RSU Annual Award 2026 winners honoured at Academic Meeting
The presentation of the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Annual Awards took place on 1 October, at the beginning of the new academic year. It is one of the most anticipated events of the year and were held as part of the RSU Academic Meeting. This year brought an additional reason to celebrate, with two winners receiving awards in several categories.
The Academic Meeting began with a presentation by Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons on the university’s achievements to date and future challenges. He thanked the university team for their hard work. This was followed by the presentation of the RSU Annual Awards.
Student of the Year
Student of the Year Diana Lismane is a sixth-year student at the Faculty of Medicine with an average grade of 9.14, who received 31 nominations for the award 31. She combines outstanding academic performance with a strong commitment to research, clinical practice, and service to society. Having worked for several years at the RSU Laboratory of Sports and Nutrition Research, Diana Lismane has been involved in national and international research projects and the preparation of scientific publications. Her research into children with congenital heart defects was awarded an RSU Student Research and Innovation Grant.
She volunteers as an assistant in the Paediatric Cardiology Department at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital, is involved in student research groups, and organises hikes, camps and support activities for socially vulnerable children and young people.
Student of the Year Aysha M. Rafeeque is a sixth-year student at the Faculty of Medicine with an average grade of 9.18, who is actively involved in research, innovation, and the student community.
Her achievements in research are evidenced by publications, participation in international conferences, and award-winning research in immunology and nephrology. Of particular note is her first-place award in the Internal Medicine section of the 2026 RSU International Student Conference for presenting a study analysing the B-cell profile in IgA nephropathy.
She has also demonstrated particular initiative in innovation and entrepreneurship through B-Space, where she developed an artificial intelligence-enhanced clinical decision support tool for palliative care. She founded the RSU Cancer Research and Education Society and served as president of the RSU Asian Society.
Master's Student of the Year
This year, two students were invited onto the stage to receive the Master’s Student of the Year Award: Igors Uhaņs and Ģirts Ziemanis, whose contributions are closely aligned. They are both second-year students in the Digital Strategy and Artificial Intelligence Management master’s study programme and informal leaders among their classmates. They help their classmates master the course material outside regular study hours and foster a positive atmosphere within the group.
Both organise additional activities to provide more opportunities for practical learning. Of particular note is their successful participation in a hackathon organised by the Consumer Rights Protection Centre, where they used artificial intelligence to develop a solution to real-world consumer protection challenges.
In addition, each of them contributes to the development and promotion of their field of study. Igors has represented RSU on the podcast Superspēja, participated in the LAMPA Conversation Festival and is a co-creator of the podcast Nu bet klausies…, which focuses on artificial intelligence. Ģirts has contributed to promoting the study programme and, outside his studies, delivers training in data processing, sharing his knowledge with others.
Doctoral Student of the Year
Doctoral Student of the Year Artūrs Kurbatovs is preparing a doctoral thesis in the subfield of Civil Law within the field of Law, and has demonstrated strong academic performance, active involvement in research and the ability to collaborate with other researchers throughout his doctoral studies.
His research focuses on family law, particularly the protection of children’s rights, parental responsibility and the application of procedural law. His publications regularly address topics such as mechanisms for protecting children’s best interests and safety, contact rights, and the legal framework governing relationships between a child’s parents.
He is also Chair of the RSU Academic Arbitration Court, a doctoral student in the Social Sciences study programme and a junior researcher.
Resident of the Year
Resident of the Year Marija Rozevska is a fifth-year resident in the Medical Geneticist speciality, who simultaneously pursues her doctoral studies and is actively involved in research.
She has been awarded a fellowship from the European Society of Human Genetics for an exchange programme in Rotterdam, where she will further her knowledge of the use of methylation analysis in the study of genetic diseases.
Rozevska is one of the applicants whose artificial intelligence grant applications have been approved by RSU. She has several publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, including as first author.
She also works at RSU, as a Junior Researcher at the Scientific Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Assistant of Practice at the Department of Biology and Microbiology. Her colleagues describe her as responsive and helpful.
Lecturer of the Year
Lecturer of the Year Inga Urtāne, Assistant Professor at the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, has been nominated for this award 15 times. Asst. Prof. Urtāne is a highly regarded lecturer and study course leader who is particularly committed to the quality of teaching, incorporating current developments in the field into course content and the student learning experience.
The assistant professor regularly updates study course content, involving practicing doctors and other healthcare professionals. For example, visiting lecturers from Europe and Australia have been involved in delivering the Pharmacotherapy in Pharmacist’s Practice study course. Urtāne organises visits for students to workplaces in the pharmacy sector, while the e-study environment she has set up is regarded as an example for other study courses in the department. In addition, the assistant professor ensures that students are actively involved in research and is herself the author of several scientific articles.
Students, doctoral students and colleagues particularly highlight her humanity and genuine interest in their professional development. In 2025, she was awarded the Vija Eniņa Award in Pharmacy for the high standard of her lecture preparation and delivery.
Researcher of the Year
Researcher of the Year, Lead Researcher Zaiga Nora-Krūkle combines high-level scientific work with the strategic management of research infrastructure and the development of international cooperation.
She is actively involved in research, publishes scientific articles and prepares project proposals for Latvian and international competitions. Her contribution to the development of the RSU Research Strategy, as well as to the management of the Institute of Microbiology and Virology of the Science Hub, is significant.
She also plays an important role in engaging and supporting the next generation of scientists. Through her knowledge, experience and personal charisma, she is able to motivate early-career researchers.
Structural unit of the Year
The RSU Research Department has proven itself to be a professional and cohesive team. Its contribution to preparing for the International Assessment of Scientific Institutions and developing the RSU Research Strategy helps demonstrate the quality and international competitiveness of RSU research with confidence.
In its day-to-day work, the Research Department fosters an environment conducive to research and provides expert support to researchers in resolving administrative and technical issues.
The team has ensured the organisation of RSU consolidation measures in the field of science and the work of the RSU External Advisory Board and has made a significant contribution to defining the university’s future research directions and priority measures. These achievements strengthen the research environment and international competitiveness of RSU.
This year, along with the Annual Awards, a special recognition was presented in the category of Structural unit of the Year. It was received by the Human Resources Department.
The team working at the Human Resources Department takes professional care of our employees’ development, motivation and sense of belonging.
The professionalism of this team is also reflected in the recognition received by RSU and the results of employee surveys. The Fifty5blue (formerly Kantar) study shows that employee motivation, satisfaction and loyalty have increased in recent years. In addition to the professionalism and team spirit of its employees, the significant work of the Human Resources Department has helped RSU become the most sought-after employer in Latvia’s public sector for the fourth consecutive year, according to the TOP Employer 2025 survey organised by the recruitment company Alma Career Latvia.
The department has developed the RSU Grow system, which links work performance more closely to staff development, career progression and the university’s objectives.
The initiative of the Human Resources Department has enabled RSU to become the first university in Latvia to introduce the new academic career model, allowing it to increase the salaries of academic staff while also investing funds generated by the university itself.
During the consolidation of RSU and the Latvian Academy of Sport Education, the Human Resources Department team, led by Dace Jasmane, helped not only to put employment contracts in order but also met with every new colleague and gave individual attention to each of their questions, helping them settle into their new work environment and become part of RSU.
Administrative Employee of the Year
Administrative Employee of the Year Agnese Gintere, Senior Financial Controller at the Financial Control Unit, has been professionally and responsibly overseeing financial processes at RSU for more than 15 years.
She plays a key role in preparing the university’s budget. She collects the necessary information and provides professional support to structural units throughout the entire budget planning process.
Her colleagues particularly appreciate her willingness to provide explanations, advice and assistance in finding solutions to issues relating to the preparation and implementation of the budget. Agnese Gintere is described as a meticulous and responsive colleague with a strong sense of responsibility and a respectful attitude towards everyone.
Annual Award for Lifetime Achievement
The RSU Annual Award for Lifetime Achievement was presented to Gunta Lazdāne, Lead Researcher at the Institute of Public Health and Professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Faculty of Medicine.
She is one of Latvia’s leading experts in public health, as well as in sexual and reproductive health. She is an outstanding leader with strategic vision.
For more than 15 years, Professor Gunta Lazdāne worked at the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, developing international policies, guidelines and research initiatives. She is the founder and first director of the RSU Institute of Public Health and has made a significant contribution to research, the development of study programmes and international cooperation. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to Latvia, the professor was awarded the Order of the Three Stars.
The second RSU Annual Award for Lifetime Achievement was presented to Indulis Vanags, Professor at the RSU Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Clinical Simulations at the Faculty of Medicine. He is an exceptional Latvian medical scientist and doctor who has worked at RSU for over 50 years, making a significant impact on the development of anaesthesiology and intensive care.
Professor Indulis Vanags’ scientific contribution includes a wide range of internationally recognised publications and participation in significant research studies. His work has made a significant contribution to improving the quality of patient care and advancing treatment methods in Latvia. His contribution to the training of young doctors and researchers is also significant, helping to ensure the continuity of the field.
Professor Indulis Vanags remains actively involved in both academic work and research.
Alumnus of the Year Award
The Alumnus of the Year Award was presented by the RSU Alumni Association. The award was received by Assoc. Prof. Anda Ķīvīte-Urtāne, Director and Lead Researcher at the RSU Institute of Public Health.
Assoc. Prof. Ķīvīte-Urtāne is an outstanding example of how the knowledge, professionalism and values of an RSU graduate can make a significant contribution to Latvian society.
She is a public health scientist, researcher, assistant professor and director of the RSU Institute of Public Health. Through her work, she not only shapes the scientific landscape but also demonstrates that science has the power to change society by helping to make more informed decisions, understand health challenges and build a better future.
In 2025, Assoc. Prof. Ķīvīte-Urtāne was elected a corresponding member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences in the field of medicine, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Latvian science.
