The Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation announces new scholarship recipients and awards Badge of Honour to RSU Rector Aigars Pētersons

On Wednesday, 24 September, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons was presented the highest distinction of the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation (BITF) at a ceremony held in the RSU Senate Hall. Prof. Pētersons’ received the BITF Badge of Honour in recognition of his contribution to the development of medical education and science in Latvia. During the event, the Foundation also announced its new scholarship recipients – future medical professionals.

Scholarships for 20 young medical students

In the 2025/2026 academic year, 20 RSU students will receive scholarships in medicine from the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation. Each scholarship amounts to EUR 3,300 per year and is awarded for the duration of the undergraduate programme. Since 2011, 61 RSU students have received BITF scholarships in medicine, 41 of whom have graduated and are now working in the healthcare sector. 

‘I am very proud of our students and follow their successes both during their studies and throughout their professional careers. Their achievements are a testament to Rīga Stradiņš University, which stands not only as a symbol of high-quality education but also as a driving force in the development of Latvian medicine and society,’ said patron Ināra Tetereva, congratulating the students.

This academic year, the group of scholarship recipients has been joined by Germans Lapšovs from Ludza, a student at the Faculty of Dentistry, and students from the Faculty of Medicine: Jūlija Bite and Valters Vēģelis from Rīga, Elizabete Znotiņa from Jūrmala, and Dana Šēra from Liepāja.

RSU Rector. Aigars Pētersons receives the BITF Badge of Honour

RSU Rector Prof. Pētersons was awarded the BITF Badge of Honour in recognition of his contribution to the development of medical education and science, as well as his efforts to improve the academic environment, support the growth of RSU, and promote its international recognition.

‘In appreciation of our long-standing collaboration, we are honoured to present RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons with the Badge of Honour of the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation in recognition of his ability to combine academic excellence with humanity, his creation of an inspiring and modern educational environment, and his demonstration of the genuine talent of both a doctor and an educator,’ emphasised Tetereva.

‘This award is an honour bestowed upon the entire university. I would like to thank the RSU community and everyone who has laid and strengthened the foundation of RSU – previous rectors, teaching staff, and the RSU Alumni Association. I am fortunate to be leading RSU at this time; however, none of my dreams and ideas would be possible without a strong team. Thank you to the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation for its long-standing support. Our journey continues, and with the support of our patrons, we have great opportunities to further develop and achieve our goals,’ said the RSU Rector, addressing the audience.

The BITF Badge of Honour is awarded to organisations or individuals for special achievements in promoting charity and volunteering, or for long-term and selfless dedication in a particular field, or the successful implementation of a specific project benefiting society. Recipients include Head of the Ziedot.lv Foundation Rūta Dimanta, Prof. Jānis Gardovskis, long-standing Director of Rundāle Palace Museum Imants Lancmanis, and others.

The Foundation's support for the modernisation of education and the development of science

BITF supports not only students but also teaching staff, facilitating the modernisation of study courses and the implementation of innovative teaching solutions. Since 2014, more than 139 RSU study courses in healthcare and social sciences have been modernised. Thousands of RSU students benefit from these modernised courses during their studies.

The Foundation has also supported the RSU Academy of Intelligence, COVID-19 research projects, and the improvement of the RSU study environment. The total amount of support provided by the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation to RSU has exceeded one million euros, demonstrating strong collaboration and a significant contribution to the development of Latvian medical education and science. The Boris Teterev Scholarship in Medicine was established by Boris Teterev, a graduate of Rīga Stradiņš University (formerly the Faculty of Medicine of the Rīga Medical Institute, class of 1980), who worked as a doctor for nine years before pursuing a career in business. In 2010, he and his wife Ināra established a charitable foundation to support exceptional and socially beneficial initiatives.