Born: November 4, 1936, Ogre, Latvia

Interests:

• Semiconductor Physics
• Physics of Non-Crystalline Solids
• Molecular Physics
• Philosophy of Natural Sciences

Languages: Latvian, English, Russian

Education:

• University of Latvia (Faculty of Physics and Mathematics), 1960
• Postgraduate, University of Latvia, 1966
• Dr.phys. (Candidate of Sciences in former USSR, Ph.D. in Western countries), Tartu University, Estonia, 1966
• Dr. habil. phys. (Doctor of Sciences in former USSR), Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1976
• Professor, University of Latvia, 1978

Experience

• Researcher, Lecturer, Senior Researcher, Faculty of Physics and Mathematics, University of Latvia, 1960-1968
• Head of the Laboratory of Semiconductor Physics, University of Latvia, 1968-1978
• Director, Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, 1978-1984
• Professor, University of Latvia, 1978 -
• Prorector, University of Latvia, 1984-1987
• Rector, University of Latvia, 1987 - 2000

   Abroad

•     Visiting Researcher, Cornell University, USA (1969-1970)
•     Visiting Researcher, University of Chicago, USA (1972-1973).

Honors and Awards

• Corresponding Member, Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1982 - 1990
• Full Member, Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1990 -
• The Latvian Academy of Sciences M.Keldish Prize, 1986
• The Russian Academy of Sciences S.Vavilov Medal, 1988
• Honorary Title on Merits in Science, Presidium of the Supreme State Council of Latvia, 1986
• State Emeritus Scientist, 2002

Professional Activities and Memberships

• Member, Senate, Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1996 -
• President, Rectors Council of Latvia, 1995 - 1998
• Member, UNESCO Latvian National Committee, 1990 - 2000
• Member, Latvian Physical Society, 1994
• President, Latvian Academy of Innovation and Intellectual Property, 2000-

Courses

University of Latvia

• Semiconductor Physics
• Physics of Non-Crystalline Solids
• Molecular Physics
• Methodology of Natural Sciences
• Environmental Physics
• Environmental Philosophy

Recent / Representative Publications

• J.Zakis. Defects in Glassy Solids. Riga: Zinatne Press, 1984, 202 pp. (in Russian)
• J.Zakis, Kantorovich L.N., Kotomin E.A., Kuzovkov V.N., Tale I.A., Shluger A.L. Models of Defect Processes in Wide-Gap Solids. Riga: Zinatne, 1991, 382pp. (in Russian)
• J.Zakis. Thermal and radiation induced disorder in glass. - Proc.19th Intern. Conference on Glass, Leningrad, Russia, 1989, pp.240-244.
• J.Zakis. Universities in the World and in Latvia: origins, history and current situation. - Humanities and Social Sciences. Latvia, 1995, 3(8), pp.4-20.
• J.Zakis. Education in Latvia on the Background of World History. -  Humanities and Social Sciences. Latvia, 1999, 2(23), pp.4-16.