Modernised programmes and joint sports research highlight the first year of RSU–RSU LASE consolidation

As of 1 July 2024, following a decision by the Ministry of Education and Science, the Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE) has been integrated into Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), creating a unified ecosystem of health and sports sciences. The new name – RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education – combines both universities’ resources whilst preserving the identity and the academic and scientific autonomy of RSU LASE.

Significant changes have taken place as a result of the consolidation: the structure of the departments has been reformed, study programmes have been modernised, important research in sports sciences is being carried out, and improvements have been made to the infrastructure. The formerly seven departments have now been merged now into two strong structural units – the Department of Individual and Team Sports and the Department of Sports Theory.

With the start of the new academic year, students have access to substantially revised bachelor’s and short-cycle study programmes in Sports Science, the content of which has been developed in close cooperation with RSU faculties and industry professionals, combining expertise in sport, medicine, psychology, business, and social sciences. A new master’s programme in the field of sports is currently being developed and licensed.

RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons notes that the consolidation is progressing successfully, uniting the fields of health and sports under a single sustainable policy. He highlights with particular satisfaction this summer’s successful student admission, as 252 young people have begun their studies at RSU LASE.

Our goal is to prepare professionals with interdisciplinary skills able to compete in an international environment and work both on the sports field and on a team with medical and other specialists. We are inspired by the best examples in Europe – this year we visited several of the largest sports universities to strengthen our international experience and introduce proven solutions to Latvia.

RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons

It is important that the consolidation signifies targeted development and quality improvement at all levels. The main tasks for the new academic year are the accreditation of the study field Sports, the development and licensing of a new master’s programme, and the international evaluation of our research projects. These processes are essential for strengthening RSU LASE as a modern and internationally competitive university, capable of preparing professionals with a broad outlook and high academic quality.

RSU LASE Acting Director Diāna Laipniece

Research, joint projects and infrastructure development

At the same time, RSU and RSU LASE continue their integration in the field of research. Joint projects are being implemented, including within the national research programme Sports, the interim results of which will be presented this autumn. Several RSU and RSU LASE researchers have received funding for their projects in the RSU and RSU LASE postdoctoral, science, research, and development grant selection competition.

An important aspect of the consolidation process is developing infrastructure– in Riga, the renovation of the building at 333 Brīvības bulvāris is ongoing, while the construction of a new sports complex has begun in Torņakalns to provide a modern environment for the study process in the future to prepare professional athletes and promote healthy lifestyle within the local community.

The results of the employee survey

RSU LASE employee surveys on job satisfaction, conducted in the summers of 2024 and 2025, show that employees’ positive view on the merge has increased significantly (from 28% in 2024 to 47% in 2025), while negative feelings decreased (from 26% to 15%). At the same time, employees’ personal concerns about the changes have declined, particularly regarding working conditions and salary stability (concerns about working conditions fell from 43% in 2024 to 32% in 2025, while concerns about remuneration stability fell from 31% to 29%). An increasing number of employees consider the changes as positive (29% in 2025, compared with 15% in 2024).

Next steps

As part of the consolidation process, RSU has assumed all LASE rights and obligations, developed a coherent strategy, and laid the foundation for a unified health and sports science ecosystem. Within three to five years, RSU LASE aims to ensure high-quality, research-based, internationally competitive higher education and good governance. By pooling resources, the two institutions can enhance the quality of studies and research while sharing information systems, project management, legal, and other services.

Alongside the external consolidation at RSU LASE, an internal consolidation within RSU is also being carried out to optimise study and research units and processes, promote interdisciplinarity, collaboration, and resource sharing, and to develop RSU as a research university.

104 years of RSU LASE at a glance