Latvian Academy of Sciences

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Latvian Academy of Sciences ( Latvian Latvijas Zinātņu akadēmija , LZA for short ) is the highest scientific institution in Latvia . More than 300 Latvian and international scientists in the natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities are members. The institution is financed and supported by the state. The main building, designed by the architect Osvalds Tīlmanis , was a gift from the Soviet Union in 1961 as a Palace of Culture and Science . With 21 floors, it is considered to be the first high-rise in Latvia.

activities

The task of the academy is to conduct research and to prepare reports so that the next generations can acquire knowledge of the national culture, language, folklore, literature as well as social and economic experiences. The academy holds meetings and plenary assemblies. Awards and grants are given. Current Latvian scientific and cultural problems are in the foreground in the scientific work in the various departments.

history

After Latvia gained independence in 1918, despite debates and preparatory work, a science academy was not founded. The Academy of Sciences of the Latvian SSR was established on February 14, 1946. At that time there were 3 offices and 12 research facilities. The first members included Jānis Endzelīns (linguistics), Pēteris Nomals (swamp specialist), A. Kalniņš (forestry), Pauls Stradinš (medicine), Augusts Kirhenšteins (microbiology), A. Krūmiņš and E. Štālbergs (architecture), Paulis Lejiņš (agriculture) and Andrejs Upīts (literature). 5 of the 13 first full members were members of the communist party. Some emigrated scientists were also represented. In the 1950s, some "political cleansing" took place to ensure the party's influence. In 1988 the academy had 8,090 employees and was a leader in the fields of environment and exact science.

The Academy has published the Zinātnes Vēstnesis magazine since 1989 . In 1990 the name was changed to its current name. With the renewed Latvian independence, the staffing of the academy also changed: the leading positions were filled by Latvians. Since February 14, 1992, the Scientific Society has a new charter and status. The Latvian Academy of Sciences is a member of the International Science Council (ICSU) and the All European Academies (ALLEA). The adoption of the Law “On Scientific Activity” in 2007 ended the process of reorganization of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.

structure

The academy has 100 full academic members, 50 corresponding members, 50 honorary members and 100 foreign scientists. As part of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, under the direction of Rrof. N. Balabkin has an overseas office in New York . The President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences is Juris Ekmanis .

The structure of the board

  • Supervisory Board of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LZA Uzraudzības padome)
    • Administration of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LZA Valde)
      • Presidium of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LZA Prezidijs)
        • Senate of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LZA Senate)

Departments

  • Physical-technical department
  • Department of Chemistry, Biology and Medicine
  • Humanities and Social Sciences Department
  • Agriculture and Forestry Department
  • Scientific, technological research center
  • Terminology Commission
  • Center for European Programs
  • Council for the award of the title of «emeritus»
  • Foreign branch
  • Building management

Honourings and prices

  • Great Medal of the Latvian Academy of Sciences
  • Prize for young scientists
  • Friedrich Zander Prize for Technology and Mechanics (F. Candera balva)
  • Ludvig and Māris Jansons Prize for Young Physicists (Ludviga un Māra Jansonu balva)
  • Annual award of the company "Grindex"
  • Scientist award of the company «Aldaris»
  • Eižens Āriņš Prize for Computer Science (Eižena Āriņa balva)
  • Walter Zapp Prize for Inventions (Valtera Capa balva)

Former Chair

Web links

Commons : High-rise of the Latvian Academy of Sciences  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

literature