RSU researchers and teams honoured for their contributions to innovation
On 5 November, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) presented certificates of recognition to researchers and teams at its Innovation Day for their contributions to innovation and industry collaboration. The awards recognised researchers’ initiative and progress in developing new technologies, as well as teams that applied the University’s expertise to address the needs of businesses and public authorities. The awards were presented by RSU Vice-Rector for Science Agrita Kiopa and Director of the RSU Innovation Centre Agnese Oļševska.
The Young Innovator of the Year award went to Marija Lazovska for advancing research from an initial idea towards an innovation with potential for intellectual property protection and commercialisation. In the SPERMFREE project, which she leads, researchers are analysing cell-free DNA in semen samples to develop a non-invasive method for assessing testicular function in cases of severe male infertility. In the future, this approach could help clinicians better assess the causes of infertility and make more informed decisions about treatment.
The Innovation Breakthrough of the Year award went to the team led by Associate Professor Oļegs Sabeļņikovs for its progress in developing a multimodal optical technology to assess microcirculation in patients with septic shock. The O3MS project combines RSU’s clinical experience with the optical technology expertise of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia. The team has developed an approach that uses light signals to assess blood flow in small vessels and tissue oxygenation beneath the tongue and in the stomach lining in real time. The award recognises the team’s work in taking the idea to a stage where it can be tested in an intensive care setting.
The Research Collaboration Capacity Award went to the Laboratory of Finished Dosage Forms for developing research services and successfully completing contract research for industry. Through the laboratory, companies can draw on RSU researchers’ expertise and facilities to tackle practical challenges in the development and evaluation of pharmaceutical dosage forms.
The Largest-Scale Collaboration of the Year award went to the team led by RSU Acting Researcher Uldis Hļevickis for carrying out the contract research project “The Burden of Non-invasive Pneumococcal Infection in Latvia”. The award recognised the scale of the study and its financial contribution to RSU’s collaboration with industry. The study examined the burden of non-invasive pneumococcal infection in Latvia.
The Collaboration Momentum Award went to the Institute of Public Health for its proactive engagement with partners and successful completion of contract research projects. The award recognises the Institute’s work in bringing RSU’s public health expertise to research questions relevant to public authorities and industry.
