CONFERENCE
“We are profoundly moved and grateful to the patron for the selfless donation, which has grown this year, creating even wider opportunities for support of science and education. This is the highest assessment of the UL Foundation’s performance and affirmation of great trust in the future work of the foundation. The close cooperation for 14 years, based on the patron’s profound appreciation of the potential held by capable students and researchers, has brought tangible results – “MikroTik” scholars teach science subjects in schools, scientists have been able to develop ideas until they are introduced to the market, while cutting-edge equipment in the UL laboratories enables attracting additional funding and engagement in world-class projects,” says Zaiga Pūce, head of the UL Foundation.
Since 2011, the Platinum Patron of the UL Foundation has been continuously supporting UL student scholarships, research projects and the purchase of research equipment, the donated funds to date comprise more than 8.6 million euro. 130 research projects in various fields have been supported, including the purchase of equipment. The donations of the patron company have enabled UL researchers to develop unique solutions, for example, an innovative approach to examination of children’s reading disorders using the diagnostic method of assessing fine eye movements, a new research to determine the characteristics of human metabolism and high-level cell biology, development of an accurate prediction model that will help doctors better understand the progression of multiple sclerosis, studies of long-term complications of Covid-19, the behaviour of malignant cells, the work on the world’s first high-performance in situ magnetic optical density measurement equipment, developing of unique, innovative materials in the Baltics, conducting research on the quantum properties of nanoelectronic devices, as well as many others.
167 aspiring students have received scholarships to study in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes. The initiative of the patron made it possible to launch a scholarship programme for future science teachers in 2023. In addition to providing the financial support, it offers students the opportunity to get to know the teaching profession in a real learning environment. This approach helps to reduce the shortage of science teachers in Latvian schools, which is one of the principal challenges in the national education system.
“This year, the hallmark of the festive season at the University of Latvia is the generous gift from our steadfast patron, the company “Mikrotīkls”. This investment will significantly advance our research environment and scientists, as well as promote the creation of new discoveries and technological solutions. The continuous, substantial support granted by the patron confirms that cooperation between academia and business is an essential prerequisite for the targeted development of Latvia’s human capital and innovation potential,” emphasizes UL Rector, Professor Gundars Bērziņš.
SIA “Mikrotīkls”, known internationally as “MikroTik” and founded in 1996, is a Latvian network equipment manufacturing company. It develops and produces computer network management tools, including software and routers. The company’s equipment is distributed worldwide to Internet service providers, companies and individual users.
About UL Foundation
UL Foundation was established in 2005 with the aim of promoting cooperation with the current and prospective patrons and cooperation partners of UL. The tasks of UL Foundation encompass fundraising and providing support to the most outstanding UL students, scientists, their projects and research, enabling creation of a modern learning environment, as well as contributing to construction and renovation of the University of Latvia buildings. By investing in the future of Latvia, UL Foundation works to strengthen the University’s ties with society and promote the sustainable, competitive development of the academic environment in Latvia.
 Foundation has received a generous donation of one million euro from SIA “Mikrotīkls” – its committed patron and supporter of science and education. This complements the company’s annual support to the UL Foundation – the million euro received this spring for advancement of studies and research. Consequently, the annual donation of the patron this year has extensively increased – the total amount of the donation for the support of natural, technological and medical sciences has reached 2 007 913.98 euro.){kind=link}