Department of Sports and Nutrition Paid Experience Exchange Visit to University of Iceland

Three academic and two administrative staff members from Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) paid a visit to the University of Iceland (UI) this month within the framework of the European Economic Area (EEA) grant project Staff Mobility Between Rīga Stradiņš University and the University of Iceland to Establish Scientific Collaboration in the Nutrition Field (EEA-GRANT-218) funded by Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The aim of the project is to exchange knowledge and experience between the academic and administrative staff of Rīga Stradiņš University and the University of Iceland.

During the mobility in Iceland, the participants had the opportunity to meet professors from the UI Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, compare the content of the bachelor’s and master’s study programmes, and familiarise themselves with how the study process is organised. At the UI Pedagogy Centre, the participants discussed innovations in teaching and learning methods. They learned about the structure of the UI School of Health Sciences and the support mechanisms available to the faculty in implementing scientific projects. At the UI International Support Service, the participants discussed cooperation opportunities for student and lecturer mobility. Next, the representatives from RSU had the opportunity to participate in the defence of a doctoral thesis, visit the National Museum of Iceland, learn about Iceland’s history, folklore, cultural heritage, and how seaweed (algae) is processed. Finally, they visited the MATIS laboratory that works on various projects in the food industry, emphasising innovation and added value. These projects are implemented in cooperation with local food producers, universities, and organisations providing services to the food industry.

Several presentations were made during the mobility. On 17 April, the representatives from RSU introduced their Icelandic colleagues to Rīga Stradiņš University and told them more about the University’s Nutrition bachelor’s study programme and Nutrition Science master’s programme. Both parties shared their experiences on various research projects and discussed opportunities for joint cooperation.

Lecturer Eva Kataja and the Head of the Department of Sports and Nutrition Una Veseta gave a presentation on Latvia, its history, landmarks, and traditions. After the lectures, Latvian and Icelandic dishes were served and attendees found similarities in ethnic food traditions between the two cultures, which could serve as a starting point for cooperation in the study of contemporary dietary habits.

Participants discussed sustainable healthy nutrition, which is the most topical issue of the moment, with professors from the Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition and an outline of possible directions for cooperation was made.

The staff of the Department of Sports and Nutrition during the visit to Iceland