RSU Rector presents the university’s achievements and future goals at Academic Meeting

Photo: Courtesy of RSU

On 1 October, the traditional Academic Meeting was held in the RSU Great Hall. At the beginning of the meeting, RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons delivered a speech on Achievements in the 2025/2026 Academic Year and Future Challenges, presenting the university’s key achievements, development priorities and anticipated challenges. Prof. Pētersons thanked the university team for their work and significant contribution to the development of RSU, and, together with those present, observed a moment of silence in memory of colleagues who had passed away. 

‘The university is not just study programmes, international research, the construction of new buildings or the funding attracted. The university is formed by students, teaching staff, researchers and employees, their knowledge, courage to take initiative and ability to jointly create change. 

It is precisely this community that allows the university to grow not only in numbers and infrastructure but also in its impact on the society, healthcare and the future of Latvia,’ emphasised Prof. Pētersons. 

When talking about future goals and challenges, the Rector particularly emphasised caring for the university’s people, both students and employees, the development of lifelong learning and science, the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, as well as strengthening safety. 

RSU as Latvia’s leading research university 

RSU offers 62 study programmes, including nine programmes taught in English. Studies are offered across five faculties and the Academy of Sport. The university’s research capacity comprises six scientific institutes, four laboratories, the Innovation Centre, the Social Sciences Research Centre and the Sports Healthcare Research Centre. The RSU structure also includes the Red Cross Medical College and the Kurzeme Study Centre. 

Increase in the number of local and international applicants 

The number of local applicants for the summer intake has risen from 7,973 in 2022 to 13,490 in 2026, with a record increase of 15% recorded in 2026. The number of international applicants rose from 1,496 to 2,191 over the same period, with growth reaching as high as 18% in 2026. 

Distribution of international students by country of residence 

RSU’s international students represent 82 countries. The largest group is from Sweden, accounting for 32% of international students, followed by Finland at 16%, Germany at 15%, Norway at 13%, Portugal at 3%, Italy at 2% and the United Kingdom at 2%. Students from all other countries together account for 17%. International students make up 26% of the total student population. 

International visiting academic staff and visiting researchers 

RSU continues to strengthen its international academic environment by attracting visiting academic staff and visiting researchers from abroad. Their number has increased from 98 in 2021 to 145 in 2025, demonstrating the growing involvement of international experts in teaching and research. 

Consolidation 

RSU internal consolidation and merger with the Latvian Academy of Sport Education were completed on 1 July 2026. A total of EUR 15.49 million was invested in the consolidation, of which 50.3% was invested in research, 17.6% in studies and training, and 13.2% in IT solutions. 

Development of science and key achievements 

RSU has received a high score of 4 in the international assessment of scientific institutions. Research at RSU was analysed using a research platform approach, with the Health and Natural Sciences and Social Sciences platforms evaluated separately. Both platforms received the total score of 4, indicating high and internationally competitive performance in the global and European research landscape. 

RSU has identified its priority research areas for 2026–2028, focusing on precision medicine and translational biomedicine, public health, infections and immunity, human performance and healthy ageing, as well as issues in the social sciences. The quality indicators for scientific publications have improved significantly, with the share of Q1 publications increasing from 43% in 2022 to 72% in 2026. 

Infrastructure development and new projects 

In September 2026, the new RSU Sports Centre at 3 Cigoriņu iela was opened, covering an area of 3,627 m² and costing EUR 13.4 million. Work is also continuing on the establishment of the Family Health Centre, which is scheduled to open in September 2027, the Study and Dentistry Centre project involving an investment of EUR 35.4 million, plans to expand the sports centre, and the development of the Kurzeme Study Centre in Liepāja. 

TOP employer 

In 2025, RSU was recognised as the most desirable employer in the public sector for the fourth consecutive year in the TOP Employer 2025 survey organised by the recruitment company Alma Career Latvia. In the overall ranking of employers across all sectors, RSU came 26th and was the only representative of higher education in the Top 50. 

The event concluded with a musical performance by the instrumental music group Melo-M and singer Dināra Rudāne.