RSU Rector congratulates Professors Gunta Lazdāne and Tatjana Koķe

On August 27, Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) Rector Aigars Pētersons congratulated RSU Professor Gunta Lazdāne on her significant anniversary and Professor Dr. habil. paed. Tatjana Koķe on receiving a letter of recognition from the Ministry of Education and Science this year. She also celebrated a significant anniversary this year. 

Professors Gunta Lazdāne (2nd left) and Tatjana Koķe with RSU rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons (left), vice-rector for academic affairs Assoc. Prof. Dins Šmits and chancellor Toms Baumanis 

RSU Professor Dr. habil. med. Gunta Lazdāne (pictured) is an outstanding representative of Latvian medical science and public health, whose professional activities over more than forty years have had a significant impact on the development of healthcare in Latvia and internationally. Her contributions span the academic, research, administrative, and political spheres, making her one of the most prominent figures in the field of reproductive health. 

Internationally, Professor Lazdāne has close ties with the World Health Organization (WHO). Thanks to her initiative, sexual and reproductive health, including the health of mothers and newborns, was regularly monitored in all countries of the WHO European Region.

Professor Tatjana Koķe (pictured) has contributed to the growth of our university for more than ten years. From September 2013 to May 2023, she has responsibly performed the duties of Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs with a high level of professional mastery, and since 2023, she has also served as a member of the RSU Council. 

In 2014, while serving as Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Professor RSU founded and developed the Center for Educational Growth.

Professor Koķe has been involved in teaching for more than 40 years. She has made a significant contribution to the development of education and science in Latvia, having held the position of Minister of Higher Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia (1999), Advisor to the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia on Higher Education and Science (1999), Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science (2006–2007), and Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia (2007–2010).

Professor Koķe has used her expertise to promote the development and implementation of sustainable education in Latvia and Europe, working on the UNESCO International Bureau of Education Council in Switzerland and chairing the UNESCO Latvian National Commission's Advisory Council 'Education for All'. Since 2020, Professor Koķe has been a member of the Assembly of the Latvian National Commission for UNESCO.

Professor Koķe has been prolific in her research, and her contribution to the development of higher education and society has been highly appreciated.

Professors Gunta Lazdāne (left) and Tatjana Koķe