‘Science for healthy societies’: RSU strengthens its identity as a research university

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) is strengthening its position as a research university, with education and research that make a significant contribution to public health and well-being in Latvia, Europe, and globally. In 2026, the consolidation of RSU and the Latvian Academy of Sport Education (RSU LASE) will be completed, alongside the reorganisation of the university’s internal structure.

As a result of these developments, RSU is clearly defining its strategic positioning and future directions, while updating its communication strategy and visual identity. This reinforces RSU as a unified ecosystem built on shared values, a sense of belonging, and common ambitions.

RSU’s development in recent years has been purposeful and consistent. We have become a research university, strengthened research quality and international competitiveness, and expanded our scope of activity through consolidation with the Latvian Academy of Sport Education. This is the moment to clearly articulate who we are and where we are heading, and to communicate our strategic positioning together. This benefits not only the university itself, but also students, teaching staff, and employees, by enabling us to work in a unified direction and allowing society to gain even greater value from RSU’s science and education.

RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons 

From science to the well-being of society

RSU is developing an international platform for science and education where solutions are created to address future public challenges in healthcare, life sciences, sports, and the social sciences. The university’s strategic positioning is based on the message "science for healthy societies", where health is examined in its broadest sense. This includes physical, mental and public health, preventive healthcare and sports, digital solutions, sustainable economy, as well as a secure and just society, which highly values critical thinking and accountability.

RSU continues to strengthen its reputation

RSU continues to develop steadily. In the 2025/2026 academic year, more than 12,000 students are studying at the university — the highest number in RSU’s history. The university maintains a strong position as an exporter of higher education in the Baltic and Northern European region and has held the best reputation among Latvian universities for nine consecutive years. At the same time, RSU’s core values, academic quality, team, and commitment to its partners remain unchanged.

A new look, unchanged values

The visual identity of RSU has been renewed, preserving continuity with the university’s established image while giving it a more contemporary appearance. RSU’s distinctive dark red remains the primary colour, serving as a key element of recognition and positioning. At the same time, a new, cooler, and more restrained shade of the dark red has been introduced, alongside a complementary bright accent colour symbolising youth, energy, and innovation. The renewed identity highlights a focus on science, stability, experience, and tradition, while harmoniously integrating these with youthfulness, dynamism, and a drive for development in both Latvia and the international academic environment.

RSU will continue to purposefully develop education, science, and innovation that strengthen health in all its aspects and contribute to a more sustainable future. Everyone interested will have the opportunity to explore the renewed RSU image and the current range of study programmes at the Skola 2026 education fair, taking place from 19 to 21 February.