From clinical simulations to discussions on lasting peace in Ukraine: RSU students invite you to the International Student Conference

Monday, 24 March, will mark the beginning of Research Week at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), featuring five days of international conferences taking place both online and in-person. The conferences will bring together researchers from over 40 countries. The event will run from 24 to 28 March, and will kick off with the 11th International Student Conference (ISC) Health and Social Sciences, focusing on the latest global developments in medicine, healthcare, and social sciences.

This year, ISC is the largest international conference organised by students, not only in the Baltics but also in Northern Europe, with over 5,000 students expected to attend over the course of two days. The event is organised by the RSU Student Union (Studējošo pašpārvalde, SP), and involves both local and international students from almost all faculties.

Record number of abstracts submitted, and an international jury

This year, 558 abstracts were submitted for the conference. According to Laura Sabīne Taurmane, ISC Organising Committee Chairperson, 432 students from 13 different countries will present their research at RSU ISC. Their work will be evaluated by an international jury composed of 175 representatives. The students will present their research in 18 healthcare oral presentation sections, eight healthcare poster sections, 10 case study sections, and three research sections dedicated to social sciences.

Hands-on workshops and opportunities to learn new skills

In addition to the conference, more than 35 hands-on workshops will be on offer, where students will be able to practise skills such as surgical suturing, echocardiography, and cranioplasty on 3D-printed skull models. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in moot courts, a mock trial simulating a UN resolution, and much more.

The President of Latvia and world-renowned experts to open Research Week

The opening of the conference and the entire Research Week will be led by Prof. Aigars Pētersons, RSU Rector and President of Research Week 2025, alongside Edgars Rinkēvičs, the President of Latvia. Following the opening, the event will feature inspiring speeches from renowned experts, including Dr. Bertalan Meskó, Director of The Medical Futurist Institute, Prof. Romain Meeusen from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Susan Michie, Professor of Health Psychology from the UK, and others.

Discussions on the importance of research and security in the Baltics

Following the plenary session, the RSU Great Hall will host two panel discussions featuring both local and international experts: ‘From research to real-world impact: Making science matter!’ and ‘The security situation in the Baltics: Achieving lasting peace in Ukraine and its consequences’. On 25 March, experts will offer their insights in additional discussions: ‘Beyond the mannequin: The role of simulation in modern medicine’ and ‘Vaccination in the paediatric population’.

First medical simulation competition in Latvia

In collaboration with the Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Clinical Simulations and the RSU Medical Education Technology Centre (METC), a unique medical simulation competition, Medical Wrestle, will be organised for the first time in Latvia. This event, aimed at medical students, will focus on developing communication, teamwork, and clinical thinking skills in a safe, controlled environment. On the first day, student teams will participate in simulations of acute conditions, followed by an evening competition in thematic arenas, where they will showcase their skills and compete for prizes.

Similar simulation competitions are held at many European and global conferences, and this will be the first of its kind in the Baltic States for medical students. In its inaugural year, the competition will feature teams not only from RSU and the University of Latvia, but also from Estonia and Poland. They will be judged by medical professionals from Latvia, Ukraine, and France. We invite all interested parties to register as passive conference participants and show their support for the teams in the final round of the competition, which will take place on 24 March at 19:00 at the METC.

New tradition in dentistry: Crown It in Riga

On 24 March, the RSU Institute of Stomatology will host the inaugural Crown It in Riga dental clinical case competition, bringing together students from all study years to tackle real and challenging clinical cases. The event is based on clinical cases curated by lecturers from the RSU Faculty of Dentistry, providing students with the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills across various areas, including endodontics, prosthodontics, surgery, and more. Randomly formed teams will compete for the title of King or Queen of Dentistry, demonstrating that only exceptional teamwork and quick thinking can lead to victory. Crown It in Riga promises to establish a new standard for what dental students can achieve.

Social programme and opportunities for social activities

The conference will feature a broad social programme, offering participants and guests the chance to create camouflage nets for Ukrainian defenders in collaboration with the association Tavi Draugi. Additionally, guided tours to explore the city of Riga will be offered.