RSU rector and President of Latvia discuss RSU development plans

During a meeting with RSU rector Professor Aigars Pētersons, held on 31 January in Riga Castle, the President of Latvia Mr. Raimonds Vējonis emphasised the necessity of taking targeted measures and setting competitive goals in order to enhance the international competitiveness of Latvia’s universities. At the meeting, the RSU rector shared RSU plans and directions for future development with the Latvian President.

The President emphasised that access to quality education and opportunities for upskilling are the cornerstone for our national development and growth. The entire education system, including the institutions of higher education, needs to look for ways and means of demonstrating the importance of science and research at an interpersonal level and nationwide. According to Mr. Raimonds Vējonis, “Research and knowledge generation are particularly instrumental for attaining national goals, for creating a value-added economy, strengthening national security and in the formation of a strong and united society.”

During the meeting with the Latvian President RSU rector, Professor Aigars Pētersons indicated that RSU has the highest share of international students in the Baltic region which opens up huge possibilities for strengthening the university’s international competitiveness in medical education and equally also in social sciences. The rector once again confirmed RSU's commitment towards improved study quality which is reflected by the constantly increasing interest in study opportunities at RSU by students from Western Europe.

The rector also informed the Latvian President of three issues that require more government support. These are: state-funded study places for RSU social sciences study programmes, a stronger and more welcoming cooperation with the large university hospitals to facilitate and encourage the organisation of RSU study process and research activity in hospitals and thirdly - although there have been public announcements on the possible renewal of the Police Academy, however, the RSU Faculty of Law has made a profound contribution to educating internal affairs staff and is looking forward to expanding this study base in the future, therefore the possible renewal of the academy as a national educational priority should be seriously reconsidered.