“I am truly delighted to congratulate two outstanding young researchers whose master’s theses demonstrate a high standard of academic excellence, and, furthermore, the ability to analyse issues of real importance to society and the economy. This scholarship recognises their achievements to date, and I hope it will encourage them to continue their research journey with curiosity, confidence and a commitment to using their knowledge to help build a wiser and stronger Latvia," said Professor Inna Šteinbuka, the founder of the scholarship, at the award ceremony.
Viktorija Prituļaka is a diplomatic interpreter, ethnomusicologist and sociolinguist from Ukraine who has become an active member of Latvian society and researches language policy in Latvia and Ukraine.
“It is a great honour to receive Professor Inna Šteinbuka’s Anniversary Scholarship. This award is not only a valuable recognition of the work I have invested, but also an affirmation that research has genuine value for society. It inspires me to continue exploring important public policy issues and to seek evidence-based solutions. Successful integration is not merely a matter of social policy – it is also a prerequisite for sustainable economic development, a competitive labour market and a resilient society,” said Viktorija Prituļaka in expressing her gratitude for the award.
In her master’s thesis, “The Role of Latvia’s Official Language Policy in the Integration of Ukrainian Civilians: The Normative Framework and Its Implementation in Latvia (2022–2026)”, the scholarship recipient examined the role of Latvia’s official language policy in the integration of Ukrainian civilians. The thesis offers an assessment of the ways how the regulatory framework governing language policy and its practical implementation influence the integration of Ukrainian civilians into the labour market, the education system and public life.
The findings of Viktorija Prituļaka’s research indicate that language policy is an essential instrument of integration. However, its effectiveness is constrained by challenges in institutional coordination, fragmented policy implementation, and language-learning provision that is insufficiently tailored to the needs of Ukrainian civilians. At the same time, the study offers a conclusion that learning the Latvian language contributes to practical integration into society, and, moreover – to fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening social cohesion. Viktorija’s thesis was supervised by Professor Iveta Reinholde, Dr. sc. pol., of the University of Latvia.
Ance Nonberga received the recognition of Professor Inna Šteinbuka and the evaluation committee for her master’s thesis “A Comparative Analysis of the Efficiency of Riga International Airport.” In her thesis, she analyses the key operational performance indicators of medium-sized European airports over the period from 2015 to 2024. The aim of the study was to assess the efficiency of these airports and determine their relative positions in comparison with other European airports of a similar profile.
The topic was chosen to provide a better understanding of the factors affecting the operational efficiency of medium-sized airports in an environment of growing competition and ongoing development. The findings demonstrate that the efficiency of medium-sized European airports is determined not only by their internal operational processes, but also by external market conditions and wider developments within the aviation sector. Ance’s thesis was supervised by Professor Baiba Šavriņa, Dr. oec., of the University of Latvia.
The scholarship recipients were congratulated by Zaiga Pūce, Head of UL Foundation, and Professor Gundars Bērziņš, Rector of UL, encouraging the young researchers to continue their studies at doctoral level and contribute to the advancement of higher education and research in Latvia.
The outstanding master’s theses were selected for the award by a committee comprising Professor Jānis Priede, Dean of UL Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Professor Iveta Reinholde, Professor Margarita Dunska, Professor Inna Šteinbuka, and Professor Ērika Šumilo.
The Professor Inna Šteinbuka Scholarship was established in 2022 to mark the professor’s milestone anniversary, with the aim of supporting talented economics students with a strong commitment to research who demonstrate excellence in their academic and research achievements. The scholarship is awarded in cooperation with UL Foundation on the basis of the students’ academic performance and the quality of their master’s theses.
