Irish Minister for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation visits RSU
Photo: Courtesy of RSU
On Monday, 17 March, the Irish Minister for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth, along with Ambassador Eimear Friel and other representatives of the Irish delegation, visited Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU).
During their meeting with RSU Rector, Professor Aigars Pētersons, and other university leadership representatives, the Irish delegation expressed their support for strengthening collaboration in studies, research, innovation, and the application of artificial intelligence.
The Minister emphasised the high regard for the knowledge that Irish students gain during their studies at RSU. This not only increases the number of highly qualified specialists but also enables them to bring the expertise and skills acquired at RSU back to Ireland. Currently, five Irish students are studying at RSU.
The Minister highlighted the involvement of Irish lecturers in various RSU study programmes and the participation of Irish entrepreneurs in RSU Innovation Centre projects as valuable collaboration opportunities. Equally important is the engagement of Irish business professionals and academic staff in RSU courses and programmes related to artificial intelligence applications. From autumn 2025, RSU will introduce a new and unique master’s programme in Latvia, Digital Strategies and Artificial Intelligence Management.
During the meeting, RSU Rector Professor Aigars Pētersons presented RSU’s achievements in promoting educational exports, attracting international students and faculty, and advancing scientific research. More than 3,000 students from 82 countries currently study at RSU. A study by the Latvian Institute for Strategy and Economic Solutions indicates that RSU’s contribution to the Latvian economy is projected to reach €1 billion by 2030.
As part of the visit, the Irish delegation, led by the RSU Rector, toured the Medical Education and Technology Centre (METC), exploring its extensive simulation capabilities. The Irish Minister highly appreciated the innovative simulations at METC, which are used in both medical and social sciences education.
