Professor Andris Klauss Scholarships Awarded

May 10, 2025

On May 9, the Professor Andris Klauss Scholarships were awarded at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS), sponsored by VUAS alumni Mārtiņš Lauva and Kristaps Klauss. This year marks the 11th year the scholarship has been awarded, and it was granted to three students – Lara Bernardes, Daniels Balika, and Kristiāna Biezuma – who divided the € 3,000 scholarship fund. In total, 24 students have received the scholarship over the past eleven years.


This time, the main scholarship of €1500 was awarded to Lara Bernardes. Lara came to Ventspils University of Applied Sciences from Brazil and has deeply embraced Latvia and Latvian culture. She has excellent academic results, participated in an exchange program at the University of Tartu, where she worked on satellite development, is passionate about space technologies, and aspires to become a researcher. Lara is very outgoing, participates in various events, and is very grateful to Latvia for everything it has given her – the chance to develop her personality, gain education, and experience so much.


All finalists are outstanding and active VUAS students who have already gained valuable experience in various projects, continuously enhanced their knowledge and skills both in Latvia and abroad, and are highly motivated. The applications were evaluated by a six-member committee, which included both scholarship patrons, Mārtiņš Lauva and Kristaps Klauss. Based on the committee’s decision, the scholarship fund was divided among the three students:

  • €1500 was awarded to Lara Bernardes
  • €750 was awarded to Daniels Balika
  • €750 was awarded to Kristiāna Biezuma.


Mārtiņš Lauva stated: “Every year, I look forward to this day with great excitement and a bit of nervousness, wondering whether the students will manage to surprise me again, as the previous years’ applications have been awe-inspiring. But once again, I came, and once again I was convinced of how much the youth can accomplish and how great their achievements already are during their studies. The scholarship is a wonderful way for me to thank Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and the city of Ventspils for what they have given me, and it’s a great way to support young people.”


The scholarship, established in honour of the distinguished VUAS professor Andris Klauss, has now been awarded for the eleventh consecutive year. Its goal is to support students who excel in academic achievements, research activity, and community involvement. The scholarship's founder and patron is VUAS alumnus and entrepreneur Mārtiņš Lauva, who was later joined by Kristaps Klauss, the son of VUAS Council Chair and Professor Andris Klauss, increasing the total scholarship fund to € 3,000.

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