Olpha Excellence Scholarships presented to RSU outstanding pharmacy students for the 16th time

Latvian pharmaceutical manufacturer AS Olpha has awarded its Excellence Scholarships to students of the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Faculty of Pharmacy for the 16th time. This year, three students will receive the scholarship – Sanija Liepkalīte, Elizabete Odiņa and Una Lote Vītoliņa. The pharmacy students will receive EUR 200 per month, while the company’s total contribution to supporting future pharmacy professionals has reached EUR 96,000 over this period.  

The scholarship recipients were selected through a competitive process, based on an assessment of their academic achievements, professional experience, motivation, initiative and interest in the development of the pharmaceutical sector. Although all three students have chosen a career path related to pharmacy, each has already found their own area of professional interest and growth. All young women are currently in their fifth or final year of study. 

Sanija Liepkalīte has completed her seventh semester of study with an average grade of 9.5 and combines her studies with working as a pharmacy assistant. Her daily interaction with patients of different ages has helped her gain a practical understanding of the role of a pharmacist within the healthcare system in general, as well as to better help people recognise the importance of taking medicines correctly. The other scholarship recipient, Elizabete Odiņa, began building her professional experience as early as in her first year of study. She has worked in several pharmacies and gained experience in the laboratory of the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, while currently combining her work in a pharmacy with research at the RSU laboratory, where she also plans to develop her research work. Elizabete is particularly interested in antibiotic research and the issue of antimicrobial resistance. 

Meanwhile, Una Lote Vītoliņa has completed her previous semester with an average grade of 10 and is actively involved in scientific activities alongside her studies. She is a junior researcher on the Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence project, a senior laboratory assistant at the RSU Department of Applied Pharmacy, and a laboratory assistant at the National Research and Innovation Institute. Una is a co-author of two international scientific publications in 2026, including one as the first author. At the RSU International Student Conference, she presented a research project on the use of micro-computed tomography to study tablet erosion and dissolution processes.  

‘For the development of pharmaceutical industry in Latvia, it is particularly important that young professionals have the opportunity to gain experience in the sector, laboratory work and the challenges of modern science while still in their studies. We therefore greatly value our long-standing cooperation with Olpha, which helps build this connection and offers students the chance to embark on their professional careers already in their study process,’ emphasises RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons. 

The experience of scholarship recipients to date highlights the diversity of the pharmaceutical sector - it requires both specialists who advise patients on a daily basis and researchers who seek new solutions in laboratories for the development of medicines and improvements in their efficacy and safety. All three scholarship recipients share the ability to combine demanding studies with work, research and continuous professional development. 

‘The future of Latvia’s pharmaceutical industry will be shaped by people who can bring together science, technology and an understanding of patients’ needs. This year’s scholarship recipients are already demonstrating that they possess both the knowledge and the courage to take on increasingly complex professional challenges. We wish not only to recognise their achievements to date, but also to encourage them to continue developing their skills and to use their talents for the advancement of Latvia’s pharmaceutical, research and drug manufacturing industries.  

The Excellence Scholarships are part of Olpha’s overall support programme for young and aspiring professionals, as it is important to us as a local company to invest in Latvia’s future and its sustainable growth,’ says Dr. chem. Juris Hmeļņickis, Chair of the Board of AS Olpha.

AS Olpha has been awarding scholarships to the three most outstanding fourth-year RSU students for 16 consecutive years. This year, 11 candidates applied for the scholarships, with the recipients selected through a competitive process based on their average academic performances and motivation.

The scholarship project is part of broader cooperation between AS Olpha and RSU. In January 2024, the two parties signed an agreement providing RSU students with placement opportunities at the company, as well as access to facilities to conduct their research.   Read more

About Olpha 

AS Olpha is one of the largest manufacturing companies in the Baltic states, with 50 years of experience in the production of medicines and other pharmaceutical products. The company’s product portfolio covers key therapeutic areas including neurology, cardiology, antibacterial therapy, oncology and urology, as well as medicines for allergies and diabetes. AS Olpha is expanding its international presence, operating in various markets worldwide, with a strategic focus on Europe, represented by subsidiaries in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland and other countries. The company is part of the group of companies owned by AS AB City.