Institute of the History of Medicine

Summary of scientific activities on RSU Research Portal

Founded in 1991, the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Institute of the History of Medicine is the only specialised institute in the Baltics dedicated to research in the history of medicine, as well as academic training and development in this field. The Institute’s staff conduct research and teaching, run the Latvian Association of Medical Historians, and publish the academic journal Acta medico-historica Rigensia in co-operation with the Pauls Stradiņš Medicine History Museum.

The Institute conducts research in the history of medicine and life sciences, as well as supervises doctoral theses in the field of medical history. It is actively involved in international academic cooperation and promotes the development of medical history research in Latvia and the Baltic Sea region.

The Institute of the History of Medicine includes the accredited RSU Museum, which features historical and anatomical collections.

Areas of activity

Implementation of the study course “History of Medical and Life Sciences” for local and international students of the Faculty of Medicine.
Research in the field of the history of medicine, life sciences, and the pharmaceutical industry in Latvia and the countries of the Baltic Sea region in the context of the global history of medicine.
Supervision of doctoral theses in the field of medical history and support for the academic development of early-career researchers.
Research and consultative support on the collection, preservation, and interpretation of tangible and intangible medical heritage, as well as promotion of the availability of this heritage for research, education, museology, and art.
International networking in the fields of research and training in medical history, regularly inviting guest lecturers from leading foreign universities and organising international conferences, such as the annual congress of the International Medical Historians Association held in Riga in 2020.