The consolidation of RSU and LASE is progressing well

By a decision of the Ministry of Education and Science, the Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE) was integrated into Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) on 1 July this year, while maintaining its identity and academic and scientific independence. After the integration, the name of the Academy is the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education (RSU LASE), and its Acting Director is Assoc. Prof. Kalvis Ciekurs (formerly the Rector of LASE). As a result of the consolidation, RSU has taken over more than 80% of LASE's staff, study programmes are being aligned, a continuous study process for RSU LASE's 1,027 students has been ensured, important research in sports science is underway, and infrastructure work has begun on the RSU LASE building at 333 Brīvības gatve.

From the left: RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons and Acting Director of RSU LASE Assoc. Prof. Kalvis Ciekurs

‘The start of the consolidation is promising, but any change requires resources, patience and a determined drive forward. We started the integration of RSU and LASE even before the official consolidation date, outlining the common directions to be developed - digitalisation, research development, internationalisation, and improving the quality of education,’ says RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons. ‘Together with our colleagues from RSU LASE, we are implementing joint research projects in sports science, as well as interdisciplinary projects, and we are working on aligning study programmes. We will train high quality sports professionals who will promote an active and healthy lifestyle in society. I am pleased that the first joint admission under the consolidation has been successful and that the newly admitted RSU LASE students have started the new academic year successfully.’

RSU and RSU LASE collaborate on joint research projects, such as the National Research Programme ‘Sports’. To support young researchers, RSU recently completed a competition for doctoral grants, which funded 41 doctoral students, while in the spring of this year, RSU and LASE researchers were funded through the Consolidation Plan Research and Academic Career Grant competition for research in medicine, sports science, natural sciences, and social sciences.

RSU is actively continuing its work on the alignment of study programmes and the development of new study programmes to ensure quality and diversity in sports education. Two prospective study programmes have been drafted: a short-cycle professional programme 'Sports Specialist' and a professional bachelor programme ’Head Coach and Sports Manager’. The 'Physiotherapy' programme has been successfully aligned, while several programmes in the field of education and paedagogy have been prepared for the accreditation process. In addition, a discussion has been initiated to develop studies in the field of recreation, contributing to the growth and popularity of this sector.

In the new academic year, the number of applications for studies at RSU LASE was similar to the previous year, but for example, the study programme 'Sports and Education Specialist (Sports Coach)' received more applications (70 this year compared to 53 last year). The total number of applications for all study programmes was higher than the number of study places, and all study places allocated to RSU LASE from the state budget have been filled.

The Acting Director of RSU LASE Assoc. Prof. Ciekurs emphasises that the process of merging the two universities is time-consuming, but that the cooperation with RSU is constructive and collegial. ‘Currently, the main priority is to ensure the continuity and quality of the study process for the students on the premises of RSU LASE at 333 Brīvības gatvė, where the infrastructure of RSU LASE is being improved. At the same time, the internal internet network of the RSU LASE building is being modernised, which will improve the speed of data transmission and the quality of the study process. The study rooms are being equipped with more powerful computers and interactive whiteboards,’ says Ciekurs. RSU LSPA staff and students are improving their skills in using RSU digital information systems, mastering e-learning environments, and other technological opportunities that will be useful and necessary in their daily work.

In the consolidation process, RSU has taken over all LASE rights and obligations, developed a coherent development strategy, and created a unified health and sports science ecosystem. It is planned that high quality, internationally competitive, research-based higher education and good governance will be ensured at RSU LASE within three to five years. The resources at RSU will ensure higher quality education and research, and the two institutions will be able to share information systems, project management, legal, and other resources.