RSU and RSU LASE gain valuable insights from Northern European sports universities for the development of new study programmes

In March this year, the management of Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) and the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE) concluded a series of exchange visits to the largest sports universities in Northern Europe. The primary aim of these visits was to gain new insights and strengthen opportunities for collaboration in sports education and research, with the goal of enhancing and developing new study programmes in the field of sport.

RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons emphasises: ‘In order to successfully develop and refine our study programmes, we must learn from the best. Our visits to the leading sports universities in Northern Europe have provided us with invaluable insights and fostered important connections.

 By visiting sports universities in Norway, Germany, Sweden, and Lithuania, we gained valuable experience and a deeper understanding of Europe’s top sport education practices. Now, it is time to apply this knowledge to develop new study programmes that will meet the needs of both the sports industry and the healthcare sector.’

On 13 March, Assoc. Prof. Andris Skride, Vice-Rector for Health Studies, together with Prof. Inga Millere, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, and the RSU LASE management team, including Assoc. Prof. Kalvis Ciekurs, Diāna Laipniece, and Inese Ļubinska, as well as sports expert Kārlis Lejnieks, visited the German Sport University Cologne. This university is one of the most prestigious in the world and is ranked No. 33 in the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.

Prior to this, the RSU management visited the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in Oslo, which is ranked second in the ShanghaiRanking. During the visit, they gained valuable insights into sports science education and research in Norway, including approaches to training sports coaches and teachers, the organisation of study programmes, and innovations in sports sciences. Additionally, the delegation visited the Lithuanian Sports University in Kaunas, where they discussed opportunities for collaboration among the Baltic States in the field of sports sciences and education. They also visited the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, where they were introduced to the university’s sport education system and innovations in sports studies.

As a result of this exchange visit, agreements were reached to strengthen cooperation with sports universities in Northern Europe. This includes the signing of a partnership agreement to enhance collaboration among institutions, as well as an agreement under the Erasmus+ programme to facilitate student and academic staff mobility. Additionally, the delegation explored opportunities for joint international sports science and interdisciplinary research projects.

These visits have significantly contributed to the development of sport education and research at RSU and RSU LASE, fostering international collaboration and the introduction of new innovations in sport education.