Research
With the motto “Science for healthy societies”, RSU is developing an international research platform in health and life sciences, sports science, and social sciences, seeking ways to strengthen the health of individuals and societies.
Sustainability research
Health and sports sciences
Health and life sciences form the largest research platform at RSU. Key research areas include clinical medicine, biomedical sciences, dentistry, public health, systems biology, oncology, and pharmacy. These research directions are pursued by groups within the Faculties of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health and Sports Sciences, as well as several research institutes. RSU also serves as the EATRIS coordinator in Latvia, working to expand access to state-of-the-art research technologies across partner institutions and drive innovation in translational medicine. Since the beginning of the RSU’s consolidation with the Latvian Academy of Sport Education in 2024, the university has rapidly expanded its sports science research. Given that research across all these fields addresses both biological and socio-economic factors, RSU research outcomes contribute not only to improving health but also to reducing the risks of social exclusion.
More information: research at RSU related to SDG-3 un SDG-1, and their broader impact.
Societal resilience and security, including in the context of climate change
Researchers at the Social Sciences Research Centre study a wide range of topics central to resilient societies – from health law and security to political narratives, populism, and the media. This research is highly interdisciplinary and also addresses climate change and environmental issues. For example, the Intersections: Politics, Narratives, Perceptions research group studies policy formation, communication, and perception, with a particular focus on climate change and green energy transition. Meanwhile, the Populist Encounters research group examines the interplay between populist movements and societal relationships with the natural world. The cultural role of nature, including people’s lived experiences of wilderness, is also explored by the Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems research group, while researchers at the Department of Applied Pharmacy investigate medicinal plants.
More information: research at RSU related to SDG-16, SDG-13, SDG-15, plašākā zinātnes ietekme.
Social inequalities
The Feminist Investigations research group at the RSU Social Sciences Research Centre is building an interdisciplinary collaboration network to strengthen gender equality, intersectionality, and feminist perspectives across the university’s research areas. This initiative also promotes a particular focus on women’s health within health sciences research.
More information: research at RSU related to SDG-5, SDG-10, and SDG-1.
Food system sustainability
The Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems research group at the RSU Social Sciences Research Centre works on bridging the gap between food demand and supply to enhance the resilience and sustainability of food systems. To achieve this overarching goal, researchers study food consumption patterns and dietary practices, including those associated with specific cultural roles and gender dynamics.
More information: overview of the group's work on the RSU Research Portal, all project's related to SDG-2.
Occupational safety and environmental health
Researchers at the RSU Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health investigate the link between occupational conditions and employees’ physical and mental health. Institute’s representatives also participate in the National Energy and Climate Council meetings, having supported the development of the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021–2030.
More information: overview of the institute's work on the RSU Research Portal, and all projects related to SDG-8.
Sustainable research infrastructure
Support for innovative research
The RSU Innovation Centre helps researchers bring innovative ideas to market through business development programmes and by coordinating contract research projects with industry partners.
Sustainable research infrastructure and support for collaboration
RSU invests in modern, sustainable, and digitally advanced research infrastructure, supports researchers’ participation in international consortia, and actively develops partnerships with companies, government institutions, and non-governmental organisations to promote knowledge transfer and strengthen Latvia’s economy.
Championing holistic university assessment
Since 2025, RSU has been a proud signatory of the More Than Our Rank initiative, developed by the International Network of Research Management Societies, which highlights the many ways that universities serve the world, including contributions not reflected in traditional university rankings.
