RSU strengthens scientific excellence: international panel of experts to discuss research development
This week, from 14 to 16 April, the External Advisory Board – an international group of experts – will begin its work at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) to evaluate the university’s research directions and provide recommendations for their further development. The Board’s work was first organised in 2024, and this year’s visit continues that tradition, strengthening the international dimension of research at RSU.
The External Advisory Board brings together 15 internationally renowned experts from the Netherlands, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Portugal, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Spain, Belgium, the United States, and Latvia. The members of the Board represent a variety of scientific fields, including oncology, public health, microbiology, pharmaceutical technology, environmental health, sports science, and data management.
Tasks of the Board
During a three-day on-site visit, experts will assess RSU’s research directions and provide their perspective on the development prospects of each direction over the next 5–10 years. They will also analyse opportunities for collaboration both within RSU and with partners in Latvia, as well as elsewhere in Europe and globally. The Board will also assess the potential economic, social, and cultural impact of the research directions and provide recommendations for the development of human resources and academic careers, including support mechanisms for doctoral students and growth opportunities for early-career researchers.
Members of the External Advisory Board:
- Willem-Jan van den Heuve, Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (the Netherlands)
- Kaja-Triin Laisaar, University of Tartu (Estonia)
- Rolf H. Sijmons, University Medical Center Groningen (the Netherlands)
- João Paulo Teixeira, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (Portugal)
- Radu-Corneliu Duca, National Health Laboratory (Luxembourg)
- Mirjana Gašperlin, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
- Caroline Heckman, Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (Finland)
- Egija Zaura, Academic Centre for Dentistry in Amsterdam (ACTA) (the Netherlands)
- Noel C. Barengo, Florida International University (United States)
- Karolis Ažukaitis, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
- Ignacio Ara, University of Castilla–La Mancha (Spain)
- Edmundas Jasinskas, Lithuanian Sports University (Lithuania)
- Agne Velthut, Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia)
- Elke Rogge, ILVO Research Institute (Belgium)
- Vita Pašukonienė, National Cancer Institute, Immunology Laboratory (Lithuania)
Within one month of the on-site visit, RSU will receive individually tailored recommendations from each expert regarding the development of research directions. These recommendations will serve as an important foundation for refining the university’s research strategy.
