Psychology Days: looking ahead to 20 years of the psychology field at RSU

From 6 to 9 October, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) will host the traditional Psychology Days, with this year’s lead theme on Contemporary Psychology: People, Environment, and Technology. Lectures, symposia, discussions and workshops will focus on an individual within a changing environment and issues that are currently significant in the field of psychology, studies and professional practice. 

The annual Psychology Days also mark the beginning of a special period: preparations for the 20th anniversary of the psychology study field at RSU, which will be celebrated in 2027. The Psychology Days programme therefore looks at psychology not only through individual topics, but also from a broader perspective, as a field in which the study of human experience and behaviour increasingly intersects with changes in the social, professional and natural environments, as well as with rapid technological development.

Psychology at the intersection between people, environment and technology 

The programme will focus on people in various life and professional settings, exploring issues related to psychological wellbeing, support and self-help, sports, military and environmental psychology, spirituality, cognitive health and ageing. At the same time, psychological assessment and contemporary research approaches will play a significant role. 

Particular attention will be paid to the integration of technology into psychology. Discussions will cover the use of artificial intelligence and digital solutions in psychology and mental healthcare, the development of computerised psychological assessment methods, the potential of machine learning, data analysis and modelling, as well as neuroscience and research into cognitive processes. The programme also highlights an issue that is becoming increasingly important as technology advances: how to keep people at the heart of psychology - their experiences, relationships, environment and professional responsibility.  

Alongside the scientific programme, practical workshops and experience-based activities will also be offered on psychological self-help, creativity and art as resources for wellbeing, the use of various methods in education and counselling, as well as dilemmas in professional ethics. 

This year’s Psychology Days will once again have a strong international dimension. The programme will feature guest lecturers and partners from ten countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Australia, Cyprus and Lithuania. International collaboration will be evident both in guest lectures and discussions, as well as in presentations of the results of European and international research projects carried out by RSU. 

New publication on private practice in helping professions  

As part of the Psychology Days, the launch of the new publication Privātprakse palīdzošajās profesijās: tiesiskais ietvars, digitālā komunikācija un profesionālā ētika (Private Practice in Helping Professions: Legal Framework, Digital Communication and Professional Ethics) will take place at RSU on 7 October at 10:30. The publication was compiled by Zane Gulbe, Lecturer at the RSU Department of Psychology and Director of the Professional Master’s Study Programme in Health Psychology. 

The publication focuses on contemporary issues in private practice – the legal and ethical framework, professional identity and communication in the digital environment, practice development and diversity management. Digitalisation, remote working and the growing use of artificial intelligence in professional practice are making these issues increasingly relevant in the everyday work of helping professions. ‘Private practice today is no longer about working with a client in an office – it also involves digital communication, building a professional identity, working on social media and, increasingly, the use of technology, including artificial intelligence. This creates new opportunities for professionals, but at the same time raises new legal and ethical issues. With this publication, we aim to assist helping professionals navigate through this changing environment and make professionally sound decisions, without losing sight of what matters most – their responsibility towards the people they provide support,” says Zane Gulbe. 

Towards the 20th anniversary of the psychology field at RSU  

During the 2026/2027 academic year, RSU will gradually develop the story of 20 years of the psychology field at RSU, narrating about the people, ideas, research, studies and professional initiatives that have shaped the development of psychology at the university.  

The anniversary celebrations will be highlighted during the Psychology Days 2027 when we will not only look back on what has been achieved but also outline future directions for the development and role of psychology within the RSU science, studies, professional practice and the development of healthy societies.  

Psychology Days are organised by the RSU Department of Psychology. Events will take place online from 6 to 9 October, as well as in person at RSU, 16 Dzirciema iela on 6, 7 and 8 October. Events will be held in Latvian and English, and participation is free of charge. Prior registration is required only for workshops.