More than 200 photos submitted to contest reveal creativity of RSU employees

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) traditionally organises an annual photo contest for RSU employees, and it has become an important event in the life of the University. The theme of this year's contest was ‘Latvia in four seasons. Feel the power of Latvian nature’. A total of 63 RSU employees from various departments of the University participated, submitting more than 200 photographs. This event not only encourages creativity and artistic expression but also helps strengthen the sense of community and improve the well-being of employees by offering an opportunity to reflect and find beauty in everyday moments. 

We are delighted that this year, for the first time, colleagues from the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE) also took part in the photo contest and won one of the coveted prizes. 

Our sincere congratulations to all participants and winners!

The winners of the contest. Photo: Courtesy of RSU

Winners

• Zane Dāvidsone (Assistant Professor at the Department of Paediatrics of the RSU Faculty of Medicine) – greeting card
• Mārīte Priede (Department of Clinical Skills and Medical Technology of the RSU Faculty of Medicine) – cover photo
• Regīna Guseva​ (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Medicine of Faculty of Dentistry) – January
• Lauma Zariņa-Seržāne​ (Medical Education Technology Centre) – February
• Raimonds Sīmanis​ (Department of Infectology of Faculty of Medicine) – March
• Sergejs Ņikuļšins ​ (Department of Paediatrics of Faculty of Medicine) – April
• Ingrīda Smukā​ (RSU LASE ​Health Studies Office) – May
• Monta Apine ​(Medical Education Technology Centre) – June, November, December
• Aldis Gertners (Engineer at Building Management and Maintenance Unit) – July, August
• Irina Ugorenko​ (Office Administrator at Faculty of Medicine) – September
• Ieva Eigima​ (Department of Nursing and Midwifery of Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences) – October

Objective and importance of the photo contest

The main objective of the photo contest for RSU employees is to promote creativity and the psychological well-being of the University’s employees. This competition allows employees of different structural units of the University - from academic staff to administration and technical staff - to express their talent and vision of the world. It also serves as a way to strengthen team spirit and foster bonding.  

‘This tradition started several years ago, and since then, it has become an anticipated event in the life of University. It is a great way to support the emotional well-being of employees, as photography is a form of artistic expression that allows you to express your perception of the world, develop creativity and at the same time reveal different aspects of everyday life,’ says Inga Jansone, Coordinator of RSU Well-being Programme.  

This year's theme ‘Latvia in four seasons. Feel the power of Latvian nature’ was chosen to highlight how beautiful and diverse is Latvian nature in all its seasons. Participants were invited to emphasise the power of Latvian nature and its changes - from winter frost to the splendour of summer flowers. The theme encouraged photographers to pay attention to the cyclical beauty of nature and its invisible details, which can only be noticed if we look closely with an open heart and creative vision. 

Submitted photos and participants  

This year, 63 RSU employees from different departments and units participated in the contest. Participants submitted a total of over 200 photographs reflecting their vision of Latvian nature and its strength in the four seasons. The entries were diverse and showed a wide range of emotions and moments - from snow-covered landscapes in winter to the the first flowers of spring, from sunny summer days to colourful autumn leaves. 

Employees from all departments took part, including academic staff, administration, library staff, technical support and research staff. This diversity of participants resulted in photographs rich in different perspectives, revealing how people working in different fields perceive the world and find beauty in it. 

This year, as a result of the consolidation process, staff from RSU LASE were also able to participate in the contest. This is an important step in the cooperation between RSU and RSU LASE, enhancing the integration of staff from both institutions and the development of joint creative activities. 

The importance of creative expression and well-being  

Everyone who took part in the contest demonstrated the importance of creative expression in regards to well-being. Creative employees often experience greater satisfaction with their work and life in general. Photography promotes mental health as it allows employees to focus on the positive moments in their lives, even if these are small details that may go unnoticed in the daily rush. 

‘The participants of the photo contest have shown how important it is to be able to express oneself, which can be very emotionally supportive. It also promotes team spirit and helps create a healthier work environment where employees' contribution to both their professional work and personal development are valued," says Jānis Pētersons, Head of RSU Well-being Programme. 

Photographs are a great way for employees to inspire each other by sharing their visions and experiences. This not only fosters creativity but helps develop emotional intelligence - an important element in workplaces where people are often faced with stress and daily challenges. 

Results and awards  

The submitted photographs were evaluated, and a jury selected several winners in different categories. The photographs were assessed for their creativity, composition and how well they fit the theme of the contest. The jury consisted of RSU representatives from different departments, including academic staff, as well as professional photographers who provided their expertise. 

This year, the main award was to be included in the RSU annual calendar. The winners had the opportunity to see their work as part of the official university calendar, which will be used in all RSU offices and premises. This is a great honour, offering participants the opportunity to present their art to the wider RSU community. In addition to the prizes, a photography exhibition was also organised at RSU for all employees to see and be inspired by the submitted photos.  

‘This exhibition is a great opportunity to share your vision and inspire others. We are very happy about how many people participated and hope that this event will become an even more important part of the everyday life at RSU,’ added the organisers. 

We invite other employees to take part in next year's competition to celebrate creativity and the beauty of nature!