Dr. Ingūna Jurgelāne-Kaldava is an Associate Professor and Leading Researcher at the Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management, Riga Technical University (RTU). She serves as Director of Study Programs in Logistics, Business Logistics, Logistics and Supply Chain Security, and Management of International Economic Relations. Her research spans logistics optimization, digital economy impacts on transport, and sustainable supply chain practices. Recent work examines GIS-based transport simulations, data security in supply chains, and energy efficiency in Latvia’s timber industry. Leadership Roles: Deputy Chair, Transport and Logistics Sector Expert Council (LDDK) Board Member, Women in Transport President, Latvian National Freight Forwarders Association (LAFF) FIATA Logistics Study Program Expert Project Participation: iSEE - Innovating Social Entrepreneurship Education (2020-2022) Central Baltic University Logistics Education Development (2018-2020) Transport Automation Workforce Transformation (2023) Comprehensive Transport Planning System Study (2020-2021) Publications: Co-author of Economic Statistics and Fundamentals of Logistics Processes . Research focuses on transport economics, supply chain security, and digitalization challenges.
Dr. Kim van Oorschot is Professor in the Department of Accounting and Operations Management at BI Norwegian Business School. She previously served as Assistant Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology, Post-Doc at Tilburg University, and Research Fellow at INSEAD. Her professional background includes consultancy work with Minase Consulting BV for major international companies including ASML, DSM, KPN, NXP, and Stork Fokker. Dr. van Oorschot earned her PhD (2001) and Master of Science (1996) from Eindhoven University of Technology. She also served as Adjunct Professor at NTNU Department of International Business (2020-2021) and as Guest Lecturer at CEDEP (2013-2017) and INSEAD (2011-2013). Her research focuses on decision-making, trade-offs, and tipping points in dynamically complex settings like supply chains and new product development projects. She specializes in identifying 'decision traps' - decisions that seem beneficial in the short term but have counterproductive long-term effects. Her methodological approach involves developing system dynamics models based on organizational data. She teaches system dynamics, operations and supply chain management, and project management to executive and master's students. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on supply chain resilience, particularly in healthcare contexts such as medicine supply systems during crises. She has made significant contributions to understanding strategic agility in supply systems, standardization in sustainability reporting, and the complexities of post-merger integration. Her work bridges theoretical insights with practical applications in operations management and project management, often addressing real-world problems through systems thinking approaches. Dr. van Oorschot has published in prestigious journals including Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Operations Management, Production and Operations Management, Global Strategy Journal, and Journal of Product Innovation Management. Her work often combines empirical research with system dynamics modeling to address complex business challenges. She has also contributed to popular scientific articles through BI Business Review and BI Leadership Magazine, translating academic research into practical insights for business practitioners. Her research on topics like knowledge sharing in China, managing unknown factors in projects, and pandemic response strategies demonstrates her commitment to addressing relevant business challenges with rigorous academic methods.
Matīss Mežals is a teaching staff member in the Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Clinical Simulations at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia. He is actively engaged in clinical research, focusing on low back pain, patient and health care professional beliefs, and vascular changes in psoriasis. His work bridges clinical practice and academic inquiry in rehabilitation and pain management. Research Interests: Matīss Mežals specializes in clinical medicine with a focus on musculoskeletal health, particularly low back pain. His research investigates the attitudes and beliefs of both patients and health care professionals, exploring how these influence pain perception and management. Additionally, he studies physiological changes in psoriasis, including microvascular reactivity and systemic vascular resistance, contributing to understanding the cardiovascular implications of chronic skin conditions. His recent publications (2020–2021) reflect a strong emphasis on qualitative and physiological aspects of pain and chronic disease. The research spans cross-sectional studies, retrospective analyses, and clinical measurements, indicating a multidisciplinary approach combining psychology, physiology, and clinical practice. Key themes include patient behavior, health care professional education, and the biopsychosocial model of pain. Scientific Engagement: Presented findings at international conferences, including oral and poster presentations. Visiting lecturer at Aix-Marseille Université (2019), indicating international academic collaboration. Active contributor to peer-reviewed journals and conference abstracts. Matīss Mežals has not listed formal advisees, but his collaborative work suggests involvement in research teams and academic supervision. He has participated in professional activities such as workshops and association meetings, indicating ongoing professional development and engagement with the medical rehabilitation community. Labs and Teams: He collaborates with researchers from various institutions, including co-authorship on studies related to psoriasis and vascular function. His work appears to be part of broader research networks in clinical physiology and pain research at the University of Latvia and beyond.
Tatjana Glaskova-Kuzmina is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), where she has been teaching since 2012. She is also a long-standing researcher at the Institute of Mechanics of Materials, University of Latvia, since 2002. Her academic roles include lecturing in "Medical Physics", "Biomedical Materials", and "Mathematical Statistics" in both English and Latvian for students in medicine and dentistry. Education: Doctor of Engineering Sciences (Dr. Sc. Ing.), University of Latvia, 2011 Master of Natural Sciences in Physics (with distinction), University of Latvia, 2007 Bachelor of Natural Sciences in Physics, University of Latvia, 2005 Doctoral course, Lulea University of Technology and RISO National Laboratories, Denmark, 2006 Continuing education in lecturer work and multimedia teaching materials, 2015 Her research focuses on the mechanical and thermophysical behavior of polymer and composite materials, particularly the influence of environmental factors such as moisture on nanocomposites enhanced with carbon nanotubes and clay fillers. She employs both experimental and modeling approaches to analyze creep, viscoelasticity, and filler dispersion in advanced materials. Her recent publications, spanning from 2009 to 2016, demonstrate a consistent research trajectory in polymer nanocomposites, with emphasis on moisture effects, filler dispersion quantification, and mechanical modeling. These works appear in leading journals such as Composites Science and Technology and Journal of Applied Polymer Science , reflecting strong expertise in materials characterization and performance under environmental stress. Scientific Awards: L’Oréal Latvia Grant "For Women in Science", 2009 Latvian Academy of Sciences Award for Young Scientists, 2007 University of Latvia Excellence Award for Scientific Publication, 2017 Kristapa Morberga Award, University of Latvia, 2003, 2005, 2006 University of Münster Award for Master's Thesis, 2007 She has supervised one Master’s and one Bachelor’s thesis and has led or participated in multiple research projects funded by ERDF and ESF, including coordination of an international project on smart composites (2018–2020). She is actively involved in scientific collaboration, particularly with institutions in Italy, and continues to contribute to both academic education and advanced materials research. She is affiliated with research laboratories at both RSU and the University of Latvia, contributing to national and international efforts in materials science and engineering. Her work bridges academic teaching in medical physics with cutting-edge research in composite materials.
Prof. Una Soboleva is a distinguished faculty member at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Prosthodontics within the Faculty of Dentistry. She has held leadership roles since 1999 and has been a professor since 2015, contributing extensively to dental education, research, and clinical practice in Latvia and internationally. Her educational background includes a Doctor's diploma from the Academy of Medicine of Latvia (1991), an MSc in Dentistry from the University of Oslo (1997), and doctoral studies under Prof. Pēteris Apse. She has completed numerous pedagogical and professional development programs, including at the University of Latvia and through international collaborations. Her research interests focus on prosthodontics, temporomandibular disorders, bone resorption in edentulous patients, implant dentistry, osteoporosis, and continuing professional development (CPD) . She has led and participated in multiple research projects funded by national and EU programs, including ERASMUS and NORDPLUS, and has contributed to WHO studies. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in interdisciplinary research combining clinical dentistry, radiology, and systemic health , particularly the interplay between bone mineral density and oral rehabilitation outcomes. Her work also emphasizes innovations in dental education , including virtual simulation training and standardized CPD frameworks across Europe. RSU Atzinības raksts (2014) Prof. Soboleva has supervised 6 doctoral and 2 master’s theses and has been involved in curriculum development for postgraduate dental programs. She has led major projects such as the ERASMUS-funded “Harmonization & Standardization of European Dental Schools Programs of Continuing Professional Development.” She also serves on academic councils and quality boards at RSU and is a member of professional dental associations. She is actively involved in research teams and collaborates internationally, particularly in projects related to dental education and bone health. Her leadership in organizing scientific conferences and developing training programs underscores her role in advancing dental science in the Baltic region.
Prof. Dr. habil. med. Aigars Petersons is the Rector of Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, and a key figure in pediatric surgery and academic leadership in Latvia. He holds a longstanding affiliation with the Department of Paediatric Surgery at RSU and serves as an expert consultant at the Children's Clinical University Hospital. His leadership extends beyond academia, including roles as Chairperson of the Latvian Association of Universities and former Member of Parliament. Rector, Rīga Stradiņš University (2018–present) Professor, Department of Paediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, RSU (1999–present) Expert Consultant, Paediatric Surgery Clinic, Children's Clinical University Hospital (2017–present) Dean, Department of Doctoral Studies, RSU (2008–2017) Prof. Petersons’ research is centered on pediatric surgical conditions, including congenital gastrointestinal malformations, appendicitis risk assessment, neonatal surgical care, and reconstructive techniques. His work integrates clinical innovation with biomedical engineering, as demonstrated by his patents on diagnostic methods and surgical models. He has contributed extensively to medical literature through book chapters, monographs, and scientific publications, particularly in Pediatric Surgery Digest by Springer. His recent scholarly output shows a strong focus on intestinal atresia, malrotation, stoma complications, and soft tissue pathologies in children. These works reflect a consistent emphasis on evidence-based surgical guidelines and educational resources for primary care providers. His numerous honors include: Certificate of Merit of the President of Latvia (2019) Aleksandrs Bieziņš Award (2018) Pauls Stradiņš Award (2016) Medal of the Baltic Assembly (2005) Officer of the Cross of Recognition (2007) Prof. Petersons has actively advised and led academic programs, notably serving as Dean of Doctoral Studies. He has secured recognition and funding through national and international collaborations. His work in surgical innovation includes patented methods for assessing appendicitis risk and renal recovery post-surgery, as well as artificial models for thumb joint evaluation. He has also been involved in vertically integrated research projects and national health policy development. He leads or contributes to multidisciplinary teams in pediatric surgical research, innovation labs focused on medical devices, and national healthcare improvement initiatives. His leadership in the Latvian Universities Association underscores his role in shaping higher education policy.
Ģirts Šalms is an Associate Professor at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Medicine , Riga Stradins University. His work focuses on orthognathic surgery, implantology, and 3D digital planning for cranio-maxillofacial procedures. Key affiliations: Riga Stradins University, Latvian Council of Science (2018-2021, 2023-2026) Research involves bioceramic materials, hydroxyapatite implants, and volumetric CT analysis His recent publications examine: 3D-printed orbital fracture implants Orthognathic surgical precision Volumetric stability of malar augmentation Long-term outcomes in Class III patients Notable scientific awards include the Certificate of Appreciation (2019) and Certificate of Recognition (2019). He supervises PhD projects and collaborates on international conferences like the European Association for Cranio Maxillo Facial Surgery Congress.
Evita Grigoroviča serves as Project Team Leader at the Medical Education Technology Centre while completing her Ph.D. studies in both the Department of Internal Diseases and the Faculty of Social Sciences at Riga Stradins University. Her dual academic focus bridges clinical medicine and social sciences, creating a unique interdisciplinary approach to healthcare education. Her research interests span medical education technology, simulation-based healthcare training, skills monitoring systems, and human capital management in healthcare institutions. Dr. Grigoroviča specializes in developing digital solutions that connect educational theory with practical healthcare management needs, with particular emphasis on student-centered learning approaches and the digital transformation of medical education systems. Her recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a strong focus on national strategy development for simulation-based healthcare education in Latvia, digital monitoring of professional skills, and conceptual models for human capital management. These works demonstrate consistent themes in healthcare education innovation, skills assessment systems, and the integration of technology in medical training. Honorary Award of State Emergency Medical Service of Latvia (2023) Strategic Education Innovation Project Support Program PITCH COMPETITION WINNERS (2023) Virtual Poster Winner: Skills Monitoring – for Knowledge Transfer Between the Education Sector and Work Environment (2024) Dr. Grigoroviča actively leads research projects including 'Skills monitoring for the improvement of human resource management systems in medical institutions in Latvia' and serves as coordinator for the national working group developing Latvia's National Strategy for Simulation-Based Healthcare Education for 2025-2027. Her work bridges academic research with practical implementation in Latvia's healthcare education system. As Project Team Leader at the Medical Education Technology Centre, she oversees the development and implementation of innovative educational technologies that enhance medical training. Her leadership in national strategy development positions her at the forefront of healthcare education reform in Latvia.
Karina Palkova is an Associate Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Riga Stradiņš University (RSU). She also serves as a Lead Researcher at the Social Sciences Research Centre. Her work focuses on institutional resilience, cybersecurity in academic contexts, healthcare policy, and interdisciplinary education. Dr. Palkova has authored a notable handbook on risk management for academic institutions and contributes to projects addressing patient rights implementation in healthcare. Her research interests span cybersecurity, healthcare law, sustainable energy integration, and educational policy. She is actively involved in international collaborations, such as EIT Health and EATRIS initiatives. As a leader, she oversees strategic development at RSU and promotes innovative curricula in social sciences. Despite her extensive contributions, no specific academic awards are listed in the provided materials. Dr. Palkova’s affiliations include the RSU Dean’s office, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Social Sciences Research Centre. She coordinates interdisciplinary doctoral programs and has pioneered projects on institutional security and renewable energy solutions. Her work bridges legal, technical, and educational domains to address modern challenges in academia and healthcare.
Arta Bārzdiņa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Clinical simulations , and a Researcher at the Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology . Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to healthcare innovation. Education : Expert in Clinical Medicine (2024–2027) from the Latvian Council of Science, with a focus on Basic Medicine (Field of Science 3.1). Research Interests : She specializes in pediatric infectious diseases, critical care medicine, and molecular biology. Her studies address antibiotic stewardship, diagnostic biomarkers (e.g., procalcitonin), traumatic brain injury management, and emerging viral pathogens like adeno-associated viruses in non-A–E hepatitis. Her work emphasizes clinical application of molecular signatures for personalized medicine. Key Projects : Active in the DIAMONDS EU Horizon 2020 project (2020–2026), focusing on RNA-based molecular diagnostics for febrile illnesses. Collaborates internationally on studies like PERFORM and KidsBrainIT . Grants & Labs : Leads research teams in Latvian institutions, with collaborations across Europe in pediatric emergency care and infectious disease research.
Sigita Kazūne is an Associate Professor at Riga Stradins University's Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Clinical simulations. Her work focuses on anaesthesiology, critical care medicine, and pharmacokinetics, with a particular emphasis on antibiotic prophylaxis in surgical procedures and anaesthetic depth monitoring. She leads and collaborates on projects addressing sepsis management, antimicrobial resistance reduction, and optimizing anaesthetic protocols. Education: Clinical medicine expertise from the Latvian Council of Science (2020–2026). Research interests include fluid responsiveness assessment, postoperative delirium prevention in elderly patients, and pharmacokinetic modeling for spinal surgery antibiotics. She has supervised multiple PhD candidates in these areas. Recent research highlights include randomized controlled trials on delirium prevention and pharmacokinetic evaluations of cefazolin in spinal surgeries. Her work contributes to UN SDGs related to quality healthcare and innovation.
Mārtiņš Danusēvičs is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Business, Management and Economics, University of Latvia, with over 18 years of academic experience. He also serves as an Expert at the National Education Centre (2016–present) and a Researcher at Innomatrix (2018–present). As a member of the Executive Board for the International Economics Olympiad (2019–present), he contributes to academic competitions and education policy. Master’s degree in Social Sciences (Management), University of Latvia His research focuses on Secondary Ambulatory Healthcare Accessibility and Construction Output/Cost Forecasting , addressing systemic challenges in healthcare infrastructure and construction economics. Recent publications analyze construction classification systems, modular cost forecasting, and retail market dynamics in Eastern Europe. Collaborative works include interdisciplinary studies on business imitation games for innovation diffusion and regional retail location simulations, reflecting his expertise in applied management and economic modeling.
Didzis Lauva is an Acting Lecturer in the Department of Physics at Rīga Stradiņš University , focusing on environmental science and constructed wetland systems. His work addresses water quality improvement in agricultural and stormwater contexts. Research Interests: Constructed Wetlands for Pollutant Removal Agricultural Runoff Management Stormwater Treatment Technologies Oral Microbiome in Smokeless Tobacco Users Key Contributions: Developing sustainable drainage solutions for Baltic climates Investigating vegetation impacts on nutrient filtration Analyzing microbial health risks in tobacco users Publications show expertise in Environmental Engineering , Water Quality Monitoring , and Climate-Resilient Wetland Design , with collaborations across Latvia, Estonia, and Finland.
Ināra Upmale, holding a Doctorate in Administration (Dr. sc. admin.), has served as the Director of Riga Stradiņš University's Red Cross Medical College (RSU SKMK) since 2014. As one of Latvia's oldest medical educational institutions—founded in 1920 as the School of Mercy Sisters—she has driven its evolution into a modern, student-centered college offering five first-level professional higher education programs, including a joint program with RSU, alongside secondary and vocational training. Under her leadership, the college secured a six-year maximum accreditation for its Health Care study direction until 2029 and achieved recognition under the international EFQM excellence model twice consecutively. Her research and institutional focus lies in innovative healthcare education methodologies quality assurance systems digital technology integration in teaching industry collaboration international project participation (e.g., Interreg, Erasmus+) . Notably, she spearheaded the award-winning 'Hospital Work Simulation for Healthcare Students' project, which earned the 2021 International Quality Innovation Award. Ināra emphasizes the importance of empathy and lifelong learning in healthcare careers, advocating for dynamic, needs-based educational frameworks. She highlights RSU SKMK's role in bridging labor market demands with high-quality, accelerated training that prepares skilled professionals within 2–3 years, while maintaining core values of professionalism, compassion, and responsibility.
Dr. Elans Grabs is an Associate Professor at Riga Technical University's Institute of Information Technology, specializing in machine learning, network traffic analysis, and telecommunications. His work bridges digital signal processing and unmanned aerial vehicle navigation. Current research focuses on AI-driven network optimization Expertise in sensor fusion for autonomous systems Active in open RAN and wireless communication protocols His publications span topics from IoT performance modeling to laser communication algorithms for moving platforms. Recent works emphasize real-time signal processing, video traffic classification, and drone cooperation systems. While no formal awards are listed, his contributions to network traffic simulation and embedded systems design demonstrate technical depth. Articles show specialization in convolutional neural networks for streaming video analysis and wireless sensor network optimization.
