Doctoral studies represent the highest level of academic education, designed for in-depth research and the creation of new knowledge in a specific field. Turība University also offers opportunities for anyone interested in pursuing doctoral studies.

On June 14, 2025, at the summer graduation ceremony of Turība University, we will celebrate five new Doctors of Science from the Faculty of Law and the Communication direction of the Faculty of Business Administration, who have successfully defended their doctoral dissertations and obtained a Ph.D. degree.

Vytautas Labanauskas earned his Ph.D. in Law with a dissertation titled “Legal Aspects of Implementing the Child’s Right to Know Their Biological Parents: The Case of Lithuania from the Perspective of Private International Law.” The study explores various factors affecting public trust in democracy, state governance, and the media in Lithuania, paying particular attention to the spread of populism and disinformation, as well as regional, age, and educational differences in public opinion.

Jaroslavs Strelčenoks, in his dissertation “Legal Challenges of Regulating Artificial Intelligence in Managing Conflicts of Interest in the Public Sector,” addressed current issues related to the use of modern technologies. He examined the potential of artificial intelligence to reduce corruption in public administration in Latvia, offering specific regulatory models. This is the most comprehensive study in Latvia focused on the application of AI in anti-corruption efforts.

Laila Jurcēna, in her dissertation “The Substance of Judicial Independence,” analyzed the essence and evolution of judicial independence in a modern democratic state. Her research aims to develop a unified understanding of judicial independence by identifying key components essential for objective and fair adjudication. The work makes a significant contribution to legal theory and offers practical solutions for improving the judicial system.

Gvido Lošaks, in his dissertation “Recognition of Group Interests of Companies in the European Union,” studied the legal challenges of recognizing group company interests within the EU, emphasizing major differences in national regulations of member states and the resulting legal fragmentation. The research compares approaches in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Latvia, and Spain, highlighting differing models—from group interest protection to compensation mechanisms or complete non-recognition. The author advocates for the need for a unified EU-level regulation that recognizes group company interests and ensures effective protection for creditors and minority shareholders, while promoting cross-border business efficiency and internal market sustainability.

All four of the above-mentioned authors have been awarded a Ph.D. in Law.

Uldis Zupa received his Ph.D. in Communication Science. His dissertation “The Role of National Strategic Communication in Latvia’s Comprehensive National Defense System” analyzed how strategic communication can serve as an effective tool in strengthening national defense, particularly in light of today’s security challenges.

We congratulate the new Doctors on reaching the pinnacle of academic achievement and for their contributions to Latvian and international scientific fields!

The full dissertations are available for review HERE.

Doctoral studies at Turība University are offered by the Faculty of Business Administration and the Faculty of Law, with four study programs in total – Business Administration, Management Science, Law, and Communication Management. These doctoral programs are available in both Latvian and English, and the study process is tailored individually for each student.

Doctoral studies are not only about gaining new knowledge and skills—they are about sharing this knowledge, transferring it to other students across different levels, and applying it to solve important and current problems in the economy and academia, both in Latvia and globally.

A doctoral degree signifies highly advanced knowledge in a chosen field, enabling the acquisition of cutting-edge competencies, development of critical thinking, and expertise in scientific research. Many graduates of doctoral programs go on to become sought-after faculty members in Latvia and abroad.

By graduating from one of Turība University's doctoral programs and obtaining a Ph.D., individuals can qualify for academic positions such as docent, associate professor, or professor, and can become high-level leaders and authors of international research.

More information about the doctoral study programs is available HERE.