating the history of the Baltics, particularly, 20th century history of Latvia and Lithuania. In 2012, the findings of Bolin’s investigation were published in the monograph Between National and Academic Agendas: Ethnic Policies and ‘National Disciplines’ at the University of Latvia, 1919-1940, published. Bolin’s presentation depicted the challenges surrounding the creation of the University of Latvia, which gained its current name in 1922. The majority of the academic staff of Riga Polytechnic Institute, consisting largely of Baltic Germans, had returned to Latvia by 1919. Creating the Latvian National University involved a large number of dilemma, for example, deciding if the professoriate should be based on ethnicity or rather academic excellence. The annual UL Scientific Conference facilitates the exchange of research findings, ideas and thoughts among scientists, lecturers, students and guests. This exchange is part and parcel of scientific activity. The UL Scientific Conferences have taken place regularly since 1945. Activities of the 72^nd UL Conference are organized in six Plenary Sessions, 123 sectional meetings and 13 exhibitions. UL scientists, lecturers and guests will deliver 1,577 papers on natural sciences, 825 papers on social sciences and 512 papers on the humanities. Anyone interested is welcome to participate in the Conference events.

Translated by students of the professional study programme Translator of the University of Latvia.