RSU becomes first university in Latvia to establish dedicated AI support unit

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) has taken a significant step towards digital transformation by establishing a new structural unit – the Artificial Intelligence Support Unit (AISU). Its primary aim is to accelerate the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the University’s teaching, research, and administrative processes, while also providing knowledge and practical support to RSU staff for the effective use of these tools.

RSU is the first university in Latvia to establish a dedicated unit for integrating AI tools into teaching, research, and operational processes. To support these efforts, academic staff will receive extensive access to AI licences valued at over EUR 360,000 until the end of next year. RSU Chancellor Toms Baumanis emphasises that staff must be given the opportunity to experiment with various AI tools, while also establishing clear guidelines and objectives for their use.

RSU’s focus on AI skills fosters internal change, innovation in teaching content and research, as well as technological advancement in operational processes,

RSU Chancellor Toms Baumanis

New specialists and resources

The activities of AISU will create new opportunities to enhance the quality of teaching and research, improve work efficiency, and introduce innovative solutions to University management. To date, RSU has already developed AI guidelines for academic use, launched a dedicated study programme and new courses, trained staff in the use of AI tools, and implemented pilot projects. The new unit will bring these efforts together into a unified, coordinated strategy. AISU’s responsibilities include integrating AI tools into teaching, research, and administrative processes; testing and validating new solutions; providing support to students and staff; developing and delivering training programmes; and representing RSU on AI-related matters at both national and international levels.

AISU will employ several new specialists, including a head of unit, a prompt engineer, and AI project managers. Additional resources will be allocated for training, consultancy, and licensing to ensure that both administrative and academic staff have access to AI solutions.

New master’s programme

RSU is committed to becoming a national leader in the implementation of AI solutions in higher education and research in Latvia. A key milestone in this effort is the new master’s degree programme Digital Strategy and Artificial Intelligence Management, which was successfully launched this autumn and provides an opportunity for Latvian professionals to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the application and integration of AI within organisations and projects.