Proud moment! LBTU professor and doctor of economics Irina Pilvere receives the Prime Minister's Certificate of Appreciation

When Professor Irina Pilvere was appointed rector of LBTU in 2014, it marked the beginning of a new phase in the university’s rich history and its ongoing development. The year 2020 was a milestone for research at the university, as all three of its scientific directions – bioeconomics, engineering sciences, and social sciences – participated in international scientific evaluations. Data compiled by the Ministry of Education and Science regarding the number and quality of scientific publications in the Web of Science database clearly shows that LBTU is the leading university in Latvia in the field of bioeconomics.

In 2021, amendments to the Higher Education Law came into effect, bringing systemic changes to higher education, including defining university typologies, strategic specializations, and a new governance model. Importantly, based on the criteria outlined in the law, LBTU was able to qualify as a research university. Moreover, LBTU is the only research university outside of Riga.

Originally, the university’s foundation and core were built around one sector of the economy – agriculture, which had been reflected in the university’s name for more than 80 years. Over the past decades, the university has purposefully developed as a multidisciplinary research university, where its identity is defined not by a single sector of the economy, but by natural resources and their sustainable use across various sectors of the economy. On May 18, 2022, the Latvian Agricultural University adopted a new name – the Latvian University of Bioeconomics and Technology, while maintaining its existing academic programs and setting its sights on new fields of study.

In 2023, the LBTU Council decided to reorganize the university. By merging eight faculties, five new ones were established. This reorganization was carried out to ensure good and effective governance and to promote the development of interdisciplinary study and research areas. In 2023, the university’s development strategy for 2023–2027 was approved, with the vision that LBTU is a modern, nationally and internationally recognized research university – a leader in bioeconomics and related sectors’ innovations and sustainable natural resource management in the Baltic Sea region.

It is worth noting that the most significant LBTU facility is Jelgava Castle, where energy efficiency and façade restoration works began in 2016 and were completed by the end of 2020. Such substantial investments in the castle had not been made under the leadership of any other rector since the roof was replaced last century. This is a significant contribution not only to the university’s future but also a tribute to the cultural heritage that LBTU has inherited from previous generations. Responsibility for society's important values and the creation of a cultural environment are among the university's priorities, alongside scientific and academic work. The work done at the castle is the result of Professor Pilvere’s targeted leadership and involvement.

In addition, other university buildings (student hostels, faculty buildings) in Jelgava are also being renovated annually, enhancing the city environment and making it more attractive to both residents and visitors.

Under Professor Irina Pilvere's leadership, LBTU has gained strong positions not only in Latvia but also internationally, largely facilitated by activities in organizations such as the European University Association (EUA), the European Life Sciences Universities Association (ICA), the Baltic University Programme (BUP), and the Baltic Network of Agricultural, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine Universities (BOVA), among others, representing the university on the international stage and utilizing collaboration as a resource for its development.

Professor Irina Pilvere has previously been awarded the Latvian Agricultural University (LLU) Certificate of Appreciation, the LLU Emblem Silver Medal, the II Class Order of the Three Stars, the Cabinet of Ministers Certificate of Appreciation, and the Jelgava City "Honorary Badge."

The LBTU community congratulates Professor Irina Pilvere on this prestigious award!

The article’s photograph is from the Ministry of Agriculture’s website.