LU konference
“With the financial support of the EU Structural Funds, the first of the buildings will soon be finished. However, to implement the ambitious project state and private funding is also needed. This is one of the most significant educational and scientific infrastructure projects since the renewal of Latvia’s independence in 1991. The new UL complex would be the most valuable gift to the whole nation marking the 100th anniversary of Latvia and of the University,” says Prof. Mārcis Auziņš, UL Rector.
The university complex at 1 Jelgavas Street, Riga will provide contemporary, functional and progressive environment for students, professors, and scientists. In future there may also be an ecumenical church.
The construction works started in March, and the foundation stone and time capsule with a message for next generations were ceremonially laid at the end of May. Auditoriums, seminar rooms, and library will be placed on seven floors. On the top floor there will be a research laboratory and a seminar room looking over Old Riga and the National Library of Latvia. The wind generators on the roof will serve an alternative energy source in addition to smart house system installed in the building. (Smart house system is more essential in saving energy and achieving sustainability)
The Centre of Natural Sciences will become home for faculties of Biology, Chemistry, Medicine, Geography and Earth Sciences as well as the Department of Optometry and Optical Science. Students will have an opportunity to complement the study process with scientific activities in the Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology and the Institute of Chemical Physics. Moreover, laboratories of the following six national research centres will also be located in the building: National Research Centre of Technologies of Acquisition and Sustainable Use of Energy and Environmental Resources, National Research Centre of Pharmacy and Biomedicine, National Research Centre of Use of Agricultural Resources and Food Technologies, National Research Centre of Forest and Water Resources, National Research Centre of Nanostructured and Multifunctional Materials, Structures and Technologies, and National Research Centre of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
New research centres, such as Research Centre of Humanitarian and Social sciences, Research Centre for Life and Health Sciences, and others, will be established during the upcoming project stages. The Academic Centre will also provide student service and recreational facilities, student hotels, sports centre, and ecumenical church. The construction works are scheduled to be finished by 2023, bringing together 15 thousand students.
