RSU welcomes doctoral student from the University of São Paulo for research collaboration

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) is proud to welcome Rafael Garbim, a PhD student in dentistry from the prestigious University of São Paulo (USP), who will spend 10 months at RSU as part of an academic collaboration supported by the FAPESP scholarship, one of the most competitive research grants in Brazil.

The FAPESP scholarship, funded by the Brazilian government, enables promising students to undertake research placements at leading universities worldwide. Garbim’s decision to choose RSU highlights the university’s cutting-edge dental research and growing international reputation.

During his stay, Garbim will collaborate with Dr. Ilze Maldupa, who leads an FLPP-funded translational science project aimed at implementing non-invasive therapies for dental caries treatment in Latvia (Implementation of the Evidence-Based Paediatric Caries Management Strategies in Latvian Clinical Practice - an Evidence Transfer Study), and with Prof. Sergio Uribe, an expert in artificial intelligence applications in dentistry and clinical research.

'The choice of RSU by a student from USP, ranked among the world’s top 100 universities and the #1 institution in Latin America, demonstrates the strength and global relevance of the RSU research,'

says Prof. Uribe. Dr. Maldupa adds that 'This collaboration highlights our commitment to promoting innovation in dental research by combining advanced science with practical applications that have a meaningful impact on communities worldwide.'

When asked what motivated him to choose RSU, Garbim explains that 'The University’s outstanding technological structure immediately caught my attention, but the expertise of professors Maldupa and Uribe truly motivated me. I look forward to growing as a researcher and individual, learning from the best, and contributing to implementing evidence-based techniques here in Latvia.'

Garbim also highlights how the collaboration aligns with his research goals: 'My focus in Brazil is minimal intervention therapy, but here, I aim to help implement this approach, which is still developing locally. It’s gratifying to know I’m contributing, even in a small way, to advancing dentistry while learning from RSU’s emphasis on quality and societal impact in research.'

The academic ties between RSU and USP trace back to the 2022 research residencies of doctors Maldupa and Uribe at Cardiff University, where they collaborated with Prof. Daniela Raggio from USP. Their joint work during this period laid the groundwork for the academic connections that now link RSU and USP.

Rafael Garbim’s presence at RSU not only strengthens the university’s international collaborations but also emphasises its dedication to academic excellence by attracting high-potential students and researchers who contribute to its vibrant academic community.