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On the 75th anniversary of Riga Stradiņš University, we celebrate our common story of growth – a journey in which every person, idea and contribution has been significant. As a research university, RSU serves as Latvia’s calling card to the world, with the capacity to influence, inspire, and lead.

May the spirit of growth and a shared purpose continue to unite us in building a society where knowledge holds the power to bring about meaningful change.

RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons

RSU - 75 years of growth with Latvia

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) – a significant milestone in the University’s development. Over the decades, RSU has become a driving force in Latvia’s progress, providing high-quality knowledge, developing skills, and nurturing values for a better future. 

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Ten stories of RSU’s contribution to Latvia and the world

Over 75 years, RSU has made a substantial contribution to science, education, and innovation, fostering positive change in the economy, healthcare, and sustainable development. These ten achievements highlight our role in shaping the wellbeing and future of society. 

  1. Research university
    RSU boasts a high citation rate of scientific publications and an interdisciplinary team of researchers who drive innovation in medicine, pharmacy, sport, law, politics, and other fields. Our researchers provide practical solutions for a better society. We are the organisers of the most important science event in the Baltic region – RSU Research Week
  2. Education exports and national economic impact
    Since 1990, RSU has significantly bolstered the Latvian economy by attracting international students. By 2030, our contribution to the economy is expected to exceed EUR 1 billion. RSU is the most international university in Latvia, with over a quarter of its students coming from 82 countries, most commonly Germany, Sweden, and Finland. RSU has 15 study centres abroad and, in 2024, became the first Baltic university to establish a branch of its medical programme abroad – at Elbe Hospital in Stade, Germany.
  3. International cooperation
    RSU maintains close ties with universities and research institutions abroad. The university's researchers participate in major international studies; every fifth academic staff member at RSU is from abroad, and the university employs six tenure-track professors from other countries. English serves as the second working language.
  4. Quality, internationally recognised education
    RSU produces highly-valued specialists in medicine, health, social sciences and sport. We are a pillar of the health sector in Latvia, and our contribution has been recognised by the Latvian Employers' Confederation's award "For the company's support to the promotion of public health and the health sector". 
  5. Simulation technologies
    The RSU Medical Education Technology Centre (METC) is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. Simulation is integrated into the university's teaching, research, and professional development activities. 
  6. Reputation for excellence
    For nine consecutive years, RSU has been recognised as the university with the best reputation in Latvia (according to market research company Kantar). Employers also value the quality of our education – 92% of our graduates successfully enter the labour market. 
  7. Digital innovation
    RSU leads the way in digital innovation in higher education – from digital governance and artificial intelligence solutions to modernised study programmes. We were the first in Latvia to publish guidelines on the use of AI in the study process. 
  8. Developing higher education
    RSU actively advocates for improved quality and funding in higher education and science in Latvia. Internally, we are reforming study programmes and our research structure. Externally, we have merged with the Latvian Academy of Sport Education (RSU LASE) to jointly advance sports science.  
  9. Top employer
    For the third consecutive year, RSU has been recognised as the best employer in the public sector, according to a survey by recruitment agency Alma Career Latvia.   
  10. Sustainable development
    RSU is implementing sustainable initiatives in infrastructure, studies and governance. In 2023, we received the Bank of Latvia and Corporate Governance Advisory Council Award for Growth in Sustainable Governance.

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RSU's vision for the future

RSU continues to grow as a leader in innovation, education, and research in Latvia and Northern Europe. Our vision for the future is guided by the values that unite us: professional and personal growth, academic excellence, interdisciplinary cooperation, and sustainable development. Our key growth areas include research, education quality, innovation, lifelong learning, sport, artificial intelligence, military medicine, and infrastructure development. 

With courage, competence, and wisdom, we continue on our path – ensuring that knowledge holds the power to build a better Latvia in the years of growth ahead. 

Greetings and personal stories

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Dear staff, students, alumni and partners of the Rīga Stradiņš University community!
For three quarters of a century, Rīga Stradiņš University has been an unwavering and important pillar of Latvian healthcare and education. Over the years, it has not only provided excellent medical and social science education, but also contributed to the development of society at large, including the development of military medicine, as well as the field of medical law in Latvia, thus promoting the protection of the rights of doctors and patients.
You are an integral part of the story of Latvia's development, having trained many highly qualified specialists, whose knowledge and professionalism are the cornerstone of public health.
Celebrating Rīga Stradiņš University not only means celebrating you, but also the entire academic, medical, healthcare and social sciences community. It is an opportunity to reflect on achievements, as well as to draw inspiration for new goals.
75 years is a remarkable milestone, yet it is also just one step along the path ahead. I am confident that the future holds even greater achievements, bolder ambitions, and increased international recognition.. 
I wish Rīga Stradiņš University continuous growth, a strong academic spirit and a prosperous future!

Hosams Abu Meri, Minister for Health

RSU anniversary logo

The design of the anniversary logo reflects the university’s values and symbolises continuity, tradition, and growth. The dynamic lines represent progress and our distinctively modern outlook. The logo expresses openness to the world and to diversity – each line is a path in a shared story that extends into the future.

Anniversary logos and guidelines

RSU 75th anniversary logo in English

 

Events

Ostas prospekts 11, Rīga
Mežaparks Grand Bandstand, Kokari Brothers Hall

Supporters

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Contact

Anniversary events
Media