Irēna Upeniece

Irēna Upeniece is an Associate Professor at Riga Stradiņš University’s Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy. Her research focuses on educational strategies, physical activity habits, and interdisciplinary approaches in health-related fields. She has contributed to studies on teacher training, parent-child interactions in physical education, and nursing students’ wellness during the pandemic.

Education: Holds an Expert qualification in Educational sciences from the Latvian Council of Science (2022–2025).

Research Interests: Combines pedagogical methods with health psychology, emphasizing practical applications like mobile applications in health education and cross-sectional studies on student behaviors. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to education and health.

Recent Articles: Recent publications explore teaching strategies in music/dance education, factors influencing outdoor course enrollment during pandemics, and the role of physical activity in neurodegenerative diseases. Her 2025 study on collaborative teaching methods highlights innovation in educator training.

Awards/Grants: No specific awards listed, though her research has received attention with 2 citations and media features like “Galvenais ir vispār kustēties” in Diena (2023).

Activities: Actively participates in academic conferences (e.g., 18th International Scientific Conference in 2024) and editorial reviews. Engaged in professional development programs like RSU’s outdoor activity initiatives.