Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (previously known as Latvia University of Agriculture) is the only agriculture university in Latvia. LBTU as a state-founded multi-profile higher education and research institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, specializes in the sustainable use of natural resources to promote the quality of life for society. Such life sciences as agriculture, food technology, forestry and veterinary medicine which are also integrated into other areas of strategic specialization determined by LBTU, can be considered a unique activity profile of the University among other universities in Latvia.

LBTU is a modern, open, inclusive, innovative university with 3766 students (2023). The number of academic staff is 295, the number of leading researchers and researchers is 262. There are 5 faculties, 56 study programs of bachelor and master degree, and doctoral studies. The total budget of the university is 54.72 million euros (2022), of which 12.76 million euros are allocated for research and development.

LBTU offers unique academic programs in agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine, food and related fields to train students in primary production practices. They cover the entire production cycle from the cultivation and acquisition of raw materials up to processing technologies and consumer behavior. Practical training and hands-on experience are the integral components of these programs, allowing students to gain real-world skills. In addition to the aforementioned, LBTU provides academic programs in economics, engineering, and information technology.

LBTU is the leading scientific university in the creation of innovations related to the bioeconomy and related industries and in the sustainable use of natural resources in the Baltic Sea region, contributing to the introduction of agri-food innovations in the national economy to promote the balanced development of Latvia’s regions and improvement of the quality of life of society.

The university is certified as an “Investor in Excellence.”

Number of persons working at LBTU: 1076.

LBTU is a member of European University Alliance – CHALLENGE EU to implement study programs, research projects, and promote good governance principles in close collaboration with eight other European universities from Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, North Macedonia, Spain, and Poland. https://www.lbtu.lv/en/article/2024-07-01/latvia-university-of-life-sciences-and-technologies-has-become-a-member-of-the

LBTU is official food innovation and co-creation contact point "EIT Food Hub Latvia" in Latvia.

"EIT Food" is a Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT). EIT Food’s activities focus on supporting the commercialization of new ideas by providing training, mentoring, coaching, early-stage incubation, acceleration, and assistance with prototyping. Strengthening collaboration and networking between industry, startups, and scientists is also essential.

Network for Innovation in Career Guidance and Counseling in Europe – NICE

LBTU is one of the 38 founding members of the European higher education institutions and individuals' collaboration network for innovations in career support counseling. The NICE collaboration network focuses on the academic training of career practitioners. The network includes over 250 individuals from more than 40 countries, most of whom represent over 50 training programs for career practitioners across Europe.

https://www.nice-network.eu/Home/

LBTU is a member of Union of European Academies for Sciences Applied to Agriculture, Food and Nature (UEAA). Prof. Rivza B. is member of Union Steering Committee.

LBTU is a member of Nordic Agricultural Science Association (NJF), prof. Rivza B. is the head of Latvia division and vice chair of the Baltic agri-economic section.