RSU anthropological expedition to visit Bauska, Dobele, Saulkrasti, Limbaži and Valmiera this summer

This summer, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) researchers will continue the anthropological study on Latvia’s population launched by Prof. Jēkabs Prīmanis nearly a century ago. Expeditions will take place from late June through August in Zemgale and Vidzeme, and approximately 2,000 participants are expected to take part.  

The study continues the work by Prof. Jēkabs Prīmanis   

The aim of the study is to document how the anthropometric measurments, body build, and health profile of Latvia’s population have changed over the course of nearly a century. This will allow for a comparison of contemporary data with historical records collected in the 1920s and 1930s under the leadership of Prof. Jēkabs Prīmanis.   

Prof. Jēkabs Prīmanis (1892–1971) was one of the founders of anthropology in Latvia. During his expeditions, approximately 35,000 people across Latvia were surveyed with detailed anthropometric measurements taken, health and demographic data documented, and the study participants photographed. Due to World War II, some of the collected material was never fully processed and published; however, more than 10,000 questionnaires and photographic negatives have survived to the present day.

Since 2023, RSU researchers have been digitising these historical materials and conducting their scientific analysis, in this way creating a unique opportunity to compare anthropological data on Latvia’s population across nearly a century for the first time.  

‘The changes over the course of a century that are revealed through anthropological studies on the characteristics of the population, reflect the society’s socioeconomic development. Contemporary studies will also serve as a valuable benchmark for future generations,’ 

emphasises project manager, RSU Prof. Jānis Vētra.  

Analysis of the historical data conducted so far show that in the 1930s, people in Latvia were, on average, shorter than today, a difference influenced by living conditions, diet, and access to healthcare. 

The expedition will take place in Zemgale and Vidzeme  

This summer, the expedition will travel across the regions of Zemgale and Vidzeme. In late June, RSU researchers will begin their work in Mežotne (29–30 June). In July, they will continue the study in Bauska (1–5 July), Dobele (14–16 July), Bērze (17–19 July), Saulkrasti (21–22 July), Salacgrīva (23 July), and Limbaži (24–26 July). The expedition will conclude in Valmiera on 5–9 August. At each location, anyone interested will be invited to participate in the anthropological study free of charge and learn about their own anthropometric measurements. 

How will the anthropological study be conducted?  

During the study, participants’ height, weight, and body proportions will be measured, and they will undergo a modern 3D body scan. Adult participants will also have the opportunity to take part in a population genetics study. All measurements will take place in specially designated areas to ensure privacy and discretion of participants.  

People of all ages are invited to participate in the study; children and adolescents until the age of 17 require written consent from a parent or legal guardian. After the measurements, each participant will be able to review their anthropometric data and, if they wish, receive a digital copy of a scaled-down black-and-white 3D image of their body scan. 

 The results of the study will also be available to the public  

Once the data has been compiled, the study’s results will be presented to the municipalities where the expeditions took place and published in scientific journals.

RSU researchers invite everyone interested to become part of this unique study, which not only documents the anthropological changes among Latvia’s population over nearly a century, but also creates a significant scientific database for future generations.