RSU Institute of Microbiology and Virology wins MSCA "Choose Europe for Science" project

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) has been awarded the prestigious “Choose Europe for Science” project under the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions COFUND programme, further strengthening its position in internationally competitive research. The initiative will be implemented by the RSU Institute of Microbiology and Virology in collaboration with the RSU Social Sciences Research Centre, supporting an interdisciplinary approach to attracting outstanding postdoctoral researchers to RSU and sustainable scientific careers in Latvia and Europe.

Within its project, the RSU Institute of Microbiology and Virology provides conceptual development, thematic focus, and scientific coordination, drawing on its expertise in virology, immunology, and molecular biology, in which outstanding postdoctoral researchers will be recruited.

The postdoctoral researchers at the Institute will be supervised by tenured professors Dr.med. Bhupesh Kumar Prusty and Dr.biol. Dace Pjanova.

Alongside this, RSU Social Sciences Research Centre will attract postdoctoral researchers in the social sciences to contribute to the study of health related social processes and to strengthen the interdisciplinary dimension of the research.

“The selection of the Choose Europe for Science project reflects the quality and relevance of the research carried out at the Institute of Microbiology and Virology at Rīga Stradiņš University,” says Zaiga Nora Krūkle, Director of the Institute. 

“This funding will support the further development of our research activities by enabling us to recruit postdoctoral researchers from Europe and beyond, bringing additional expertise and international experience. It will also contribute to strengthening the Institute as a supportive environment for early career researchers and to increasing our engagement in European level research collaboration.”

Under the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions COFUND programme, RSU has secured nearly EUR 1.5 million in funding. Participation in this highly competitive programme was made possible with essential institutional support from RSU and the commitment to provide the required co funding.