ISC 2025 recap

On March 24th and 25th of this year, the annual International Student Conference (ISC), organized by the Student Union (SU), was held at Riga Stradiņš University (RSU). Now in its 11th year, the ISC provided a platform for both undergraduate and graduate students to present their scientific research before an esteemed international jury and compete for prestigious prizes. This year, the conference received 558 submissions from students across 13 countries, all of which were carefully evaluated by the conference jury.

Opening ceremony

As is tradition, the conference began with an opening ceremony. The ceremony started with a musical performance by Artist MADARA with her band. Speeches were delivered by Prof. Aigars Pētersons, the Rector of Riga Stradiņš University (RSU), Edgars Rinkevičs, the President of Latvia and Laura Sabīne Taurmane, the Chair of the International Student Conference 2025 organizing team.

The keynote speeches for the opening included Dr. Bertalan Meskó, Futurist and Director of The Medical Futurist Institute, who discussed “How to Predict the Future of Healthcare”, followed by PhD Agrita Kiopa, Vice-Rector for Science at RSU, who presented on “Research at Rīga Stradiņš University”. PhD Ivars Ījabs, a Member of the European Parliament, spoke on “EU Research and Innovation Policy in Latvia’s Perspective”, and Professor Emeritus Romain Meeusen, Professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, gave a talk titled “Is Exercise Good for the Brain?”. Lastly, Professor Susan Michie from University College London presented on “Improving Health by Applying the Science of Behaviour to Healthcare Practices”.

Closing ceremony

The conference concluded with a closing ceremony, with a musical performance from the group “Sudden Lights”. The winners of various sections, as well as the winners of the Grand Prix, were awarded prizes on the stage. This year, the Grand Prix places were awarded to: Madara Grunda (1st place), Wojciech Siłka (2nd place) and Nikola Brauča (3rd place).

Sponsors

We would like to thank the supporters of the conference – General sponsors: RSU Student Union, RSU Alumni association, Egīla Gulbja laboratorija, Ardeline, Bellevue Park Hotel Riga, Centrālā Laboratorija, Vidzemes Slimnīca, VCA poliklīnikas, Arbor, Mēness aptieka. Associations & Societies: Latvian Association of Anaesthesiologists and Reanimatologists, Latvian Association of Doctors and Dentists, Latvian Association of Healthcare Management Specialists, Latvian Association of Cardiology, Latvian Association of Human genetics, Latvian Association of Gynecologists and Obstetrician, Latvian Medical Association, The Latvian Institute of International Affairs, Latvian Beekeepers Association, Latvian Association of Surgeons, Latvian Dental Student Association, Baltic Journal of Clinical Medicine and Research, Latvian Junior Doctors Association, Latvian Doctors Association of Psychotherapists. Sponsors: Doctus, Myfitness, GUM, IR žurnāls, Curaprox, Sirowa Dental Clinic, Philips Oral Healthcare, Medicīnas apgāds, Splashing, Vizium Ventspils Zinātnes centrs, Baltijas dialīzes centrs, Jump Space, Manilla, Zaļā bāze, Smiltenes piens, Oyakata, Zuzeum, Pop House, Ķīpsala peldbaseins, Tridens, Cēsu darītava, Kaizen gym, Nordic events, Venden, Gemoss, Ganzmo, Ausmeņa kebabs, Oral-B, Atpūta Ludzā, Nutricia, Ludzas maiznīca, Tiamo food, Jk dent, Folkklubs ALA pagrabs, Meduspils, Roopert, Compendium medicine, Ķīpkalni, 2×2, Snack Box, Racupkalns, Jurista Vārds, Kafijas Pasaule.