RSU Receives High Rating in Science

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) has received a high international scientific rating in the Medicine, Public Health, and Social Sciences platforms.

International experts rated the medicine platform the highest, with particular emphasis on the quality of research, the environment, the infrastructure, and social impact. Compared to the results of the previous evaluation in 2013, the RSU medicine platform’s rating has increased to a 4 out of 5 possible points. This means that RSU is recognised as a strong, international research organisation with very high standards for quality.

The international experts highlighted the university’s investments in developing the research infrastructure, strengthening research management and administrative support systems. The experts also acknowledged the motivation system that has been implemented. The system promotes the involvement of researchers in the development and implementation of grant and project applications. As stated in the conclusion, ‘Such changes have led to significant improvements in the quality and impact of research’.

The research conducted in the public health platform also received a good rating. The quality of science, social impact, and development potential criteria were rated 4 points. The experts pointed out that this platform’s researchers, although they are relatively few, are still prominent nationally. They see a lot of potential for further development based on the researchers’ ability to work on complex issues and to coordinate multidisciplinary teams to address important public health issues. The Social Sciences platform, which has the highest rating in regard to economic impact and development potential, is also performing well.

‘We are really pleased that science at RSU is being recognised by international experts on a very high level,’ says RSU Vice-Rector for Science Agrita Kiopa. ‘The results of the Medicine platform firmly place us among the strongest international players. The rating for the Public Health and Social Sciences platforms validates the strength, achievements, and development potential of RSU researchers,’ adds the Vice-Rector.

International experts commissioned by the Ministry of Education and Science evaluated 37 scientific institutions from 2019 to the beginning of 2021. During their visits, the independent experts met with researchers, management, and staff of the scientific institutions and got acquainted with their infrastructure, equipment, and scientific capacity. The scientific ratings can be accessed on the Ministry of Education and Science’s website: bit.ly/zinatnes-novertejums

The positive international assessment was published at the same time as the most ambitious research event in Latvia starts at RSU – Research Week 2021 (RW2021). Scientists from the aforementioned platforms as well as other researchers from 45 countries demonstrate showcased their work during the week. RSU Research Week took place online on 22 to 26 March this year. For further information, visit the RW2021 website: rw2021.rsu.lv/.