RSU congratulates 19 young Doctor of Science graduates

On Thursday, 13 November, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) held its doctoral graduation ceremony in the Great Hall, awarding 19 Doctor of Science degrees. Graduates were presented with diplomas, letters of gratitude and RSU silver pins, symbolising their belonging to the university’s academic community. 

The graduation ceremony was opened by RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons and Vice-Rector for Science Prof. Agrita Kiopa, emphasising that the research conducted by the young doctoral degree holders represents a significant contribution to the development of science and society in Latvia.

The attendees were greeted by Līga Āboliņa, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Health, and Lauris Vidzis, Chairman of the Board of the Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, who noted the close cooperation between RSU and the healthcare sector in science and innovation.

Research by young doctors demonstrates the RSU science diversity

This year, 19 young doctors have received their diplomas, and their doctoral theses represent a wide spectrum of scientific research – ranging from clinical medicine and psychology to law and economics.

In clinical medicine, 10 doctoral theses were defended, covering topics such as iodine supplementation for pregnant women, the treatment of infectious and vascular diseases, the impact of Covid-19 on the liver, antithrombotic therapy and the effectiveness of stroke treatment, as well as the development of new endovascular surgery methods. In medical sciences and pharmacy, three theses were defended on antimicrobial resistance, aspects of tuberculosis treatment, and the biochemical mechanisms of plant extracts. In health and sports sciences, there were analysed mechanisms of physical fitness and chronic pain management that contribute to improving public health and safety, including in the national defence sector.

In the field of psychology, research focused on the development of resilience and psychological endurance in patients with chronic pain. In law, repo transactions and the legal aspects of corporate raiding were analysed, strengthening Latvia’s financial and legal environment. In economics and business studies, the impact of the European Union strategies in Central Asia was studied, demonstrating the international dimension of RSU research.

RSU congratulates the young Doctor of Science degree holders and wishes success in their scientific and professional carrier, continuing to strengthen the research potential of RSU and Latvia.