Professor Mārcis Auziņš elected to chair the UL Foundation's Council

“A society is characterized by its values. The mission of the UL Foundation is to promote patronage in education and science. By providing support to students and researchers, we advance the development of science and education in Latvia, while strengthening the understanding that a smart society is the foundation of our future and prosperity,” says Professor Mārcis Auziņš, Chair of the UL Foundation’s Council.

The UL Foundation’s Council implements the strategy, determines long-term development directions and monitors the foundation’s activities, ensuring compliance with the UL values. The Council’s tasks include supervision of the UL Foundation’s financial situation, as vell as promoting cooperation with patrons, alumni and partners. The Chair of the Council leads the work of the Council, promotes targeted and transparent decision-making and represents the foundation in strategically important relations with the parties involved.

“The founder of the UL Foundation is the only classical, comprehensive university in Latvia, and our activities are dedicated to promoting academic excellence. Therefore, the extensive proficiency of Professor Mārcis Auziņš, which includes work in leading administrative positions, will be a significant contribution to the foundation’s activities. His diverse experience and broad vision will help in setting and implementing the foundation’s future goals. I am truly grateful for the competent and knowledgeable Chair of the Council!” conveys Zaiga Pūce, Head of the UL Foundation and Board Member.

Prof. Auziņš is a recognized scientist in Latvia and abroad, a full member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences and an academically highly regarded personality, a former rector of the University of Latvia and a long-time member of the UL Foundation Board, as well as the author of several books that take the reader on journeys into the world of science, the history of civilization and religion, while explaining the basic issues of physics and the role of science in contemporary society.

As previously reported, on 15 December 2025, upon the expiration of the term of office of the current Board, the UL Council approved the UL Foundation’s Council, which is composed of UL Professor Mārcis Auziņš, sworn attorney, managing partner of the law firm “COBALT” Lauris Liepa, co-owner and member of the council of “Signet Bank” Irīna Pīgozne, while member of the Board Zaiga Pūce will ensure operational work. The Council and the Board have been appointed for the term of three years.

In 2025, the UL Foundation raised donations in the amount of almost 2.9 million euro. The patrons have enabled 312 students of various study fields and programmes from various universities to receive UL Foundation scholarships in 2025, with more than 630 thousand euro dedicated to this purpose. Meanwhile, investments in supporting UL research projects and purchasing research equipment during the past year exceeded 1.5 million euro.