RSU Professor Juta Kroiča awarded Order of the Three Stars

Photo: Ilmārs Znotiņš (Chancery of the President of Latvia)

On the 36th anniversary of the Restoration of the Independence of the Republic of Latvia on 4 May 2026, the official award ceremony of Latvia’s highest state decorations was held at Riga Castle. The decorations were awarded by the President of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs.

Decorations were presented to outstanding individuals from various fields whose professional and social contributions, creativity, civic stance, and selflessness significantly strengthen the Latvian state and shape its international image.

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Prof. Dr. med. Juta Kroiča, Head of the Department of Biology and Microbiology at the Faculty of Medicine, has been appointed a Bearer of the Order of the Three Stars. The awarding of the Order of the Three Stars is a high recognition of the professor’s long-standing contribution to science, higher education, and the development of Latvia’s academic environment.

Long-standing contribution to science and higher education

Prof. Kroiča is one of the leading specialists in medical microbiology in Latvia, whose professional career has been closely associated with RSU for more than 45 years. She is Lead Researcher at RSU, Vice-Chair of the RSU Council of Science, a member of the RSU Senate and the Council of Professors, as well as an expert in medical microbiology at the Latvian Council of Science.

The professor’s contribution to public education during the Covid-19 pandemic has been particularly significant, providing evidence-based information on limiting the spread of the infection and the importance of vaccination.

Significant contribution to research

The professor’s achievements in research on antimicrobial resistance are internationally significant. Under the leadership of Prof. Kroiča, RSU has launched studies on reducing resistance through unconventional methods, particularly through the development of bacteriophage therapy. At her initiative, the only Phage Research Group in the Baltics was established, which carries out extensive international collaboration with partners in several European countries.

An important part of the professor’s work also involves the training of prospective scientists. Under her supervision, nine doctoral theses have been defended. Prof. Kroiča is the author and co-author of more than one hundred scientific publications and co-author of three monographs.

Promoting the international development of RSU

For more than two decades, Prof. Kroiča has led the RSU Department of Academic and International Affairs, significantly strengthening the university’s international recognition and competitiveness. In this position, the foundation was laid for the admission system for international students, a multicultural study environment was fostered, and the international reputation of Latvian higher education was strengthened.

RSU’s appreciation to the professor

On 31 March this year, marking the professor’s significant anniversary, RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons presented a Letter of Recognition to the professor and expressed gratitude for her long-standing contribution to the development of RSU, her scientific career, the growth of young doctoral students, and the strengthening of the university’s international cooperation.

For her significant achievements, Prof. Kroiča has previously been awarded a Letter of Recognition from the Cabinet of Ministers and a Letter of Recognition from the Ministry of Education and Science for her contribution to attracting international students.