RSU Annual Awards 2025 and special recognitions presented at annual RSU Academic Meeting

Photo: Courtesy of RSU

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) has a tradition of expressing gratitude to outstanding students, staff, and structural units that have achieved remarkable success and made significant contributions to research, teaching, or the promotion of RSU, as well as those recognised for their lifetime contribution to the University’s development. On 2 October, during the annual RSU Academic Meeting held in the RSU Great Hall, the RSU Annual Awards were presented in several categories, along with two special recognitions.

Student of the Year: Laura Sabīne Taurmane is currently pursuing two study programmes at the same time, Medicine and Dentistry, and maintains an average grade of 9 in both. Together with the Student Union (Studējošo pašpārvalde, SP) team, she has led and implemented the most ambitious international student conference in RSU’s history, achieving a record number of submitted research theses. Alongside her studies, she actively publishes academic work, initiates new projects, engages in social activities, and volunteers at a hospital.

Master’s Student of the Year: Reinaert Jozef Maurice Demey is an outstanding student in the International Relations and Diplomacy programme, with a grade point average of 9.67. Through his active participation in discussions and the variety of questions he raises, he enriches the learning experience for his entire group. He is also involved in a variety of social sciences events, contributing to the strengthening of the academic environment and the professional community.

Doctoral Student of the Year: Edgars Edelmers is a doctoral candidate in medical and health sciences who actively integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D technologies into medicine, applying an interdisciplinary approach to enhance diagnostics, research, and medical education. His research focuses on developing AI solutions to improve the accuracy and speed of cancer diagnosis, automate cell recognition in histopathological images, and accelerate data processing in scientific studies. In addition to his research, he is actively involved in academic work and fosters collaboration between universities and scientific institutions.

Resident of the Year: Ilze Maldupa, Lead Researcher at the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral Health, has played a key role in gaining international recognition for research conducted in Latvia. She is an internationally renowned researcher who has secured funding for a fundamental and applied research project focused on evidence-based paediatric caries management strategies. She supervises doctoral dissertations, is actively involved in academic life, and has published scientific articles, research protocols, and data sets. Ilze has represented Latvia at major dental conferences and received an award from the European Association of Dental Public Health. She also serves as deputy editor and reviewer for international journals.

Lecturer of the Year: Arturs Balodis, Assistant Professor at the Department of Radiology, is a highly qualified educator who makes complex concepts easy to understand for every student. He treats students with respect and fosters a safe and motivating learning environment. His support beyond the classroom is also greatly appreciated by students.

Researcher of the Year: Ieva Puzo, Head of the Social Sciences Research Centre and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, is an outstanding researcher and a driving force behind the faculty’s research activities. She has initiated new research projects, attracted numerous guest lecturers, and prepared the faculty for international scientific evaluation. In 2025, she secured funding for a fundamental and applied research project focused on the people of the Latgale border region. As Head of the Social Sciences Research Centre, Ieva Puzo is fostering a dynamic and strong interdisciplinary environment capable of competing beyond Latvia.

Structural Unit of the Year: The Faculty of Medicine is an example of excellence not only in Latvia but throughout the Baltic region. The faculty team is purposefully designing a modern study development plan, introducing world-class teaching technologies, and conducting simulation-based education on a daily basis. It is active in scientific research and is becoming increasingly popular among international students. In addition, the faculty works closely with hospitals and medical institutions both in Latvia and internationally.

Administrative Employee of the Year: Assoc. Prof. Nora Jansone-Ratinika, Lead Researcher and Director of the Centre for Educational Growth, possesses remarkable leadership skills, guiding her team with professionalism and empathy. She exemplifies proactivity, tolerance, and respect. Every day, Nora Jansone-Ratinika brings together various administrative and academic units at RSU to work synergistically. Her vision and perseverance have enabled her to build a unit that has become a strong pillar of support for the entire RSU community.

As there are many outstanding colleagues at the university, this year, in addition to the Annual Awards, two special recognitions were also presented in the category of Administrative Employee of the Year.

• Andris Bruģis, IT Project Manager at the IT Service Centre has, for many years, supported lecturers with sincerity, dedication, and a highly professional approach in resolving important issues related to e-studies, e-grades, and other digital solutions. His colleagues describe him as someone who is always ready to help. He has a strong technical mindset and the ability to find solutions even in the most complex situations.
• Dagnija Briede, Study Programme Development Project Manager at the Study Quality Department (until recently working at the Centre for Pedagogical Growth). Colleagues describe Dagnija Briede as someone who brings unique brightness to every interaction. She has made a significant contribution to external quality assessment, accreditation, and licensing processes, helping to both create and improve study programmes.

This year's Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Prof. Aivars Lejnieks, longstanding Head of the Department of Internal Diseases at the Faculty of Medicine and a true patriot of RSU and Latvia. "There are no small details in medicine" is one of the professor’s guiding principles, reflecting the meticulous approach he applies to both patient care and scientific challenges. Prof. Lejnieks is a member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Under his supervision, numerous doctoral theses have been defended, extensive epidemiological research has been conducted in endocrinology and cardiology, and significant studies have been carried out at RSU in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension. The professor is one of the founders of the Association of Rare Disease Specialists. He is an outstanding doctor, scientist and, at the same time, a warm-hearted person.

The Alumnus of the Year award is presented by the RSU Alumni Association and awarded to Asst. Prof. Ieva Lībiete, Head of the RSU Anatomy Museum. Others describe her as follows: ‘Ieva Lībiete is full of energy, vitality and the desire to always do a little more, reach new heights and inspire others to do the same.’ Asst. Prof. Lībiete refers to herself as a medical historian and has received the Felix Award for her research in the history of psychiatry. She holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from RSU. She is not only a graduate, but also a dedicated member of the Alumni Association. Ieva Lībiete runs a museum that has won international awards and competes with museums worldwide.’

The Academic Meeting began with a presentation by Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons, highlighting the University’s achievements and outlining future challenges. He expressed his gratitude to the entire RSU team for their dedicated work.

Following the RSU Annual Awards ceremony, colleagues and guests enjoyed a musical performance by Elza Rozentāle and Kaspars Zemītis.