Photo: Toms Grīnbergs, UL Communication Department

With the beginning of October, the newly appointed deans of the faculties of the University of Latvia (UL) – Jānis Priede, Dace Balode, Linda Daniela, Edvīns Danovskis and Kristaps Jaudzems – embark upon their duties. Deans of faculties are appointed for the next four years.

“I believe that the newly appointed deans, with their experience and strategic vision, will promote the development of the faculties, as well as strengthen the academic and scientific excellence of UL. I am sure that under their leadership we will continue to improve the quality of studies and research, promote innovation and cooperation with the industry and society,” emphasized Rector Gundars Bērziņš. 

Professor Jānis Priede has been appointed to the position of dean of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences (FESS) 

 

The new dean Professor Jānis Priede prioritizes ensuring a student- and lecturer-centred study process. To offer students a unique study experience in a modern environment and to prepare them for future professional challenges, the dean intends to integrate artificial intelligence tools into the study process. A gradual introduction of the basic and additional degree (major and minor) approach to studies is also planned, thus providing students with wider growth and career opportunities. 

 

Professor Dace Balode has been appointed to the position of dean of the Faculty of Humanities (FH)  

   

Contemplating the changes at UL and expressing gratitude to all colleagues for their accomplishments, also through the prism of the book by Janīna Kursīte, Dace Balode opened the solemn session of UL Senate: “Consolidation is much more than external changes, new faculties alone do not mean that we have automatically created a new sense of belonging and a new identity of the University. Perhaps, it is yet in a bud – in our good will to form collegial cooperation with each other. Yet, at the same time, a lot has been accomplished.” 

 

Professor Linda Daniela has been appointed to the position of dean of the Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology (FESP)  

   

Professor Linda Daniela has held the position of dean for four years and has made a significant contribution to the development of the faculty, the modernization of the educational environment, the updating of the technology-enriched teaching process, as well as the training of pedagogues. The professor is the chairwoman of the UL Doctoral Council of Education Sciences, an author and co-author of more than 120 scientific publications on processes in all dimensions of education, and several educational technology laboratories have been developed at UL under her leadership. In 2022, Professor L. Daniela was included in the list of the world’s top 2% of most influential scientists published by Stanford University. 

 

Associate Professor Edvīns Danovskis has been appointed to the position of dean of the Faculty of Law (FL)  

   

The duties of the dean’s office are commenced by Associate Professor E. Danovskis served since the spring of 2024. Associate Professor E. Danovskis is also the director of the academic bachelor’s study programme “Law” and the academic master’s study programme “Law and Organizational Management”. 

 

Professor Kristaps Jaudzems has been appointed to the position of dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences (FMLS) 

Envisaging the future of the faculty, the goal of the new dean is to ensure that Latvia’s most talented scientists in the fields of medicine and life sciences work and collaborate closely at FMLS to provide modern education for the next generation and develop innovations that improve public health and quality of life, as well as contribute to the growth of the national economy. 

     

Professor Zaiga Krišjāne will continue her duties as the dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST). She was appointed an acting dean by the decision of the UL Council on 30 April 2024. 

 

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