RSU begins long-term cooperation with the University of Dundee in Scotland

On 28 August, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) and the University of Dundee in Scotland signed a memorandum of cooperation at the RSU Anatomy Museum, aimed at advancing modern higher education and introducing innovation into both studies and research.

The memorandum foresees cooperation in both pedagogy and research, with a particular focus on enhancing and modernising the quality of the study process. Emphasis will be placed on strengthening the pedagogical skills and capacities of programme directors and lecturers, thereby enriching students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes, while also fostering the academic growth of both universities as a whole. 

‘I would like to express my gratitude to the University of Dundee for the opportunity to cooperate. It is a large and distinguished university with a broad range of study programmes, strong traditions and a significant student body. The agreement we have signed focuses on the future of education in healthcare and the social sciences, as well as on modern pedagogical approaches that will help our students become outstanding professionals in their chosen fields. Today’s agreement marks our next step towards enabling lecturers and students from both universities to collaborate with world-class teaching specialists,’ emphasised RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons at the signing of the memorandum.

An important step in practical cooperation was the three-day summer school organised by the RSU Centre for Educational Growth for RSU study programme directors and group leaders, which took place from 25 to 27 August. The participants’ learning was supported by experts from the University of Dundee Medical School – Prof. Ellie Hothersall, Prof. Susie Schofield and Dr. Joanne Sloan – who shared their expertise on assessing learning outcomes, developing simulation scenarios, strengthening study quality, and addressing wider challenges in higher education. 

‘We are very pleased to be signing this agreement today. There is so much we can learn from one another to build expertise in new areas and to deepen our understanding of pedagogy. In both healthcare education and the wider higher education sector, the benefits of working and learning together are considerable. By developing our skills and knowledge, we can enhance people’s experiences not only in our own countries but worldwide,’ said Ellie Hothersall, Head of Medical Education and Assessment at the University of Dundee Medical School.

Peers from the University of Dundee took part in RSU Research Week 2023, where they shared their experience in medical education innovation. The summer school, however, represented the first significant step towards long-term cooperation. The signing of the memorandum now marks the official and strategic continuation of this cooperation in the field of medical education innovation.

Assoc. Prof. Nora Jansone-Ratinika, Director of the RSU Centre for Educational Growth and Lead Researcher in Educational Sciences, outlined future developments in a forward-looking manner: ‘The summer school for study programme directors has launched a rich programme of long-term competence development for study programme directors, course leaders, and lecturers. Over these three days, we explored many aspects of the entire study programme life cycle and its management. At the Centre for Educational Growth, we are delighted that the cooperation confirmed in the memorandum will serve as a springboard for the many joint learning ideas that already exist. Together with our colleagues at the University of Dundee, we have agreed to establish a mutual academic support network. This process has already revealed both our differences and similarities, providing a strong foundation to learn from each other, to view existing educational practices in healthcare and social sciences from new perspectives, and to engage in dynamic, consultative dialogue on a daily basis. This will enable us to pose relevant questions, find practical solutions, and jointly identify future development trends.’

Visiting Lecturers from the University of Dundee Medical School

• Prof. Ellie Hothersall researches public health education and its integration into medical studies. She is a public health physician and Head of Medical Education and Assessment at the University of Dundee Medical School;

• Prof. Susie Schofield, Head of the Dundee Medical Education Centre, actively supports the professional development of teaching staff. The centre offers postgraduate qualifications, develops the professional competence of lecturers, managers and researchers in healthcare education, conducts research, and collaborates with both individuals and institutions worldwide;

• Dr. Joanne Sloan is responsible for the Bachelor of Medicine programme at the University of Dundee’s Healthcare Simulation Institute and practices as a consultant nephrologist. Her current work focuses on improving student learning outcomes through the development and implementation of inclusive teaching and assessment practices.