RSU Institute of Public Health Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

The Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Institute of Public Health operates in the field of public health and health care and was established on 21 November 2017.

The institute’s main research areas are healthcare system improvement (patient-centred care, value-based healthcare concept), healthy ageing and well-being policies, sexual and reproductive health, and health behaviours. In addition, the institute does not only conduct scientific, but also educational work.

What the Institute of Public Health means to me

For me, the Institute of Public Health is a model of the World Health Organisation. Here, current and future professionals from different disciplines (public health specialists, health system management experts, medical professionals, statisticians, communication professionals and many more) come together for a common goal and achieve it; these can be projects of national importance, such as SHARE and the Covid-19 impact evaluation project or international conferences where Latvian experts can teach and learn, and many other interesting projects. For me, the Institute of Public Health is a unique, ever-changing, dynamic, and interesting environment that is mirrors Latvian society and life in general.

Prof. Gunta Lazdāne, first Director of the Institute of Public Health and currently the Senior Researcher

Since all good things come in threes, firstly, the institute is an opportunity for me to experience the meaning of my existence and work namely, to contribute to evidence-based public health policy in Latvia, in Europe and, dare I say, in the world at large. The institute is the unit that produces this scientific evidence. The institute accomplishes this by bringing together the most eminent experts from Latvia and abroad in scientific projects and working in multidisciplinary teams. Secondly, the institute gives me the opportunity to work together with intelligent and enthusiastic specialists, to grow and enrich one other. Thirdly, the institute is an opportunity to keep myself from getting into a rut, which is very important to me. The variety of projects that I and my colleagues carry out makes our daily lives colourful. These range from organising international conferences and planning and implementing scientific research of different designs to sitting at the same table with representatives of the national decision-making and executive powers, evaluating the implemented public policies in public health and associated sectors and drawing up plans to implement these policies more successfully in the future.

Assoc. Prof. Anda Ķīvīte-Urtāne, Director of the Institute of Public Health

After finishing my medical studies, I did not really know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to be, but I never imagined that my life would be related to research. The Institute of Public Health has been my second home for more than three years and I couldn't be happier. I like both the organisational aspect of my work and the fact that I can get a little more involved in the research process from time to time. Besides, my colleagues are lovely and the management is just great! There is nothing better than being happy to come into work!

Alise Čurkste, Office Manager at the Institute of Public Health

A public health campaign, a specific message or even just a single post has the possibility and potential to influence people's health. However, you can only achieve a positive and lasting effect by using an evidence-based and thoughtful approach. The Institute of Public Health stands for sound evidence, scientific expertise, consolidated knowledge, rigorous research, perseverance in the search for solutions, and cooperation based on positive experiences.

Assist. Prof. Aija Bukova-Žideļūna, Lead Researcher at the Institute of Public Health

I associate the Institute of Public Health with quality research, a desire to collaborate, develop, and accomplish, and with tackling issues that are important to society.

Assist. Prof. Elita Poplavska, Lead Researcher at the Institute of Public Health

What I wish to see in the institute's next five years

The first steps have been taken, the first achievements have been made, and there have been the first few bumps in the road. I would like to see the Institute of Public Health bring together researchers who are willing and able to assess and understand the factors that negatively affect the health and well-being of Latvian society. There are many bright minds at RSU and in Latvia who are willing and able to analyse these factors, reduce their impact, or even eliminate them altogether. I would like there to be a will to act and crazy ideas! Let there be faith in our own abilities and satisfaction for our common success! When we celebrate institute’s tenth anniversary, I hope that people in the health care system and everyone in Latvia say, ‘The RSU Institute of Public Health is helping us all to live better.’

Prof. Gunta Lazdāne, first Director of the Institute of Public Health and currently the Senior Researcher

Albert Einstein once said that we should dream big. I wish for the Institute of Public Health not to stop with what it has achieved, but to grow in terms of staff, ideas, and scientific projects. I would like it to become a widely recognised strategic partner in the fields of public health and health care not only in Latvia, but beyond. At the same time, I want the institute to be a place where smart, creative and enthusiastic professionals’ initiative is noticed, valued, and supported.

Assoc. Prof. Anda Ķīvīte-Urtāne, Director of the Institute of Public Health

I hope that the institute grows and develops! I very much hope that facts will always be more important than personal opinions and that science will be given the attention and funding it deserves in Latvia. I think the institute has great potential for growth, and I have no doubt that in the right hands it can grow into a research centre of national importance within five years.

Alise Čurkste, Office Manager at the Institute of Public Health

I see the development of the Institute of Public Health as proof of its growing importance for the sector and as an opportunity!

Assist. Prof. Aija Bukova-Žideļūna, Lead Researcher at the Institute of Public Health

I wish for the staff keep up their passion and continue on a path of growth!

Assist. Prof. Elita Poplavska, Lead Researcher at the Institute of Public Health