International collaboration in focus: RSU meets with public health expert from New Zealand
On 17 March 2026, a meeting was held at the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Institute of Public Health with Prof. Jayne Krisjanous from Victoria University of Wellington (Te Herenga Waka), in New Zealand. She was visiting Latvia to share her experience and discuss potential areas for collaboration in the field of public health.
Cultural perspectives in New Zealand’s health system
The professor shared her diverse professional journey - from working in nursing and midwifery to more than twenty years of academic experience in social marketing, health behaviour change research, and the study of medical history. She also provided insight into New Zealand’s healthcare system, particularly highlighting the historical and cultural influence of Māori on health policy and research, as well as the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi in decision-making [the Treaty of Waitangi is New Zealand’s founding document, editor's comment].
Prof. Krisjanous emphasised that today many health research initiatives in New Zealand must be led by Māori specialists, which requires close intercultural collaboration and the development of sustainable relationships.
RSU Institute of Public Health presents its research scope
During the meeting, the employees from the RSU Institute of Public Health presented the institute’s work and its extensive multidisciplinary team of around 100 researchers. The institute conducts research in oncology, cardiovascular diseases, mental health, population ageing, adolescent health, and addiction issues, and is actively participating in projects funded by the European Commission. Discussions highlighted the key public health challenges in Latvia.
The discussions also addressed the potential of social marketing in public health campaigns in Latvia. The visiting professor noted that evidence-based communication methods could serve as an important addition to state-implemented health promotion activities, which are often outsourced to communication agencies. Particular potential was identified in initiatives aimed at changing youth behaviour and campaigns related to reducing addiction, promoting healthy lifestyles, and improving sexual health education.
Exploring future international collaboration
Both the Institute of Public Health and Prof. Krisjanous expressed their willingness to explore opportunities for collaboration in international research, including health promotion, social marketing, and studies comparing situations across different cultural groups or countries.
The visit also held personal significance, as the professor is of Latvian descent and shared emotional stories about her family history, emphasising that Latvia has experienced significant development over recent decades. The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding that international cooperation can provide substantial contribution to both Latvia and New Zealand, enriching public health research and strengthening professional dialogue between the two countries.
