RSU Convent of Councillors commends progress made in consolidation and discusses development of sports infrastructure

Writer: Ilze Āķe-Vīksne (Public Relations Unit)
Photo: Courtesy of RSU

On 25 November, a meeting of the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Convent of Councillors was held, opened by Prof. Ludmila Vīksna, Chair of the Convent of Councillors, and RSU Rector, Prof. Aigars Pētersons. The participants of the meeting were briefed by the RSU management on the most significant developments in the university’s progress during internal and external consolidation, as well as on changes in the field of sports education at the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE) and the development of sports infrastructure.

Changes at RSU LASE related to consolidation 

Inese Ļubinska, Head of the RSU Sports Study Field, provided a detailed overview of current developments and changes at RSU LASE since the consolidation of higher education institutions on 1 July 2024. She pointed out significant changes in the academy’s governance, research, study process, digitalisation, infrastructure, and communication. Structural optimisation has taken place, reducing the number of departments from seven to two and strengthening the Sports Healthcare Research Centre. The new departments are headed by Asst. Prof. Renārs Līcis and Assoc. Prof. Uģis Ciematnieks, while Edgars Bernāns, RSU Lead Researcher, is Acting Manager of the Sports Healthcare Research Centre. 

 Modernisation of study programmes and expansion of research 

Inese Ļubinska also presented the latest changes in study programmes and staff cooperation between RSU LASE and the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences. The study programmes are being modernised, qualifications in the bachelor’s programme Sports Science have been reviewed, and a new academic master’s programme is under development. Currently, 834 students are studying at RSU LASE, including 217 in the short-cycle programme, 520 in the bachelor’s programme, 71 in the national defence teacher training programme, and 26 in the professional master’s programme Sports Science.

Meanwhile, in the field of research at RSU LASE, international experts are encouraging to strengthen cooperation between public health and sports sciences, as well as to closer integrate research activities into the study process. RSU LASE is actively involved in major research projects, including the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility grant programmes, which cover both doctoral and postdoctoral projects. At the same time, the range of continuing education opportunities is expanded, for example, with Category C coaching courses, and the development of international cooperation to strengthen partnerships with leading sports universities in Europe, noted Inese Ļubinska. 

Plans for the development of sports infrastructure 

RSU Chancellor Toms Baumanis informed the Convent of Councillors about the RSU plans for the development of sports infrastructure. He emphasised the current critical condition of the infrastructure in the RSU LASE building at 333 Brīvības gatve and in the adjacent academy facilities (student hostels, the stadium, and the athletics arena), as well as informed about solutions related to the development of the RSU sports complex in Pārdaugava - the reconstruction of the RSU Sports Complex at 3 Cigoriņu iela and the development opportunities at 24/24A Friča Brīvzemnieka iela, located next to the existing RSU sports complex.

Discussion and conclusions of the Convent 

At the end of the meeting, a discussion was held on the reports presented by the RSU management. Participants of the Convent of Councillors meeting highly appreciated the progress made so far in the consolidation process, calling for the continuation of purposeful development in sports science and education.