Consolidation continues: RSU Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy and RSU LASE celebrate new teams, facilities, and future goals

Writer: Ilze Āķe-Vīksne, RSU Public Relations Unit

On 11 September, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) hosted a celebratory event for the Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy and the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE), marking a significant milestone in the University’s internal and external consolidation process. Participants from both the Department and RSU LASE were introduced to recent structural changes, the department’s new facilities, and future plans.

New department models and teams

As of 1 September, the seven departments of RSU LASE have been merged into two strong structural units: the Department of Individual and Team Sports, headed by Assoc. Prof. Renārs Līcis, and the Department of Sports Theory, headed by Assoc. Prof. Uģis Ciematnieks. This reorganisation enables the optimisation of resources, the strengthening of academic and research capacity, and the modernisation of the study process to enhance international competitiveness.

Eleven lecturers specialising in pedagogy and health sport courses from the Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy have joined the newly established departments at RSU LASE, ensuring both the preservation of academic expertise and the improvement of study quality. At the same time, three experienced lecturers and researchers from RSU LASE have joined the Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy, significantly expanding the department’s expertise in psychology and psychological support. This year, the department is expected to further develop the field of sports psychology. Researchers and lecturers have already begun designing several new courses, marking the beginning of this new academic direction.

New premises and development opportunities

The Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy team has relocated to new premises at 16 Dzirciema iela, Block A, 5th floor. The upgraded facilities will support more effective organisation of the study process, promote closer collaboration with other RSU structural units, and offer broader opportunities for both students and researchers.

The Dean’s view on the changes

Prof. Inga Millere, Dean of the Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy, emphasises: ‘A year of consolidation – full of intense work and challenges – has passed. At the same time, it has brought many opportunities for researchers and lecturers, students and staff alike. We have created new, effective academic teams that already support – and will continue to support – the development of study programmes and multidisciplinary research. We have overcome the initial emotional turbulence and have emerged stronger, with greater opportunities to grow, improve, and move forward together towards a shared goal: the creation of advanced, demanded, and science-based study programmes.’

Recognition and gratitude

Assoc. Prof. Irēna Upeniece received special recognition for her long-standing and significant contribution to RSU, awarded on the occasion of her milestone birthday.

During the event, several colleagues from the Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy were honoured with certificates of recognition from the RSU Rector for their active involvement and valuable contributions to the University’s development, including the consolidation process. Recipients included the Director of the Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy Prof. Kristīne Mārtinsone, Assoc. Prof. Voldemārs Arnis, and Assoc. Prof. Indra Vīnberga.

Future outlook

The University’s consolidation efforts continue. Alongside structural changes, RSU is actively working to enhance its study programmes to better meet the needs of both students and employers, as well as to align with international standards. Plans are underway to develop and license a new master’s programme in sports science, and to further strengthen international research cooperation.

These goals build on the achievements of the consolidation process and reaffirm that RSU and RSU LASE are continuing to move purposefully towards a strong, internationally recognised, and science-based study and research environment.