Academic Centre
In 2020, the first contest for the Vitauts Tamužs Award was held. In his will, the academician bequeathed 5000 euros to support young researchers in the field of materials science. In order to support and encourage Latvian scientists’ research in the mechanics of composite materials, the UL Foundation established the Vitauts Tamužs Award for the best annual publication in the journal Mechanics of Composite Materials (MCM). The prize is administered by the UL Foundation from funds donated by academician Vitauts Tamužs. The prize goes to RTU researcher Līva Pupure.
The patron is known as an eminent Latvian scientist, academician and pioneer in fostering the study of mechanics of composite materials among Latvian scholars. His work, discoveries and the specialists he trained continue to contribute to the development of materials science at a global level.
V. Tamužs completed his studies in mechanics at the then prestigious Moscow State University with honours. He continued his career in Latvia, managing one of the laboratoriesof the Institute of Polymer Mechanics of the University of Latvia and working with students. Between 1975 and 2000, V. Tamužs authored or co-authored six monographs and publishedabout 300 articles in various scientific journals, thus leaving a valuable legacy for futureresearchers in the field of mechanics of composite materials.
The scholarship winner, Līva Pupure, is very honoured to receive the Vitauts Tamužs Award. "The conference "Mechanics of Composite Materials" in Jūrmala, organised by the Patron,was the first that I attended when starting my career in science and his contribution to Latvianscience is still felt to this day - this award is a great example of it. The financial support will definitely help me to continue to develop both in the scientific field and personally. My work is most productive when both sides are in harmony."
About the University of Latvia Foundation
Since 2004, it has provided patrons and cooperation partners with the opportunity to invest in Latvia's future, supporting both UL and other leading Latvian universities. The priorities of the UL Foundation are to support the best students, researchers and the projects and research they lead, to promote the creation of a modern learning environment, as well as to ensure the construction and reconstruction of university buildings.
