On May 4, 2023, Prof. Aigars Jirgensons, Deputy Director of the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis was awarded the Order of the Three Stars and appointed as a Commander of the Order of the Three Stars. The award was presented in recognition of his achievements in the development of chemistry, Latvia’s inclusion in the European and global scientific community, and the cultivation of a new generation of chemists.
According to the decision made on April 4, 2023, by the President of Latvia, Egils Levits, and the Order Chapter, the highest state awards of Latvia—the Order of the Three Stars, the Order of Viesturs, and the Cross of Recognition—were conferred upon 104 representatives of society. The ceremonial award presentation took place on the 33rd anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia.
The Order of the Three Stars is the highest state decoration in Latvia.
The Order of the Three Stars was established in 1924 in commemoration of the establishment of the independent Latvian state. It was reinstated in the wake of the Soviet occupation in 1994. The motto for the Order of the Three Stars is “Per aspera ad astra” meaning through hardships to the stars.
The Order of the Three Stars is awarded to people for meritorious service on behalf of the Fatherland. These achievements can be related to state, local government, public, cultural, educational, scientific, sports-related or economic activities.
The definition of achievements in this regard refers to outstanding individual accomplishments, to long periods of exemplary and successful activities, and to particular achievements during the period when the independence of Latvia was being restored and strengthened.
