Visiting session of Saeima subcommittees at RSU focuses on LASE consolidation

On 28 April, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) hosted a visiting session of the Sports Subcommittee and the Higher Education, Science, and Human Capital Subcommittee of the Saeima Education, Culture, and Science Committee. During the session, members of the Parliament, industry policymakers, and the RSU management discussed the development of sports education and science, with particular attention paid to the consolidation process and results of the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education (RSU LASE).

The session was attended by members of the Parliament, sports policymakers from the Ministry of Education and Science, Latvia’s sports sector leaders from the Latvian Sports Federations Council, the Latvian Olympic Unit, the Latvian Paralympic Committee, as well as the leadership of RSU and the RSU LASE.

The consolidation as a strategic turning point in sports development 

Opening the discussion, the RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons emphasised the importance of sports in the university’s development strategy: ‘When it comes to sports in the context of Rīga Stradiņš University, we have never perceived it as a secondary activity. Sport is not an additional element; it is a strategic choice for the university, closely linked to education, health and science.’

The Rector highlighted that the RSU LASE consolidation in 2024 was a conceptual step, bringing together sports education, science and the university’s development within a single system. At the same time, RSU is advancing a broader vision of Pārdaugava area as a unified sports environment, where studies, research and sports activities organically blend with the urban landscape.

Diāna Laipniece, Director of the RSU LASE, presented the results of the university consolidation and shared future development plans. She emphasised the significance of the decision taken: ‘The consolidation of the RSU LASE into the RSU ecosystem has been a well-considered and correct decision. The benefits are already evident both in the quality of studies at the Academy of Sport Education and in the development of infrastructure. We are building a modern, research-based sports education environment that ensures continuity at all levels of studies.’

The RSU study field Sports has been accredited for the maximum term of six years. To strengthen the continuity in education, this field offers a professional bachelor’s programme Sports Science, a short-cycle programme Health Sports Specialist (Sports Coach), as well as a new academic master’s programme Sports Science. 

Targeted investment into sports infrastructure

The discussion highlighted the construction of the new RSU sports complex at 3 Cigoriņu iela, Riga. The project, with a cost of EUR 8.61 million (excluding VAT), is being financed from the university’s own funds, demonstrating the university’s long-term commitment to sports development.

The future 3,627 m² complex will be a multifunctional centre featuring a sports hall, training facilities, and gyms to create a high-quality environment for both studies and high-performance sports. The opening of the new complex is scheduled for the autumn of 2026.

Proposals for improving the national sports policy 

The discussions also presented specific proposals for improving sports sector policy, including the development of the coach qualification system, improvements to the regulatory framework, and enhancements to educational content.

These proposals include:

• improving the coaching qualification system in line with the European Qualifications Framework;
• clear regulations that would allow holders of the Senior Sports Coach qualification to work as sports teachers;
• improving the content of sports and health lessons at schools in order to strengthen the monitoring of children’s physical fitness;
• reviewing the qualification level for the national defence education teachers. 

These proposals will be submitted for further evaluation in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science.

Science as a driving force for sports development 

Agrita Kiopa, RSU Vice-Rector for Science, presented the university’s research ecosystem and highlighted its international scale: more than 12,400 students, including 3,146 international students from 87 countries, more than 250 doctoral students, six shared research platforms, and specialised research centres, including the Sports Healthcare Research Centre. 

Lead Researcher and Assoc. Prof. Signe Tomsone presented an overview of the project Innovations, methodologies and recommendations for the development and management of the sports sector in Latvia, implemented as part of the national research programme Sports. The project provides research-based guidelines for improving sports policy and ensuring the sustainable development of the sector.

At the conclusion of the session, participants visited the RSU Laboratory of Sports and Nutrition Research, where Assoc. Prof. Dace Reihmane, Head of the Laboratory of Sports and Nutrition Research, introduced visitors to the laboratory’s capabilities in the latest research fields of sports physiology, nutrition, and the application of innovation in sports.

RSU long-term vision for sports – leadership in Northern Europe 

RSU aims to become one of the leading universities in sports science across Northern Europe, where sports, medicine, public health and social sciences are developing in an integrated environment. The university seeks to become a centre of excellence that provides science-based solutions for sports organisations and society at large. 

Shared understanding for sports sector development 

The discussions confirmed a shared understanding of the need to strengthen sports education and science in Latvia, as well as the role of RSU and the RSU LASE in achieving this goal. The visiting session fostered closer cooperation among policymakers, the academic community, and industry representatives, outlining future directions for sports development.

The session was attended by members of the Parliament - Alīna Gendele (Head of the Sports Sub-Committee), Zane Skujiņa-Rubene, Jefimijs Klementjevs, Raimonds Bergmanis, Lauris Lizbovskis, Jānis Vucāns, Dāvis Mārtiņš Daugavietis; Edgars Pukinsks, Deputy State Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs of the Ministry of Education and Science; Aleksandrs Samoilovs, Head of the Sports Department; Vladimirs Šteinbergs, President of the Latvian Sports Federations Council; Marita Vilciņa, Senior Expert of the Latvian Olympic Unit, and other sports management specialists.