New rector of Rīga Stradiņš University takes office

As of 1 January 2018, the new rector of Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Professor Aigars Pētersons has officially taken office.

Professor Pētersons (pictured) has previously headed the Department of Paediatric Surgery of Children’s Clinical University Hospital and up till 31 December 2017 held the position of Dean of RSU Department of Doctoral Studies and served as a member of the board of the Children’s Clinical University Hospital. Following his election to the office, Prof. Pētersons has resigned from the aforementioned positions.

Professor Pētersons is a Doctor of Medicine (Habilitatus) and has been working for RSU since 1984. He is the author of 435 scientific publications, the holder of 4 inventions and has supervised the defence of nine doctoral theses.

In accordance with the RSU Constitution, the rector is the highest official who is in charge of general administration and representation of the university. The rector is elected by the RSU Constitutional Assembly for the term of office of five years, provided that the same person is not allowed to serve more than two terms in succession.

The term of office of the former RSU rector Professor Jānis Gardovskis expired on 31 December 2017.